How to Clean System Memory on Xiaomi Phone: From Cache to Hidden Files

Your Xiaomi or Redmi is slowing down, apps are crashing, and the system says "Not enough memory"? The problem isn't always the physical storage capacity -- most often the system debris, residual files from deleted programs, and bloated cache. Unlike the iPhone, where cleaning the memory is reduced to two taps, MIUI requires a comprehensive approach, from built-in tools to manually cleaning hidden folders.

In this article — 7 Proven ways to free up memory on Xiaomi, including little-known tricks for models on the market MIUI 14/15 (for example, Xiaomi 13T, Redmi Note 12, POCO F5). We will discuss how to delete unnecessary files without losing data, which applications can be safely uninstalled, and why the standard Cleanup function is used in the Internet. MIUI remove only 30-40% For advanced users, a folder manual Android/data and analysis of the occupied space through ADB.

1. Built-in memory cleanup in MIUI: what deletes and what is missing

Let's start with the basic tool, the Cleanup utility (Settings → Apps → Cleanup) and it removes:

• 🗑️ Application cache (temporary files that can be restored on the next run)
• 📁 Unnecessary APK (balances after updating programmes)
• 🔍 log files (system logs that are rarely needed by the user)

However, the built-in cleaning does not affect:

• 📱 Residual data of remote applications (folders in the /Android/data/)
• 🎵 Duplicate media files (screenshots, uploaded pictures from messengers)
• 📦 Cache of system services (e.g. Google Play Services or Mi Cloud)

On the POCO X5 Pro and later on MIUI 15, the Deep Clean option has been introduced, but it only works for pre-installed applications (such as Mi Video or Mi Browser).

⚠️ Warning: Do not clear cache for apps where history is important (such as WhatsApp or Telegram) and this will result in the loss of downloaded media files and may reset chat settings.

2. Manual cache removal for individual applications

If the phone starts to lag after installing a particular program (such as TikTok or Genshin Impact), cleaning its cache can return performance.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the appropriate app (such as Facebook).
3. Slip the vault. → Clear the cache.
4. For a complete reset, click Clear Data (⚠️ This will delete all settings and application files!).

Pay special attention to these programs - they most often inflate the cache:

• 📺 YouTube (video cache can take up to a 1-2 GB)
• 🎮 PUBG Mobile/Call of Duty (cache of textures and updates)
• 📷 Instagram (stories and reels miniatures)
• 🗺️ Google Maps (offline maps and temporary files)

On Xiaomi 12S Ultra and flagships with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, the cache of games can reach 5-7 GB – its cleaning will free up space for new applications or system updates.

3. Remove unnecessary system applications (without root)

MIUI is known for its abundance of pre-installed programs, many of which duplicate Google features or are not used at all. They can not be removed by standard means, but can be disabled or removed through ADB (no superuser rights).

List of safe applications to remove (checked on MIUI 14/15):

For removal via ADB:

1. Turn on USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (shap 7 times, then go back to Additional Settings → For Developers).
2. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.analytics (replace com.miui.analytics with the desired package).

⚠️ Warning: Removing system applications may disrupt the work MIUI (For example, you will lose weather widgets or theme settings. Before mass removal, check each application separately and create a backup using adb backup.

4. Cleaning up Android/data folder: Hidden garbage

One of the main memory eaters on Xiaomi is the folder /sdcard/Android/data/.

• 🎮 Game Preservations (Genshin Impact, Honor of Kings)
• 📥 Cash messengers (Telegram, Viber)
• 📺 Offline content (Netflix, YouTube Premium)
• 🗺️ Maps (Google Maps, Yandex Navi)

To clear this folder:

1. Connect your phone to your PC or use a file manager (such as Mi File Manager or Solid Explorer).
2. Go to /storage/emulated/0/Android/data/.
3. Delete application folders that have already been removed (for example, if you have long uninstalled Clash of Clans, but its folder is still there).
4. For existing applications, clear the cache and files subfolders (but don't touch lib and databases!).

On the POCO F4 GT and other gamers, the Android/data folder can take up to 10-15 GB — it stores the textures of games in high resolution. They can be deleted, but you have to download the games again.

💡

Before cleaning your Android/data folder, check to see if important files are stored there. For example, WhatsApp saves backups of chats to /Android/data/com.whatsapp/files/Backups.

5. Search and delete duplicate files

Photos, screenshots and downloads from messengers are often duplicated, taking up extra space.

Method 1. MIUI embedded facilities:

1. Open the gallery → Albums → Duplicates.
2. Click Remove duplicates (the system will offer to leave the best quality file).

Method 2. Third-party annexes:

• 🔍 Files by Google (analyzes garbage and duplicates)
• 📁 SD Maid (deep cleaning, including residual files)
• 🖼️ Duplicate Files Fixer (specializes in media files)

On the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ with MIUI 13, the built-in duplicate search finds an average of 1.2-1.8 GB of extra files. Third-party utilities (for example, SD Maid) detect another +30-50% of debris through the analysis of cache and temporary files.

6. Transfer data to a memory card or cloud

If you don't have much space, and you don't want to delete anything, you can transfer your files to a microSD or to the cloud. At Xiaomi, you can do this:

For the memory card:

1. Insert microSD (UHS-I U3 class is recommended for speed).
2. Open Files → highlight folders (e.g. Download, Pictures).
3. Click More → Move → Memory Map.

For the cloud:

• 🌥️ Mi Cloud (5GB free, integrated into the MIUI)
• 📂 Google Drive (15GB free, but sync slower)
• 🗄️ Yandex Disk (10 GB free, convenient for Russian users)

On Xiaomi 13 Lite and other models without a microSD slot, cloud services are the only way to free up internal memory. However, keep in mind that uploading files to the cloud consumes traffic (up to 500 MB per 1 GB of data).

⚠️ Note: Do not transfer application data (e.g. game saves) to the memory card, which may lead to errors, as MIUI It does not support full Adoptable Storage (unlike pure Android).

7.Reset to factory settings: a last resort

If none of the methods worked, and the phone is jammed to the limit, then you have a hard reset, which will delete all the data, including:

• 📱 Applications and their settings
• 📷 Photos, videos, music (unless saved to a map or cloud)
• 📋 Accounts and passwords (except those synced to Google)
• 🎮 Game saving (if not linked to an account)

How to reset:

1. Create a backup through Settings → About Phone → Backup.
2. Go to Settings → Additional settings → Restore and reset.
3. Select Resetting → Erase all data.
4. Confirm the action (you will need to enter a pattern lock or PIN).

On the Xiaomi 12 Pro and new models, the reset takes ~5-7 minutes. Once rebooted, the phone will be like a new one, with free 20-25 GB of memory (depending on the model).

💡

Resetting to factory settings is the only way to completely remove viruses or malware if they have penetrated system files.

FAQ: Frequent questions about memory cleanup on Xiaomi