How to Clean Cache on Xiaomi Redmi 4X: A Complete Guide with Pictures and Warnings

The Xiaomi Redmi 4X is one of the most popular budget smartphones of 2017, but even it is slowly starting to slow down.The main reason is a crowded cache that takes up precious space in memory and slows down the system. Unlike the new models with MIUI 14, on the Redmi 4X (with MIUI 8/9), cache clearing has its nuances, from hidden menus to the risk of deleting important data if you do something careless.

This article will not only list the cleaning methods, but also explain which cache can be removed without consequences and which should not be touched, we will analyze the methods from the safest (through settings) to the radical (through Recovery), and also show how to automate the process with third-party utilities. We will focus on the unique problem of Redmi. 4X: After cleaning the cache through Recovery, some users lose access to the Mi Account if they do not untie the device in advance.

1.What is cache and why should it be cleaned on Redmi 4X

Cache is a temporary file that creates applications and a system to speed things up. On Redmi 4X, with its modest 16/32 GB of storage, the cache can take up to 3-5 GB, which is critical for users installing many applications.

• 📱 App cache: photos in instant messengers, video thumbnails, game data. You can delete without risk, but applications will load longer when you first run.
• 🖥️ System cache: update files, error logs, data MIUI. Cleaning can eliminate lags, but sometimes leads to failures (for example, the theme of the design disappears).
• 🔄 Dalvik cache: optimized code for fast application operation, only deleted via Recovery and restored automatically.

On Redmi 4X, cache is particularly fast accumulating due to two factors: 1) An outdated version of Android 6.0/7.1 (depending on the firmware) is less efficient at managing memory. 2) The built-in MIUI software actively caches data for acceleration, but does not always delete it correctly.

⚠️ Warning: If the app starts to behave unstable after cleaning the cache (for example, WhatsApp does not show old chats), do not panic - this is temporary.

2. Method 1: Clear cache through MIUI settings (the safest)

This method does not require superuser rights and is suitable for beginners: it only removes the cache of user applications without affecting system files.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → All settings → Applications.
2. Slip on the tab All applications (or find the right one through search).
3. Select an app (like Facebook or Chrome).
4. Click Clear Cache (not to be confused with Clear Data!).

For mass cleaning:

1. In the same menu of the Applications, tap on three dots in the upper right corner.
2. Select Sort by size → Clear the cache.

Close all apps (especially instant messengers and games)

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

Check the memory space (less than 500MB is a reason to clean)

Backup important data (in case of an error)-->

This method removes up to 1-2 GB of garbage, but does not affect the system cache.

3. Method 2: Using the built-in utility "Cleaning"

MIUI on Redmi 4X has a hidden utility to optimize the system, which removes not only the cache, but also residual files, duplicate photos.

How to start:

1. Open Security (Icon with Shield)
2. Choose a cleanup (or acceleration in some firmware).
3. Press Deep Cleaning → Start Cleaning.
4. Confirm the removal of cache and debris.

⚠️ Note: If the utility offers to clean APK-They're application installers, and deleting them can break the software.

4. Method 3: Clearing the cache through Recovery (for experienced)

This method removes all types of cache, including system and Dalvik, but requires caution. Redmi 4X has two types of Recovery: Stock Recovery (standard) - limited features. TWRP (custom) - advanced features, but you need to install separately.

Instructions for Stock Recovery:

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 and restart.

What's removed:

• 🗑️ Cache all the apps.
• 🖥️ System cache MIUI
• 🔄 Dalvik cache (restores automatically)

Warning: After cleaning through Recovery Redmi 4X may require you to enter a password from your Mi Account, even if you haven't used it.

5. Method 4: Third-party applications for automatic cleaning

If manual methods seem complicated, you can use utilities from Google Play. For Redmi 4X, you can use:

• 🧹 SD Maid removes cache, duplicates and residual files. CorpseFinder is a feature for finding garbage from remote applications.
• 🚀 CCleaner is a simple interface, but less effective for deep cleaning.
• 🔍 Files by Google – a free tool from Google with the function of cleaning cache and memory analysis.

How to use SD Maid:

1. Install the application and grant access rights to memory.
2. Run Clean → select Cash and System Files.
3. Press Launch and wait until it is completed.

💡

Before using third-party cleaners, disable autosynchronization of Mi Cloud (Settings → Accounts → Mi Cloud).This will prevent conflicts when you delete the cache of system applications.

Cons of third-party utilities: 1) Can delete the desired files (for example, save games). 2 Some functions are paid (c) SD Maid complete cleaning is worth it ~200₽). 3) Risk of installing malware (download only from the official store!).

6. Method 5: Radical cleaning - reset to factory settings

If nothing works, and the Redmi 4X brakes so that it can’t work, the last chance is Hard Reset.It deletes all data, including apps, photos and settings, but returns the phone to a “clean” state.

How to reset:

1. Create a backup (via Settings → Additional → Backup).
2. Open Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset.
3. Select Resetting → Delete all data.
4. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot (it will take 5-10 minutes).

⚠️ Attention: After the Redmi reset 4X If you forget your password, unlocking it will take up to 72 hours (by Xiaomi rules).

What to do after the discharge:

• 🔄 Restore data from backup (if you did).
• 📱 Don’t install all apps at once – it will clog up the cache again.
• 🔒 Turn off auto-update apps on Google Play.

💡

Factory reset is a last resort. Try all the other ways to clean the cache before you do that. If the phone is stable but slow, regular cleaning through Settings or SD Maid is enough.

7.How to prevent fast cache filling on Redmi 4X

To avoid cleaning the cache every week, follow these tips:

• 📴 Limit background activity: Open Settings → Battery → Power management and disable auto-run of unnecessary apps.
• 📷 Set up the camera: At Redmi 4X The default photos are saved in high resolution. Reduce the quality to 12 MP (Camera settings) → Permission).
• 🔄 Update the firmware: The latest versions MIUI 9 for Redmi 4X optimize memory management. Check for updates in Settings → The phone.
• 🚫 Avoid cleaners in the boot: Apps like Clean Master consume resources and cache data.

Another effective trick is to transfer applications to SD-map:

1. Insert a memory card (preferably class 10).
2. Open Settings → Applications, select the desired one.
3. Press Warehouse. → Change. → SD-map.

This does not clear the cache, but frees up internal memory, which reduces the load on the system.

8. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

When cleaning the cache on Redmi 4X, users often make these mistakes:

If after cleaning the cache Redmi 4X began to work worse (for example, slows down animation), try:

1. Reboot the phone.
2. Disable animation in Settings → Additional → For developers (enable developer mode by clicking 7 times on the MIUI version).
3. Install an alternative launcher (e.g., Nova Launcher).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions