Xiaomi smartphones are famous for their performance and functionality of the MIUI shell, but over time, even the most powerful devices start to work slower. The main reason for this behavior is often crowded RAM and internal memory, clogged with temporary files. This data is accumulated during the use of applications, browser and system processes, creating an invisible “junk” that slows down the gadget.
Cache cleanup is a safe and effective procedure that returns the device to its original abruptness without losing personal photos or contacts. Unlike a full reset, deleting temporary files does not affect your settings or accounts. However, it is important to understand the difference between app cache and important system data so as not to harm the stability of the Android operating system.
In this article, we’ll look at all the cleaning options available, from built-in Security tools to advanced methods through an engineering menu. You’ll learn which folders you can manually delete and which you shouldn’t touch. Proper memory maintenance extends the life of your smartphone and ensures smooth interface operation.
What is cache and why you should clean it on Xiaomi
Cache is a buffer memory where apps store frequently used data for quick downloads, such as Instagram or Telegram, which stores images viewed so that when you reopen the chat, they appear instantly. Over time, these files can reach several gigabytes, taking up precious space in internal storage.
When the cache volume becomes too large, it becomes more difficult for the system to manage resources, leading to delays in switching between windows, long running of programs, and even unexpected closures of background processes, and regular cleaning helps to free up space and reduce the load on the processor.
⚠️ Warning: Don't fanatically delete cache every hour. Android optimizes itself, and completely deleting all temporary files can cause apps to load longer on their first run after cleaning up.
The MIUI shell is a feature of aggressive background processes that also generate logs and temporary error reports, which can significantly affect the response rate of the touchscreen, and understanding how memory works allows the user to keep the device in perfect condition for years.
Cleaning the cache through the standard Security app
The easiest and safest way to free up space is to use the built-in Security tool, which is preinstalled on all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones. This tool scans the device for junk files, remnants of remote programs and duplicates.
To get started, look for a green shield icon on your desktop and launch the app. Click the Cleaner button at the top of the screen. The system will automatically analyze and suggest removing the debris found. This action is safe and will not affect your personal media files.
☑️ Checking before cleaning
After the initial cleanup, you can go to the Memory Management (or Deep Clean) section, where you can customize the scan settings in more detail, and you can choose which types of files to analyze: large files, rarely used applications or APK installation packages.
It's important to note that a standard cleaner sometimes labels the cache of maps or navigation as "junk." If you're planning a trip without the Internet, it's better not to delete that data so that the maps work correctly. Selective cleaning gives a better result than mass removal of everything in a row.
Removing the cache of individual applications through settings
Sometimes the problem is not with the system, but with a particular application that has become inflated into obscene size. Social networks and instant messengers often take up more space than the operating system itself.
Go to Settings → Apps → All apps. Find a program you want, like YouTube or Viber. From the menu that opens, select Memory (or Storage) and you will see two buttons: Clear cache and Clear everything.
| Type of cleaning | What's removed | Impact on the account |
|---|---|---|
| Clear the cache | Temporary files, pictures, scripts | No (remain in the system) |
| Clear it all up. | Cache + login data + settings | Yes (re-entry required) |
| Delete the appendix | Complete removal of the program | Yes (the program will be gone) |
Use the Clear Cache button if the app is working normally but takes up a lot of space, and if the program is bugging, crashing or not loading content, the Clear Everything button will help. Beware: the second option will reset the app to the “just installed” state, and you will have to re-enter logins and passwords.
⚠️ Note: When you clean up messenger data (WhatsApp, Telegram) without prior backup, you may lose your correspondence history if it is not synced with the cloud!
For system applications like the Google Play Store or Google Play Services, cache clearing often solves issues with downloading updates or authorization errors.This is a standard troubleshooting procedure that Android developers themselves recommend.
Cleaning system cache and Dalvik Cache
Deeper cleaning involves working with the system cache, which includes Dalvik Cache (or ART Cache), a memory area where optimized versions of applications are stored for quick start-up, and cleaning this section is useful after a major firmware update to MIUI or if system errors occur.
To do this, you'll need access to Recovery mode. Turn off your smartphone completely. Then press the button combination: Volume Up + Power. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, then release the power button, continuing to hold the volume until the Recovery menu appears.
What happens if Recovery does not open?
In the Recovery menu, you can control the volume buttons (up/down), and the power button confirms the choice. Find Wipe Cache (not to be confused with Wipe Data!). Confirm the action. It will take a few seconds.
Once completed, select Reboot → Reboot to System. The first download after this cleaning can last longer than usual — it's normal, the system reassembles the cache of applications. Do not interrupt the on-line process, even if the phone is long hanging on the logo.
Manual cleaning through Conductor and storage analysis
For advanced users, manual cleaning is available through built-in Explorer. Often, after deleting applications, there are empty folders or logs that can be safely deleted. Open the Files app and go to the root of internal memory.
Look at the folders with the names of remote applications. Also, a lot of space is occupied by folders MIUI, Android, DCIM (photo), Download (download). Inside the folder Android → data you can find a cache of heavy games and applications, but act carefully.
- 📂 Download folder: here are often forgotten installers and documents that can be safely deleted.
- 📂 folder DCIM/.thumbnails: A hidden folder with thumbnails of photos that can grow to gigabytes.
- 📂 Bluetooth folder: all files obtained through bluetooth are stored here and often not needed.
Use the file size sorting function to quickly find heavyweights. The Files app has a built-in analyzer that shows a memory fullness diagram, which helps you visually determine what is eating up the space.
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Use the Hidden Files feature in Explorer settings to see folders starting from a dot (e.g..thumbnails). 1-2 GB space.
Using ADB for deep cleaning of the system
The most powerful tool for cleaning is debugging. USB (ADB). It allows you to remove system debris that is not accessible to the average user, USB-cable and installed drivers ADB.
First, turn on the developer mode on your phone: go to Settings → About Phone and 7 times click on the MIUI Version. Then in Additional → For developers, turn on USB Debugging.
Connect your phone to your PC and enter a command in the command line to clear the packet cache:
adb shell pm trim-caches 99999999999This command forces the system to delete the cache of all applications if the free space is less than the specified value (in this case, we have specified a huge number to clear everything), this is a secure command that does not require root rights, but it requires confirmation on the smartphone screen.
⚠️ Attention: Working with ADB Input incorrect commands, especially those related to deletion (rm) -rf), This can cause the system to fail. Use only verified commands to clean the cache.
The use of ADB commands is particularly effective on older Xiaomi models, where standard methods no longer yield tangible performance gains.
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The trim-caches command via ADB is one of the most effective ways to free up space without data loss, recommended by the Android developers themselves for system maintenance.