How to completely clear hidden cache on Xiaomi: 5 proven ways

Your Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO are slowing down, warming up or quickly discharged? The reason may be hidden in an invisible system cache that accumulates over years and takes gigabytes of memory. Conventional cleaning through settings only removes the surface data of applications, but does not affect the hidden cache files — update remnants, temporary MIUI data and traces of deleted programs.

In this article, you will find unique methods for cleaning hidden cache on Xiaomi that do not require root rights and do not reset user data. We have tested all methods on models from Redmi Note 10 Pro to Xiaomi 14 Ultra - the results in the efficiency table below. Importantly, some methods may differ depending on the version of MIUI (12/13/14) and the type of firmware (Global/China/EEA).

What is a hidden cache and why it should be cleaned

Hidden cache is invisible files that the system and applications create to speed up work. Unlike a regular cache (available in Settings → Applications), this data is stored in secure folders:

• 📁 /data/dalvik-cache — optimized files Dalvik/ART
• 📁 /cache — Temporary update and recovery files
• 📁 /data/system/package_cache — remnants of remote applications
• 📁 /data/log — error logs and debugging information

According to Xiaomi Community, on devices with MIUI 14, the hidden cache can take up to 3-5 GB after 1-2 years of use.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone is running slower after cleaning the cache, that's OK! 1-2 Recover the best temporary files of the day. 1 time-in 3 month.

Method 1: Clean up with Recovery Mode (without data loss)

The most effective method for removing hidden cache is to use stock Recovery. It is available on all Xiaomi smartphones without root and does not affect user files. Importantly, on some models (for example, POCO F5) Recovery may be called Fastboot.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up for 10 seconds.
3. In the Recovery menu, select the language (if you have an option).
4. Go to Wipe & Reset → Wipe Cache.
5. Confirm the action and wait until the completion (1-3 minutes).
6. Choose Reboot. → Reboot to System.

Disable Find My Device in your Mi Account

Charge your phone at least 30%

Make sure that SIM-map removed (for some models)

Backup of contacts (just in case)

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This method cleanses:

• 🧹 Temporary update files (/cache)
• 🗑️ Remnants of Remote Applications
• 📊 Statistics on system utilization

⚠️ Note: On devices with an unlocked bootloader (unlocked bootloader) instead of stock Recovery can be installed custom (TWRP). In this case, select Advanced Wipe. → Cache, but do not touch the Data or System!

Method 2: ADB commands for advanced users

If Recovery is unhelpful or unavailable, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB).This method requires a computer, but allows you to clear the cache selectively. Suitable for Xiaomi 13T, Redmi K60 and others with MIUI 14.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux
• 📱 USB-cable (original)
• 🛠️ Installed drivers Xiaomi and ADB Tools

Instructions:

1. Enable USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times) → Additional → For Developers.
2. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.
3. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:

adb shell


su




rm -rf /data/dalvik-cache/*




rm -rf /cache/*




exit




exit

To clean the cache of a particular application (e.g. Gallery):

adb shell pm clear com.miui.gallery

💡

If the su command doesn't work, your device doesn't have root rights, in which case you only use commands without su, but they'll clear less data.

Method 3: Hidden MIUI settings (without a computer)

MIUI has a secret service menu that allows you to clear a portion of the hidden cache without Recovery or ADB. This method works on all devices with MIUI 12 and later, including the POCO X5 and Redmi Note 12.

How to open it:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Enter the combination: ##4636###.
3. Select Battery Information (don’t close this menu!).
4. Return to the main screen and open Settings → Memory.
5. Slip on Clean the cache 5 times in a row - an additional option Deep Cleansing will appear.

What cleanses this method:

• 📱 System Application Cache (Mi Account, Themes, Security)
• 🗃️ Temporary files /data/local/tmp
• 📊 Logs of the system (/data/anr, /data/tombstones)

Method 4: Cleaning through Safe Mode (to remove viral cache)

If the phone is infected with adver viruses or suspicious apps that create a hidden cache, Safe Mode will help. In this mode, only system applications are downloaded, which allows you to delete malicious temporary files.

How to activate Safe Mode:

1. Press the power button before the off menu appears.
2. Tap and hold off Power off until a request to switch to Safe Mode appears.
3. Confirm the action.

In Safe Mode:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Sort by the size of the cache (slip to three points at the top).
3. Delete the data and cache of suspicious apps (such as those with Chinese names).
4. Clean the Download folder – often temporary virus files are hidden there.

Once a week.

Once a month

Only when the phone starts to brake

Never cleaned.

I don't know what that is.

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After cleaning, restart your phone as normal, and if the problem persists, check the device for viruses with Malwarebytes or Dr.Web Light.

Method 5: Manual Deletion through File Manager (for experienced)

For users willing to work with system folders, there is a way to clean through a root-access file manager (such as FX Explorer or Solid Explorer), a method that is risky but allows you to selectively remove the cache.

What folders can be manually cleaned:

Warnings:

• ⚠️ Do not delete files in /system — This will lead to a brick (breakdown) of the device.
• ⚠️ folder /data/app contains user applications – cleaning it will remove all programs.
• ⚠️ Before work, make a backup copy through Settings → Additionally. → Backup.

💡

If you don't have root rights, use SD Maid instead of the file manager (requires special access via ADB), which can clear a portion of the hidden cache without manual intervention.

What to do if cleaning the cache does not help

If the phone continues to brake after all the manipulations, the problem may be deeper:

• 🔋 Worn-out battery - with a charge below 80% health, the system artificially limits performance. check with ##6484## (on some models).
• 🛠️ Damaged firmware - if after updating MIUI Lags appeared, try to reflash the phone through the Mi Flash Tool (instructions on the official website).
• 🧠 Processor overheating – clean the charging connector of dust and check the thermal conductive paste (relevant to the POCO F3 and other game models).

If you suspect a hardware problem, perform an iron test:

1. Enter ##64663## (MIUI Hidden Menu)
2. Select the Hardware Test.
3. Check the CPU, RAM and EMMC (memory) points.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with UFS 3.1 (for example, Xiaomi 12S Ultra) Frequent cache cleaning can reduce memory life. Optimal frequency — 1 time 3-4 month.

FAQ: Frequent questions about cleaning cache on Xiaomi