Cleaning up storage on Xiaomi: a complete guide to freeing up memory

Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones are known for their functionality, but over time, even the most spacious models (Redmi Note 12 Pro+, POCO F5 or Xiaomi 13T) begin to suffer from a lack of memory. The system slows down, applications fly out, and memory filled out appears at the wrong time.

In this article you will find 7 Proven methods of cleaning storage – from standard tools MIUI We'll learn how to safely delete unnecessary data without affecting important information, and we'll learn to analyze what's eating away at your memory. MIUI 14/15, where the system application cache can occupy up to 5–8 GB for no apparent reason.

1. Storage occupancy analysis: What takes up space?

Before you clean it, you need to understand which files are clogging up memory. MIUI has an in-built analyzer, but it doesn't always show the full picture. Here's how to get a detailed report:

1. Open Settings → Memory (or Storage in new versions).
2. Slip on "Storage Analysis" - the system scans files (can take 1-3 minutes).
3. Pay attention to the categories: 📁 Appendices - here is the weight of each installed APK + cache. 🎵 Media files – photos, videos, music (often duplicated from instant messengers). 📄 Files - documents, downloads, APK installation-pack. 🗑️ Other - system debris, log files, temporary data.

⚠️ Note: If the "Other" section is larger than 3-4 GB, it is a sign of clogging of the system cache, it cannot be deleted through standard settings (for this, see section 4).

2.Cache cleaning applications: safe and efficient

Cache is a temporary file that applications create to speed up work, and over time, it accumulates and can take up to several gigabytes. In MIUI, there are two ways to clean the cache:

Method 1: Manual cleaning for individual applications

Suitable if you need to free up space without deleting application data (for example, for Telegram or YouTube):

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select an app (like Facebook or TikTok).
3. Tap “Clear Cache” (not to be confused with “Clear Data” – it will delete accounts!).

Method 2: Mass cleaning of cache of all applications

Quick method for releasing 1-3 GB:

1. Open Settings → Memory → Cleaning.
2. Click "Clear the cache" (the system will show how much space will be freed).
3. Confirm the action.

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After cleaning the cache, some apps (like Google Maps or Instagram) can take longer to load when you first run it – that’s normal.

⚠️ Warning: Do not clean the cache for MIUI System Launcher, Security or Google Play Services – This can cause shell malfunctions.

3. Removal of duplicates and unnecessary media files

Photos and videos are the main memory eaters, especially if you're actively using messaging apps (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber) that automatically save media to the gallery.

MIUI tools for finding duplicates

MIUI 12-15 firmware has a built-in function:

1. Open the Gallery app.
2. Tap it on three points (⋮) → "Management" → "Duplicate".
3. The system will show groups of identical photos/video. Choose which ones to delete.

Check backups in Google Photo| Make sure important files aren't just in messengers |Sort by size (video >100MB check manually) |Use the cloud to store rarely used files

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⚠️ Note: Deleting files from messenger folders (for example, WhatsApp/Media), You lose access to them only in the gallery. They will remain in chat rooms, but when you reinstall the applications, they will disappear.

Cleaning of system debris and other files

The "Other" section of the storage analyzer is a black box where MIUI dumps temporary files, system logs, and remnants of deleted applications. It can't be cleaned by standard means, but there are workarounds:

Method 1: Resetting cache in Recovery Mode

This method removes all temporary system files without loss of data:

1. Turn off your smartphone.
2. Press Volume Up + Power before the Mi logo appears.
3. In the recovery menu, select "Wipe Cache Partition" (control - volume buttons, confirmation - power button).
4. Reboot the device ("Reboot System Now").

Method 2: Cleaning through ADB (for advanced)

If you are familiar with ADB, follow the command to delete unnecessary log files:

adb shell pm trim-caches 256m


adb shell rm -rf /data/local/tmp/*




adb shell rm -rf /data/log/*

⚠️ Note: Do not delete files in /data/data/ manually, this will cause applications to fail.

5. Optimization of internal memory: transferring data to SD-map

If your Xiaomi supports memory cards (such as the Redmi Note 11 or POCO M5), you can transfer some of the data to the microSD.

What can be transferred to SD-map?

• 📷 Photos and videos - through the "Gallery" or "Files" app".
• 🎵 Music and podcasts – in player settings (e.g. Google Play Music).
• 📄 Documents - manually through "Files" → "Internal memory" → highlight files → "Move it".

What can't you carry?

• 🚫 Apps (only if the card is formatted as internal memory, but this slows down the workflow).
• 🚫 System files and cache.
• 🚫 Messenger files (they are tied to internal memory).

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Formatting SD-The card as internal memory speeds up applications, but makes it unusable on other devices.

6.Removal of unnecessary applications and their residues

Many users delete applications, but their cache and data remain in the system, and MIUI preinstalled many Xiaomi services that cannot be removed in the standard way.

How to completely remove the application?

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select an unneeded app (such as Mi Browser or Mi Video).
3. Click "Delete." If the button is inactive, use "Disable" (this hides the app and stops it from working).
4. For complete residue cleaning, use SD Maid or ADB: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.browser

List of safe for removing system applications

These applications can be disabled without risk to the system:

• 🌐 com.miui.browser - Mi Browser browser.
• 🎬 com.miui.videoplayer - Mi Video player.
• 📰 com.miui.analytics – statistics collection (disconnection will speed up work).
• 🎵 com.miui.player - Music player.

⚠️ Note: Do not remove apps called com.android., com.google. or com.qualcomm.* – this will cause your smartphone to fail.

7 Cleaning Automation: MIUI settings to maintain order

To avoid manually cleaning your memory, set up MIUI for automatic optimization:

Initiation of automatic cleaning

1. Go to Settings. → Memory. → Settings (⚙️).
2. Activate the "Autoclean" option.
3. Select the frequency: "Daily" or "Lack of memory".

Limiting application background activity

Many apps (especially social media) consume memory even in the background.

1. Open Settings → Battery and Performance → Battery Management
2. Select an app (such as Facebook) → “Limit background activity.”

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MIUI 14+ has a Deep Clean feature in the Settings → Memory menu, which removes unused files and optimizes the system, but can slow down the first launch of some applications.

FAQ: Frequent questions about cleaning up storage on Xiaomi