Xiaomi and Redmi are famous for their performance, but over time, even powerful devices start to slow down. One of the main reasons for the system’s slowdown is the accumulation of temporary files known as cache, which are created by applications to quickly download content, but over time take up gigabytes of usable space.
Users often notice that free memory suddenly runs out and the interface begins to slow down when switching between tabs. These are direct signals that it is time to conduct a storage audit. In this guide, we will discuss how to clear all cache from your shaomi phone to return the gadget to its previous speed.
The cleaning procedure does not require any technical knowledge or third-party software, the built-in MIUI or HyperOS shell tools allow you to do this safely and efficiently, and it is important to understand which files can be deleted without risking personal data.
What is cache and why you need to clean it
Cache is a buffer memory that stores temporary files of running programs, for example, YouTube stores thumbnails of videos, and the browser stores copies of visited pages, so that when you re-access the resource, content loads instantly without consuming Internet traffic.
But the endless accumulation of this data overflows the internal memory, and when there is critically little space, the system becomes unstable, and clearing the cache allows you to free up space and eliminate errors in the application operation caused by corrupting temporary files.
Distinguishing the cache from the app and the user data is safe and does not affect your logins, passwords or game progress, while cleaning the app’s “data” will reset it to factory settings, which may require re-authorization.
⚠️ Before global cleanup, make sure that important information is not stored only in the messenger cache, although modern applications usually synchalize the story with the server.
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Regularly cleaning the cache once a month helps maintain the stable operation of the operating system and prolongs the life of the drive.
Use of the built-in "Security" application
The easiest and most reliable way to clean up the system is to use the standard tool from Xiaomi developers.The Security app is preinstalled on each device and optimized for working with the MIUI shell.
To get started, open the Tools folder on your desktop and find the shield icon. Run the scan by pressing the big green button. The system automatically analyzes the memory status and suggests removing debris.
- 📱 Click on the “Clean” button in the main menu of the application.
- 🗑️ Wait for the analysis of garbage and cache files to be completed.
- ✅ Click on “Clear Selected” to delete temporary files.
Once you've completed the procedure, you'll see a report on how many megabytes or gigabytes were released, which removes the secure temporary files without affecting your personal information.
☑️ Checking before cleaning
Manually cleaning the cache of individual applications
Sometimes automated tools can’t get to the deeply hidden temporary files of specific programs, which require manual cleaning through system settings, especially for “heavy” applications like Instagram, TikTok or navigators.
Go to Settings → Apps → All apps. In the list that opens, find the program you want. For example, if you use a browser a lot, look for Chrome or the standard Mi Browser browser.
Inside the app menu, click on Memory, and you'll see two buttons: Clear cache and Clear everything. Choose the first option if you want to just make room. The second button will completely reset the app.
| Type of application | Cache volume (example) | Frequency of cleaning | Risk of data loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social media | 500MB - 2GB | Once a week. | No. |
| browsers | 200MB - 1GB | Once a month | History of visits |
| Navigators. | 100MB - 500MB | Once in 3 months | Offline maps |
| Games | 1 GB - 5 GB | If necessary, | Progress (if there is no cloud) |
This approach allows you to make space point by point without affecting the operation of the entire system, which is the most selective method that is recommended to use when there is a lack of space for installing a new application.
Why does the cache fill up quickly?
Cleaning the cache in recovery mode (Recovery Mode)
If the phone is unstable or the interface is not responding, you can use Recovery mode, which allows you to clear the system cache at a deeper level, which sometimes solves problems with cyclic reboots.
To enter this mode, you need to turn off your smartphone completely. Then press the power and volume buttons at the same time. Hold them until the Mi logo or Main Menu appears.
Navigation in the menu is done with volume buttons, and the choice is confirmed by the power button. Find Wipe Data, then select Wipe Cache. Don't confuse this with Wipe All Data, which will completely delete your files.
⚠️ Note: In newer versions of HyperOS, the ability to clean only the cache from the Recovery may be hidden or absent. If there is no point, use other methods.
Once confirmed, the system will clear the temporary bootloader and system partition files. Once completed, select Reboot for normal phone boot, a process that can take several minutes.
Delete temporary files through Explorer
MIUI has a powerful built-in file manager that allows you to see hidden folders, which allows you to manually delete the remnants of remote applications or old downloads.
Open the Explorer app and go to the Folders section, and notice the folders that have the names of the programs you installed before, and often there are logs and temporary files that you don't need anymore.
Also worth checking is the Download folder, which many users forget that downloaded APK installation files, documents and images take up space all the time, and can be easily deleted or moved to a computer.
To access system temporary files in Explorer, enable the display of hidden files in the settings. Be careful: delete only those files whose purpose you understand, so as not to disrupt the operating system.
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Manually checking folders in Explorer allows you to find and delete “heavy” forgotten files that automatic cleaners do not see.
Automation of the process and useful tips
To avoid manual cleaning all the time, you can set up automatic maintenance. The Security app has a Planner feature that allows you to set the time to automatically clean up the garbage.
Go to the Security settings and find Task Planner. Activate garbage cleanup and set a frequency, for example, every 3 days or weekly. The phone will keep order.
- 🚀 Turn off auto-update apps in the Play Market via mobile network.
- 📉 Use Lite versions of social media to save space.
- ☁️ Set up sync photos with the cloud and remove originals from the device.
Following these simple rules will help keep your smartphone in perfect condition for a long time, and regular maintenance is more important than rare radical measures.
⚠️ Warning: Do not install dubious accelerator apps from third-party sources, which are often the source of advertising and viruses.
Possible problems after cleaning
Once the cache is completely cleared, you may notice that the phone is running a little slower in the first minutes of use, which is normal: the system and applications need to recreate temporary files to run quickly.
Some programs may require you to log in again if you accidentally tap into login files, and traffic may increase as images in your browser and social networks will be re-uploaded.
If the app stopped running or crashes after clearing the cache, try to clear the data completely or reinstall the program. In rare cases, you need to reset your phone to the factory settings.
Remember that a complete cache cleanup does not delete your personal photos, contacts and messages unless you have opted for a full data reset option.