Unpacking the game’s cache on Xiaomi: a complete guide to error solutions

Why the game’s cache doesn’t unpack on Xiaomi and how to fix it

Have you downloaded a game from a torrent tracker or a third-party site, but after installing an APK, it doesn't start, requires additional files or gives you a Failed to load data error? 90% of the time, the problem lies in the wrong unpacking of the cache (.obb or.zip files). On Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones, two key features complicate this process: aggressive MIUI optimization and Android restrictions on access to folders. In this article, we will discuss how to unpack the game cache without errors, where to place it, and what to do if the system blocks the installation.

It’s important to understand that cache is not just “additional data” but critical files that control graphics, levels and gameplay. For example, in games like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty: Mobile, the cache weight can exceed 10 GB, and its improper placement will lead to permanent departures. MIUI often automatically “cleans” cache folders, mistaking them for garbage, and Android 12+ requires explicit permission to access storage. We’ll look at all the current ways for MIUI 13-15 firmware (Android 12-14).

Preparation: What to do before unpacking the cache

Before you transfer.obb or.zip files to the game folder, follow the necessary preparatory steps, and ignoring them is the main cause of errors such as Error 941 or Download failed.

• 📱 Check out the Android version and MIUI: Go to Settings. → About the phone. For Android 13.+ Additional permission to access files is required (see section below).
• 🔍 Make sure the cache is compatible with the version APK: The cache files are tied to a particular build of the game, such as a cache for the game. PUBG Mobile 2.6.0 is not suitable for version 2.7.0.
• 🛡️ Turn off Optimization. MIUI": Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management → [Name of game] → Battery → Optimize your battery and choose Without restrictions.
• 🗑️ Clean Old Data: If the game has already been installed, delete it through Settings → Apps, then manually check folders Android/obb and Android/data remainder.

Pay special attention to the MIUI optimization clause. This feature by default limits the background activity of applications, which can interrupt the process of decaching, and we also recommend temporarily disabling Google Play Protect (in the Google Play Store settings), as it sometimes blocks the installation of modified APKs.

Where exactly do you need to unpack the cache of the game on Xiaomi

The most common mistake is placing cache files in the wrong folder, and depending on the game type and engine, the path may be different. Below is a table of current paths for MIUI 2026:

Critical error of most users: trying to unpack the cache directly into the root folder /sdcard/Download or /sdcard/Games. The game will not see files, as Android restricts access to arbitrary directories from the version 11+. If you don’t have the right folder (e.g. obb), create it manually through any file manager (we recommend Mi File Manager or Solid Explorer).

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) Android folder is hidden. To see it, in Mi File Manager, click three dots. → Settings → Show hidden files.

Step-by-step: how to unpack the game cache on Xiaomi

Consider a universal algorithm that works for most games, and let's take Genshin Impact with.obb cache as an example.

1. Download APK and cache from a trusted source (such as APKMirror or the official game site).
2. Install APK, but don't run the game. If an App not installed error occurs, allow installation from unknown sources in Settings → Applications → Special Access → Install unknown applications.
3. Find the obb folder: /storage/emulated/0/Android/obb/ If it is not available, create it manually.
4. Create a folder with the name of the game package. For Genshin Impact, it is: com.miHoYo.GenshinImpact You can find out the package name through the APK-Analysts or APKPure Site.
5. Transfer the.obb file to the folder you created. Don't rename it!
6. If the cache is unpacked for longer than 10 minutes, don’t interrupt the process, which is normal for large games.

For a.zip cache (like Call of Duty: Mobile), the algorithm is similar, but you don't have to unpack the archive, the game will do it itself. If the game still asks you to download the data after you transfer the files, check:

Solving errors when unpacking cache on Xiaomi

Even with proper file placement, errors can occur. Let's consider the most common and ways to fix them:

• 🚫 Mistake. 941 (or 940) Google Play: Occurs if the game tries to update the cache through the official store, but finds incompatible files.Solution: Delete the game folder in the game /sdcard/Android/data/[Package. Move the cache to the correct directory (see table above). Turn off the Internet and start the game - it must take data from the local cache.

The game is constantly rebooting.

PUBG Mobile

Free Fire

Lack of space on the device

SD-map

Adoptable Storage

No right to write to a folder.

adb shell pm grant [file manager package] android.permission.MANAGE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE

For example, for Mi File Manager:

adb shell pm grant com.mi.android.globalFileexplorer android.permission.MANAGE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi with MIUI 14+ (Android 13) A standard file manager may not see the folder Android/obb Even after you turn on the hidden files, in this case, use Solid Explorer or FX File Manager with root access.

If the game does not start after all the manipulations, try an alternative method - unpacking via adb:

Features of unpacking cache on different models Xiaomi

The cache decompression algorithm may vary depending on the device model and MIUI version. Below are the key nuances for popular lines:

• 📱 Redmi Note 11/12/13: These models often have write protection in system folders, so the solution is to use the Mi Unlock Tool to unlock the bootloader (but this will reset all the data!).

1. Compatibility of APK version and cache.

2. correctness of the path and the folder name (registrar is important!).

3. availability of free space (cache can be decompressed into a temporary folder).

4. the absence of antiviruses that block access to files.

-->