How to completely clean Xiaomi Redmi 4 of garbage: instruction 2026

Xiaomi Redmi 4

4X

4A

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven cleaning methods, from basic (deleting cache and unnecessary files) to radical (reset to factory settings). Particular attention will be paid to hidden MIUI folders, which take up gigabytes of memory, but do not appear in the standard file manager. All methods are tested on current versions of MIUI 12/14 firmware and adapted for limited resources Redmi 4 (2/3 GB of RAM, 16/32 GB of memory).

Important: Before you start cleaning, check the free space in Settings → About Phone → Storage. If less than 1 GB is free, some methods (such as firmware updates) may not work due to lack of space for temporary files.

1. Clear cache and temporary files without root

The safest way to free up 1-3 GB of storage is to delete the application cache and system temporary files, especially on Redmi 4 due to the small amount of internal memory (16 GB in the basic version).

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Sort by size.
3. Select apps with a cache of more than 100MB (e.g. YouTube, Facebook, Google Play Services).
4. Press Warehouse. → Clear the cache.

To clean the system cache (including the MIUI cache):

1. Go to Settings → About phone → Storage → Cache data.
2. Confirm the cleaning (can take up to 2-3 minutes).

📱 Telegram (Telegram, WhatsApp) – up to 500 MB

🎮 Cash games (PUBG Mobile, Free Fire – up to 1-2 GB

🌐 Cache browsers (Chrome, Mi Browser) – up to 300 MB

📷 Gallery miniatures (.thumbnail) – up to 1 GB-->

Warning: Do not cache system applications like com.android.systemui or com.miui.home, which can cause interface failures. If the application is not working properly after cleaning, restart the phone.

2. Removal of duplicates and junk files

The standard MIUI file manager doesn't show many hidden folders where duplicate photos, downloads from messengers and remnants of remote applications accumulate. Deep cleaning will require third-party software.

Best tools for Redmi 4 (free, lightweight):

How to remove hidden debris:

⚠️ Attention: If you are using SD Maid without root, do not run CorpseFinder – it can delete important configuration files MIUI, This will cause a camera or Wi-Fi to crash.

3. Clean up MIUI cache and unnecessary system data

MIUI is known for creating many backup files that are not deleted by standard means, such as the /MIUI/Backup folder, which can weigh up to 500MB, even though backups are no longer relevant.

List of safe for cleaning folders MIUI:

How to clean:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and enable File Transfer Mode (MTP).
2. Use Windows Explorer or Total Commander to access hidden folders.
3. Remove the contents of the folders from the table above (not the folders themselves, but only the files inside!).

Once a month|Six months|Only when the place ends.|Never cleaned.-->

⚠️ Note: If you clean the folder after cleaning /MIUI/Theme The notifications are gone, restart the phone. MIUI Restore standard sounds from backup.

4. reset to factory settings (Hard Reset)

If previous methods didn’t work, and the phone slows down even after cleaning, it’s time to do a full reset, which will delete all data, including accounts, photos and installed apps, but return Redmi 4 to a “clean” state.

How to make a Hard Reset:

1. Create a backup copy of important data (contacts, photos, messages).
2. Go to Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset.
3. Select Reset and confirm the action.
4. Wait for the reboot (it will take 5-10 minutes).

Critical information: On Redmi 4 with MIUI 9 and below, resetting via the settings menu may not delete files from the /sdcard/ folder. Use an alternative method via Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Up + Power before the Mi logo appears.
3. From the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
4. Confirm the action and wait for the completion.

💡

After reset, don't restore data from the MIUI backup - it may contain the same debris that braked the phone.

5. MIUI optimization after cleaning

Cleaning the memory is only half the battle, and to make Redmi 4 work fast, you have to set up the system correctly.

Optimization checklist:

• 🚀 Turn off animation: go to Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Tap 7 times to turn on Developer Mode. Then in Settings → Additionally. → For developers, set: The scale of the window animation → Off. Scale of transition animation → Off.
• 🔄 Limit background activity: in Settings → Battery → Select mode set Saving charge.
• 📵 Turn off auto-run of unnecessary apps: Settings → Permits → Auto-start.

Recommended settings for weak iron:

💡

After cleaning, don’t install “optimizers” like Clean Master or DU Speed Booster – they only load the system with background processes. MIUI has built-in optimization tools, which are enough for Redmi 4.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many Redmi 4 users face typical problems after cleaning, and here's how to prevent them:

Error 1: The phone is even slower after the cache is removed.

👉 Reason: MIUI Automatically restores the cache of system applications, but does it slowly on weak hardware.

👉 Solution: After cleaning the cache, restart the phone and wait 10-15 minutes without opening the app.

Error 2: The gallery or music is missing after the folders are deleted.

👉 Reason: Deleted.nomedia files or service databases MIUI.

👉 Install QuickPic or Simple Gallery from Play Market – They’ll Rebuild Media Index.

Error 3: Wi-Fi or mobile network is not working after a reset.

👉 Reason: The settings are down IMEI communication module.

👉 Solution: Go to Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access point (APN) And reset the settings to the factory.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions