How to Clean Xiaomi of Unnecessary Files: A Complete Memory Freeing Guide

Xiaomi smartphones are known for their performance, but over time, even the most powerful models start to slow down, the main reason is filling memory with unnecessary files: app cache, temporary data, duplicate photos and remnants of deleted programs. Statistically, up to 30% of internal storage can take up garbage that users do not see in standard folders.

Memory cleaning on Xiaomi is not just deleting a few files; it is a complex process that involves working with system tools, third-party utilities and even hidden folders. In this article, we will discuss 7 proven ways to make room without losing important data. You will learn which files can be deleted without risk and which should not be touched, even if they take up a lot of space.

Why is Xiaomi getting filled with garbage so quickly?

Smartphones based on MIUI (branded shell Xiaomi) have a feature: they actively cache data to speed up work. For example, the Gallery app creates thumbnails for quick loading, and the Browser saves copies of the visited pages, as a result, after 3-6 months of use, free space can be reduced by 5-15 GB, although you did not install new programs.

Another problem is duplicates and residual files, and when you delete applications through Settings, they often leave their folders in the folder. /Android/data/ or /Android/obb/. And services like Mi Cloud or Google Photos can create local copies of media files already uploaded to the cloud.

⚠️ Warning: Don't confuse system cache with user data. /cache/ manually can cause malfunctions in the work MIUI. To clean it, use only built-in tools.

Once a month |When the phone starts to brake |Never cleaned |Use automatic cleaning-->

Method 1: Built-in utility "Cleaning"

The safest method is to use the built-in Security app (or Security in global firmware) that analyzes memory and suggests removing:

• 🗑️ Application cache – temporary files that can be restored the next time programs run.
• 📁 Unnecessary APK — Remains from installing applications from third-party sources.
• 🔍 Duplicate files – copies of photos, documents or music.
• 🧹 Residual files – data from remote programs.

How to start cleaning:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Security.
2. Select the Cleaner (or Cleaner) tab.
3. Click Scan and wait for the analysis to be completed.
4. Check the category of files for deletion and confirm the action.

This method removes up to 2-4GB of debris at a time, but does not affect deep system files.

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If files with the.nomedia extension appear in the cleaning list, they can be safely deleted - they do not contain important data, but only hide folders from the media scanner.

Method 2: Manually cleansing the application cache

Some programs (like Facebook, Instagram, or Telegram) can take up hundreds of megabytes of cache, and the built-in utility doesn’t always delete it completely, so it’s better to do it manually:

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the app from the list (sort by size is available in some versions of MIUI).
3. Press Warehouse. → Clear the cache.
4. To completely reset data, click Clear Data, but note that this will delete all settings and files of the program (for example, downloaded stickers in Telegram).

⚠️ Note: Do not clear the cache of system applications (e.g. com.android.systemui or com.miui.home) This can cause shell malfunctions. MIUI.

Method 3: Remove duplicates and similar files

Photos, screenshots and uploaded documents are often duplicated, for example, Mi Cloud can create local copies of already synchronized files, and messengers store the same pictures in different folders.

To search for duplicates:

1. Open the Gallery app.
2. Go to Albums → Duplicates (available in MIUI 12 and later).
3. Select unnecessary copies and click Delete.

If this function is not available, use third-party utilities:

• 📱 Files by Google – Searches for duplicates and large files.
• 🔍 CCleaner – Analyzes memory and offers optimization.
• 🗃️ SD Maid – Finds residual files of remote applications.

Sorting files by date (so as not to delete fresh copies)

Checking messenger folders (Telegram/WhatsApp often duplicate media)

Backup of important files to the cloud

Comparison of file sizes (sometimes "duplicates" differ in quality)-->

Method 4: Clean Download folder and instant messenger downloads

Download folder is one of the most crowded places on a smartphone.

• 📄 APK-files after installing applications.
• 🎵 Music and videos from social media.
• 📑 Documents (PDF, Excel, Word, which have not been opened for a long time.
• 🖼️ Images from messengers (even if you did not save them).

How to clean:

1. Open the Files (or Files) application.
2. Go to Categories → Downloads.
3. Sort files by date or size.
4. Delete unnecessary files by holding your finger on the item and choosing Delete.

For instant messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp, Viber):

1. Open the messenger settings.
2. Find the Data and Storage (or Data and Storage) section.
3. Choose Clear cache or Storage Management.
4. Remove unnecessary media files (such as stickers or voice messages).

Method 5: Using ADB for deep cleaning

For power users, there is a method of cleaning through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which allows you to remove system debris that is not available through standard settings, such as update residues or Google Play Services cache.

What will be required:

• 🖥️ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to press to unlock the developer mode, then additionally → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).

Cleanup commands:

adb shell pm clear com.android.providers.media # Cleaning up media cache


adb shell pm clear com.google.android.gms # Google Play Services Cleanup




adb shell pm clear com.miui.gallery #Dumping gallery




adb shell rm -rf /data/local/tmp/* # Delete temporary files

⚠️ Attention: pm clear command resets the app to factory settings. For example, after cleaning up Google Play Services, you may need to re-enter your Google account.

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ADB-Cleaning is effective for removing system debris, but requires caution.Do not use commands unless you are sure of their purpose!

Method 6: Transfer files to a memory card or cloud

If your internal memory is full, but you don't want to delete files, transfer them to a microSD or cloud storage. On Xiaomi, you can do this in a number of ways:

Option 1: Transfer through the Files app

1. Open the files. → Categories.
2. Select the file type (such as Images or Videos).
3. Keep your finger on the file. → More. → Move it.
4. Select your target folder on your memory card or in the cloud (Mi Cloud, Google Drive).

Option 2: Automatic booting to the cloud

• 📁 Mi Cloud: Settings → Accounts. → Mi Cloud → Synchronization → Turn on the gallery and files.
• ☁️ Google Photos: Open the app → Settings → Backup and synchronization.

Important: When you transfer applications to a memory card (via Settings → Applications → Move to SD), be aware that some programs may be slower.

Method 7: Reset to factory settings (last resort)

If none of these things work, and the smartphone still slows down, it's a complete reset, and it'll delete all the data, including:

• 📱 Installed applications and their settings.
• 📸 Photos, videos and music (unless synced to the cloud).
• 📞 Contacts and messages (if not saved in Google Account).
• 🎮 Game saving (unless linked to a developer account).

How to reset:

1. Back up your important data (Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset).
2. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
3. Choose to erase all data and confirm the action.
4. After restarting, set your phone as new.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro) POCO X3) The reset can block the bootloader if the Bootloader has previously been unlocked, in which case you will need to re-unblock through the Mi Unlock Tool.

Frequently asked questions