Cache Clearing on Xiaomi Mi 7: All the Ways for MIUI 12/14

Xiaomi Mi 7 is the legendary smartphone of 2018, which still remains relevant thanks to the powerful hardware and support for updates. However, over time, even this flagship begins to “brake” and the reason for this is a crowded cache. Unlike the new models, cleaning the cache on the Mi 7 requires a special approach: standard methods may not work due to the specifics of the MIUI firmware and the outdated version of Android.

In this article you will find 4 Proven methods of cleaning cache – from basic to advanced, including hidden settings MIUI We'll also look at why Mi is a team. 7 You can't clean the cache of the Security app through the standard menu (this causes sensor malfunctions), and we'll show you how to get around the restrictions without root rights. MIUI 12/14 Android-based 10/11.

Why Mi 7 is slowing down: cache vs junk files

Before cleaning the cache, it’s important to understand what exactly slows down your Xiaomi Mi 7. Cache are temporary files that speed up apps, but over time they:

• 📱 Fragmentation – Takes up more space than you need.
• 🔄 Conflicts – Older versions of cache interfere with new ones.
• 🚫 Block updates – some apps refuse to work without cleaning.

On the Mi 7, the problem is compounded by the system backing up to 1.5GB for the MIUI cache, which is not cleared by standard methods. For example, after updating the firmware through O TA, backups of up to 500MB are left in the /cache folder, which can only be removed manually.

The difference between cache and garbage:

⚠️ Attention: On Mi 7s MIUI 12+ Cleaning the com.miui.securitycenter cache through Settings → The application causes the msa (Mi Service Framework) service to crash, which disables push notifications and synchronize your Xiaomi account. Use alternative methods from Section 3.

Method 1: Standard cleaning through MIUI settings

The safest method, but it only clears the cache of user applications without affecting system files.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Sort by size.
3. Select an app (such as Facebook or Google Play Store) → Storage → Clear cache.
4. For mass cleaning: Settings → Memory → Cleanup → tick off unnecessary files.

Limitations of the method:

• 🚫 Does not clear the cache of system applications (e.g. com.android.systemui).
• 🚫 Does not remove Dalvik cache that takes up to 1GB on the Mi 7.
• 🚫 It doesn't touch the folder. /cache backup.

Clear the cache of user applications (YouTube, Chrome, etc.)

Delete downloaded files from the Download folder

Clean up your photo and video thumbnails (.thumbnails)

Delete temporary files from the folder /Android/data (like game cache)-->

Method 2: Hidden Menu of Engineering Settings (for MIUI 12/14)

The Xiaomi Mi 7 has a hidden deep cleaning menu that is not advertised in the official documentation, which allows you to remove the MIUI cache without root rights, but requires care.

How to open it:

1. Open the phone app.


2 Enter the code ##4636##




3. Select "Storage" (Storage).




4. Tap "Clear Cache" - this will delete temporary files of the system.

To clean the Dalvik cache (reboot required):

1 Enter the code ##7780##


2. Confirm the reset (this is NOT a factory reset, but only a Dalvik cache cleaner!).




3. After restarting the first 2-3 minutes of the phone will "brake" - this is normal (the system restores cache).

⚠️ Note: ##7780### on some firmware MIUI 14 can cause Wi-Fi and Bluetooth settings to reset. Before using, save the network passwords in a text file.

Method 3: Cleaning through ADB (for advanced users)

If standard methods don’t work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a debugging tool that allows you to remove the cache of system applications without root. This is especially true for the Mi 7, where many features are blocked.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original from Xiaomi).
• 📥 [ADB Tools](https://developer.android.com/studio/releases/platform-tools) (download and unpack).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (tap 7 times to turn on the developer mode).
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and type in the command line (from the folder with ADB):

adb devices


adb shell pm list packages -f | grep cache

This command will show all applications with a large cache. To clear the cache of a particular application (for example, com.google.android.gms), type:

adb shell pm clear com.google.android.gms

For mass cleaning of cache of all applications (except system):

adb shell "su -c 'find /data/data -name 'cache' -exec rm -rf {} +'"

1. Reinstall Xiaomi drivers (download from [official website](https://new.c.mi.com/global/miuidownload/index)).

2. Use a USB 2.0 port (USB 3.0 is sometimes in conflict with ADB).

3. Enable the option "Cancel debugging authorization" in the developer settings USB" reconnect the cable.-->

Method 4: Manually clean through file manager (with root rights)

If you have Magisk or another root manager installed, you can manually remove the cache that is not cleaned by standard methods, which is risky, but it has the maximum effect.

What folders can be cleaned:

How to clean:

1. Install a file manager with root support (such as Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer).
2. Go to the root directory (/) and find the folders from the table above.
3. Delete the contents of the folders (not the folders themselves!).
4. Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Note: Removing files from /data/dalvik-cache on Mi 7 s MIUI 14 This can lead to a reboot cycle if modified Magisk modules are installed in the system.

What if the Mi 7 cache is cleaned and it gets worse?

In rare cases, deep cache cleaning can cause the system to malfunction, and here are the typical problems and solutions:

Problem 1: Applications are constantly being rebooted.

• 🔄 Restart your phone – the system will recover critical cache files.
• 📥 Reinstall problem applications.

Problem 2: The theme or fonts are missing.

• 🎨 Go to Settings. → Topics and Apply Themes Again.
• 🔍 If the themes are not loaded, clear the cache of the com.android.thememanager app through ADB.

Problem 3: Notifications from Xiaomi (Mi Push) are not working.

• 🔔 Go to Settings. → Notifications → Notification settings and enable Mi Push Service.
• 📱 If it doesn't help, do it in ADB:

adb shell pm clear com.xiaomi.xmsf


adb shell pm clear com.miui.securitycenter

💡

If after cleaning the cache, the phone began to warm or discharge quickly, check the activity of processes through the application "Battery and Performance" in MIUI. Perhaps the system restores the cache in the background - this is normal in the first hours after cleaning.

FAQ: Frequent questions about cleaning cache on Xiaomi Mi 7