Cache Cleanup on Xiaomi Redmi 7A: A Complete Beginnerโ€™s Guide

Your Xiaomi Redmi 7A is slowing down, apps are slow to open and memory is running out of steam? Most often it's cache clogged -- temporary files that the system and programs accumulate as they work -- cache is needed to speed up the re-launch of applications, but over time it turns into digital garbage, taking up gigabytes of memory and slowing down the smartphone.

In this article, you will find 5 proven ways to clean up the Redmi 7A cache, from standard MIUI tools to hidden features for power users, which cache can be deleted without risk, and which should not be touched, so as not to reset important data, and you will learn how to automate the process and prevent re-clogging of memory.

All instructions are adapted to MIUI 10/11/12 (depending on the firmware version of your Redmi 7A) and do not require root rights.If you have never cleaned a cache before, donโ€™t worry: we have explained each step in as much detail as possible, with pictures and warnings about possible errors.

What is cache and why you should clean it on Xiaomi Redmi 7A

Cache is a temporary file that creates Android, apps, and even browsers.

  • ๐Ÿš€ Upload speeds: For example, pictures on Instagram or VK are saved in cache so as not to load again every time you open.
  • โš™๏ธ Optimization: Games store textures and levels in cache so they donโ€™t load them from the server.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Traffic savings: Reusable data (such as friend avatars) is taken from cache rather than downloaded again.

But over time, the cache grows to several gigabytes and begins to harm:

  • ๐Ÿข Slows down the smartphone: the system spends resources on processing unnecessary files.
  • ๐Ÿ“‰ Occupying memory: on Redmi 7A s 16/32 GB is critical - cache can "eat" before 30% free-space.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Failures: corrupted cache files can lead to application crashes.

On Xiaomi Redmi 7A, the cache is divided into three types:

Cache typeWhere it's storedCan I remove it?Effects of cleaning
Cash app./data/data/packet name/cacheโœ… Yes.Applications will be loaded longer at first run after cleaning
System cache (Dalvik)/cacheโš ๏ธ Only through Recovery.It can speed up the system, but requires a reboot.
Cash browsersIn Chrome, MI Browser, etc. settings.โœ… Yes.Websites will be loaded longer, but space will be freed up
Cash Google Play Services/data/data/com.google.android.gmsโš ๏ธ Careful.It could disrupt Googleโ€™s services.

โš ๏ธ Warning: Don't confuse cache with application data! Cache cleaning is safe and data deletion (c Settings) โ†’ Annexes โ†’ Warehouse โ†’ Clear the data) will reset all settings and accounts in the program.

๐Ÿ“Š How often do you clean your Xiaomi cache?
Once a week.
Once a month
Only when the phone is slowing down.
Never cleaned.

Method 1: Clearing the cache of individual applications through MIUI settings

The easiest and safest method is to remove the cache for specific programs, which does not affect system files and does not require rebooting, but is suitable if you slow down one or two applications (for example, Facebook or Tinder).

Instructions:

  1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
  2. Go to the Appendix section โ†’ Application management.
  3. Select the app you want (like YouTube or WhatsApp).
  4. Press Warehouse.
  5. Tap Clear Cache (not to be confused with Clear Data!).

For convenience, sort the applications by cache size:

  • ๐Ÿ“Š In the Application Management section, click on three dots in the upper right corner.
  • ๐Ÿ” Select Sort. โ†’ By size.
  • ๐Ÿ—‘๏ธ Remove the cache from the programs that occupy the most space (usually social networks, instant messengers and games).

Close the application, the cache of which you will clean

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

Check if there are any important unsaved data in the app

Remember the username/password if the application requires authorization-->

โš ๏ธ Note: Do not clear the cache for Google Play Services, MIUI System and Android System WebView are not absolutely necessary.This can lead to malfunctions in the smartphone.

If after cleaning the application began to work worse (for example, a long time loading content), just restart it - the cache will recover automatically the next time you use it.

Method 2: Mass cleaning the cache of all applications

If you're too lazy to clean the cache for each application individually, MIUI has a mass-cleaning feature that deletes temporary files from all user programs except system ones.

How to do this:

  1. Open the Settings โ†’ Storage.
  2. Wait for the system to analyze the occupied space (it can take 10โ€“30 seconds).
  3. Click on the Cache Data bar (usually takes 500MB to severalGB).
  4. In the window that appears, tap Clean.
  5. Confirm the action by pressing OK.

This method shall not affect:

  • ๐Ÿ“ System cache (/cache).
  • ๐Ÿ”’ Application cache with administrator rights.
  • ๐ŸŒ Browser cache (it must be cleaned separately).

After mass cleaning:

  • โœ… 1-3 GB of memory is free (depending on the number of installed applications).
  • โš ๏ธ The first launches of programs will be longer than usual (cache will be restored).
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Short-term lags are possible within 5-10 minutes after cleaning.

๐Ÿ’ก

If the phone is slowing down after the cache is cleaned, restart it, which will help the system reassemble the optimized Dalvik cache files.

Method 3: Clean Dalvik cache and system debris through Recovery

This method is suitable for power users because it requires you to enter Recovery mode.

  • ๐Ÿ—ƒ๏ธ Dalvik cache โ€“ optimized files to speed up the application (reassembled automatically).
  • ๐Ÿงน System cache in the section /cache (temporary update files and logs).

Important: This method does not delete user data, but it can reset some system settings (e.g., regional settings).

Instructions:

  1. Turn off Redmi 7A.
  2. Press the Volume Up + Power buttons at the same time and hold for 5-10 seconds until the MI logo appears.
  3. Release the buttons โ€“ you will be taken to the Recovery menu (management is carried out by the volume and power buttons).
  4. Select Wipe & Reset (on some versions, Wipe Cache).
  5. Then, select the Wipe Cache Partition.
  6. Confirm the action by selecting Yes.
  7. Once youโ€™re done, go back to the main menu and select Reboot โ†’ Reboot to System.

What happens after cleaning:

  • โœ… The system will work smoother (especially noticeable on โ€œclutteredโ€ phones).
  • โณ The first load after cleaning will take 1-2 minutes longer than usual.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Some settings (such as live wallpaper or fonts) may reset.

โš ๏ธ Note: Do not confuse Wipe Cache Partition with Wipe Data/Factory Reset! The second option will completely reset the phone to factory settings, deleting all your data.

What happens if Recovery does not open?
If after pressing Volume up + Power, the phone just turns on in normal mode, try: 1. Connect the phone to charge and try again. 2. Use the combination Volume up + Volume down + Power. 3. If you have custom Recovery (TWRP), the order of action may differ. 4. On some MIUI firmwares, you need to first pinch Volume up + Power, and after the appearance of the MI logo release the power button, continuing to hold the volume.

Method 4: Automatically clean the cache with built-in MIUI tools

MIUI has a built-in Security utility that can automatically clean the cache and optimize the system, a method that is suitable for those who do not want to manually monitor memory.

How to set up automatic cleaning:

  1. Open the Security app (the shield icon on the desktop).
  2. Go to the Cleaner tab (or Cleaner in English).
  3. Press Deep Clean (Deep Clean)
  4. Select the application cache and other unnecessary files (such as Residual Files or Large Files).
  5. Press Clear (Clean).
  6. For automatic cleaning, enable the option Auto Clean in the utility settings.

Advantages of this method:

  • ๐Ÿค– Automation: You can set up cleaning on schedule (for example, once a week).
  • ๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Security: The utility does not delete critical files.
  • ๐Ÿ“Š Analytics: Shows which apps are the most memory clogged.

Disadvantages:

  • โŒ Does not clear the system cache (only user data).
  • โŒ May miss the cache of some system applications (e.g. Google Play Services).

For maximum effect, combine this method with manual cleaning (Method 1 or 2).

๐Ÿ’ก

The built-in Security utility in MIUI only removes secure temporary files, but does not replace a full cleanup through Recovery.

Method 5: Cleaning browser cache and Google Play Services

Browsers (Chrome, MI Browser, Firefox) and Google Play Services accumulate gigabytes of cache that is not removed by standard methods.

For browsers:

  1. Open a browser (such as Chrome).
  2. Go to the menu (three dots in the upper right corner) โ†’ History โ†’ Clear the data.
  3. Select the period For all time.
  4. Check the boxes Cookies and site data and Cache images and files.
  5. Press Clear Data.

For Google Play Services:

  1. Open Settings โ†’ Applications โ†’ Application Management.
  2. Search for Google Play Services (use a search by name).
  3. Go to Warehouse โ†’ Space Management โ†’ Clear all data.
  4. Donโ€™t clean up the data, just cache, or Googleโ€™s services (like Play Market or Gmail) may stop working.

What happens after cleaning:

  • ๐ŸŒ Websites in the browser will load longer when you first open.
  • ๐Ÿ” Search history and saved passwords will not be deleted (they are stored in data, not in cache).
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Google Play Services may temporarily consume more battery (while recovering cache).

โš ๏ธ Warning: If Google Play Services stop working after clearing the cache, restart your phone. If the problem persists, check your internet connection and update Google Play Services via Play Market.

How to prevent cache clogging on Xiaomi Redmi 7A

Cleaning up the cache is a temporary solution. To prevent the Redmi 7A from slowing down again in a week, follow these tips:

1. Set up automatic cleaning:

  • ๐Ÿค– Enable Auto Cleanup in the Security app (see Method 4).
  • ๐Ÿ“… Set a schedule (for example, every Saturday at 3:00 a.m).

2. Limit cache for individual applications:

  • ๐ŸŽฎ For games: in Settings โ†’ Annexes โ†’ Game. โ†’ Storage limit cache to 500MB.
  • ๐Ÿ“ท For social networks: in the settings of Facebook or Instagram, turn off the preloading video.

3. Use light alternatives:

  • ๐ŸŒ Instead of Chrome, install Brave or Firefox Lite โ€“ they consume less memory.
  • ๐Ÿ’ฌ Instead of WhatsApp, try Telegram X (optimized for weak smartphones).

4. Check the storage facility regularly:

  • ๐Ÿ“Š Open the settings once a month โ†’ The storage room and see what takes up the most space.
  • ๐Ÿ—‘๏ธ Delete unnecessary files in the Files section โ†’ Multimedia (screenshots, memes, old photos).

5. Update the firmware:

  • ๐Ÿ”„ In the new versions MIUI optimized cache mechanism. Check the updates in Settings โ†’ The phone. โ†’ Updating the system.

If even after cleaning the cache, Redmi 7A is slow, consider other optimization options:

  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Replace the battery (a worn-out battery can cause lags).
  • ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Make a reset to factory settings (pre-save data!).
  • ๐Ÿ“ฅ Install custom firmware (like LineageOS) if youโ€™re an experienced user.

Frequent questions about cleaning the cache on Xiaomi Redmi 7A

โ“ Can I clean the cache every day?
โœ… Yes, but it's not practical. Cache is used to speed up applications, and its constant cleaning will lead to: Longer software loads, increased traffic consumption (data will be reloaded), rapid wear of flash memory (it has a limited number of write cycles). โœ… Optimal frequency: 1 time in 1-2 weeks or with a lack of memory.
โ“ Why after cleaning the cache, the phone began to brake even more?
This is temporary. Reasons: The system reassembles the Dalvik cache (it can take 5-15 minutes); applications reload data (for example, Facebook downloads profile photos). ๐Ÿ”น Solution: Reboot your phone. Wait 10-15 minutes without active action. If the lags are left, check the vacant storage space (maybe the memory is not cache-filled, but media-filled).
โ“ How to clear cache for system applications (e.g. Launcher)?
System applications (e.g, MIUI Launcher, System UI) They don't have a "Clear Cache" button in the standard menu. To clean them, turn on Developer Mode (Settings) โ†’ The phone. โ†’ Version. MIUI โ€” press 7 times. Go back to Settings. โ†’ Additionally. โ†’ Activate the option Do not save actions (this will turn off cache for some system processes). โš ๏ธ Warning: Not all system applications can be cleaned without consequences. MIUI The system can lead to failures in the shell.
โ“ What to do if the cache is not cleared (button is inactive)?
Possible causes and solutions: Problem Cash solution blocked by device administrator Disable application administrator rights in Settings โ†’ Passwords and security โ†’ Device administrators. App is currently running Close it through the Latest Apps (swipe up). Insufficient rights (e.g. for system applications) Use ADB or Recovery (see Method 3). File system error Reboot phone or check memory for errors through Security โ†’ Cleanup โ†’ Storage Check.
โ“ Can I clear the cache without losing data (photos, messages, contacts)?
โœ… Yeah, cache cleaning doesn't affect it: ๐Ÿ“ธ Photos and videos (they are stored in the /DCIM or /Pictures). ๐Ÿ’ฌ Messages in messengers (they are in these applications, not in the cache). ๐Ÿ“ž Contacts (synchronized with Google Account). โŒ But be careful: Some applications (like Viber) store miniatures of media files in cache. After cleaning, previews disappear, but the files themselves remain. In games, the cache may contain saves (like in Genshin Impact.