Cache Cleanup on Xiaomi: Full Instruction for All Models

Your Xiaomi smartphone is slowing down, apps are loading for a long time, and memory is filled with obscure files? Most likely, the problem lies in a crowded cache. Cache is temporary data that the system and programs save to speed up work. But over time, it accumulates, takes up gigabytes of memory and instead of helping, begins to interfere. In this article, we will examine all the ways to clean the cache on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO — from standard MIUI tools to hidden functions for power users.

Feature of Xiaomi phones – their firmware MIUI It has unique memory management mechanisms, and here the cache is divided into several types: system cache (OS data), application cache (temporary program files) and Dalvik cache (optimized data for fast application loading). Cleaning them correctly, you not only free up space, but also eliminate lags, errors in the camera or messengers. MIUI 14/15 has become worse – cleaning the cache often solves the problem without resetting the settings.

It's important to understand that not all cache can be deleted without consequences, for example, cleaning the cache of Google Play Services can lead to account sync errors, and deleting Mi Account data can lead to login problems, we will tell you which files are safe to clean and which ones are better to leave, and you will learn how to automate the process so that you do not do it manually every month.

What is cache and why you should clean it on Xiaomi

Cache is a buffer memory that stores temporary data to speed up the device. When you open the app for the first time, it loads all the necessary elements (pictures, fonts, scripts) and stores them in cache. The next time it runs, it takes data from the cache, rather than downloading it again, which saves time and traffic.

On Xiaomi, the cache is divided into three main types:

• 📱 App cache – temporary files of each installed application (for example, YouTube video thumbnails or Google search history).
• 🖥️ System cache - data that MIUI uses for quick operation of the interface (animations, icons, fonts).
• 🔄 Dalvik cache – optimized files for the virtual machine ART/Dalvik, application-manager.

Over time, the cache grows to several gigabytes and starts to create problems:

• ⚠️ Slowdown – the phone “thinks” when opening applications, lags appear in games.
• 📉 Memory Lack – the system shows a notification “Memory is full” even though you haven’t downloaded anything.
• 🔄 Applications suddenly shut down or don’t update (e.g. Google Play Store issues error 927).
• 📱 Overheating of the device – excess cache causes the processor to work harder, which leads to heating.

Another feature of Xiaomi is that MIUI aggressively caches data to speed up, but it doesn't always clean it properly. For example, after a system update, old cache files can conflict with new ones, leading to failures, and regular cleaning helps avoid such problems.

How to Clear the Cache of Individual Applications on Xiaomi

The safest way to do this is to remove the cache for specific programs without affecting system files, which will help if only one app (such as Instagram or Telegram) is slowed down and the rest are working normally.

Instructions for MIUI 14/15 (relevant to Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12, POCO F5 and other models):

1. Open the settings (cog icon).
2. Go to the Appendix section → Application management.
3. Select the app from the list (or use the search at the top).
4. Press Warehouse.
5. Slip on the Clear Cache button (not to be confused with Clear Data – this will delete all program settings!).

For convenience, you can sort applications by cache size:

• 📊 In the Application Management section, click on three dots in the upper right corner.
• 🔽 Select Sort by Size → By cache size.
• 🗑️ Now at the top of the list will be programs with the largest cache (most often it is Facebook, TikTok, Google Chrome).

Some apps (such as Google Play Store or Mi Video) may behave unstable after clearing the cache.

⚠️ Warning: If the app stops working after cleaning the cache (e.g. WhatsApp asks you to re-enter the number), don't panic. Just restart the phone - the system will restore the necessary data automatically. Don't click Clear the data, otherwise you will lose all chats and settings!

Close all background programs

Connect your phone to charge (if the battery level is below 20%)

Check if there are important unsaved data in the application (for example, drafts in messengers)

Back up key programs (such as WhatsApp or Viber)

-->

Cleaning the system cache through Recovery Mode

If the phone is slowing down and standard methods don’t help, it’s time to clear the system cache.This method is suitable for all Xiaomi models, including the Redmi 9, POCO X3 and the flagship Xiaomi 13 Pro. Importantly, the process will not delete your personal data (photos, contacts), but reset some system settings.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power + Volume buttons up at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo and Recovery Mode menu appear.
3. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button to select the item.
4. Choose a language (usually English or English).
5. Go to Wipe & Reset (or Data Cleanup in Russian).
6. Select Wipe Cache (Do not choose Wipe All Data – it is a complete reset!).
7. Confirm the action by selecting Yes.
8. Once you have finished, click Reboot → Reboot to System.

It takes 2-5 minutes. Once you restart, the phone can last a little longer than usual, which is normal, because the system recovers the cache again.

⚠️ Note: On some models (POCO F1, Redmi Note 8 Pro) Wipe Cache can be called Wipe Dalvik Cache. If you see both options, choose both in turn. Don't worry if the phone takes a long time to load after cleaning - this is due to reassembling the Dalvik cache.

If the phone still slows down after cleaning the system cache, it might be a problem with memory fragmentation.

• 🔄 Defragmentation – Do it through Settings → Memory. → Optimization.
• 🗑️ Clean up garbage – use the built-in Security app).
• 📱 Resetting settings is the last option if nothing helps (but back up before you do!).

Automatic cache cleaning: MIUI settings

MIUI has built-in tools for automatic cache cleaning, but they are often disabled by default. By turning them on, you'll get rid of the need to clean your phone manually.

How to set up automatic cleaning:

1. Open the Security app (shield icon with a tick).
2. Go to the Cleaner tab (or Cleaner in English).
3. Slip the gear in the upper right corner (⚙️).
4. Turn on the options: 🔄 Autocleaning – removes debris when screen locks. 🗑️ Deep Cleanup – Removes cache of apps that haven’t been used in a long time. 📊 Memory optimization – closes the background processes.

Every day.

With low memory levels

For more flexible settings:

• 📅 In the Auto Cleanup section, you can select a specific time (for example, at night when the phone is charging).
• 🚫 In the Exceptions, add apps that don’t need to be cache-cleaned (like Google Maps if you use offline maps frequently).
• 🔍 Enable Smart Cleanup – the system will analyze which files can be safely deleted.

Xiaomi has launched MIUI 14/15 with the Minimum Mode feature, which automatically limits the background activity of applications and cleans the cache.

1. Go to Settings. → Special facilities.
2. Select Minimum Mode.
3. Activate the switch and set limits for individual applications.

💡

If some apps (such as Spotify or Netflix) load content for a long time after automatic cleaning, temporarily add them to the exceptions. After 1-2 days of operation, the cache will recover, and the applications will open quickly again.

Cache Clearance via ADB: For Power Users

If standard methods don’t work and Recovery Mode can’t get in, you can clear the cache via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which is suitable for advanced users and requires a computer.

What you need:

• 💻 Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers (you can download on the official website).
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 🛠️ Utility. ADB Fastboot (download from Google or via Google) SDK Platform Tools).
• 📱 Included debugging by USB phone-on.

Step-by-step:

1. On your phone, turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version. Go back to Settings → Additional → Developer. Turn on USB Debugging.

File transfer

cmd

ADB

adb devices

The serial number of your device should appear.

adb shell pm trim-caches 1000000000

(This will remove cache up to 1GB; use adb shell pm trim-caches-1 for complete cleaning.)

Dalvik cache

adb shell cmd package bg-dexopt-job

adb reboot

If you need to clear the cache of a particular application (e.g. com.android.chrome for Google Chrome), use:

adb shell pm clear com.android.chrome

⚠️ Note: The pm clear command deletes NOT only the cache, but all application data (like the Clear Data button in the settings). To clear the cache, use: adb shell run-as com.android.chrome rm -rf /cache/* (Replace com.android.chrome with the desired application package).

💡

Cleaning through ADB is the most powerful method, but it requires caution. The wrong command can delete important system files. Always check the syntax and don't use commands that you don't understand.

Comparison of Cache Cleaning Methods: What to Choose

Each method has its pros and cons, and in the table below we compare the effectiveness, complexity and risks of different methods:

For most users, a combination of auto-cleaning in Security + manually clearing the cache of heavy applications (for example, social networks or instant messengers) every 1-2 weeks is enough. If the phone is older than 2-3 years (Redmi 7, Mi 9), it is recommended to clean the system cache through Recovery every 3-6 months.

Important: On models with a Qualcomm chipset (for example, POCO X3 Pro, Redmi Note 11 Pro+), cache accumulates faster than on devices with MediaTek processors (Redmi 10C, POCO M4 Pro), this is due to the features of the Snapdragon architecture, which uses buffer memory more actively.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many users make the same mistakes when cleaning the cache, which leads to even more problems.

Error 1: Clearing data instead of cache

There are two buttons in the app menu: Clear cache and Clear data. The second one deletes ALL program settings, including logins, saves and uploaded files. For example, if you clear data on WhatsApp, you lose all correspondence. Always click on Clear cache if you are not sure of the consequences.

Mistake 2: Excessive cleaning

Cache is not just there, it speeds up applications, and if you clean it every day, it will take longer to load, and the phone will warm up more (because the processor will have to reprocess data).

• 📱 For social networks and messengers - once in a while 1-2 weekdays.
• 🎮 For games, once a month (a game cache often weighs several gigabytes, but cleaning it increases the loading time of levels).
• 🖥️ System cache, once in a while 3-6 months.

Mistake 3: Ignoring MIUI Updates

Newer versions of MIUI (e.g. MIUI 15) optimize memory management algorithms. If you don't update the system, the old caching mechanisms may not work properly, causing memory overflow. Always install the latest updates through Settings → System Update.

Mistake 4: Using Play Market Cleaners

Applications like Clean Master or CCleaner often promise “magic cleanup” but in fact:

• 🚫 They delete not only cache, but also useful files, which leads to crashes.
• 🕵️ Many of them collect your data and show annoying ads.
• 💰 Paid functions are often useless – all the same can be done with built-in tools. MIUI.

The exception is the official Mi Security app, which is already pre-installed on Xiaomi.

Error 5: Cleaning the cache of system applications

Some system programs (e.g. Mi Account, Google Play Services, Mi Share) are critical to the phone, and it's best not to touch their cache unless there's a serious problem, and signs that you've deleted something important:

• 🔄 The phone is constantly rebooting.
• 📱 No gestures or buttons are working.
• 🔒 Cannot login to Xiaomi or Google account.

If that happens, try restarting your phone. If it doesn't work, reset it with Recovery Mode (but it will delete all the data!).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions