Xiaomi devices, from smartphones to smartwatches, accumulate unnecessary files, app cache and system debris over time, leading to slowdowns, overheating or memory shortages. Cleanup can mean basic temporary data cleaning, or a complete factory reset in critical cases. In this article, we will examine everything from manual cleaning to automated tools, taking into account the features of MIUI and HyperOS firmware.
It's important to understand that the cleaning method depends on the goal: make room for new files, speed up the system, or prepare the device for sale. For example, deleting the app cache will not delete your photos, but it can solve the problem with the "hanging" programs. But resetting to factory settings erases everything, including accounts and personal data - this step requires a preliminary backup.
We will also look at hidden MIUI features that many people don’t know about, such as how to clear system logs or disable background processes that eat up the battery. And for owners of HyperOS devices (such as Xiaomi 14 or Redmi Turbo 3), we will give you current screenshots and paths in the menu, since the interface of this firmware is different from the usual MIUI.
1. Cleaning the app cache: when and how to do it
Application cache is a temporary file that is created to speed up programs, which over time takes up gigabytes of memory, and sometimes even crashes (for example, if the cache is corrupted), and it is worth cleaning in three cases:
- 📱 The app is slow to work or fly out.
- 📉 The device ends free space (especially important for models with the 64/128 GB memory).
- 🔄 After updating MIUI/HyperOS some programs are glitched.
To clear the cache of a separate application:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Select the app you want (like YouTube or Facebook).
- Press Warehouse. → Clear the cache.
For mass cleaning of the cache of all applications:
- Open the Settings → Storage.
- Slip on the Cache Data (in HyperOS, this item may be called Memory Cleanup).
- Confirm the action - the system will show how much space will be vacated.
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If the app is slower after cleaning the cache, that's OK. The cache is recreated the next time you run it, and the speed will return after 1-2 uses.
⚠️ Note: Do not clear the cache of system applications (for example, MIUI Launcher or Security, unnecessarily, can cause interface failures.
2. manually remove unnecessary files and debris
Even if you regularly clean the cache, the devices accumulate in memory:
- 📁 Photo and video duplicates (especially after Xiaomi Gallery updates).
- 🎵 Unused audio files (such as ringtones or recordings from a recorder).
- 📄 Downloads from the browser (APK, PDF, archive).
- 🗑️ Files from Remote Applications (Remain in Folders) Android/data or Android/obb).
How to find and remove them:
- Use the built-in File Manager (Download folder, DCIM, Music).
- To search for duplicate photos, open the Gallery, tap on three points → Control → Duplicates.
- To remove the remnants of remote applications, connect the device to your PC and manually check the Android/data and Android/obb folders.
How to find hidden folders in Xiaomi?
| Type of file | Where to find | Can I remove it? |
|---|---|---|
| Cash maps (Google Maps, 2GIS) | Android/data/app folder/cache | Yes (releases up to 1-2GB) |
| APK of installed applications | Download or Download | Yes (if the app has already been installed) |
| System logs (.log,.txt) | MIUI/debug_log | Yes (but don't remove during diagnosis of problems) |
| Mini-dumps (minidump) | data/tombstones (root needed) | Only if you know what you're doing. |
On HyperOS devices, the Android/obb folder can weigh up to 5-10 GB due to games (like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile), only delete its contents if the game has already been deleted, otherwise the data will have to be downloaded again.
3.Use of built-in cleaning tools
Xiaomi offers several built-in utilities to optimize the system.
- 🧹 Memory cleanup (Settings) → Warehouse → Cleaning up – removes unnecessary files, temporary data and cache.
- 🔍 Security – scans for viruses, optimizes autoboot and shows “heavy” applications.
- 🔄 Deep Clean (in HyperOS) – more aggressive cleaning, including system logs.
How to start a deep cleaning:
- Open the Security app (the shield icon).
- Go to the Cleanup tab.
- Click Deep Clean (in HyperOS) or Clean (in MIUI).
- Select file categories to delete (e.g. Unused APKs, Residual Files).
⚠️ Note: In HyperOS, Deep Clean can delete data from certain games (e.g. save in Genshin Impact). Close all games before using and check that important files are synced to the cloud.
4. Reset to factory settings: full instruction
If the device is slowing down, not updating, or you're preparing it for sale, Hard Reset will help.
- 📱 All installed applications and their data.
- 👤 Accounts (Mi Account, Google, social media).
- 📁 Personal files (photos, videos, documents) – if not saved on SD-map.
- ⚙️ All settings (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, wallpaper, sound profiles).
How to reset:
- Create a backup (via Settings → About Phone → Backup or Mi Cloud).
- Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
- Select Delete All Data (in HyperOS, it can be called Delete All Data).
- Enter the password from the Mi Account (if linked) and confirm.
If the device is not turned on or locked, use Recovery mode:
- Turn off your smartphone.
- Press the Power button + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.
- In the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (manage volume buttons, confirm – power button).
Make a backup photo and video|Record logins/passwords from accounts|Make sure there is no money on your Mi Account balance|Untie your device from Google Pay (if tied)|Check that SIM-card not blocked PIN-code-->
⚠️ Note: After resetting on some models (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5) You may need to re-link your Mi Account to unlock!
5. Optimization of work without resetting: disabling background processes
If the device is slowing down but you don’t want to reset your settings, try:
- 🛑 Disable the autoload of unnecessary applications: Settings → Annexes → Autostart control.
- 🔋 Limit background activity: Settings → Battery → Energy saving regime → Limit background activity.
- 📶 Turn off automatic synchronization: Settings → Accounts. → Turn off autosynchronization.
For devices on HyperOS, the Smart Optimization function is also available:
- Open Settings → Special Opportunities → Smart Optimization.
- Turn on the option to Optimize when you lock the screen.
This will help reduce heat and increase battery life, especially on models with Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 or Dimensity 9000 processors that are prone to overheating when under high load.
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Turning off autoboot for 10-15 unnecessary apps can increase battery life by 15-20% (tests on the Redmi Note 13 Pro+).
6. Cleaning Xiaomi smart devices (watches, bracelets, speakers)
It's not just smartphones that need cleaning. For example, the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro or Mi Band 8 accumulate data over time about training, notifications and app cache.
- 🕒 Smart watches (Xiaomi Watch) S3, Watch 2 Pro):
For robot vacuum cleaners (e.g., Xiaomi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro), cleaning means resetting maps and logs:
- In the Mi Home app, select the device.
7. Advanced methods: ADB and custom firmware
For experienced users who want to thoroughly clean the system, suitable:
Warnings:
- ⚠️ Removing System Applications Through ADB It can lead to a bootloop (cyclic reboot).
- ⚠️ Custom firmware is warranty-free and may block certain functions (e.g, IR Blaster or NFC).
If you decide to go custom firmware, follow the official guides from the XDA Developers forum for your model. For example, for the POCO F5 or Redmi K60, there are stable ArrowOS builds with minimal bugs.