Xiaomi and Redmi smartphone owners often face a situation where once-wieldy devices start to work slower and memory space disappears rapidly. The main reason for this behavior is the accumulation of temporary files that are stored by applications for fast content loading. This data is useful in the short term, but over time turns into digital garbage, which slows down the operation of the operating system.
Cache cleaning is a safe and effective procedure to return your gadget to its former performance without losing personal photos or contacts. Unlike a complete reset, deleting temporary files does not affect your basic information, but can solve a variety of software failures. Next, we will discuss all available optimization methods, from standard MIUI tools to advanced settings for power users.
What is cache and why you need to clean it
Cache is a buffer memory area where applications store temporary data to speed up re-access. For example, the browser saves copies of visited pages and images so that they load instantly the next time a site is opened. Social networks, messengers and marketplaces also actively use this mechanism, saving photo thumbnails, avatars and interface elements.
The problem arises when the size of such files becomes too large or the data is corrupted, in which case the system spends resources on processing incorrect records, which leads to freezes. Regular cleaning of the cache helps to free up internal storage and eliminates errors caused by conflicts of old versions of files.
You need to understand the difference between the cache and the application data, and if you delete the data, it will go back to its original state, like when you install it, and you have to re-enter the logins, and deleting the cache only erases temporary files, leaving your settings and accounts intact, and it's a safe procedure that you can do regularly.
⚠️ Cache cleaning can temporarily slow down the loading of your favorite sites on the first visit after the procedure, as images will have to be reloaded.
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Cache speeds up applications, but overflowing leads to brakes and errors, so periodic cleaning is necessary for the stability of the system.
Use of the Standard Security Application
The easiest and most affordable way to clean up temporary files on Xiaomi smartphones is to use the built-in system tool. The MIUI or HyperOS shell already contains an optimized garbage-search algorithm that does not require installing third-party software.
To get started, look for an app on your desktop or in the Tools folder called Security and a shield icon. Launch it and click on a large green Cleanup or Speed button. The system will automatically scan the device and suggest removing the debris found, which often takes hundreds of megabytes.
After the initial check, click on Cleanup to delete temporary files. If you want to do a deeper check, select the “Bulk Cleanup” option in the bottom menu, where the system will show not only the app cache, but also the remnants of deleted programs, advertising files and unnecessary APK installation packages.
☑️ Systemic means verification
It is important to note that the built-in scanner can sometimes be too aggressive or, conversely, skip some hidden files. Therefore, for a comprehensive cleaning, it is recommended to combine this method with manual verification of specific applications, which will be discussed below.
Manual cache cleaning for individual applications
If a particular program, like YouTube, Telegram or Instagram, is not working properly or takes up a suspiciously large amount of space, it is better to clean its cache individually, which allows you to pinpoint the problem areas without affecting the rest of the system, this approach is especially effective at eliminating startup errors.
To get to the menu you want, go to your smartphone’s Settings and find the Apps section. Select All Apps to see the full list of installed software. Find the program you want in the list and click on it to open the management page.
In the menu that opens, select Memory or Storage, and you'll see two main buttons: Clear and Delete. You'll need a Clear button that will only reset temporary files, and be careful not to confuse it with an delete button that will erase the program completely.
⚠️ Note: Do not click the “Clear All” or “Reset” button unless you want to lose saved logins, settings and correspondence history in a particular application.
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The cache of messengers like WhatsApp or Telegram can reach several gigabytes, so check them first if you don’t have enough memory.
Once the cleanup is done, the system will report the vacated space, and it is recommended that the device restarts so that the changes become final and the background processes are updated, which helps to eliminate residual errors that may have occurred during the program operation.
Cleaning the cache through recovery mode (Recovery Mode)
For deeper cleaning, which affects system temporary files, you can use the recovery mode. This method is suitable if the phone is unstable, often restarts or standard methods do not work.
Turn off the smartphone completely. Then press the volume button and the power button at the same time. Hold them until the Mi or Redmi logo appears, then release the power button, continuing to keep the volume up until the Recovery menu appears. Navigate with the volume buttons and select with the power button.
From the menu, select Wipe Data and then Wipe Cache. Note that some firmware versions may simply call this item Clear Cache. Don't confuse it with Wipe All Data, which will completely delete all your files and return the phone to factory settings.
The sequence of actions in Recovery:
1. Turn off the device.
2. Clutch Volume Up + Power.
3. Select Wipe Data -> Wipe Cache.
4. Confirm action and restart.This method cleans the Dalvik Cache system partition, which contains optimized files to run applications, and after this cleaning, the first boot of the system may take longer than usual, as the phone will have to recompile the necessary files.
Automatic cleaning and configuration of extensions
Modern versions of the MIUI and HyperOS have an automatic cleaning feature that can be configured for regular maintenance, which eliminates the need for constant monitoring of memory occupancy manually.
Go to the Safety app, click on the three dots in the top right corner, and select Settings. Find the Cleanup section and activate Auto Cleanup. You can adjust the frequency of the check: daily, every three days, or weekly.
You can also set the cache size when it reaches the point where it will prompt cleaning, which is a useful feature for devices with a small amount of internal memory, and set a limit of, say, 500MB so that the phone itself signals the need to clean.
Don't rely on automated tools alone. Periodically check your settings manually, as some applications can accumulate specific files that a standard scanner doesn't recognize as garbage. The combination of automation and manual control gives the best result.
Comparison of cache cleaning methods
The choice of cleaning method depends on your goals and the current situation with the device. Below is a table that will help you decide which method to use in a particular case. Each method has its advantages and limitations, which are important to consider.
| Method | Difficulty | Depth of cleaning | Risk of data loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security Annex | Low. | Surface. | Absent. |
| Manual cleaning of applications | Medium | Point-point | Minimum |
| Recovery mode | Tall. | Systemic | Medium. |
| Third-party utilities | Medium | Deep. | Depends on the rights. |
Using third-party utilities like CCleaner or Files by Google is also possible, but requires caution: They can request broad permissions, which is not always secure from a privacy perspective. Xiaomi's standard tools are usually sufficient for everyday tasks.
⚠️ Avoid installing dubious “accelerators” from unknown sources, as they themselves may contain advertising and malicious code that slows down the work.