How to Free up Space on Xiaomi: From Cache to Hidden MIUI Files

Owners of Xiaomi smartphones sooner or later face the problem of lack of free space - even on devices with 128 GB and 256 GB. MIUI system actively caches data, applications accumulate temporary files, and photos in high resolution take up gigabytes. But do not rush to buy a new phone: in 90% of cases, memory can be freed without losing important data.

In this article, 7 working methods for cleaning memory, including little-known MIUI 14/15 features that do not require root rights. We will discuss how to remove system debris, transfer files to a memory card (even if officially prohibited), and why a standard Cleaner often skips gigabytes of unnecessary data. All instructions are tested on Redmi Note 12 Pro+, Poco X5 Pro and Xiaomi 13 Ultra models – relevant for firmware 2023-2026.

1. Diagnostics: what exactly takes up memory on Xiaomi

Before you clean it, you have to figure out which files are eating up space. MIUI has a built-in analyzer, but it hides some of the data. Here's how to get the whole picture:

1. Open Settings → Memory (or Storage in new versions).
2. Slip on the schedule of use – the system will show the distribution by category (applications, multimedia, cache, etc.).
3. For detailed analysis, use third-party utilities like Files by Google or SD Maid to find duplicates and large files that MIUI “cannot see.”

The typical memory allocation on Xiaomi after a year of use:

Critical information: On models with UFS 2.2/3.1 (for example, Xiaomi 12T Pro), the system reserves up to 10% of memory for service needs - this is normal and not subject to cleaning.

2.Cleaning App Cache: Why the Standard Way Doesn't Work

Many users limit themselves to clicking the "Clear Cache" button in the app's settings, but this method only removes a fraction of the temporary files -- the main cache stays in the system folders. Here's how to clean it completely:

Method 1: Deep Cleaning through Recovery (without data loss):

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Up + Power before the Mi logo appears.
3. From the Recovery menu, select Wipe & Reset → Wipe Cache.
4. Confirm the action – this will delete all temporary system files, including the update cache.

Method 2: ADB-Compulsory cleaning (for advanced ones):

adb shell pm trim-caches 1000000000

This command will force the system to release the cache volume to 1 GB. Repeat it. 2-3 times with different values (for example, 500000000 for 500 MB).

Close all applications

Connect charging (the process can take 5-10 minutes)

Make a backup copy of important data

Check the vacant space before and after cleaning-->

⚠️ Note: Do not use applications like Clean Master or CCleaner, which often delete critical files. MIUI, This causes camera failures and push notifications.

3. System garbage removal: Hidden MIUI folders

MIUI creates dozens of hidden folders with logs, dumps and backups, which you can't see through standard conductor, but they can take up to 3-5 GB. Here's how to find and delete them:

The path to the hidden folders:

• 📁 /data/log/ — system logs (you can delete everything except the current log)
• 📁 /MIUI/backup/AllBackup/ — backups
• 📁 /Android/data/com.miui.cleanmaster/ — standard-cleaner cache
• 📁 /dcim/.thumbnails/ — Photo and video miniatures (can be removed without consequences)

To access these folders:

1. Install a root access explorer (such as FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer).
2. Enable the display of hidden files in the Explorer settings.
3. Delete the contents of the folders listed above (except for current log files with today’s date).

Unique Fact: On Poco models F5 redmi K60 folder /MIUI/debug_log/ can weigh up 1.5 GB – it can be completely cleaned once in a while. 1-2 month.

4.Photo and video optimization: how to save up to 70% of space

.HEIC photos and 4K/60fps video are the main memory eaters, and here's how to reduce their weight without losing quality:

Automatic compression via Google Photos:

• 📸 Go to Google Photos → Settings → Make room.
• 📸 Enable the function "Saving space" - all new photos will be saved in a compressed form.
• 📸 For older photos, use the option "Compress Copies" (available when you click on three dots in the album).

Manual optimization through applications:

• 🎥 Video Compress – compresses video up to 80% without any visible loss of quality.
• 🖼️ Photo & Picture Resizer – Reduces photo resolution to Full HD (1920×1080), which is enough for social media.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi 13 Pro and 14 Ultra Disable Shooting in HEIC via camera settings → The format of the preservation can lead to artifacts when shooting in RAW. In this case, use third-party cameras like GCam.

5. Transfer of applications to SD-map: circumvention of restrictions MIUI

Officially, MIUI allows only a few applications to be transferred to a memory card, but there is a workaround that works on 80% of Xiaomi models (except flagships with UFS 3.1):

Instructions for transferring any applications:

1. Put it in. SD-class UHS-I (U3) — Cheap cards may not work.
2. Format it as internal memory through Settings → Memory. → SD-map → Set up as an internal.
3. Install App Mgr III (or Link2SD for root users).
4. In the application, select the desired software → “Move to SD” → “Forced transfer”.

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ No widgets of ported applications are working.
• ❌ Some games (such as Genshin Impact) will be slowed down.
• ❌ After the map is removed, the applications will stop working.

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Before perenosoming applications on SD, back up through Settings → Applications → Backup. This will allow you to restore them when they fail.

6.Removing duplicates and unnecessary files: Tools for 2026

The standard MIUI cleaner only detects surface debris. Use these tools for deep cleaning:

Top.-3 duplicate-seeking:

• 🔍 Files by Google – Finds repetitive photos, documents and APK-file.
• 🔍 Duplicate Files Fixer – Scans by Content, Not Name.
• 🔍 SD Maid (requires root) – cleans system duplicates and empty folders.

What to look for manually:

• 📄 Download folder – here accumulate outdated APK, PDF and ZIP-archive.
• 🎵 Ringtones folder – often contains duplicate tunes.
• 📂 Messenger folders (WhatsApp/Media, Telegram/Telegram Images – all files sent and received are stored here.

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Regularly cleaning up your Download folder can free up up to 2-3 GB of space — especially if you download files from Telegram or your browser frequently.

7.Reset the update cache and temporary MIUI files

MIUI stores update cache, firmware backups, and temporary installer files, which can be safely deleted:

Cleaning the update cache:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner → "Clear the data".
3. Remove /cache/ota/ through root access (free up to 1-2 GB).

Delete temporary installer files:

• 📦 folder /data/app-lib/ — Here are stored libraries of remote applications.
• 📦 folder /data/dalvik-cache/ — Dalvik cache (can be cleaned through Recovery).

For Xiaomi 12/13/14 Series with Dynamic Memory (RAM Expansion)

1. Turn off the function in Settings → Additional → Extension of RAM.
2. Reboot your phone – this will free up to 1-3 GB of virtual memory.

⚠️ Attention: On Poco F4 GT and Black Shark 5 shutdown RAM Expansion could lead to a fall FPS In this case, manually clean the cache once in a while. 2-3 weekdays.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi memory cleanup