How to Free Up Space on Xiaomi Smartphone: A Complete 2026 Guide

Why Xiaomi is running out of memory and what to do about it

Xiaomi’s MIUI-powered smartphones and the new HyperOS are known for their functionality, but many users face the same problem: memory runs out in just a few weeks of active use. Even on models with 128 GB or 256 GB of storage, free space melts like snow in the sun.

The fact is that MIUI (and its successor, HyperOS) aggressively caches data, duplicates media files for smart albums, and many pre-installed apps run in the background, accumulating temporary files, and then adds updates, log files, and hidden folders that the user doesn't even know about, like the MIUI/Extra folder can weigh several gigabytes, and cleaning the cache through standard settings removes only the tip of the iceberg.

In this article, we will discuss 10 proven ways to free up space on Xiaomi, including hidden system features, secure system debris removal and media storage optimization. All methods are tested on the latest versions of MIUI 14/15 and HyperOS (including Redmi Note 12/13, POCO F5/X5, Xiaomi 13/14).

1. Deep cache cleaning: what to remove and what not to

App cache is the first candidate to be removed, but there are pitfalls here: Standard Setting Cleanup → Apps → Cleanup only removes the user cache, whereas the system cache (in the /cache folder) remains intact. The latter can take up to 3-5 GB on devices with a long history of updates.

How to clean the cache correctly:

• 📱 Cache of individual applications: Go to Settings → Annexes → App management, select an app (like YouTube or Telegram) and click "Clear Cache" Attention: Do not clear the data (Clear all data) - this will delete accounts and settings!
• 🧹 System cache: Go to Settings → Memory. → Cleanup → Deep Cleanup. Here, the system will show hidden files, including the update cache (download_rom) and log files (log files).
• ⚠️ Dalvik cache: Cleaning it requires root rights or a reboot in Recovery Mode (click Wipe & Reset) → Wipe Cache. Not to be confused with Wipe Data!

⚠️ Note: Clearing the cache of Google Play Services or MIUI The system can cause temporary disruptions to Google services or to push notifications.

If the cache accumulates again quickly after cleaning, check apps like Facebook, TikTok or Instagram - they can generate up to 500 MB of cache per day when used actively. Solution: limit background activity in battery settings (Settings → Battery → App Selection).

2. Removing duplicates and junk files with hidden MIUI tools

MIUI and HyperOS have built-in tools for finding duplicates and large files, but they are hidden deep in the menu.Most users are not even aware of their existence, preferring to install third-party cleaners (which, by the way, often exacerbates the problem).

How to find and remove duplicates:

1. Open the Files app (folder icon).
2. Go to Categories → Images or Videos.
3. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Duplicates.
4. The system will show groups of identical files. Select the ones that are unnecessary and click Delete.

To search for large files:

• 📁 In the Files app, go to Categories → Analysis of the vault.
• 📊 Sort files by size and remove unnecessary ones (such as old ones). APK-Download files or WhatsApp backups in WhatsApp/Databases).
• 🎥 Pay attention to the folder. DCIM/.thumbnails — It's a place where you can store thumbnails of all the photos and videos, and it can be safely cleaned (miniatures will be restored automatically).

⚠️ Note: Do not delete files in folders MIUI, Android or system without understanding their purpose, such as deleting files from the system MIUI/Camera It can reset the camera settings.

3. Optimization of photo and video storage

Media files are taken up to 70% On Xiaomi, the situation is aggravated by the duplication of photos in folders. DCIM/Camera, Pictures/Screenshots and a hidden file MIUI/Gallery/Cloud (If you have synchronization with Mi Cloud enabled).

How to reduce media volume:

• 📸 Compression photo: In camera settings (Camera settings) → Photo resolution: Select High (HEIF) maximally (JPEG). Format HEIF Save up to 50% of space without loss of quality.
• 🎞️ Video at 30. FPS: If you are not shooting professional video, set the camera settings 30 fps instead of 60 fps – this will reduce the file size by 1.5-2 times.
• ☁️ Autoload to the cloud: Enable automatic upload of photos to Google Photos or Mi Cloud, and then delete local copies (in Google Photos: Settings) → Make room).

If you take screenshots often, look at the Pictures/Screenshots folder, which can accumulate hundreds of unwanted files. To automate cleaning, use the Files by Google app (available on the Play Market): it offers to delete screenshots older than 30 days.

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To quickly find the biggest videos, in the Files app go to the Video section" → "Analysis" → Sort it by size. Often, you'll find forgotten screen recordings or rolls from messengers.

4. Cleaning system folders: what can be deleted without harm

MIUI/HyperOS creates many hidden folders that grow to giant sizes over time, such as the MIUI/Extra folder that can weigh between 2 and 4 GB, and Android/data up to 10 GB (which stores game and application data), and fortunately some of them can be safely cleaned.

List of system folders that can be cleaned:

• 🗑️ MIUI/Extra — Temporary themes and wallpaper files. Delete everything except the current theme.
• 📥 download_rom — You can remove old firmware if you don't plan to roll back.
• 📝 log debug_log — Delete the log files of the system safely (restore automatically).
• 🎮 Android/obb — Delete files of games that you haven’t used in a long time (for example, com.tencent.ig for the game). PUBG Mobile).

How to access hidden folders:

1. Connect your phone to your PC via USB (in File Transfer mode).
2. Enable the display of hidden files in Windows Explorer (View → Hidden Items).
3. Go to the internal memory folder and delete unnecessary files.

⚠️ Attention: Do not delete folders MIUI/Camera, Android/system file-extension.odex/.vdex — If in doubt, transfer files to your PC before deleting them.

5.Moving apps to a memory card (and why it doesn’t always work)

Many Xiaomi users are trying to solve the memory problem by migrating applications to microSD. However, this method does not work on all models and has limitations. For example, on smartphones with HyperOS (for example, Xiaomi 14 or Redmi Note 13 Pro+), the transfer of applications to the memory card is disabled by default.

How to transfer applications (if the function is available):

1. Insert a memory card (preferably UHS-I Class 10 or higher).
2. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
3. Select an app (like Spotify or Netflix) and click Storage.
4. If the option is active, click Change and select Memory Card.

Limitations and challenges:

• ❌ HyperOS and new versions MIUI 14+ Application transfer blocked from the box".
• ❌ System applications (Mi Browser, Gallery) cannot be moved.
• ❌ Some apps (such as WhatsApp or Banking apps) do not support portability for security reasons.
• ⚠️ After the transfer, applications can run slower (especially games).

Alternatively, use a memory card to store media files. In the camera settings (Camera Settings → Storage), select Memory Card as the place to store photos and videos, which will free up internal memory without risking performance.

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Transferring apps to a memory card is not a panacea; on new Xiaomi smartphones (2023-2026), this feature is often disabled. SD-photo, video and music map.

6. Remove pre-installed applications (bloatware) without root

Xiaomi is known for a large number of pre-installed apps (bloatware), many of which can not be removed by standard means, including Mi Browser, Mi Video, Mi Music, GetApps and others, these applications not only take up space, but also consume resources in the background.

How to remove unnecessary applications without root rights:

• 🛠️ Through ADB (surest):
• 📦 Through the Lab MIUI" (Only for experienced users):
• 🔧 Disable: If you cannot delete, disable the application in Settings → Annexes → Application management → Shut down.

List of safe applications to remove (checked on MIUI 14/15):

⚠️ Note: Do not delete applications with com.miui. or com.android. packages unless you are sure of their purpose. For example, deleting com.miui.securitycenter will disable the security center, and com.android.cts.ctsshim will lead to errors in Google services.

If you don’t want to mess with ADB, use the App Inspector app (available on the Play Market) to find and disable unnecessary services. You can also use MIUI Hidden Settings (requires activation in Settings → Special Features → Hidden Settings).

7. Factory reset: when justified

If all previous methods failed and there is less than 1-2 GB of free memory, it is worth considering a factory reset. This is a radical but effective way to return the smartphone to “purity.” On Xiaomi, you can do the reset in two ways:

Method 1: Through settings (saves data to Mi Cloud):

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select Reset All Settings (not to be confused with Network Resettings!).
3. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.

Method 2: Recovery Mode (total reset including internal memory):

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.
3. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (use volume buttons for navigation).
4. Confirm the action and wait for the completion.

What happens after the dump:

• ✅ All user data, applications and settings will be deleted.
• ✅ Free 10-20 GB of memory (by deleting cache, logs and temporary files).
• ❌ Apps and data not synced to Mi Cloud or Google will be lost.

⚠️ Warning: Make sure to back up your important data (photos, contacts, messages) before resetting. Use Mi Cloud, Google Drive or Titanium Backup (requires root). Also write down your account passwords - after reset, you will need to reauthorize.

Resetting is especially useful if you haven’t reinstalled the system in a long time or noticed brakes. After the procedure, the smartphone will work faster, and memory will be freed up by 15-30%.

8 Cleaning Automation: Settings and Useful Applications

To avoid manually clearing memory, set up automatic optimization. MIUI/HyperOS has built-in tools, but they need to be properly configured.

Built-in tools:

• 🤖 Auto Cleanup: Go to Settings → Memory. → Autoclean and enable option.The system will delete unnecessary files once a week.
• 🗑️ Cleaning when blocking: C Settings → Battery → Cleaning when blocking, turn on the deletion of the cache when the screen is turned off.
• ☁️ Backup to the Cloud: In Settings → Accounts. → Mi Cloud Enable Automatic Photo and Video Synchronization.

The App (Verified for Xiaomi):

• 🧹 Files by Google – Finds duplicates, large files and offers cleanup.
• 📊 SD Maid (requires root) – deep cleaning of system folders.
• 🔍 CCleaner – deletes cache and temporary files (do not use the Optimization function) RAM" — she's useless).

Set up Files by Google for maximum efficiency:

1. Open the application and allow access to the files.
2. Go to the Cleanup section.
3. Enable options: Remove duplicates, Clear cache, Delete old files.
4. Set up automatic cleaning in Settings → Auto Clean.

⚠️ Note: Do not use "optimizers" RAM" or “speed boosters” – they do not clear memory, but only kill background processes, which can increase battery consumption. MIUI/HyperOS It manages memory more efficiently than any third-party applications.

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Auto-cleaning through Files by Google or built-in MIUI tools is the best way to keep your memory in order. Configure it once, and the system will remove the garbage itself.

FAQ: Frequent questions about memory release on Xiaomi