How to completely clean Xiaomi smartphone from garbage: 7 proven ways

Your Xiaomi has slowed down, discharged quickly or sent messages about memory shortages? The reason most often lies in the accumulated digital garbage: the remnants of deleted applications, cache, duplicate photos and temporary files of the system. Even new models like the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ or Xiaomi 14 Ultra after 3-6 months of active use begin to clutter, if not regularly clean.

Unlike computers that can install third-party utilities like CCleaner, Xiaomi smartphones have different rules, not only to delete unnecessary files, but also to do it safely — without the risk of damaging system data or losing personal photos. In this article, we will discuss 7 working methods, including hidden MIUI features, that will help return the phone performance without resetting to factory settings.

1. Built-in utility "Cleaning" in MIUI: what it knows and how to use it

The manufacturer has put a powerful garbage disposal tool called the Security app (formerly Cleanup) into the MIUI shell, which analyzes the system for:

• 🗑️ Application cache – temporary files that accumulate when programs work (social networks, instant messengers, games).
• 📁 Unnecessary APK — Remains from manually installed applications (for example, after updating via.apk).
• 📸 Duplicate photos and screenshots that take place in the gallery.
• 📥 Downloads – files downloaded for years and not used for a long time.

To start the cleanup:

1. Open the Security app (the shield icon on the desktop).
2. Click on the Cleanup tab (in the lower menu).
3. Wait for the scan to be completed (usually 10-30 seconds).
4. Select file categories to delete and confirm the action with the Clear button.

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If you have files marked "System cache" on the cleanup list, you can delete them safely. This will not damage the phone's operation, but will free up to 1-3 GB of memory.

Important: The utility does not remove the cache of Google Play Services and some system applications, and this will require additional steps (see Section 3). It also does not clear Dalvik-cache, a special memory area that is responsible for fast downloading applications, and we will consider cleaning it separately.

2. Manual cleaning of app cache: when automatic fails

Some apps (especially games and social media) accumulate a few gigabytes of cache, such as Facebook or TikTok, which can take up to 5-7 GB just from temporary files, and the built-in MIUI utility doesn't always delete them completely, so you have to manually clean them.

How to do this:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the app from the list (sort by size by clicking on the three dots in the top right corner).
3. Press Warehouse. → Clear the cache.
4. For a complete cleanup, also click Clear Data, but note: this will reset the application settings (for example, in games you will have to start from scratch).

A critical mistake many users make is to clear the cache of Google Play Services, which causes Google services to crash (for example, the weather stops updating or notifications do not arrive), which is not recommended to touch unless you are ready for possible bugs.

3. System garbage disposal through Recovery mode: for power users

If the phone is slowing down a lot and standard methods aren't working, you can use Recovery Mode, which is a special recovery environment where you can access functions hidden in the normal interface, for example, you can clear Dalvik-cache, the memory area that is responsible for fast downloading applications.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power + Volume buttons up at the same time and hold for 5-10 seconds until the MIUI logo appears.
3. In the Recovery menu, select Wipe & Reset (manage by volume and power buttons).
4. Choose Wipe Cache (not to be confused with Wipe Data – it’s a complete reset!).
5. Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed.
6. Restart your phone via Reboot.

⚠️ Warning: Do not choose Wipe Data - this will lead to a complete reset of the phone to factory settings! Also, it is not recommended to use Advanced Wipe without understanding the consequences: improper actions can make the phone inoperable.

After cleaning the Dalvik-cache, it can take up to 5-10 minutes to start the phone for the first time — that’s normal, the system recovers the files it needs — and the effect of cleaning up the phone is noticeable on littered phones, which start to run faster, overheat less and hold the charge longer.

4.Memory Cleaning through ADB: for advanced users

If you're familiar with the command prompt, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge) for deep cleaning, which allows you to delete files that are not available through the standard interface, such as:

• 📂 Remnants of Remote Applications in the Folder /data/app.
• 🗃️ Temporary update files (/cache).
• 🔄 Logs of the system (/data/log).

Step-by-step:

1. Install ADB Tools on your computer.
2. Turn on the phone to Debug via USB (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – press 7 times, then go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers).
3. Connect the phone to the PC and type in the command line:

adb shell


pm clear --user 0 com.android.providers.media # Cleaning up media cache




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




rm -rf /cache/* # Clean up the update cache

⚠️ Attention: Rm teams -rf Mistakes in the way (e.g., rm) -rf /data/*) It can erase all user data. Use only the commands above.

This method is suitable for users who understand the risks.If you have never worked with ADB, you should skip this section or seek help from a specialist.

5.Storage optimization: What can be removed without risk

Often users are afraid to delete files for fear of losing important data. In fact, many folders and files can be safely cleaned. Here's a list of things that won't be useful 99% of the time:

To find large files, use a file manager (such as Mi File Manager or Solid Explorer).

• 🎵 Old podcasts or music you don't listen to.
• 🎮 Playing games that have not been played in a long time (in the past) /Android/obb).
• 📄 PDF and DOC Files from the Download folder that have not been opened in a long time.

Backup of important data

Check if the file is related to work projects

Make sure the file is not system-specific (extension is not.apk,.odex,.so)

Use the cart (in Mi File Manager it is included in the settings)-->

6. Disabling and removing pre-installed applications (bloatware)

Xiaomi is known for installing a lot of pre-installed apps on phones (called bloatware): Mi Browser, Mi Music, Mi Video, GetApps, and others. Many of them can not be removed by standard means, but they can be disabled or removed through ADB.

Method 1: Disconnect (without root rights):

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select an unneeded app (such as Mi Browser).
3. Click Disable (if the button is inactive, click Remove Updates first).

Method 2: Complete removal via ADB (requires a PC connection):

adb shell


pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.browser # Deletion of Mi Browser




pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.videoplayer # Deletion of Mi Video




pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.xiaomi.midrop # Deletion of Mi Drop

A complete list of uninstall packages can be found on forums like 4PDA or XDA Developers, and the rule of thumb is: don’t remove system apps with names like com.android or com.qualcomm, which can make your phone down.

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Disabling unnecessary apps not only frees up memory, but also reduces battery consumption, such as disabling Mi Browser and Mi Music can extend phone life by 5-10% by stopping background processes.

7. Cleaning automation: setting up regular maintenance

So you can set up automatic cleaning to keep your phone clean.

1. Open Security. → Cleanup.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select AutoClean.
3. Turn on the option and set a schedule (for example, once a week).
4. Select file categories for automatic deletion (it is recommended to tick on "Cash" and "Unnecessary APK").

It is also useful to set up:

• 🔄 Automatically remove screenshots older than 30 days (Gallery) → Settings → Auto-cleaning).
• 📥 Downloads from files older than 6 months (via Mi File Manager).
• 🔋 Optimizing the battery for rarely used applications (Settings) → Battery → Optimizing the battery).

For models with MIUI 14+, the Smart Cleanup feature is available, which analyzes user behavior and removes debris in the background.

1. Go to Settings → Special features → Smart cleaning.
2. Activate the slider and select the level of aggression ("Balanced").

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi cleanup