How to Clean Up All Cache on Xiaomi: A Complete Guide to All Models

Xiaomi smartphones (including the Redmi, POCO and Mi lines) eventually start to slow down due to crowded cache — temporary files that accumulate during the operation of applications and the system. Cleaning the cache helps not only free precious megabytes of memory, but also eliminate lags, improve performance and even solve problems with overheating. However, many users make critical mistakes: delete only the cache of individual applications, ignore system debris or use questionable “cleans” that cause harm instead of benefits.

In this article, you will find 5 proven ways to completely clean up cache on Xiaomi – from standard tools MIUI We'll look at how to properly remove cache without risking data, which files can be cleaned and which ones shouldn't be touched, and why some Google Play "optimizers" only exacerbate the problem. MIUI 14+: automatic cache compression, which can mask the real amount of space occupied.

1. Standard cache cleaning through MIUI settings

The safest and most recommended way is to use the built-in MIUI tools. This method is suitable for all Xiaomi models, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 and Mi 11, and does not require superuser rights.

To clear the cache of individual applications:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select an app (such as YouTube or Facebook).
3. Press Warehouse. → Clear the cache.

For mass cleaning of all applications:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Warehouse.
• 🧹 Select the "Clean" section in the "Garden Files" section".
• ✅ Select the Application Cash and confirm the removal.

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If there is no App Cache item in the Garbage Files list, upgrade to MIUI 13+ or use an alternative method from Section 3.

Note that in MIUI 14 and later, the cache can be displayed as "Compressed Data." This is not a mistake, the system automatically archives rarely used files. To see the real volume, click on the data string and wait for detailed analysis.

2.Deep cleaning through Recovery mode

If the smartphone is severely slowing down or lacking memory even after a standard cleaning, wipe cache partition — removing the system cache through recovery mode — will help. This method does not affect user data, but resets temporary kernel and firmware files. Suitable for all devices based on Qualcomm Snapdragon and MediaTek.

Instructions for Xiaomi with MIUI Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.
3. In the recovery menu, select the language (if required).
4. Go to Wipe & Reset → Wipe Cache.
5. Confirm the action and wait for the completion.
6. Choose Reboot. → Reboot to System.

⚠️ Warning: Don't confuse Wipe Cache with Wipe Data! The second option will completely reset your phone to factory settings, deleting all your files, photos and apps.

After restarting, the system can run slower for the first 5-10 minutes, which is normal, since MIUI restores the necessary temporary files, and you will notice the clean-up effect after 1-2 hours of active use.

3. hidden function "Memory Cleanup" in MIUI

Few people know, but MIUI has a hidden deep memory cleaner tool that removes not only the app cache, but also system log files, residual data after uninstallation of programs and fragmented files, a feature available on all devices with MIUI 12 and later, but hidden in the developer menu.

How to activate:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap 7 times on the line MIUI version until the notification “You became a developer” appears.
3. Return to the main settings menu and open Additional → Developer options.
4. Find Memory Cleanup and turn it on.
5. Slip on Clear now.

Close all active applications

Connect your phone to charge (the process can take up to 15 minutes)

Backup important data (just in case)

Turn off the mobile internet (to avoid interruption)-->

This feature removes up to 1-3 GB of hidden debris, which is not visible in the standard storage menu, but it is not recommended to use it more than 1 time a month - this can lead to malfunctions in some system services, for example, Google Play Services.

4.Cache clearing through ADB (for power users)

If you’re familiar with ADB (Android Debug Bridge), you can clear the cache of all applications with one command, a method that’s useful when standard methods don’t help or you need to automate the process (for example, for mass cleaning of multiple devices).

Step-by-step:

1. Install ADB Tools on your computer.
2. Enable USB Debugging on your phone (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 taps → Developer Options → USB Debugging).
3. Connect your phone to your PC and confirm your trust in your computer.
4. Open the command line in the adb folder and do:

adb shell pm trim-caches 1000G


adb shell cmd package bg-dexopt-job

The first command clears the cache of all applications, the second one optimizes the Dalvik cache (important for performance).

adb shell pm clear --user 0 com.example.app

(Replace com.example.app with an app package, such as com.facebook.katana for Facebook).

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ADB-Cleaning removes even temporary files that are standard methods. MIUI However, after this, it may require re-authorization in some applications (for example, in banking).

⚠️ Note: Do not use the commands adb shell rm -rf /cache/* Or similar, it can damage system files and lead to bootloop. MIUI 11–14.

5. Automatic cache cleaning with Tasker

For those who want to automatize the process, Tasker is a good app, which allows you to set up automatic cache cleaning on a schedule (for example, once a week) or under certain conditions (low memory), which is especially useful for devices with low storage capacity, such as Redmi Go or POCO C31.

Instructions for setting:

1. Install Tasker from Google Play.
2. Create a new task (Tasks → +).
3. Add the Code → Run Shell action.
4. In the Command field, type:

su -c"pm trim-caches 1000G; sync"

(If you don’t have root, use a command without su-c)

1. Set up a trigger (e.g. Time → Every 7 days).
2. Save the task and activate it.

To work with root rights, Tasker can clear the cache of all users (including system applications), which gives an additional 500-800 MB of free space.

6.What NOT to do when cleaning the cache

Many of the “advice” on the Internet is not only useless, but also dangerous. Here are 5 common mistakes that can hurt your Xiaomi:

Another myth is that "Cache cleaning speeds up the phone." In fact, cache is used to speed up applications. After cleaning, programs will run slower until they recover their temporary files. The "acceleration" effect is noticeable only if the cache takes up more than 3-5 GB or fragmented (which happens after long use without rebooting).

Frequently asked questions