Memory Cleanup on Xiaomi Redmi: from cache to hidden files

Why is Redmi's memory clogged so fast?

Xiaomi Redmi smartphones are some of the most popular in Russia, but many users face a problem: even on new models like the Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5, memory ends in a couple of months.

The reason lies in the features of the MIUI firmware. By default, the system aggressively caches application data, creates duplicate photos (for example, for the function “Cloning apps”), and also saves log files for diagnosis. To this are added updates that download in the background, and garbage from messengers like Telegram or Viber – they can take up to 5-10 GB only cache!

Another trap is hidden folders, which MIUI creates for backups, temporary files, and even some system processes, like the.thumbnails folder, which can weigh a few gigabytes, even though the user has never seen it, and that's not a bug, that's how firmware optimization works, but the good news is that it can be cleaned without root rights or data loss.

Method 1: Integrated cleaning of MIUI

The easiest way is to use the built-in Cleanup tool, which removes the application cache, temporary files and debris from the system, and you can find it here:

1. Open the Settings → Memory.
2. Slip on Clean in the "Junk Files" section.
3. Select categories to remove (cache, APK-files, downloads) and confirm.

However, this method has limitations:

• 🗑️ Does not remove deep system caches (e.g. from Google Play Services).
• 📁 Do not touch hidden folders like.miui or.data.
• 🔄 After cleaning, the cache is quickly restored (especially in social networks).

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If the Clean button is inactive, restart the phone – sometimes MIUI blocks the cleanup due to background processes.

For a deeper cleaning, go to Settings → Applications → Application Management and manually remove the cache for each application.

• 📱 Facebook and Instagram (cash to cache) 1-2 GB).
• 💬 Telegram and WhatsApp (media files in chat rooms).
• 🎮 Games (e.g. Genshin Impact or PUBG Mobile cache to 3-5 GB).

Method 2: Remove duplicates and unnecessary files

MIUI has a nasty feature: it creates duplicate photos and videos, for example, when editing in a gallery, the original file is saved, and the edited version is created as a new file, the same thing happens when you use the "Cloning of applications" feature, some data is duplicated for the second account.

To find and remove duplicates:

1. Install Files by Google (free in the Play Market).
2. Open the Cleanup section → Duplicate files.
3. Select files to delete (especially look at DCIM and Pictures folders).

Also check the following folders (you can see them through any file manager with hidden file access, such as Solid Explorer):

• 📂 /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/ — Here are stored backups and temporary theme files.
• 📂 /storage/emulated/0/Android/data/ — cache of games and applications (can be manually deleted).
• 📂 /storage/emulated/0/.thumbnails/ — Miniatures of images (weighing up to) 1-2 GB).

Method 3: Cleaning the cache of Google Play Services and other system applications

Google Play Services is one of the most voracious system applications, and it is responsible for syncing Google accounts, push notifications, and background processes, but its cache can grow to 500 MB-1 GB. It can’t be cleaned by standard means, but there is a workaround:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on three dots in the upper right corner and select Show all processes.
3. Find Google Play Services and click Storage → Clear cache.

Similarly, clean the cache for:

• 🔍 Google App (search engine).
• 📊 Android System WebView (responsible for displaying web pages in applications).
• 📱 Mi Account and Mi Cloud (if you are not using Xiaomi Cloud).

Clear the Google Play Services cache |Delete Android System WebView |Check Downloads folder for unnecessary files |Deactivate auto-update apps in Play Market |Delete messenger cache (Telegram, WhatsApp)

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Important: After cleaning up Google Play Services, some apps may temporarily run unstable (e.g., no push notifications) and that’s normal – functionality will recover in 10-15 minutes.

Method 4: Transfer applications to memory card (if supported)

Many Redmi models (e.g. Redmi) 9A, Redmi 10C) They support microSD cards up to 512GB, but by default, they are installed in internal memory to transfer them to the internal memory. SD-map:

1. Insert a memory card (preferably class A1 or A2 for speed).
2. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
3. Select the application and click Storage → Change → SD card.

There are nuances to this method:

• ⚠️ Not all applications support portability (especially system applications).
• ⚡ After the transfer, applications can run slower (depending on the speed of the card).
• 🔄 When you remove the map, the transferred applications will stop working.

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Class A1/A2 memory cards are optimized for applications, but even they lose out on the speed of UFS 2.2 internal memory (which is used in Redmi Note 11 and later).

If your model does not support application portability (e.g. Redmi) K50), can be used SD-a card only for storing media files. For this, select Storage in the camera settings → Map. SD.

Method 5: Reset the partition cache (without data loss)

If standard methods don’t work, try resetting the partition cache.This won’t delete your data, but will clear temporary system files that can take up to 1-3 GB.

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.
3. In the recovery menu, select Wipe & Reset → Wipe Cache (use volume buttons for navigation, power for confirmation).
4. After cleaning, restart the device (Reboot).

This method is useful if:

• 🐢 The phone stopped for no apparent reason.
• 📱 Applications are constantly flying out or not updated.
• 🔄 After updating MIUI glitched.

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If the phone is loaded for a long time after the cache is reset (up to 5-10 minutes), it is normal, the system restores the necessary files.

Method 6: Disconnect unnecessary system processes

MIUI runs a lot of background processes that consume memory, some of which can be turned off without harming the system.

• 📡 Auto-update MIUI: Go to Settings. → The phone. → Update the system and disable Automatic Boot.
• 📊 Statistics collection: c Settings → Additionally. → Confidentiality → Improvement MIUI disable data transmission.
• 🎵 Music Player: If you don't use Mi Music, turn it off in Settings → Annexes → Mi Music → Shut down.

Also check Settings → Battery and Performance → Startup Control. You can limit auto-runs to unnecessary applications (for example, for games you haven’t used in a long time).

⚠️ Warning: Do not disable system processes like com.android.phone or com.miui.home, which can cause your phone to fail!

Method 7: Radical-method – reset to factory settings

If the memory is so full that the phone can't upgrade or install new apps, the last option is hard reset, which will completely clean the device, return it to a "clean" state.

1. Make a backup copy of important data (photos, contacts, messages).
2. Remember or write down logins/passwords from accounts.
3. Make sure your phone has enough charge (50%+).

Instructions for discharge:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Choose to erase all data.
3. Confirm the action (a password may be required).

After discharge:

• 🔄 The phone will reboot and offer to configure as new.
• 📱 Do not restore backup through Mi Cloud – it may contain the same garbage.
• 📂 Install applications selectively, not all at once.

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi models (such as the Redmi Note 10 Pro) may require re-assigning your Mi Account to unlock the bootloader after a reset!

Comparison of Memory Cleaning Methods

Frequently asked questions