How to completely clean memory on Xiaomi Redmi 7: from cache to hidden files

The Xiaomi Redmi 7, released in 2019, is still a popular budget smartphone thanks to its iron heart, the Snapdragon 632 processor and 2/3 GB of RAM. However, even such reliable technology eventually begins to slow down: apps open for a long time, photos are not saved, and the system issues a warning “Memory is full”, the reason most often lies not in hardware limitations, but in clogged internal storage.

In this article, we will discuss 7 Ways to Clean Memory on Redmi 7 — from basic (deletion of cache and unnecessary files) to advanced (working with system partitions through the ADB). All methods tested on current firmware MIUI 14 (Android 9/10) And they don't require superuser rights, and we'll focus on the hidden folders.thumbnails and.data that are up to the top of the top of the list. 3–5 GB, but not displayed in the standard file manager.

1.Diagnostics: What exactly is taking up memory on the Redmi 7?

Before you start cleaning, identify the culprits of memory overflows. Redmi 7 with factory-made MIUI has a built-in storage analyzer:

1. Open the settings → About the phone → Storage.
2. Wait for the scan to be completed (it may take 1-2 minutes).
3. Click on the category (such as “Apps” or “Media Files”) for detailed analysis.

Typical memory eaters on Redmi 7:

• 📷 Camera cache: folder DCIM/.thumbnails photo-sized 1–2 GB).
• 🎮 Games: cash PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty or Genshin Impact (up to 5 GB per game).
• 📱 System updates: firmware files in /cache (before 1,5 GB).
• 🗑️ Garbage files: remnants of remote applications in /data/data.

⚠️ Note: If the "System" section is occupied more than 8-10 GB - this is normal for the user. MIUI. Do not attempt to clean system files manually without a backup!

2. Cleaning the application cache (without deleting data)

Cache speeds up software, but it grows to giant sizes over time, and on Redmi 7, you can clean it in two ways:

Method 1: Through the MIUI settings

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select an app (such as YouTube or Facebook).
3. Click on Clear Cache (not to be confused with Clear Data!).

Method 2: Mass cleaning (for all applications)

1. Open Settings → Storage → Cache data.
2. Confirm the cleaning (the system will show the released volume).

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

3. Delete unnecessary files and duplicates

The standard MIUI file manager on Redmi 7 hides many folders, but it can be used to find:

• 📂 Downloads (/storage/emulated/0/Download): old-fashioned APK, PDF, archive.
• 🎵 Music and podcasts: Spotify cache, Yandex Music.
• 📽️ Video: Duplications from WhatsApp (/WhatsApp/Media).

To search for duplicate photos, use third-party applications:

• Files by Google (free, there is a “Cleanup” feature).
• SD Maid (paid but finds hidden files)

⚠️ Note: Do not delete folders with names MIUI, Android or com.xiaomi are system data! also avoid folders with a dot at the beginning (like.data) if you are not sure what they are intended for.

4. Cleaning up system debris through Safe Mode

If your phone is slowing down, try running it in Safe Mode, which turns off all third-party apps, and you can:

• 🔍 Remove viruses or suspicious software.
• 🗑️ Clear the cache of system applications (such as Mi Video or Mi Music).
• 📱 Check which application consumes the most memory.

How to Sign In to Safe Mode on Redmi 7:

1. Press the power button before the turn off menu appears.
2. Press and hold the "Switch off" option - a suggestion will appear to go to safe mode.
3. Confirm and wait for the reboot (the screen will read “Safe mode”).

In this mode, remove unnecessary apps through Settings → Apps. After cleaning, reboot your phone in the usual way.

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If the phone is fast in Safe Mode, the problem is in one of the installed applications. Uninstall the latest installed programs or check them for viruses through Malwarebytes.

5. reset of the partition cache (wipe cache partition)

This method clears the system cache, which is not visible to the user, but can take up to 1-2 GB.

• The phone has slowed down since the MIUI update.
• Applications are spontaneously closed.
• Errors like “Com.android.systemui has stopped.”

Instructions for Redmi 7:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the power button and volume up at the same time until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you will be taken to Recovery Mode (English menu).
4. Select “Wipe & Reset → Wipe Cache” with the volume buttons and confirm the choice with the power button.
5. After cleaning, select “Reboot → Reboot to System”.

⚠️ Warning: Don't confuse "Wipe Cache" with "Wipe Data"! the second option will delete all your data, including photos and contacts.

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Resetting the partition cache does not delete personal files, but it may require re-authorization in some applications (for example, in banking services).

6. Advanced cleaning: ADB-commands for hidden files

If standard methods don’t work and the memory is still full, the problem may lie in hidden system files that are not visible through the file manager, which you will need a computer and an ADB utility (Android Debug Bridge) to delete.

Preparation:

1. Download Platform Tools from the official Android website.
2. Turn on Redmi 7 Developer Mode: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times).
3. Activate debugging over USB in Settings → Additional → For developers.

Cleanup commands:

adb shell pm clear com.miui.gallery #Cleaning up Gallery's cache


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




adb shell rm -rf /cache/* # Cache partition cleaning (analogue to Wipe Cache)

To remove the thumbnails (folder.thumbnails):

adb shell"run-as com.android.gallery3d rm -rf /data/data/com.android.gallery3d/cache/*"

⚠️ Attention: Rm teams -rf They delete files permanently. Don't use them for folders. /system or /vendor — This will cause a phone to crash!

7.Alternative methods: cloud storage and SD-map

If Redmi 7’s internal memory is constantly filling up, consider expanding it:

• ☁️ Cloud services: Google Photos (free 15 GB, photo compression). Mi Cloud (5 GB free for Xiaomi accounts). Yandex Drive (10 GB when registering).
• 📱 SD-Card: Redmi 7 supports microSD cards up to 512GB (format) FAT32 Or exFAT. To move applications to the SD, Use the settings → Annexes → Move it to SD-The card (not for all programs).

How to transfer files to SD-map:

1. Open the file manager.
2. Select files (photos, videos, music) with a long press.
3. Press "More" → Move it" and select SD-map.

Note: Some apps (like WhatsApp) don’t allow data to be transferred to SD, and only cleaning or backup to the cloud will help.

FAQ: Frequent questions about cleaning Redmi memory 7