Xiaomiβs Android TVs eventually slow down, freeze, or produce bugs in apps β and most often because of a crowded cache. Unlike smartphones, where cache cleaning is intuitive, on Mi TV or Redmi TV, this process has its nuances. Cache accumulates not only in individual applications (for example, YouTube or Netflix), but also in system processes, which can lead to interface slowdowns, video playback problems, or even spontaneous reboots.
In this article, we'll look at 5 working ways to clean up cache, from the standard tools in the settings menu to hidden features for power users. You'll learn how to free up memory without losing data, which apps eat the most cache, and what to do if the TV gets worse after cleaning. And for owners of Mi TV 4S, Mi TV Q1 or Redmi Smart TV X models, we've prepared separate recommendations tailored to their features.
Why Xiaomi TV Cache Should Be Cleaned Regularly
Cache is temporary files that are created by apps and systems to speed up work, such as YouTube caches video thumbnails and the Google Play Store caches data on available updates, but over time these files accumulate and take up precious space in the memory of the TV. On models with 8 GB or 16 GB of internal memory (like the Mi TV 4A), this is especially critical.
The main signs that it is time to clean the cache:
- π’ TV takes a long time to βthinkβ when switching between applications.
- π Annexes (e.g, IVI KinoPoisk is suddenly closed.
- πΊ YouTube or Netflix videos slow down, though the internet is stable.
- π In the memory settings, a warning about space shortage is displayed.
- π The TV spontaneously reboots or βhangsβ on the Mi logo.
On Xiaomi TVs, cache takes up 30 percent of the total memory if left uncleaned within 6 to 12 months, and doesnβt automatically delete outdated files like modern smartphones, leaving users with lags even on top-end models like the Mi TV Q2 or Redmi MAX 98.
β οΈ Warning: Donβt confuse cache with app data! Cache clearing wonβt delete your accounts or settings, but data reset will result in a logout from all services (e.g. Google or Netflix).
Method 1: Clearing the cache for individual applications
The safest method is to remove the cache only for applications that are unstable.This does not affect system files and does not require a restart of the TV. The instruction is suitable for all Xiaomi models on Android TV (including Mi TV 5, Mi TV P1 and Redmi TV A65).
How to clear the cache for a specific application:
- Open Settings (cog in the upper right corner of the main screen).
- Go to the Appendix section β Application management.
- Select an app like YouTube or IVI.
- Click Clear Cache (not to be confused with Clear Data!).
- Confirm the action if a request appears.
For convenience, we have compiled a list of applications that most often require cleaning the cache:
| Annex | Average cache size | Signs of overflow |
|---|---|---|
| YouTube | 500 MB - 1.5 GB | Brake when scrolling the tape, playback error |
| Netflix | 300MB - 1GB | Long content loading, low video quality |
| IVI / KinoPoisk | 200-800 MB | Departures at the launch of the film, authorization error |
| Google Play Store | 100-400 MB | Applications not updated, DF-DFERH-01 error |
| Browser (TV Bro) | 100MB - 1GB | Pages are not loaded, ads are not blocked |
If you notice that after cleaning the cache, the application is slower, that's OK. The system caches the data again, and after 1-2 days, the speed will return to normal. If the lags are still there, try reinstalling the application or use the following method.
Method 2: Completely clean the cache of all applications
If the TV is slowing down βon the whole frontβ rather than in individual applications, it makes sense to remove the cache of all programs at once, this method is more effective, but requires caution: on some models (for example, the Mi TV 4C), after mass cleaning, it may be necessary to restart.
Instructions for complete cleaning of the cache:
- Open Settings β Device (or System on New Models).
- Choose a Memory (or Warehouse)
- Click on Cache Data (in some firmware β Other applications).
- Confirm the cleanup by selecting OK.
A notification will appear on the screen about how much memory has been released, usually 1-3 GB, but on heavily clogged TVs, the figure can reach 5 GB or more.
Reboot the TV (via Settings β Device β Reboot)
Check the critical applications (YouTube, Netflix)
Update the firmware (if a new version is available)
Clear your history in your browser (if you use it)
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β οΈ Attention: On Xiaomi TVs with firmware MIUI TV (Like Mi. TV 5 Pro) after the cache is completely cleaned, the order of the applications on the home screen may be lost. OK on the remote and drag the icons in the right order.
Method 3: Cleaning the cache through recovery modes (for experienced)
If Xiaomi TV is so clogged that it doesnβt respond to commands or constantly reboots, cleaning the cache through Recovery Mode can also help, which is useful if you want to reset to factory settings without losing personal data (such as saved Wi-Fi passwords).
How to run Recovery Mode on Xiaomi TV:
- Turn off the TV with the remote control (Power button).
- Press and hold the combination on the remote: Menu + Simultaneously press and hold these buttons for 10β15 seconds until the Mi Recovery screen appears.
- In the recovery menu, select Wipe cache partition (use volume buttons for navigation and OK for confirmation).
- After cleaning, select Reboot system now.
This method only removes the system cache without affecting user data, but it is not suitable for all models:
- β It works on: Mi TV 4/4S/4A/4C, Mi TV 5/5 Pro, Redmi TV 70/86.
- β Not working on: Mi TV Q1/Q2, Redmi MAX 86/98 (They have a different type of recovery).
What if Recovery Mode doesnβt start?
Method 4: Using third-party cleaning applications
If standard methods donβt work, you can use specialized utilities from Google Play, which is a major advantage of automating cleaning and removing cache on a schedule, but not all apps on Xiaomi TVs work properly due to the limitations of Android TV.
Top.-3 verified cache cleaning applications:
- π§Ή CCleaner TV β It deletes the cache, the temporary files, and analyzes the occupied space. TV redmi TV, It requires manual confirmation for each application.
- π SD Maid β System Cleaning Tool β Deep cleaning, including system debris, may require root rights on some models.
- π Files by Google is a simple file manager with cache clearing function, suitable for beginners, but does not delete all types of temporary files.
How to install and use CCleaner TV:
- Open the Google Play Store on your TV.
- Find the CCleaner TV app and install it.
- Launch the utility and select the Cleanup section.
- Check the boxes of the application, the cache of which must be removed.
- Click Clean and confirm the action.
β οΈ Note: Do not use applications like Clean Master or 360 Security, which often contain ads and may conflict with Xiaomi firmware. Also avoid utilities that require root access if you are not sure about your actions: this can lead to loss of warranty.
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Before installing third-party cleaners, check Xiaomi user reviews on Google Play.Some apps are optimized for smartphones only and may not work properly on the device. TV-Android.
Method 5: Reset to factory settings (last resort)
If none of these methods worked, and the TV still slows down or makes errors, you have a complete reset, which deletes all data, including your installed apps, accounts and network settings, and only use it as a last resort!
How to reset your Xiaomi TV to factory settings:
- Open Settings β Device β Reset settings.
- Select Delete all data (or Factory settings).
- Enter. PIN-code (if installed) or confirm the action.
- Wait for the process to be completed (it will take 5-10 minutes).
After the reset, the TV will restart and prompt you to go through the initial setup, as after purchase.
- π Connect to Wi-Fi.
- π Sign in to a Google account (required!).
- π₯ Install applications again.
- βοΈ Set up sound, picture and other parameters.
On Xiaomi TVs, the factory reset does not remove firmware updates β they will remain valid. However, all personal data (including saved Wi-Fi passwords) will be erased without recovery.
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Before reset, record or photograph the image settings (brightness, contrast, color temperature) and sound settings (equalizer, balance) to help quickly restore your viewing mode after reset.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Cleaning up the cache on a Xiaomi TV seems like a simple procedure, but many users make mistakes that only make the problems worse.
Mistake 1: βClear Cacheβ and βClean Dataβ
If you click Clear Data instead of Clear Cache, the app will reset to its original state: you will have to log in again and adjust the settings, for example, Netflix will lose your browsing history, and YouTube will lose your subscriptions.
Mistake 2: Clearing the cache too often
Cache is used to speed up applications. If you delete it daily, the TV will waste extra resources on re-caching, the optimal frequency is once every 1-3 months (or when lags appear).
Error 3: Ignoring firmware updates
On older versions of MIUI TV (e.g., up to 1.4.65), cache cleaning may not work properly. Always check firmware relevance in Settings β About TV β System Update.
Error 4: Using unofficial firmware
Installing custom firmware (such as LineageOS) can disrupt standard cleaning tools, resulting in cache accumulating uncontrollably and the system issuing errors.
Mistake 5: Do not restart the TV after cleaning
After mass cleaning of the cache (especially through Recovery Mode), the TV needs to be restarted, otherwise the system may not work until the next turn on.