How to clean Xiaomi Redmi Note 3: from cache to complete reset

Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 is a legendary smartphone that is still used by many users due to its reliability and performance. However, even the most enduring device eventually begins to “brake”: applications open for a long time, the system hangs, and free space on the disk melts before our eyes, the reason most often lies in cache, fragmented files and the remains of deleted programs.

In this article, we’ll look at all the ways Redmi Note 3 can be cleaned, from basic (hand-held garbage removal) to radical (full reset to factory settings), how to free up memory without losing important data, what tools to use to clean the system deeply, and what to do if the smartphone is slower after the MIUI update. Particular attention will be paid to hidden functions that are not written about in standard instructions, such as how to clean the /data/local/tmp partition, where temporary files accumulate from system processes.

Important: The methods are suitable for all Redmi Note 3 modifications (including the Pro and versions with a Helio X10/MediaTek or Snapdragon 650 processor). If your device runs on custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience), some points may differ - we will also mention this separately.

1. Cleaning cache and garbage without root rights

Let’s start with the safest way to do this, which doesn’t require superuser rights or threaten your data, and even if you’ve never cleaned your smartphone before, these steps can free up 1 to 3 GB of storage in 10 to 15 minutes.

The main sources of garbage in Redmi Note 3:

• 📁 Application cache – temporary files that programs create to speed up work, but often do not delete.
• 🗑️ Remnants of Remote Applications – Folders and files that remain after uninstallation through standard means.
• 📥 Downloads - downloaded files (APK, Images, documents that you have not used for a long time.
• 🎵 Media files from messengers – photos, videos and voice messages from WhatsApp, Telegram or Viber that are automatically stored in the memory of the device.

How to clean:

1. App cache: Go to Settings → Apps → All apps, select a program (like YouTube or Chrome) and click Clear Cache. Use the built-in Cleanup tool (the broom icon in the settings menu) for bulk cleaning.
2. Download folder: Open a file manager (e.g. Mi File Manager) and delete unnecessary files from /storage/emulated/0/Download folder.
3. Messenger garbage: on WhatsApp, go to Settings → Storage and Data → Storage Management to Delete Heavy Files. On Telegram, use Settings → Data and Memory → Storage.

⚠️ Note: Do not clear the cache of system applications (e.g. com.android.systemui or com.miui.home) – this can cause shell malfunctions MIUI. If you are not sure that the app is safe to clean, skip it.

To automate the process, we recommend using SD Maid (available on Google Play), which finds remnants of deleted programs, empty folders and duplicate files, and the free version allows you to clean up to 500 MB of garbage, and you will need a premium subscription for deep verification.

2. Deep cleaning with Recovery Mode

If the smartphone has started to slow down significantly, and standard methods do not help, it is time to move to more serious measures. Recovery Mode allows you to clear partitions that are not available from the usual system, such as Dalvik-cache or system/cache.

• 🐢 The smartphone hangs when you start applications;
• 🔄 After updating MIUI glitched;
• 📉 Less than 10% free memory, even though you haven’t installed anything.

Instructions for cleaning through stock recovery (standard recovery from Xiaomi):

1. Turn off your smartphone.
2. Press the Volume Up + Power buttons and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. In the recovery menu, select the language (if there is one), then go to Wipe & Reset.
4. Select Wipe Cache – this will clear the system cache without losing data.
5. To reset your user data (remove all apps and settings!), select Wipe All Data (or Factory Reset).
6. Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed (it will take 2-5 minutes).

If you have custom recovery (such as TWRP), the options are wider:

• 🧹 You can clean individual sections: Dalvik/ART Cache, System, Data;
• 🔧 Repair File System to fix file system errors;
• 📦 You can create a backup before cleaning (Backup section).

⚠️ Note: Cleaning the System section in TWRP This will only be useful before you install a new version. MIUI Or custom assembly, without a pre-prepared ZIP-The file with the firmware smartphone will not load.

Backup important data (photos, contacts, messages)

Charge your smartphone by at least 50%

Download the firmware (if you plan to re-flash)

Remember your Mi Account (if you have account binding enabled)-->

3. Clean up /data/local/tmp and other hidden folders

Even after resetting through Recovery, temporary files remain in the system, which over time again take up space. One of the most “junk” partitions is /data/local/tmp. It stores temporary files from system processes, updates and even some viruses. In normal state, the folder should be empty or weigh several kilobytes, but in practice, hundreds of megabytes of garbage can accumulate there.

How to clean hidden folders:

1. Using a root file manager (such as Root Explorer or FX File Explorer): Open the manager and grant root rights; Go to /data/local/tmp; Delete all files in this folder (if they are not deleted, check if they are currently in use by the system).

Through ADB

adb shell


su




rm -rf /data/local/tmp/*




exit

If the SU command doesn’t work, you don’t have root rights.

Other folders worth checking out:

⚠️ Note: Removing files from /data/app or /system If you don't understand the consequences, you can "break" the device! If you're not sure, use only the safe methods in the previous sections.

4. Reset to factory settings: when and how to do

Hard Reset is a last resort that should be used if:

• 🦠 Smartphone infected with a virus that is not removed by antivirus;
• 🔄 After updating MIUI device is constantly rebooting;
• 🔒 You forgot your pattern lock or password;
• 📱 Plan to sell or transfer your smartphone to another person.

How to make Hard Reset on Redmi Note 3:

Method 1. Through settings (if the smartphone is turned on):

1. Open Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset.
2. Select Settings Reset.
3. Check to clear your internal memory (if you want to erase everything, including photos and music).
4. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.

Method 2. Through Recovery (if the smartphone is not turned on):

1. Press Volume Up + Power to enter Recovery.
2. Select Wipe All Data (or Factory Reset)
3. Confirm the action and wait for the completion.

After resetting, Redmi Note 3 may require you to enter a Mi Account if the Find Device function was previously enabled. Without the data from the account, it will be impossible to unlock the smartphone!

💡

Remove before resetting SD-map (if installed) - some versions MIUI It is formatted together with internal memory.

5. Post-cleaning optimization: how to speed up Redmi Note 3

Cleaning up the memory is only half the job, and to make the smartphone work quickly, you have to set it up correctly after the procedure.

• 🚀 Turn off animation: go to Settings → About the phone, tap 7 times on the version MIUI, To activate Developer Mode. Then to Settings. → Additionally. → For developers, set: The scale of the window animation → Off; Scale of transition animation → Off; Duration of the animator → Off..
• 🔋 Limit background activity: in Settings → Battery → Power Management Select Charge Saving Mode and Turn Off Auto-Run Unnecessary Applications.
• 🗃️ Move the applications to SD-map (if supported): Settings → Annexes → Select an application → Move it to SD.
• 🛡️ Install a lightweight launcher: instead of the standard MIUI Try Nova Launcher or Lawnchair – they consume less resources.

If after cleaning the smartphone still brakes, check:

• 🔍 Processor Temperature (use the processor temperature) CPU Monitor - overheating can be the cause of lags);
• 📶 Battery status (if capacity falls below 60%, replace battery);
• 🛠️ Firmware integrity (b) TWRP Check the Mount section if you /system not installed, the firmware is damaged).

💡

After a complete reset, the Redmi Note 3 can run faster than after buying it – if you optimize your settings correctly and don’t clog up memory with unnecessary apps.

6. Alternative methods: from formatting to firmware

If neither of these methods worked, maybe the problem is deeper, whether it's a corrupted file system or a flawed firmware, and then it's going to help:

1. Formatting internal memory via TWRP

It's a radical method that completely erases all data and recreates the file system.

• The smartphone is constantly emitting E:failed to mount /data errors.
• After reset, the system still brakes;
• Internal memory is defined as damaged memory.

How to do this:

1. Enter TWRP.
2. Go to Wipe → Format Data.
3. Enter yes to confirm.
4. After formatting, be sure to re-surface the smartphone!

2.Flashing to clean MIUI

If your Redmi Note 3 runs on an older version of MIUI (such as MIUI 8 or MIUI 9), upgrade to the latest official build for your model.

Installation of custom firmware

If the official MIUI is slowing down, try the easy alternatives:

• 📱 LineageOS – pure Android without unnecessary services;
• 🚀 Pixel Experience – firmware with Google Pixel functionality;
• ⚡ Havoc-OS – customizable build with improved performance.

⚠️ Note: Custom firmware installation requires bootloader unlocking. For Redmi Note 3, this can be done officially through Xiaomi's website, but the process takes up to 72 hours (you need to link your Mi Account to the device). Unofficial unlocking can lead to a ban of the account!

FAQ: Frequent questions about cleaning up Redmi Note 3