How to Clear Cache on Xiaomi: A Complete Guide to MIUI 12, 13 and 14

Xiaomi’s cache is a temporary file that creates applications that work quickly, accumulates over time, takes up precious memory space, and can slow down your device, and if your Redmi, POCO, or Mi slows down, overheats, or makes a “Not enough memory” error, it’s likely that the cache is the problem.

In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of cleaning cache on Xiaomi, from standard MIUI tools to hidden functions and third-party utilities. You will learn how to correctly delete temporary files without risking data, which applications are most clogged memory, and what to do if the cache is not cleared. Instructions are suitable for all modern models: Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12/11, POCO F5/X5 and others on MIUI 12-14.

Why you should clean the cache on Xiaomi

Cache is not just garbage, it's used to speed up the loading of the data that we use most of the time: images in messengers, web pages in the browser, maps in the navigator, but when these files become too many, there are problems:

• 📉 Slowdown – the phone starts to “hang” when opening apps or switching between them.
• 🔋 Fast battery discharge – the system spends resources on processing unnecessary temporary files.
• 🚨 Errors and crashes – apps can be painted or give messages like “Google Play Services app has stopped".
• 📱 Overheating of the device - especially noticeable on budget models (Redmi) 9A, POCO M3).

On Xiaomi devices, the cache takes an average of 1-3 GB, but on some phones (for example, after a year of use), its volume can reach 5-7 GB. At the same time, the system does not always correctly calculate its size - 500 MB can be displayed in the settings, and the cache actually takes 2-3 times more.

⚠️ Note: Do not confuse the app cache with the Dalvik cache (Android system cache). its cleaning requires superuser rights (root) and can lead to unstable operation of the phone.

Method 1: Clearing the cache through MIUI settings

The easiest and safest method is to use built-in tools. MIUI. It is suitable for all Xiaomi models, including the Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3 Pro and Mi 11 Lite. Instructions are relevant for MIUI 12–14.

Steps:

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Go to the Appendix section → Application management.
3. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Sort by size.
4. In the list, find applications with a large amount of cache (usually Google Chrome, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube).
5. Slip on the desired application → Storage → Clear the cache.

For mass cleaning:

1. In the same section, App Management, click on the filter (funnel icon).
2. Select Cache Size.
3. Check the unneeded apps and click Clear the cache.

Close all active applications

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

Backup important data (in case of failure)

Check the space in the memory (should be at least 1 GB)-->

Advantages of the method: does not require root rights, is safe for data, works without the Internet.

Disadvantages: Does not clear the system cache, some applications (such as Mi Video) can recover the cache after a reboot.

Method 2: Use of the Optimization Tool

MIUI has a built-in garbage cleanup tool called Optimization (formerly called Security) that removes not only cache, but also residual files, duplicates and unnecessary data.

How to use:

1. Open the Optimization app (the shield icon on the desktop).
2. Press Check (button in the center of the screen).
3. Wait for the scan to be completed (usually 10–30 seconds).
4. Click Clean next to Garbage Files or Cash.
5. Confirm the action if necessary.

Important: Do not delete files in the Big Files section without checking – your videos, backups, or uploaded documents may be there.

💡

If the app is slower after cleaning the cache (for example, Instagram or Google Maps), just restart it – the cache will recover automatically the next time you use it.

Method 3: Cleaning the cache with Recovery Mode

If the phone is slowing down or not responding to commands, you can clear the cache through Recovery Mode.This method only resets the partition cache (not the user's data), but requires caution.

Instructions:

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 appears.
3. From the Recovery menu, select the language (usually English or Chinese).
4. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for confirmation.
5. Choose Wipe & Reset → Wipe Cache.
6. Confirm the action and wait until the completion (1-2 minutes).
7. Reboot the phone (Reboot) → Reboot to System).

⚠️ Warning: Don't confuse Wipe Cache with Wipe Data! The second option will delete all your data, including photos, contacts and apps.

This method is useful if:

• 📱 The phone hangs on the Mi logo when turned on.
• 🔄 After updating MIUI glitched.
• 🚫 Apps are stained even after a routine cache cleaning.

Method 4: Third-party applications for cleaning the cache

If the built-in MIUI tools fail, you can use third-party utilities that offer deeper cleaning and additional features, such as removing duplicates or optimizing autoboots.

Top.-3 Proven applications for Xiaomi:

• 🧹 CCleaner – a classic cleaner with support MIUI. Can delete cache, residual files and manage autorun.
• 🔍 Files by Google is Google’s official app, showing which files take up the most space and offering safe cleaning options.
• 🚀 SD Maid is an advanced utility for power users, finds garbage even in system folders (requires root for full functionality).

How to use CCleaner:

1. Download the app from Google Play.
2. Open it and press Quick Cleanup.
3. Select Cash and other file types to delete.
4. Click Clean and confirm the action.

Warning: Some "optimizers" (e.g. Clean Master or DU Speed Booster) may display false virus warnings or clog your phone with ads.

Method 5: Clearing the cache of Google Play Services and other system applications

System applications like Google Play Services, Mi Account or Services & Feedback also accumulate cache, but they cannot be cleaned by standard methods. ADB (Android Debug Bridge).

Instructions:

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version. Go back to Settings → Additional → Developer. Activate USB Debugging.

ADB-driver

Open the command line (Windows) or the terminal (Mac/Linux) and type:

adb shell pm clear com.google.android.gms

This command will clear the cache of Google Play Services. For other system applications, use their batch names (e.g., com.xiaomi.account for Mi Account).

⚠️ Note: Do not clear the cache of apps named com.android. or com.qualcomm. – this can lead to unstable phone performance.

List of safe for cleaning system applications:

• 📱 com.google.android.gms — Google Play Services
• 📧 com.google.android.gm — Gmail
• 🎵 com.google.android.music - Google Play Music
• 📺 com.xiaomi.mitv.tvhome — Mi TV (if you don't use)

How often should you clean the cache on Xiaomi?

The cleaning frequency depends on how you use your phone:

• 📱 Active users (many apps, games, social networks) – every 1-2 weeks.
• 📵 Average load (messengers, calls, photos) – once a month.
• 🏠 Minimum use (calls only, SMS) — once-in-a-half-month.

Signs that it is time to clean the cache:

• 🐢 The phone is noticeably slowed when opening applications.
• 🔥 The battery goes down faster than usual (by 15-20%).
• 📲 Applications give out errors such as "Lack of memory".
• 🌡️ The phone is overheating for no apparent reason.

Important: After cleaning the cache, some apps (like Instagram or TikTok) will take longer to load on the first run — that's normal. After 1-2 use, the speed will return to normal.

💡

Regularly cleaning the cache (once a month) prolongs battery life and reduces processor heat, especially on Xiaomi’s budget models.

What to do if the cache is not cleared

Sometimes the cache is not removed by standard methods, and let's look at the typical problems and solutions.

If none of these methods worked, try:

1. Update MIUI to the latest version (sometimes cache bugs are fixed in patches).
2. Reset to factory settings (Settings → About Phone → Resetting), but back up first!
3. Contact the Xiaomi service center – the problem may be in damaged memory.

FAQ: Frequent questions about cleaning up cache on Xiaomi