Xiaomi’s smartphones are famous for their value for money, but over time, even the most powerful models can slow down. The main reason for this is often overcrowded storage and accumulated system debris. Users asking how to reset memory on Android usually look for a way to return the device to its previous speed.
In this article, we will go into detail all the cleaning methods, from banal deletion of files to complete reset of the system. Memory cleaning is not just deleting photos, it is a comprehensive approach to managing the resources of your gadget. We will look at the regular tools of the MIUI shell and hidden features that not everyone knows about.
Ignoring storage overflows can lead to serious consequences, such as failure to install updates or malfunctioning applications. Therefore, regular maintenance of internal memory is a must for any smartphone owner. Let's start with an analysis of what exactly takes up space.
Analysis: What takes place in the system
Before you start taking drastic measures, you need to understand the occupancy structure of your drive. The MIUI shell provides convenient tools for visualizing data. Go to the Settings → Memory menu to see a detailed breakdown by category.
Most often, multimedia files and social media cache take up the lion’s share of space. Apps like Telegram or WhatsApp can steal gigabytes by storing all the photos and videos viewed. System cache also tends to grow, especially after frequent software updates.
It is important to distinguish between user data and system files. Deleting the former is safe, while interfering with the latter can disrupt the operation of the OS. The system partition "Other" often contains remnants of deleted programs and temporary update files that can be safely cleaned.
- 📸 Multimedia: photos, videos, audio files and downloads from the browser.
- 📱 Annexes: installation files APK and data of established programmes.
- 🗑️ Cash: Temporary files that speed up work but take up space.
- 📦 System: shell files MIUI logs of the device.
Staff cleaning through the Security app
The easiest and safest way to free up space is to use the built-in Security app, which is pre-installed on all Xiaomi devices and optimized for Android file system. Launch the app and select Cleanup.
The scanner will analyze the device and suggest removing debris, which can be remnants of deleted applications, temporary files and advertising debris, and automatic cleaning allows you to quickly free up several gigabytes without the risk of removing something important.
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Run a deep cleanup in the Security app to find large files you forgot to manually delete.
But don't just rely on automatic mode, and in the Application Management section, you can find heavy programs inside the security menu and clear their cache selectively, which is especially useful for browsers and social networks.
⚠️ Note: When using the Cleanup function, carefully read what will be deleted. Sometimes there may be saved passwords in the browser or data for autocomplete.
Manual management of files and folders
For more advanced users, a manual method of managing files through a standard Explorer is suitable. Go to the Files app and pay attention to the DCIM (camera), Download (download) and MIUI folders.
Download often accumulates.apk app installers. They are no longer needed after installing the program and can be safely deleted. Also check the Android → data folder, where some apps store their caches.
☑️ Manual inspection of the vault
Pay special attention to messaging. In the structure of WhatsApp or Telegram files, you can find folders with media files that are duplicated in the gallery, removing them from the file manager will make room in both places.
Remember to check the gallery cart. Deleted photos often stay there for 30 days, continuing to take up precious space. Cleaning the cart is an instant way to get free megabytes.
Using Developer Mode and Hidden Functions
Android has hidden menus that allow you to manage your memory more flexibly, so you need to activate the developer mode to access them. Go to Settings → About phone and click on the MIUI build number seven times.
Once activated, a new option will appear on the menu, Additional or Advanced Settings, and you can find the Developer section, and some firmware versions have a background process limitation feature that indirectly affects RAM.
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There is also a forced cleaning team. RAM, It requires a computer connection and use. ADB-For the average user, it is safer to use the "Extended Clean" feature in the memory menu if it is available in your version. MIUI.
| Cleaning method | Security | Efficiency | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security Annex | Tall. | Medium | Low. |
| Manual deletion of files | Medium | Tall. | Medium |
| Resetting (Factory Reset) | Low (data risk) | Maximum | Tall. |
| Cleaning through PC (ADB) | Medium | Tall. | Tall. |
Full reset to factory settings
If the software methods don't work and the phone keeps slowing, the last resort is a complete reset, which will bring the device back out of the box by removing all user data, accounts and apps.
Before starting the procedure, make sure to back up. Use Google's cloud or the built-in Mi Cloud service. Without a backup, you risk losing all contacts, correspondence and photos without the ability to restore.
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Hard Reset is the only way to completely clean the system partition of accumulated software debris that is not removed by conventional methods.
To perform the reset, go to Settings → About Phone → Settings Reset. Select Erase All Data. The device will request confirmation and password from your Mi or Google account to protect against theft.
⚠️ Warning: Make sure the battery is at least 50% battery power before starting the reset. interruption of the process during the formatting phase can damage system files and "brickle" the smartphone.
Optimizing the work after cleaning
Once you've successfully cleared space, it's important to keep the system clean, and make a rule: check the download folder once a week and delete the unused, and this will prevent critical memory from filling up in the future.
Use the "Accelerate" function in the notification curtain. Although it works mainly with RAM (RAM), regularly closing background applications reduces the load on the processor and storage.
Turn off auto-save media files in instant messengers, unless urgently needed. WhatsApp settings allow you to prevent saving photos to the gallery, leaving them only available inside the application.