Where to find a Telegram cache on Xiaomi and how to manage it: the full guide

Telegram is a cache-based app that stores uploaded photos, videos, stickers, and documents. On Xiaomi smartphones (including the Redmi, POCO, and Mi line), these files can take up gigabytes of memory, but they are not always easy to find. Unlike standard DCIM or Downloads folders, Telegram cache is hidden in system directories, and its structure depends on the version of the application and the MIUI firmware.

In this article, you will learn exactly where the Telegram cache is stored on Xiaomi devices, how to view it through built-in and third-party tools, and how to safely clean or restore deleted files. We will look at both official methods (through messenger settings) and hidden ways to access folders using a file manager or ADB. We will pay special attention to the nuances of working with the cache on different versions of MIUI (from 12 to 14) and the features of models with an unlocked bootloader.

Why the cache Telegram on Xiaomi behaves differently than on other smartphones

Xiaomi devices have two key features that affect how the Telegram cache works:

• 🔒 Secure File System: Starting with MIUI 12, Xiaomi has tightened access rights to system folders, even with root rights, some directories (e.g., directories, /data/data/org.telegram.messenger) They may be blocked for reading.
• 📁 Double media storage: Telegram on Xiaomi often duplicates files – part of the cache lies in the standard Telegram folder on the internal drive, and the other part (for example, thumbnails or temporary files) is hidden in the private directory of the application.
• ⚡ Optimization MIUI: The firmware automatically clears the cache of background applications, which can lead to the loss of downloaded files from Telegram, if the messenger has not been opened for a long time.

In addition, on hybrid storage devices (such as the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G), the cache can be partially moved to the memory card, but only if it is formatted as an internal drive, in which case the path to the files will be different from the standard one.

⚠️ Note: On smartphones with MIUI Global Stable version below 13.0.5 try to access a folder /data/data/org.telegram.messenger/cache The default file manager will cause the error "No access." ADB Or a third-party explorer with root rights.

Method 1: Viewing the cache through Telegram settings

The easiest and safest method is to use the built-in tools of the messenger. It is suitable for all Xiaomi models, including the POCO F4 GT, Redmi K50 and Mi 11 Ultra, regardless of the version of MIUI.

To see and manage the space occupied by the cache:

1. Open Telegram and go to the ⚙️ Settings → Data and memory.
2. Click on "Memory Use" - here the total cache volume, broken down by file types (photos, videos, documents, etc.) will be displayed.
3. For a detailed view, tap on any category (for example, "Photo"). The system will show a list of files sorted by size.
4. To delete unnecessary data, select files and click “Delete” (basket icon).

Method limitation: Telegram’s settings only allow you to delete files, but not copy them elsewhere, and do not display temporary files (such as sticker previews or animations) that are stored in hidden folders.

Back up important files | Check the free space on your device | Close Telegram before cleaning |Reboot your smartphone after deleting

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Method 2: Manually examine Telegram folders through a file manager

If you want to not just delete the cache, but find and save specific files (for example, lost photos), you will need access to system folders, and Xiaomi will do this with standard Files by Google or third-party managers like Solid Explorer.

The main directories where Telegram stores data are:

To open hidden folders (e.g. /data/data/...), follow the following steps:

1. Install Solid Explorer from Google Play.
2. Enable the option "Show hidden files" in the application settings.
3. Go to the Root Catalog → data → data → org.telegram.messenger.
4. If access is blocked, use ADB (instructions in the next section).

⚠️ Note: Deleting files from the databases folder without backup will result in the loss of chat history, and it will be impossible to recover messages after that, even through official methods of Telegram.

Method 3: Using ADB to access hidden folders

If the file manager can’t open the /data/data/org.telegram.messenger folder, use Android Debug Bridge (ADB).This method works on all Xiaomi models, including those with a locked bootloader (e.g. Redmi 10C or POCO M4 Pro).

Instructions:

1. Download ADB Tools on PC.
2. Turn on your smartphone Debugging over USB (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times tap the build number → go back to Additional settings → For developers).
3. Connect Xiaomi to your PC via USB (select File Transfer Mode).
4. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB and do:

adb devices


adb shell




su




cd /data/data/org.telegram.messenger/cache




ls

If the su command doesn't work, then there are no root rights on the device, in which case use an alternative method:

adb shell


run-as org.telegram.messenger




ls /data/data/org.telegram.messenger/cache

To copy files to the PC:

adb pull /data/data/org.telegram.messenger/cache/ C:\TelegramCache\

On Xiaomi with MIUI 14 and later, the run-as command may not work due to SELinux limitations, in which case the only way out is to unlock the bootloader and obtain root rights.

Through the settings of the messenger | File Manager |ADB|Root-right | I don't know where to look

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Method 4: Recovering a remote Telegram cache

If you accidentally cleared the cache or files disappeared after the MIUI update, you can try to restore them. Success depends on whether the data was overwritten by new files.

Recovery options:

• 🔄 Checking the basket: In some versions MIUI (for example, 13.0.6+) Deleted files are temporarily placed in the Recycle Bin (Files) → Shelf life - up to 30 days.
• 🛠️ Specialized utilities: Programs like DiskDigger or Recuva (via PC) can find file residues, but require root rights for deep scanning.
• ☁️ Telegram Cloud Backup: If Backup is enabled in Settings → chat → Backup Chats, Restore Data from Google Drive.
• 📱 Local backup MIUI: B Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset check for fresh backups. Restore will return and cache Telegram (if it was at the time of creation of the copy).

To recover via DiskDigger:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Select "Full Scan" (requires root).
3. Filter the results by extensions (e.g..jpg,.mp4).
4. Save the files found to a safe place.

⚠️ Note: Do not save recovered files back to the Telegram folder - this can lead to version conflict and re-loss of data. Restored_Telegram.

Method 5: Cache management via MIUI Storage Analyzer

MIUI 12.5 and later has a built-in memory analysis tool called Storage Analyzer, which lets you see how much space Telegram takes up and clear the cache without accessing system folders.

How to use:

1. Open the Settings → Memory.
2. Slip on "Memory Analysis" (may be called "Cleaning" on some models).
3. Wait for the scan to be completed and find it in the Telegram list.
4. Click on the app → select “Clear Cache”.

The advantage of the method is that it does not require technical skills and works even on devices without root. The disadvantage is that you can not choose which files to delete (the entire cache is cleared).

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Optimizing the Telegram cache on Xiaomi: tips to save space

To prevent the Telegram cache from clogging Xiaomi memory, follow these recommendations:

• 📉 Limit Automatic Downloading: In Settings → Data and memory → Autoload Media: Turn off downloading photos/video in mobile data or set a size limit.
• 🗑️ Regular Cleanup: Once a month, remove the cache through Settings MIUI → Memory or built-in Telegram tools.
• 🔄 Transfer to memory card: If you use microSD, in the Telegram settings, specify it as the default save location (Settings) → Data and memory → Download folder).
• 🚫 Disable unnecessary chats: Archive or leave groups with a lot of media (e.g., channels with videos).
• 🔍 Use lightweight clients: For older Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) 9A) Install Telegram X – it consumes less memory.

On devices with MIUI 14 and Android 13, the Memory Optimization feature is also available in the settings, which automatically clears the cache of background apps, including Telegram, but can delete important files.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find Telegram and open its settings.
3. Put it on the Battery" → Choose "No restrictions".

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FAQ: Frequent questions about Telegram cache on Xiaomi