How to Clear Cache on Xiaomi Completely: A Complete Guide

Modern Xiaomi smartphones, which run on the shells MIUI or HyperOS, have a powerful “hardware”, but over time, even flagship models can start to work slower. One of the main reasons for the decline in performance is the accumulation of temporary files, known as cache. This data is created by the operating system and applications to speed up access to frequently used information, but their excess can lead to conflicts, errors in the work of programs and a lack of free memory.

Users often notice that the phone starts to slow down when switching between windows or opens heavy applications for a long time. In such situations, competent cleaning of cached data becomes a necessary action to restore the performance of the device. It is important to understand that the cleaning process can be both superficial and deep, affecting system partitions, so it must be approached consciously so as not to delete important account data or settings.

In this guide, we will take a detailed look at all available cleaning methods, from standard system tools to advanced methods through the engineering menu. You will learn how cleaning the application cache differs from completely cleaning the system cache, and understand what steps to take if the smartphone has stopped responding to commands. Proper memory maintenance is the key to the long and stable operation of your gadget.

What is cache and why you should clean it on Xiaomi

Cache is a buffer memory that stores temporary files needed for programs to run quickly. When you launch YouTube, Telegram or a browser, the system stores some of the uploaded images, video fragments and scripts to internal storage. When you re-access these resources, the device reads them from memory, rather than re-uploading them, which saves traffic and speeds up interface response. However, over time, such files can reach tens of gigabytes, taking up precious space.

The problem is when the cache gets too big or gets damaged by malfunctioning applications, and instead of speeding up, we get the opposite effect: interface brakes, spontaneous shutdowns, and startup errors, especially for devices with a small amount of internal memory, where every free gigabyte counts.

⚠️ Note: Clearing the cache of applications (such as a social network) will not delete your correspondence, photos or contacts unless they are stored exclusively in temporary files».

There are several types of cache that a Xiaomi user encounters: One is the cache of individual applications that can be safely deleted through settings; the second is the system cache that accumulates during MIUI updates and background services; the third type is the Dalvik/ART cache, which contains optimized application code for the processor. Understanding the difference between these types allows you to choose the most effective cleaning method.

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Use Invisible mode in your browser to view content that doesn’t need to be saved to cache if you’re worried about privacy or disk space.

Clearing the cache of individual applications through settings

The safest and most common method available to every Redmi or Poco owner is to manually clear the cache of specific programs, which is ideal if problems are observed with only one or two applications, for example, if Instagram is loading a tape for a long time or Google Maps is not working correctly.

To clean up, you need to go to the device settings menu. Find the App (or All Apps) section, then select Application Management. In the list that opens, find the program you want. Inside the app menu, you will see the Memory or Storage button where the occupied volume is displayed. There will be two main buttons: "Clean" (for cache) and "Erase data" (for a full reset).

• 📱 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Managing applications to access the list.
• 🗑️ Click Clear Cache to delete only temporary files.
• ⚙️ Use the “Clean Everything” function only if you want to reset the app settings to factory.
• 🔄 After cleaning, it is recommended to restart the device for application of changes.

It is important not to confuse cache cleaning with data deletion. If you accidentally click "Erase Data" in the messenger without prior backup, you may lose your correspondence history. So always read the system's warnings carefully. For most social networks and streaming services, cache cleaning is completely safe and even useful.

Use of the built-in "Security" application

The MIUI shell and the new HyperOS are equipped with a powerful system tool called Security, which is not just an antivirus, but a comprehensive system maintenance combine that includes an efficient garbage cleaner, a method preferred for quick and surface cleaning, where you need to quickly free up a couple of gigabytes of space without going into technical details.

Run an application with a green shield icon on your desktop. The system will automatically scan and prompt you to press the large Cleanup button. After completing the initial check, click on the Garbage button (or Cleanup depending on the firmware version).

Inside the cleaning tool, there are advanced settings, so if you click on a gear or three dots in the corner, you can choose which categories of files to scan, for example, you can exclude the photo folder from checking so that you don't accidentally delete important pictures that the system might have thought were duplicates or sketches, which gives you flexibility in memory management.

⚠️ Attention: The built-in scanner sometimes marks as “junk” the cache files of cards or offline navigation. If you use a navigator without the Internet, make sure not to delete the downloaded cards before traveling.

Deep cleaning through the Recovery Mode menu

For deeper cleaning, which affects system partitions and update cache, Recovery Mode is used, which is especially effective after a major firmware update, when old installation files are accumulated in the system that are no longer needed but take up space, which is safe for personal data (photos, contacts), if you do not choose Wipe Data.

To get into the recovery menu on Xiaomi, you need to turn off your smartphone completely. Then press the Volume Up button and the Power button at the same time. Hold them until the Mi or Redmi logo appears, then release the power button, continuing to keep the volume up until the menu in English appears, the volume buttons (up/down) are controlled, and the power button is selected.

From the menu, select Wipe Data. The submenu that opens will have several options. We're interested in Wipe Cache. Don't confuse this with Wipe All Data, which will completely reset the phone to factory settings!. Once you select to clean the cache, the system will request confirmation, usually you need to choose Confirm or Yes.

The cleaning process takes anywhere from a few seconds to a couple of minutes, depending on the amount of debris accumulated. When you complete it, you will see a success message. After that, you will select Reboot and then Reboot to System. The first run after this cleaning can take longer than usual, which is normal, since the system reassembles the cache.

Cleaning Dalvik/ART cache for advanced users

Dalvik or ART cache is a specific type of data that contains pre-compiled application code for your phone's processor. This speeds up the start of programs, but with frequent installation and removal of applications or changing firmware, this cache can grow and cause errors. Cleaning this partition often helps if the phone "hangs" on the logo or is unstable after an update.

This feature is also accessed via the Recovery menu, but depending on the version of MIUI (Global, China, Developer), the path may differ. In some versions, the Wipe Dalvik Cache item is immediately on the main menu, in others - inside the Advanced or Wipe Data section. If you have a standard global firmware, this item may not be in the usual backpack, since the system cleans it automatically if necessary.

• 🔧 Log in Recovery Mode via button combination.
• 📂 Find the Advanced or Wipe Data section.
• ⚡ Select the Wipe Dalvik Cache.
• ✅ Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed.

It's worth noting that cleaning up the Dalvik cache causes applications to open a little slower when they first start up until the system re-optimizes their code, a temporary phenomenon that takes place after a few minutes of use. Don't be afraid if the phone warms up in the first 10-15 minutes after this procedure - there is an active background process.

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Cleaning Dalvik cache is a radical measure that is only needed in case of serious system failures, and the usual cleaning of the application cache is enough to prevent it.

Automation of the process and useful tips

Manual cleaning is effective, but it takes time and attention. To keep your phone clean all the time, you can use automated solutions. In the MIUI settings, you have a Cleanup Schedule, which allows you to set the time when the phone will delete temporary files on its own, which is especially convenient for forgetful users.

To set up automation, go to the Safety app, click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Settings. Find Auto Clean and activate it. You can select frequency (daily, every 3 days, weekly) and runtime. You can also set up cleaning when you have low battery power or low free memory.

In addition to system tools, there are third-party clinch apps like Files by Google or SD Maid. They often find more trash than standard tools like residual files after deleting games or empty folders. However, use them with caution: some aggressive cache cliches can delete cache files that are actually needed for fast work, making the processor work in vain.

⚠️ Warning: Do not install more than one active antivirus or cliner at the same time.They may conflict with each other trying to access the same files, which will lead to battery drain and performance decline.

Regular memory maintenance is a habit that prolongs the life of a smartphone. If you notice that after all the cleaning procedures, the phone is still slow, it may be the wear and tear of the drive or hardware malfunctions, in which case you should consider resetting before factory settings or going to a service center.

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