Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones based on MIUI are known for their functionality, but over time, even 128 GB of memory can get clogged with unnecessary files. The system starts to slow down, applications fly out, and the “Memory is full” alert appears at the most inopportune moment. In this article, we will analyze 7 proven ways to clean memory — from standard MIUI tools to hidden functions that are not written in the official instructions.
Xiaomi's peculiarity is that even after deleting apps, their data often stays on the system, and cache, temporary files and duplicate photos can take up to 30% of the total memory — and this does not include garbage from messengers like Telegram or WhatsApp, and we will show how to find and remove this ballast without resorting to resetting to factory settings.
Important: all methods are tested on MIUI 14/15 (including HyperOS for new models).If you have an older firmware version, some menu items may differ - but the cleaning principles remain the same.
1. Built-in utility "Cleaning" - a quick way to free 1-3 GB
The easiest way is to use the standard MIUI tool, which removes the cache of applications, temporary files and remnants of deleted programs.
- Open Settings → Memory (or Settings → Storage on new versions).
- Slip the "Clean" button at the bottom of the screen.
- Wait for the analysis (may take 10-30 seconds).
- Select file categories to delete (we recommend that you note all items except Download - there may be important documents).
- Click "Clean X MB" (where X is the volume of trash found).
This utility usually finds:
- 🗑️ Cash of applications (up to) 1-2 GB)
- 📁 Remnants of remote programs (APK-files, settings)
- 📎 Temporary system files (logs, dumps)
- 📥 Unused downloads (over 30 days)
⚠️ Note: Do not manually clean the System Data section – this can cause malfunctions MIUI. The utility itself determines which files are safe to delete.
After cleaning, restart your phone, which will help the system correctly recalculate the free space. If the utility finds less than 500 MB of garbage, move on to the following methods.
2. Manual cleaning of app cache - for advanced users
The built-in utility doesn't always remove the cache completely. Some applications (especially games and social networks) can store gigabytes of unnecessary data.
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Sort the list by size (slip by "Size" in the top panel).
- Choose an app with a large cache (usually Facebook, Instagram, Telegram, YouTube or games).
- Press "Storage" → "Clear the cache".
- For complete cleaning, tap "Clear the data" (⚠️ This will reset the application settings!).
Top.-5 "Memory Eaters on Xiaomi:
| Annex | Average cache size | Can data be cleaned? |
|---|---|---|
| Telegram | 500MB - 2GB | Yeah (won't delete chats) |
| 300MB - 1.5GB | Yeah (you'll have to re-enter) | |
| 400MB - 1GB | Yes (login/password retained) | |
| Google Play Services | 200 MB - 800 MB | No (risk of failure) |
| Games (Genshin Impact, PUBG) | 1 GB - 5 GB+ | Yes (progress removed) |
⚠️ Note: Do not clear the cache for system applications like com.android.systemui or com.miui.home.This can lead to a bootloop ( looped reboot) of the device.
For convenience, use size-sorting to quickly find the most voracious culprits of memory loss, and if the cache accumulates quickly after cleaning, consider turning off background activity for problematic applications.
Backup important data |Close all background applications |Connect charging (process may take time) |Check free space before and after cleaning-->
3. Removing duplicate photos and videos with Gallery
Photos and videos are the lion’s share of memory on Xiaomi, and many users are unaware that the gallery contains duplicates, screenshots and bad shots, and the built-in MIUI gallery can find and delete them automatically:
- Open the Gallery app.
- Slip on three dots in the upper right corner → "Management".
- Select "Cleaning up" → "Duplicate".
- Wait for the scan (may take a few minutes).
- View the duplicates found and select “Delete All” or check the unnecessary ones manually.
Additional functions of the gallery for vacating the place:
- 🖼️ "Fuzzy photos" - removes blurred pictures
- 🎞️ "Screenshots – sorts and allows you to massively remove unnecessary
- 📅 "Date: Shows the oldest files (you can transfer them to the cloud)
- 🗃️ "Albums" → "Hidden – Forgotten files are often stored here
If the gallery doesn't find duplicates, try third-party apps like Files by Google or CCleaner, which use more aggressive search algorithms but require access to storage.
How to recover accidentally deleted photos?
4. Cleaning up garbage from messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp, Viber)
Messengers are the main invisible memory eaters, for example, Telegram stores all media files in the device’s memory by default, and WhatsApp automatically downloads videos and GIFs. Here’s how to fix this:
Telegram
- Open Telegram → Settings → Data and memory.
- In the "Memory Use" section, select "Clear Cache".
- To prevent garbage accumulation: Turn off Media Autoupload for mobile data and Wi-Fi. Turn on Cache Clean Automatically (in the same menu).
- Go to Settings. → Warehouse.
- Select "Storage Management" → sort by size.
- Remove unnecessary videos, GIFs, and voice messages (they take up the most space).
- Turn off auto download: Settings → Data and storage → Autoupload media.
⚠️ Note: Telegram has a hidden folder Telegram/Telegram Images, where all uploaded photos are stored in their original quality, and can only be cleaned through the file manager.
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Create a separate folder in the cloud (Google Drive, Mi Cloud) and set up auto-save media from messengers there, so the files will not take up space on the phone, but will remain available.
5. Removal of unnecessary APKs and application residues
When you remove applications through Google Play or MIUI theirs APK-The files are often stored in memory, and the system also accumulates update files and temporary packets. Here's how to find and delete them:
- Install a file manager with access to system folders (e.g. FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer).
- Go to /storage/emulated/0/Download, where the APKs are often downloaded.
- Check folders: /data/app-lib – library remnants /storage/emulated/0/Android/obb – game cache /storage/emulated/0/Android/data – application data
.apk
.tmp
.obb
To automate the process, use SD Maid (requires root rights for deep cleaning).
- 📦 Remnants of Remote Applications
- 🗃️ Empty folders
- 🔄 Duplicate files
- 📜 Logs and dumps of the system
If you frequently install apps from third-party sources (not Google Play), we recommend:
- Disable "Unknown Sources" in the security settings after installation.
- Use APKMirror or APKPure to download updates – they leave no debris.
- Check the Download folder regularly for old APKs.
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Even after uninstallation, the app can be up to 50% of its original size, and always check the /Android/data/ folder after deleting.
6. Transfer data to a memory card or to the cloud
If the cleanup didn’t work, consider transferring files to an external medium or to cloud storage. On Xiaomi, there are several ways to do this:
📁 MicroSD portability
- 📸 Photo/video: in the Gallery, select files → "More" → "Move it" → Select a memory card.
- 🎵 Music: Use any file manager to move your Music folder.
- 📱 Annexes: Settings → Annexes → select the program → "Move it to SD" (Not all applications support this function).
☁️ Moving to the cloud
Xiaomi offers its own Mi Cloud (5GB for free), but for more volume, it is better to use:
- 📂 Google Photos – unlimited storage for compressed photos / videos.
- 📎 Google Drive – 15GB free (shared with Gmail).
- 🔗 Yandex Disk - 10 GB free + activity bonuses.
How to set up autosynchronization in Google Photos:
- Install the app and log in to your Google account.
- Go to Settings → Backup and Synchronization.
- Turn on the option and select “High Quality” (unlimited space) or “Original” (from Google Drive quota).
- In the "Storage Management" section, set up automatic deletion of files from the device after backup.
⚠️ Note: When using Mi Cloud, disable the "Synchronization" option MMS" — It saves all messages with media files, which quickly fills the cloud.
7. reset partition cache (only for power users)
If all previous methods have failed and the phone is still slowing down, you can try resetting the partition cache (Wipe Cache Partition), which will not delete your data, but will clear the system cache, which may be damaged.
- Turn off the phone.
- Press the Power button + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.
- Release the buttons and you will be taken to Recovery Mode.
- Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.
- Select "Wipe & Reset" → "Wipe Cache".
- Confirm the action and wait for the completion.
- Select "Reboot" to reboot.
This method helps in cases of:
- 🐢 Strong braking of the system after the update.
- 🔄 Located reboots (bootloop).
- 📱 Frequent departures of applications.
- 🚫 Errors "Insufficient memory" when it is available.
⚠️ Note: Do not confuse "Wipe Cache" with "Wipe Data" - the second option will completely reset the phone to factory settings!
After the cache is reset, the first turn on can take up to 5-10 minutes, which is normal. If the problem persists, you may need to flash it or visit a service center.
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Resetting the partition cache is an ambulance for the system. If you have to do this more than once every 3 months, look for a memory malfunction or firmware conflicts.