Cleaning up internal memory on Xiaomi: a complete guide for all models

Why Xiaomi is losing memory and how to fix it

Xiaomi’s internal memory is one of the most vulnerable areas for users. Even on new devices with 128 GB and 256 GB of storage, the free space is melting before our eyes: systems take up to 15-20 GB out of the box, and applications, cache and multimedia complete the job. The main problem is hidden files that are not visible in the standard Explorer, but eat gigabytes. For example, the cache of Google Play Services can weigh up to 2-3 GB, and temporary MIUI files – another as much.

The second reason is data duplication: Many apps (especially messengers and social networks) store photos and videos in multiple folders simultaneously: in the gallery, in their own storage and in the cloud. And the auto-save media feature on WhatsApp or Telegram can fill 5-10 GB of memory in a month. Not to mention the system logs that MIUI creates for diagnostics — they rarely exceed 100 MB, but accumulate over time.

In this article, we will discuss 7 proven methods of cleaning memory — from basic (cache removal) to radical (factory reset). All methods work on models Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4/X5, Mi 11/12/13 and others with MIUI 12-14. Importantly, some actions will require root rights or connection to the PC — this is warned in advance.

1.Analysing Occupied Space: What Eats Memory

Before you clean it, you need to figure out which files are taking up space. MIUI has a built-in storage analyzer, but it doesn't show everything.

  1. Open Settings → About Phone → Memory. Here you will see a diagram of System, Applications, Multimedia, etc. Click on any category to see the details.
  2. For deep analysis, use third-party utilities: 📊 Files by Google – shows junk files (duplicates, large folders, unused files) APK). 🔍 SD Maid (requires root) – finds residual files after deleting applications. 📁 Storage Analyzer – Visualizes folders by size (useful for finding “heavy” directories).

Notice the folders:

  • 📂 /Android/data/ — here are stored application data (cache, download, save games).
  • 📂 /MIUI/ — System log files and temporary shell data.
  • 📂 /DCIM/.thumbnails — Photo and video miniatures (can weigh up to a maximum of two) 500 MB).

📊 How often do you clean your memory on your smartphone?
Once a week.
Once a month
Only when the place ends.
Never cleaned.

2. Cleaning the application cache and system

Cache is a temporary file that speeds up applications, but over time it grows into an uncontrollable size, such as YouTube cache can take 1-2 GB, and Facebook can take up to 500 MB.

Method 1: Manual cleaning for individual applications

  1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
  2. Select an app (such as Chrome or Instagram) → Storage → Clear cache.
  3. To clean up completely, click Delete Data, but note: this will reset the application settings (exit accounts, lose downloads, etc.).

Method 2: Mass cleaning through settings

  1. Open Settings → About phone → Memory → Cleaning.
  2. Click Clean – the system will delete the cache of all applications and temporary MIUI files.
  3. For deep cleaning, turn on the Deep Clean option (delete unused APKs and residual files).

Delete the cache of messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram)

Clear browser data (Chrome, Mi Browser)

Delete temporary files from /Android/data/ folder

Check the folder Downloads to unnecessary files-->

Warning: Do not clear the cache of system applications (e.g. com.android.systemui or com.miui.home) - this can cause interface failures. If you are not sure, use the built-in Cleanup feature in MIUI.

3. Delete unnecessary files and duplicates

One of the biggest memory eaters is photo and video duplicates, which are when you send files between messengers, backups, or synchronization errors, and you also have a lot of space:

  • 📸 Screenshots (daddy) Pictures/Screenshots).
  • 🎵 Downloads (APK, PDF, archives).
  • 📽️ Videos from social networks (folders TikTok, Likee, Instagram).
  • 📄 Log files (folder) /MIUI/debug_log).

How to clean:

  1. Use the built-in File Manager: Go to Categories → Duplicates or Large Files.
  2. To automatically clean up, install Files by Google: Open the app → Clean up → Free up space. Select categories (Dublicates, Blurred photos, Screenshots). Click Clean and confirm deletion.

To delete MIUI log files:

  • Connect your phone to your PC and enable USB Debugging (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times click on version, then Additional Settings → Developer Settings → USB Debugging).
  • Use it. ADB-Command: Adb shell rm -rf /sdcard/MIUI/debug_log/*