How to completely clean the memory of Xiaomi phone: from garbage to complete reset

The memory clog on Xiaomi’s smartphone is a problem that every second user faces: Photos, videos, app cache and system files take up precious gigabytes, slowing down the device. But simply removing a few apps is often not enough: a comprehensive cleanup is required to return the phone to performance, from manual garbage removal to full reset to factory settings.

In this article, we'll look at all the ways you can do it, from safe (cache removal, MIUI optimization) to radical (hard reset via Fastboot), how to make space without losing data, which files you can erase and which you shouldn't touch, and how to avoid the typical mistakes that make your phone go off even more when you clean it.

Why is Xiaomi’s memory clogged so fast?

Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO are powered by MIUI, which is known for its voracious attitude to storage, and even on new devices, it reserves up to 5 to 7 GB of storage for its own needs, without considering user data.

• 📱 App cache: Social media, instant messengers and games save temporary files that are rarely cleared automatically. e.g. TikTok or Instagram can take up to 1-2GB of cache.
• 📁 Duplicate and garbage MIUI: The shell backs up photos (.thumbs), log files (.log) and update cache that are not always deleted after installation.
• 🔄 Auto-updates: MIUI It downloads updates in the background, even if you haven't confirmed the installation.
• 🎮 Game data: Projects like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile store up to 5-10 GB of additional files on the device.

In addition, many users do not suspect that even after deleting the application, its data may remain in /Android/data or /Android/obb folders.

Method 1: Cleaning cache and garbage without dumping

If your phone hasn't turned into a brick yet, start with secure methods. They won't delete your data, but they will free up 2 to 5 GB of space.

1.1 Built-in utility "Cleaning"

MIUI has its own garbage disposal tool:

1. Open the settings → About the phone → Memory.
2. Click on “Clean” (or “Free the Place”).
3. Select categories: Application Cache, Unused Files, Duplicates.
4. Confirm removal.

🔹 Important: Do not clear the Downloads section through this utility - it can delete important documents. /Download manually.

Manual cleaning of folders

Use a file manager (such as Mi File Manager or Solid Explorer) to find the heavy files.

• 🗑️ folder /DCIM/.thumbs — Photo miniatures (can be removed).
• 📄 folder /Android/data — residual files of remote applications.
• 🎵 folder /MIUI/ringtone — Standard tunes (if not used).
• 📦 folder /Download — old-fashioned APK-file.

Empty folders in /Android/obb

Files with.log and.tmp extensions

Old APK from /Download

Duplicate in /DCIM/Camera

-->

⚠️ Attention: Do not delete folders /MIUI, /system files with the.odex extension – this can cause a system failure.

Method 2: Optimize MIUI to save space

MIUI offers several hidden features that will help reduce memory consumption:

Disabling automatic backup

By default, Xiaomi backs up photos and contacts in the Mi Cloud, if you don't use the service:

1. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Turn off Autosynchronization for unnecessary data.
3. Remove old backups in the “Storage Management” section.

Transfer of annexes to SD-map

If your smartphone supports memory cards (such as the Redmi Note 10 Pro or POCO X3 Pro), move some of the apps:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the application → «Warehouse» → «Change» → «SD-map».

🔹 Restriction: Not all applications support portability.Mi Security, Mi Account, or other systems remain in internal memory.

Photo compression

High-resolution HEIF or JPEG photos take up a lot of space.

1. Open the camera → Settings → Resolution and quality.
2. Choose “Mediocre” or “Low” quality (saving up to 40% of space).

💡

Before compressing photos, back up the originals to the cloud (Google Photos, Yandex Drive) so you can restore quality if necessary.

Method 3: Reset to factory settings (Hard Reset)

If the phone brakes even after cleaning, and there is critically little free space, a complete reset will help. This method deletes all data, including accounts, photos and apps, so first:

• 🔐 Make a backup copy through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset.
• 📱 Remember the username and password from the Xiaomi account (required to unlock after resetting).
• 🔋 Charge your phone at least 50%.

3.1. Reset via settings

The easiest way is:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select “Erase all data”.
3. Enter your password (if installed) and confirm.

3.2 Reset via Recovery Mode

If the phone is not switched on or freezes:

1. Turn off the device.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.
3. In the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (manage by volume buttons, confirm by power button).
4. After reset, select Reboot.

⚠️ Note: On models with a locked loader (Redmi) 9A, POCO M3) Resetting via Fastboot can lead to loss IMEI. Use only methods through Recovery or settings.

Method 4: Remove system applications (for advanced applications)

MIUI installs a lot of pre-loaded apps (Mi Browser, Mi Music, GetApps) that can’t be removed by standard methods, and they will require root or ADB permissions to uninstall.

Removal via ADB (without root)

Connect your phone to your PC and execute the commands:

adb shell


pm uninstall --user 0 com.mi.browser.global # Removes Mi Browser




pm uninstall --user 0 com.xiaomi.midrop # Deletes Mi Drop




pm uninstall --user 0 com.miui.videoplayer # Deletes Mi Video

🔹 List of safe packet removal:

⚠️ Note: Removing system applications may lead to update errors MIUI. Before the next update, they will have to be restored.

Method 5: Formatting via Fastboot (Extreme Method)

If the phone is “bricked” after a failed update or virus attack, full formatting via Fastboot will help. This method erases all memory, including firmware, and requires subsequent flashing.

Preparation

• 🖥️ Install. ADB and Fastboot on PC.
• 📱 Unlock the bootloader on the phone (instructions on the official website).
• 🔋 Charge your phone to 100%.

5.2. Formatting process

1. Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (clip Power + Volume down).
2. Open the command line in the folder from fastboot and execute: fastboot devices # Check fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot format userdata fastboot format cache
3. After formatting, run your phone through the Mi Flash Tool.

💡

Formatting via Fastboot deletes all information without recovery, including IMEI and eMMC data. Use only as a last resort!

How to Prevent Memory Filling in the Future

To avoid cleaning your phone every week, follow these simple rules:

• 📲 Regularly (once a month) clean the cache through Settings → Memory.
• 🚫 Turn off auto-update apps on Google Play (or limit updates to Wi-Fi only).
• 📁 Use cloud services (Google Photos, Yandex Drive) to store photos.
• 🎮 Remove games you haven’t played in a long time – they take up the most space.
• 🔄 Periodically check the folder /Download presence of unnecessary files.

You should also install a memory monitoring app like Files by Google or SD Maid, which shows which files take up the most space and offers optimization.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi memory cleanup