How to Clean All Cache on Xiaomi: System, Applications and Hidden Files

Cache on Xiaomi smartphones are temporary files that help the system and applications work faster. However, over time they accumulate, take up precious space in memory and can even slow down the device. If your Redmi, POCO or Mi started to slow down, warm up for no reason or give out “Not enough memory” errors, it’s time to clear the cache. But how do you do it correctly so as not to harm the system?

In this article, we will look at all the possible ways to clean up cache, from standard MIUI and HyperOS tools to hidden features and third-party utilities, how to remove cache of individual applications, system processes, and how to get rid of junk files that are not visible on the regular menu. Importantly, some methods require caution - wrong actions can lead to malfunctions in the smartphone.

1. Clearing the cache of individual applications through settings

The safest and easiest way is to remove the cache of specific programs, which won't affect their work, but will free up space and can eliminate minor errors, for example, if Instagram or Telegram are slow to open, cleaning their cache often helps.

How to do this:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Application management
• 🔍 Select the app you want (like YouTube or Chrome)
• 🧹 Press Warehouse. → Clear the cache
• 🚫 Do not click Clear data – this will delete all settings and accounts!

If you want to clear the cache of all applications at once, go to Settings → Memory → Clean up and select App Cache. However, this method does not remove the system cache and hidden files.

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Once the cache is cleared, applications (such as Google Maps or Yandex.Maps) may temporarily run slower — they will have to re-upload the data. This is normal and will pass through 1-2 uses.

2. Remove the system cache via Recovery Mode

The cache partition stores temporary MIUI/HyperOS files that help you load faster after updates, and cleaning it is useful if your smartphone has become stuck on the logo or has been unstable after an update, but this method requires you to log in to Recovery Mode.

Instructions for Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO:

1. 🔄 Turn off your smartphone.
2. 🔘 Press the power button. + Loudness up before the appearance of the Mi logo.
3. 🌐 In the Recovery menu, select the language (if required).
4. 🧹 Go to Wipe & Reset → Wipe Cache.
5. ✅ Confirm the action and wait for the completion.
6. 🔄 Restart the device (Reboot) → Reboot to System).

Charge your smartphone at least 50%|Make a backup copy of important data|Make sure you know the password from your Mi Account (in case of resetting)|Disable two-factor authentication (if it interferes with login to Recovery)-->

Warning: Don't confuse Wipe Cache with Wipe Data! The second option will completely reset your smartphone to factory settings, deleting all your files, photos and apps.

3. Hidden cache files: where they hide and how to delete them

Many users are unaware that Xiaomi has hidden cache folders that are not cleaned by standard methods.

• 📁 /data/log/ — Log files of the system (can weigh gigabytes!)
• 📁 /data/system/package_cache/ — cache APK
• 📁 /data/dalvik-cache/ — cache of the Android virtual machine

To remove them, you will need root rights or a file manager with access to system folders (such as MiXplorer or Root Explorer). Without root, you can only clear some of these files through ADB:

adb shell pm clear --user 0 com.miui.system


adb shell rm -rf /data/log/*

⚠️ Note: Removing files from /data/dalvik-cache/ root-free can lead to a cyclical smartphone reboot! this method is recommended only for advanced users.

Once a week | Once a month | Only when memory runs out | Never cleared |I don't know what it is-->

4. Cleaning up the cache of browsers and social networks

Browsers (Chrome, Mi Browser) and social networks (VK, TikTok) accumulate gigabytes of cache — photos, videos, web pages, and you can clean it through application settings and through special tools.

For deep cleaning, you can use the SD Maid utility (requires root) or manually delete folders via ADB:

adb shell rm -rf /sdcard/Android/data/com.android.chrome/cache/*

5. Automatic Cache Cleanup with Security App

Xiaomi smartphones have a Security app pre-installed, which has a built-in garbage cleaner.

• 🗑️ Cash app.
• 📄 Temporary files
• 🔍 Residual data after uninstallation of programs
• 📊 Log files (log)

How to use:

1. Open the Security app (shield icon).
2. Click Clean (or Cleaner in Global Firmware).
3. Choose Deep Cleanup.
4. Check the types of files to delete.
5. Press Clean and confirm.

⚠️ Attention: Acceleration in Security App does not clear cache, but only closes background processes.

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Regularly cleaning the cache through the Security App can extend the life of the battery, as it reduces the load on the processor when handling junk files.

6.Cache clearing via ADB (for advanced users)

If standard methods don't work, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a debugging tool that lets you control your smartphone through a computer, and it can clear the cache of all applications at once, including system ones.

Step-by-step:

1. 💻 Install. ADB Tools on PC.
2. 🔌 Connect your smartphone to your computer USB And turn on the debugging. USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → Click on version 7 times, then return to Additional → For developers).
3. 🖥️ Open the command line in the folder with ADB Enter: Adb devices (the name of your device should appear).
4. 🧹 To clear the cache of all applications, perform: adb shell pm trim-caches 9999G
5. 🔄 Reboot your smartphone.

This command will force the system to release the cache to the specified limit (here it is 9999 GB, which effectively means "clean everything"), the method works on all versions of MIUI and HyperOS, but requires caution.

7.When cleaning the cache doesn't help: alternative solutions

If after cleaning the cache, the smartphone still slows down, the problem may be deeper:

• 🛠️ Memory fragmentation – defragmentation will help (use Files by Google).
• 🦠 Viruses or malware – scan your device through Malwarebytes.
• 🔄 Outdated firmware - check for updates in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🔋 Battery wear – if the smartphone is turned off when 30-40%, battery replacement is required.

In extreme cases, you can reset to factory settings (Settings → About Phone → Settings Reset), but this will delete all data. Before you do this, make sure to back up via Mi Cloud or Google Drive.

FAQ: Frequent questions about cleaning cache on Xiaomi