How to completely clean Xiaomi Redmi 7: from cache to factory settings

Xiaomi Redmi 7, released in 2019, is still a popular budget smartphone due to its reliable hardware and flexible MIUI firmware. However, over time, even this device begins to slow down: applications load for a long time, memory is clogged with unknown what, and the system issues notifications about space shortages, the reason most often lies in accumulated digital debris — temporary files, remnants of deleted programs and fragmented data.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to clean Redmi 7 - from basic (cache removal) to radical (reset to factory settings). MIUI 14 (the last one supported for this model) and provided with warnings about possible risks, and we will focus on hidden folders of garbage, which are standard tools. MIUI purify.

1.Cache and garbage cleanup through built-in MIUI tools

Let's start with the simplest of them: the standard MIUI features that don't require third-party applications to be installed. Redmi 7 has two key cleanup sections: Security and Memory, one for deleting temporary files, and the other for analyzing occupied space.

To clear the cache:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Sort by size.
3. Select an app (like YouTube or Chrome) and click Clear Cache.

For deep cleaning:

• 🧹 Go to Settings. → Memory. → Clean up and run a scan, and the system will show the amount of garbage (usually 1-3 GB).
• 🗑️ In the Deep Clean section, tick off unnecessary files (such as Application Residues or System Logs).
• ⚠️ Do not delete Application Data – this will result in resetting of settings in programs (for example, saved games will be lost).

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If the app is slower after cleaning the cache, restart the smartphone. MIUI sometimes incorrectly recalculates the free space without a reboot.

The MIUI tools can delete up to 70% of temporary files, but leave them intact.

• 📁 Folders.thumbnails (miniature photo / video).
• 📄.log and.tmp files in the root directory.
• 🎮 Save games that are not visible in the Memory menu.

2 Manual removal of hidden folders with garbage

Even after using the standard tools, Redmi 7 still has gigabytes of data that is not needed, which can be found through a file manager (such as Mi File Manager or Solid Explorer).

1. Open the file manager.
2. Go to the settings (⚙️) and activate the Show hidden files.
3. Open the root folder /storage/emulated/0/.

Now delete the following directories (if any):

The.thumbnails folder in root and in DCIM|Files with.log and.tmp extensions|Remains of Remote Applications in Android/data|Cash cards (Google Maps, Yandex.Maps) Android/data-->

⚠️ Attention: Do not delete folders Android/obb and Android/media It's going to cause software failures, and don't touch.nomedia files, because they're needed to properly display media files.

3. Cleaning through Recovery Mode (for power users)

If the smartphone is slowing down a lot and standard methods don't work, you can use Recovery mode, which is suitable for removing the Dalvik cache and resetting the partition cache, which speeds up the system.

• 🔧 Mistakes in Recovery Can Lead to Data Loss.
• 🔄 After cleaning the Dalvik cache, the first activation will take 5-10 minutes.
• 📱 Do not confuse Wipe Cache Partition and Wipe Data/Factory Reset (full reset!).

Cleaning instructions:

1. Turn off Redmi 7.
2. Press Volume Up + Power before the Mi logo appears.
3. From the Recovery menu, select Wipe & Reset → Wipe Cache.
4. Confirm the action and wait for the completion.
5. Reboot your smartphone (Reboot → System)

This method frees up 300-800 MB and eliminates lags caused by cache fragmentation, but it does not delete user data (photos, videos, apps).

Yes, to clear the cache | Yes, to reset the settings | No, I'm afraid to break something | No, I didn't know about this possibility-->

4. Removal of system applications (debloating)

Redmi 7 comes with Xiaomi pre-installed apps (Mi Video, Mi Music, Mi Browser, etc.) that cannot be removed by standard means. These programs take up to 1.5 GB and run in the background, consuming resources. ADB.

The safest way is to disable via ADB (no root):

1. Activate Developer Mode (7 times tap the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone).
2. Enable USB debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Connect your smartphone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.videoplayer (replace com.miui.videoplayer with the desired application package).

List of safe to remove system applications:

• 🎵 com.miui.player — Mi Music.
• 🌐 com.android.browser — Mi Browser.
• 📺 com.miui.videoplayer — Mi Video.
• 📦 com.xiaomi.scanner – Xiaomi scanner.
• 📖 com.xiaomi.midrop - Mi Drop (unless you use Wi-Fi file transfer).

⚠️ Note: Do not delete applications with com.android., com.qualcomm. or com.miui.home packages, which will cause your system to fail.

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Debloating through ADB reversible: to return the application, it is enough to execute the command adb shell cmd package install-existing application package.

5. Reset to factory settings (last chance)

If Redmi 7 slows down enough to make even a call a problem, it leaves a complete reset, and this method deletes all data, including:

• 📸 Photos and videos (if not saved to the cloud).
• 📱 Installed applications and their settings.
• 🔑 Accounts (including Mi Accounts, if not linked to a device).
• 📧 Messages, contacts and call log.

How to reset:

1. Create a backup through Settings → About Phone → Backup.
2. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
3. Choose to erase all data and confirm the action.
4. Wait for the reboot (it will take 5-15 minutes).

After discharge:

• 🔄 The smartphone will be like new, with standard firmware.
• 📥 First thing, update. MIUI Up to the latest version through Settings → Updating the system.
• 🔒 Do not restore data from a backup older than 6 months – this can bring back old bugs.

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If Redmi 7 doesn't turn on or hangs on the Mi logo after reset, try going to Recovery and select Wipe Data again.

6.Optimization after cleaning: how to avoid re-clogging

Cleaning up memory is half the battle, so that Redmi 7 doesn't get dirty again, follow these rules:

• 📵 Turn off the autoload of applications: Settings → Annexes → Auto-Start and Deactivate Unnecessary Programs.
• 🗃️ Transfer applications to the memory card: Settings → Annexes → Select an application → Warehouse → Change.
• 🔄 Update. MIUI Regularly: new versions optimized memory.
• 📊 Use easy alternatives: instead of Chrome – Brave or Firefox Lite, instead of Instagram – Instagram Lite.

Also, set the background activity limit:

1. Go to Settings → Battery and Performance → Battery Management.
2. Select Background Limitation for Unnecessary Applications.

These measures will reduce the load on the Snapdragon 632 processor and extend the battery life of 4000 mAh.

FAQ: Frequent questions about cleaning up Xiaomi Redmi 7