How to completely remove cache on Android-smartphones Xiaomi: 5 proven ways

Xiaomi smartphones (including the Redmi, POCO and Mi series) eventually start to slow down due to crowded cache — temporary files that accumulate when applications and the system work. If your phone becomes slower to respond to commands, often overheats or gives out errors like “Not enough memory”, the problem is likely to lie in the cache clogged. In this article, we will analyze all the ways to clean it, from standard MIUI tools to hidden functions for power users.

It's important to understand that there are three types of cache: application cache (program time data), Dalvik cache (system files of the Android virtual machine), and update cache (residual files after updates). Each of them requires a different approach. For example, cleaning the cache of the Telegram messenger will return several gigabytes of memory, and resetting Dalvik-cache will help get rid of lags after updating the firmware. We will look at methods for all cases, from simple to advanced, taking into account the features of the MIUI 14/13/12 shell.

1. Standard cache cleaning through Xiaomi settings

The safest and most recommended way is to use the built-in MIUI tools. This method is suitable for beginners and does not require super-user (root) rights. Cleaning through the settings menu removes only unnecessary temporary files without affecting important application data (logins, messages, media files).

To clear the cache of a separate application:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Choose the app you want (such as Chrome or Facebook).
3. Press "Storage" → "Clear the cache".

For mass cleaning of all applications:

1. Go to Settings → Memory (or “Clean up” depending on the version of MIUI).
2. Click "Clean" in the "Junk Files" section.
3. Confirm the action by selecting Cache (do not delete Downloads or Other Files unless you are sure of their contents!).

Advantages of the method: safe, does not require additional programs, works on all Xiaomi models (from Redmi 4A to Xiaomi 14 Ultra).

2.Cache cleanup via Recovery Mode (for power users)

If the phone is slowing down after updating MIUI or installing custom firmware, a standard cleaning may not help, in which case resetting the cache through Recovery Mode will help, which removes Dalvik-cache, system files that are sometimes damaged during updates.

Instructions:

1. Turn off your smartphone.
2. Press the buttons Power + Volume up at the same time (on some models POCO - Power + Volume down).
3. From the Recovery menu, select "Wipe & Reset" → "Wipe Cache".
4. Confirm the action and wait for the completion (it will take 1-3 minutes).
5. Restart the phone (Reboot).

⚠️ Warning: Don't confuse "Wipe Cache" with "Wipe Data"! The second option will completely reset your phone to factory settings, deleting all your files, photos and apps.

This method is especially useful after installing custom firmware (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience) or if the phone gives an error "The application stops constantly." On models with MIUI 14 and later, Dalvik-cache can take up to 1.5 GB - cleaning it will free up space and speed up work.

3. Use of the built-in "Security" tool (Security)

The MIUI shell includes the proprietary Security app, which offers advanced cleaning features that not only remove cache, but also optimize autoload, close background processes, and scan the device for viruses, a method that is suitable for regular phone maintenance.

How to use:

1. Open the Security app (the shield icon).
2. Go to the "Cleaner" tab.
3. Press "Deep Clean" and wait for analysis.
4. Select "Cash" and "Residual Files", then click "Clean".

The advantage of this method is the ability to clean up “residual files” (for example, undeleted data after uninstalling applications). On Xiaomi 13T Pro or Redmi Note 12 Pro+ models, the “Security” tool also offers “game acceleration” for gamers, which further clears the cache of graphics processors (GPUs).

4.Cache clearing via ADB (for advanced users)

If standard methods don’t work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a tool for debugging through your computer, which allows you to clear the cache of all users (relevant for phones with multiple profiles) or reset the cache of system applications that are not normally available in the settings menu.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install ADB Tools on PC.
2. Turn on USB Debugging on your phone: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times to activate Developer Mode), then go back to Settings → Additional → Developers → Debugging on USB.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and type in the command line: adb devices (your device should appear).
4. Run the command to clear the cache of all applications: adb shell pm trim-caches 1000000000 or to reset the cache of a specific package (for example, Google Play Services): adb shell pm clear com.google.android.gms

⚠️ Attention: pm clear removes all application data, including settings and logins! Use it only if the application is not working properly.

This method is useful if you want to clear the cache of system services (for example, Google Play Services or Google Play Services). MIUI Systems that take up hundreds of megabytes but don’t show up in a standard application manager. ADB It will help if the phone screen does not respond to touch, but USB-debugging was included in advance.

5. Automatically clean the cache with the help of a scheduler

To avoid manually clearing the cache, you can set up automatic cleaning through the Security app or third-party utilities like CCleaner. This is true for users who often install / remove programs or play heavy games (such as Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile), where the cache can grow to 5-10 GB.

Automatic cleaning in MIUI:

1. Open the Security" → "Cleanup".
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Settings.
3. Activate Auto Cleaning and set a schedule (e.g. once a week).
4. Enable the option to "Clear Cache When Locking Screen" (available on MIUI 13+).

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If you play mobile games frequently, add them to the automatic cleanup exceptions. The game cache (like the texture in PUBG Mobile) can take up traffic up to 1-2 GB when reloaded.

For more flexible settings, use MacroDroid or Tasker, which allows you to create rules like “Cache clear if your free memory is less than 1 GB.” On POCO F5 or Redmi K60 models with a large amount of RAM (8-12 GB), automatic cleaning will help you avoid friezes in multitasking mode.

6. Clean up the MIUI update cache (hidden files)

After updating MIUI via OTA (over the air), temporary update files remain on the phone, which can take from 500 MB to 2 GB. They are stored in the /cache folder and usually not visible without root rights. However, they can be deleted through File Manager with the hidden file display mode enabled.

Instructions:

1. Open the File Manager (File Manager).
2. Go to Internal Memory → cache (if the folder is not visible, turn on the display of hidden files in the Explorer settings).
3. Delete files with the.zip extension or folder type ota_update_*.
4. Also check the /data/miui/ota folder, as there may be old firmware in the folder.

On Xiaomi models with MIUI 14 and the newer update cache can be stored in the section /data/ota_package and borrow up 3 GB. Its removal is safe unless you plan to roll back on a previous firmware version.

⚠️ Note: Do not delete files from the folder /system or /vendor — This can lead to a phone blink! Only work with cache, download and folders. miui/ota.

If you update your firmware frequently through MIUI bootloader or Xiaomi Community, these files can accumulate for years. For example, on Xiaomi Mi 11, up to 4-5 GB of garbage can accumulate after 5 updates in the /cache folder.

7.Cache reset via Fastboot (extreme case)

If the phone has got stuck on the MI logo after a failed update or installation of the Magisk module, it may be necessary to clear the cache via Fastboot Mode.This method is more radical than Recovery and requires a connection to a PC.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Fastboot Tools installed (part of Platform Tools).
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📱 Phone in Fastboot mode (clamp power supply) + Loudness down).

Cleanup commands:

fastboot erase cache


fastboot format:ext4 userdata # Only if you need to reset all data!




fastboot reboot

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The command fastboot format:ext4 userdata will completely reset your phone! Use it only if other methods have not worked and you have a backup.

This is a useful method for “bricks” (non-booting phones) after a failed firmware manipulation, for example, if the system does not start after installing TWRP or OrangeFox Recovery, cleaning the cache through Fastboot often solves the problem.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)