Xiaomi 9T garbage cleaner: a complete guide to freeing up memory

Why Xiaomi 9T is getting clogged with garbage and how to fix it

Xiaomi 9T (also known as Redmi K20 in some regions) is one of the brand’s most popular devices, but even its 64/128 GB of memory is filled with unnecessary files over time. The reason for the accumulation of garbage lies in the peculiarities of MIUI: aggressive caching of applications, duplicate media files, residual data after deleting programs and hidden system log files. If you notice that free space is melting before your eyes, and your phone has begun to slow down, it’s time to conduct a general cleaning.

In this article, we will look at all the cleaning methods, from standard MIUI tools to hidden functions and third-party utilities. It is important to understand that simply removing the cache through the settings will only have a temporary effect. Deep cleaning will require working with folders.thumbnails, DCIM/.trash, analyzing large files and even manually removing the remnants of uninstalled applications. Ready to return your Xiaomi 9T performance in 2019?

Before you start, check the current memory state: Settings → About Phone → Memory. If the graph shows occupancy over 85%, this is a critical threshold after which the system begins to slow down. Pay attention to the System Data section - if it takes 10+ GB, then there are a lot of unnecessary logs and temporary files.

Standard MIUI cleaning tools

Start with the built-in features offered by MIUI 12/13/14 firmware, which are non-super-user rights and are safe for beginners, the main tool is Cleanup (formerly called Security), and find it through a search in settings or along the way:

Settings → Applications → Cleaning

Several options are available in this section:

• 🧹 Quick cleaning - removes app cache, temporary files and residues from the cart: +1-3 GB of free space.
• 📁 Deep Cleanup – Analyzes rarely used files, duplicates, and large media, may suggest removing screenshots older than 30 days or unused ones APK.
• 🔍 Large File Search – Shows files as small as 50MB that can be manually deleted.

Special attention is paid to the section "Residual files" where MIUI collects data from remote applications that have not been completely cleaned, for example, after uninstallation of Facebook or TikTok, up to 500 MB of garbage can remain in /Android/data and /Android/obb folders.

⚠️ Note: Do not delete files from the folder /Android/obb For installed games (such as Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile), this will cause the game to crash and the need to download data again.

Run "Quick Clean" in the "Clean Up" section | Check the "Residual Files" section | Remove unnecessary APKs from the Download folder | Clear the Recycle Bin in the Gallery and File Manager-->

Manual cleaning of hidden folders and cache

Standard MIUI tools remove only the tip of the iceberg. The main debris is hidden in system folders that are not visible through the standard file manager. Use FX File Explorer, Solid Explorer or Xiaomi's built-in Files (turn on hidden files in the settings) to access them.

Where to look for garbage:

• 🖼️ DCIM/.thumbnails — Image thumbnails and videos. You can delete them completely (they will recover automatically). 1-2 GB.
• 🗑️ DCIM/.trash — Even after cleaning through the interface, there may still be files left.
• 📦 Android/data and Android/obb — Residual data from remote applications. Folders with the names of non-existent programs can be easily deleted.
• 📝 MIUI/debug_log — It is safe to delete all files older 7 days.

To clear the cache of individual applications (for example, YouTube or Telegram, which can take up to 500 MB+):

Settings → Applications → Application Management → [Select App] → Memory → Clear cache

⚠️ Note: Do not clear the cache for Google Play Services, MIUI System and Android System WebView, which can cause disruptions to Google services and system features.

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If the app is slower after cleaning the cache (such as Instagram or VK), just restart it.

Cleaning through Recovery and Fastboot modes

If the smartphone is slowing down or standard methods are not working, you can use Recovery mode. This is a low-level tool that allows you to reset the partition cache (Wipe Cache Partition) without losing user data.

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Up + Power before the Mi logo appears.
3. From the Recovery menu, select Wipe & Reset → Wipe Cache (manage volume buttons, confirmation – power button).
4. Reboot the device (Reboot → System)

This method clears dalvik-cache, a system cache that can take up to 1-3 GB and fragment over time, and after the procedure, the first switching on will take 1-2 minutes longer (the system will restore the cache).

For experienced users, a more radical method is available - reset via Fastboot (without data loss):

fastboot erase cache

This command removes the partition cache through the computer, and you'll need an unlocked bootloader and drivers installed. ADB/Fastboot.

Removing duplicates and optimizing media files

One of the main memory eaters on Xiaomi 9T is duplicate photos and videos.

• 📸 Import photos from other devices (for example, via Mi Mover or ShareMe).
• 🔄 Automatic backup in Google Photos or Mi Cloud.
• 📱 Use third-party galleries (QuickPic, Simple Gallery) that create their own thumbnails.

To search for duplicates, use the applications:

• Files by Google (built-in “Clean up → Duplicates” feature).
• Duplicate Files Fixer (allows you to search by content, not just by name)
• CCleaner (Section "Photo Optimization").

Optimizing media without loss of quality will help Google Photos in the "High Quality" mode (compression to 16 MP for photos and 1080p for videos), this will reduce the gallery size by 30-50% without any apparent difference.

Cleaning system logs and dumps

Xiaomi 9T on MIUI actively maintains system logs, especially if you have enabled debugging over USB or use functions like Screen Record or Developer Mode.

/sdcard/MIUI/debug_log/


/sdcard/log/




/sdcard/bugreports/

It is safe to remove:

• 📄 Files with.log,.txt extension (application logs).
• 🖥️ Anr, Tombstones folders (system crash dumps).
• 📊 *.prof files (performance profiles).

To automate the process, use SD Maid (CorpseFinder section) or 1Tap Cleaner. These applications scan system folders and find files that can be deleted without risking stability.

⚠️ Note: Do not delete files in /data/log/ This can cause a cyclical reboot of the device, and it requires Magisk or a cleanup of this folder. TWRP.

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Regular log cleaning (once every 1-2 months) prevents memory fragmentation and speeds up MIUI back-end optimization.

Removing Preloaded Applications (Bloatware)

Xiaomi 9T comes with a lot of pre-installed apps that can’t be removed by standard means.

• 🎵 Mi Music, Mi Video (Duplicate Google Play Music and YouTube).
• 📰 Mi Browser, News (Advertising Services).
• 🛒 Mi Pay, Mi Credit (not available outside China/India).
• 🎮 Game Turbo, App Vault (Few people use it).

You can remove them in two ways:

1. Through ADB (no root): adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.miui.videoplayer adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.miui.player A full list of packages for Xiaomi 9T can be found on the XDA Developers or 4PDA forums.
2. Using Magisk (with root): Use the Universal Debloater module or Xiaomi Debloater for mass removal.

If you don’t want to mess with ADB, just turn off unnecessary apps: Settings → Apps → Application Management → [Select] → Disable.

This won’t make room, but it will stop background activity.

FAQ: Frequent questions about cleaning up Xiaomi 9T