How to Clean Xiaomi Redmi: From Software Garbage to Physical Cleanup

Xiaomi Redmi smartphones are known for their price-performance ratio, but even the most powerful models eventually start to slow down, and the reason most often lies in accumulated digital debris: remnants of deleted applications, cache, duplicate files and background software. But not only software cleaning is important — physical cleaning of the case, speakers and connectors prolongs the life of the device and prevents breakage.

In this guide, we will break down all ways to clean Redmi – from standard tools MIUI You will learn how to safely delete unnecessary files, optimize autoboot, clean the system from viruses and even what tools can be used to disinfect the screen without risking damage to the oleophobic coating. AMOLED-screens - for them there are special recommendations for care.

1. Software cleaning: removing digital garbage

The first step to a clean smartphone is getting rid of unnecessary files and optimizing the system. MIUI It offers built-in tools, but they don't always do deep cleaning:

Built-in cleaner MIUI:

Go to Settings. → The phone. → Memory (or Settings) → Memory in new versions. This system will show the occupied space by categories: applications, images, videos, etc. Click "Clean" next to the "Junk" section, this will delete temporary files, cache and remnants of uninstalled programs. It does not affect the system cache and does not optimize autoboot.

Deep cleaning through Security:

Redmi's Security app has advanced features. Open it, go to the Cleanup tab, and start Deep Cleanup.

• 🧹 Delete the cache of all applications (including system)
• 🗑️ Clear downloads (Download folder is often clogged with unnecessary files)
• 📁 Find and delete duplicate photos/video ("Dublicates" function»)
• 🔍 Scan the device for viruses (Install "Antivirus»)

Manual cache cleaning for individual applications:

If your smartphone is slowing down when a particular software is running (for example, Instagram or Telegram), clean its cache manually:

Settings → Annexes → Application management → [Select the application] → Memory. → Clear the cache

⚠️ Warning: Do not clear the application data (Clear Data button) unless you want to lose settings and account logins!

2. Optimization of autoboot and background processes

One of the main reasons for the "brakes" - programs that start automatically when the phone is turned on or work in the background. MIUI There are hidden settings to manage your boot, but they are hidden deep in the menu.

How to disable the autoload of applications:

Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management → [Select the application] → Autorun. Turn off the option for unnecessary programs. Pay special attention:

• 📱 Social media (Facebook, VK, TikTok)
• 🎮 Games (they often consume resources even in the background)
• 🛒 Store apps (AliExpress, Wildberries)
• 📊 Analytics services (e.g. Google Play Services)

Restriction of background activity:

In the same app management menu, find Background Activity and select Limit. This will prevent the program from running in the background, but may affect notifications. For messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram), it is better to leave background activity on.

Hidden settings for advanced users:

V MIUI There's a battery saving mode that automatically limits background processes:

Settings → Battery and productivity → Savings in battery charge → Turn on

⚠️ Note: In this mode, some applications may stop updating data in the background (e.g. mail or weather) and use it only when charged low or for performance testing.

Disable auto-run of unnecessary applications

Limit background activity for games and social networks

Check the list of exceptions in battery saving mode

Reboot your phone after the changes-->

3. Cleaning the system from viruses and malware

Even if you don’t install programs from unknown sources, viruses can penetrate banner ads, phishing sites, or vulnerabilities in the Internet. MIUI. Built-in antivirus in Security is not always effective – let’s look at alternative ways.

Security scanner MIUI:

Run a full security check in the Security app (the Antivirus tab) and it will take 5-10 minutes to scan:

• 📂 System files for modifications
• 🔍 Installed applications for malicious code
• 🌐 Network connections to suspicious activity

Third-party antiviruses for deep verification:

If you suspect a serious infection, use specialized programs:

Manual check for suspicious activity:

If your phone is too slow, warming up or discharges quickly, check:

• 📊 Settings → Battery → Battery use – are there any unknown processes?
• 📱 Settings → Annexes → Application Management – Are there any suspicious programs?
• 🌐 Settings → Mobile network → Traffic usage – is there an unexpected expense?

4. Memory cleanup: delete unnecessary files and duplicates

High-resolution photos, Google Maps cache, instant messenger downloads, all take up space on the internal drive, and let's figure out how to effectively free up memory without losing important data.

Analysis of occupied space:

Open the Settings. → Memory. → Memory analysis. You'll see here:

• 📸 Photos and videos often take 50%+ Delete blurry images, screenshots and duplicates.
• 🎵 Audio – Check the Music folder for unnecessary tracks.
• 📄 Documents - often accumulate here PDF and APK-file.
• 🗑️ Other - temporary files, logs and cache.

Removing duplicate photos and videos:

The Xiaomi Gallery has a built-in tool for finding duplicates:

Gallery → Albums → Duplicates

Files by Google

CCleaner

Cleaning the Download folder:

Download folder» (/storage/emulated/0/Download) Open it through any file manager (such as Xiaomi Files) and delete it:

• 📄 Old ones. APK-files (application installation packages)
• 📥 Archives (ZIP, RAR), which have already been unpacked
• 📑 Documents with irrelevant information

💡

Before mass deletion, turn on the hidden folders in the file manager, sometimes viruses hide in folders with a dot at the beginning of the name (for example,.thumbnails).

5. Physical cleaning: body, screen and connectors

Dust, greasy prints and dirt not only ruin the appearance, but can also cause breakdowns. USB-C This leads to poor contact when charging, and the dust under the speakers makes the sound worse.

Screen and body cleaning:

Use a microfiber wipe (as for glasses) and special means:

• 🧴 Alcohol wipes (70% isopropyl alcohol) - suitable for disinfection.
• 💧 Special screen sprays (such as Whoosh! or iCloth).
• ❌ It is forbidden to use household chemicals, acetone or wet wipes with fragrances.

Cleaning connectors and speakers:

For cleaning. USB-C, 3.5 mm (if any) and use speakers:

• 🪥 Toothpick (carefully, without pressing!).
• 💨 A compressed air cylinder (hold at 10 cm distance).
• 🔍 Lupu and flashlight to see small rubbish.

⚠️ Warning: Never use metal objects (needles, paper clips) - they can damage connector contacts USB-C microphone!

Camera cleansing and flashes:

Dust on the lens worsens the quality of the photo.

• 📸 Dry microfiber wipe (without alcohol!).
• 🌀 Circular movements from center to edge.

To remove greasy spots from the lens, use special wipes for optics (sold in photo stores).

💡

For models with AMOLED-screens (Redmi) K50, Redmi Note 12 Pro+) Avoid aggressive cleaning products – they can damage the sensitive layer of the matrix.

6.Reset to factory settings: a last resort

If all the cleaning methods didn’t work and the phone still brakes, the last option is a hard reset.This will delete all the data, so make a backup beforehand.

How to make a backup copy:

Use the built-in MIUI tool:

Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset → Local Backup

Select the data to save (contacts, messages, applications) and wait until it is completed. A copy can be saved to MicroSD or to the Mi Cloud.

Discharge procedure:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → Resetting.

2. Select "Erase all data."

3. Enter the password (if installed) and confirm the action.

4.Once the phone is rebooted, it will be like new.

What to do after the discharge:

• 🔄 Restore data from backup.
• 🔒 Don’t install all apps at once – add them gradually, watching for performance.
• 📱 Update. MIUI Up to the latest version (Settings) → The phone. → Updating the system).

7. Prevention: How to keep your phone clean

To avoid having to do a cleanup every few months, follow the following simple rules:

Programme prevention:

• 🗓️ Clean the cache once a week through Security.
• 📥 Delete unnecessary files from the Download folder immediately after downloading.
• 🔄 Update regularly MIUI — In new versions, the vulnerability is fixed.

Physical care:

• 🧴 Wash the screen with a microfiber wipe 1-2 times a day.
• 🚿 Avoid getting moisture in the connectors (even if the phone has protection). IP53).
• 📦 Keep your smartphone in a case – it will protect against scratches and dust.

Battery and charging:

Follow the charging rules to prolong the life of the battery:

• 🔋 Do not discharge the phone to 0% - the optimal range is 20-80%.
• ⚡ Use the original Xiaomi cable and adapter.
• 🌡️ Avoid overheating (do not play games while charging).

FAQ: Frequent questions about cleaning up Xiaomi Redmi