How to completely delete other files on Xiaomi Redmi 6A: 7 proven ways

Why Redmi 6A is running out of memory and what to do about it

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi 6A often face a problem: the phone writes “Not enough memory”, although you have not installed anything in a long time, the reason for this is hidden system files, app cache, remnants of deleted programs and duplicate media, even after cleaning through standard settings, the amount of free space grows slowly or does not change at all.

The Redmi 6A has only 16GB of internal memory (of which ~11-12GB is available to the user), and MIUI actively reserves space for its needs. For example, OS updates, log files and temporary data take up to 1-2GB, but are not displayed in the standard file manager, and many applications (especially messengers and social networks) store cache in hidden folders that can not be seen without root rights.

In this article, we will discuss 7 working ways to delete unnecessary files on Redmi 6A – from basic (via phone settings) to advanced (using PC and ADB).

Method 1: Cleaning through built-in MIUI tools

So, to start with, the basic features of MIUI are standard, and they don't require any additional software to be installed, and they're good for beginners.

• 🧹 Cleaning up garbage: go to Settings → The phone. → Memory. → Cleanup. Here, the system scans the device and shows how much space is occupied by temporary files, cache and unused data. Click "Clean" and this will free up to 500 MB-1 GB.
• 🗑️ Removing duplicates: in the same Memory section, select Duplicates of Files». MIUI You'll find repetitive photos, videos and documents.
• 📥 Clean up downloads: Download folder is often clogged with unnecessary files. Open it through Files → Categories → Download and manually remove all the excess.

These methods are safe, but they have a limitation: they do not delete the system cache and files hidden by MIUI.

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If your memory runs out quickly after cleaning, check the apps in Settings → Applications → Application Management. Sort by size and remove those that are over 100MB and not in use.

Method 2: Manually delete files through file manager

The standard Files app on Redmi 6A allows you to delete files manually, but doesn't show all folders.

1. Open the files. → Local storage.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select “Show hidden files”.
3. Go to folders:.thumbdata – thumbnails of images (you can delete them, they will be restored automatically). DCIM/.thumbnails — gallery-cash. Android/data — This is where the application data is stored. Only delete folders of the programs you deleted earlier.

⚠️ Note: Do not delete files in the system, etc. or vendor folders, this will cause system failure.

Folder.thumbdata|Cash galleries (DCIM/.thumbnails)|Remnants of Remote Applications (Android/data)|Old ones. APK-files (downloads)

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Method 3: Use of third-party cleaners (with caution!)

Apps like CCleaner, Files by Google, or SD Maid promise to free up memory with a single click, but on Redmi 6A, you have to be careful.

• 🔍 Many cleaners remove useful files, such as data to quickly run frequently used applications.
• 🛡️ Some programs (especially Chinese ones) collect user data and display annoying ads.
• 🔧 Nana MIUI Third-party cleaners do not have access to system folders without root rights.

If you do decide to use this app, choose Files by Google, which is the most secure and requires no additional permissions.

1. Open the app and go to the “Cleanup” tab.
2. Select file categories to delete (cache, duplicates, large files).
3. Check the list before confirming it – sometimes the program suggests removing important data.

CCleaner|Files by Google|SD Maid|Other |Nikim-->

Method 4: Remove the system cache via Recovery Mode

If the phone is slowing down and the memory is full of unknown things, resetting the partition cache will help.This will not delete your personal data, but will clear temporary system files that can take up to 1-1.5 GB.

1. Turn off Redmi 6A.
2. Press the Power + Volume buttons up at the same time and hold until the MI logo appears.
3. From the Recovery menu, select the language (English / Chinese), then Wipe & Reset → Wipe Cache.
4. Confirm the action and restart the phone.

⚠️ Note: Do not confuse Wipe Cache with Wipe Data – the second option will erase all your files, photos and applications!

Method 5: Connecting to a PC and Deep Cleaning

For advanced users, the most effective method is to connect Redmi 6A to a computer and manually analyze the file system.

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 🛠️ Programme ADB (file-access).

Steps:

1. Turn on the developer mode on the phone (go to Settings). → About the phone and 7 times click on the "Version" MIUI»).
2. Activate USB Debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Connect your phone to your PC, confirm your trust in your computer.
4. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (Linux) and type: adb shell ls /sdcard/ This will show all the folders on the internal drive.
5. Delete unnecessary files with the command: rm -r /sdcard/folder/file For example, to clean the cache of the gallery: rm -r /sdcard/DCIM/.thumbnails

📌 Important: No experience with ADB It is not recommended to delete files in /system or /data — This can lead to a phone blink (inoperability.

Method 6: Transfer data to a memory card

If you use Redmi 6A with a memory card (up to 256 GB), you can transfer some files to it.

• 📁 Not all applications support the transfer to SD-map (especially system maps).
• 🚫 Class 4 or lower memory cards will slow down your phone.
• 🔄 After the transfer, some programs may work slower.

How to move:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select an app (such as WhatsApp or Gallery).
3. Press "Storage» → «Change» → choose SD-map.

For media files, the easiest way to use a file manager is:

1. Open the files. → Local storage.
2. Select the folders with photo / video (DCIM, Pictures).
3. Click "Move" and select SD-map.

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The memory card will not solve the problem with system files, but it will help to free up to 5-10 GB for applications and updates.

Method 7: Reset to factory settings (extreme case)

If none of the methods worked, and the phone still writes "Not enough memory," there's a hard reset, which deletes all the data, including apps, photos and settings, but returns the device to its original state.

• 🔄 Backup important files to your PC or cloud (Google Drive, Mi Cloud).
• 📋 Write down logins/passwords from accounts (they will disappear).
• 🔋 Charge your phone at least 50 times%.

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset.
2. Select "Settings Reset."
3. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot (it will take 5-10 minutes).

⚠️ Attention: After the Redmi reset 6A If you forget your password, it will be difficult to unlock your phone – you will need to contact Xiaomi support.

FAQ: Frequent questions about memory cleanup on Redmi 6A