How to completely remove files from your Xiaomi phone: instructions for all models

Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones are known for their performance, but even they are over time clogged with unnecessary files: duplicate photos, app cache, downloads and temporary data. If your phone starts to slow down, issue notifications about memory shortages or just require a general cleaning - this article will help you figure out how to correctly and without consequences delete files from the device.

We’ll look at all the available methods, from standard MIUI tools to advanced computer-based methods, with a focus on hidden folders that take up space but don’t appear in Explorer, and how to delete files that aren’t deleted in the usual way due to system limitations. Instructions are valid for all models based on MIUI 12–14 and HyperOS, including Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12/13 and POCO F5/X5.

1. Delete files through standard MIUI Explorer

The easiest way to get rid of unnecessary data is to use the built-in Explorer (the Files app). It is pre-installed on all Xiaomi smartphones and allows you to manage files without additional programs.

To open the Conductor:

  • 📱 Click on the Files icon on the home screen or in the app menu.
  • 🔍 If there is no icon, use the search system (swipe down on the home screen and type Files»).
  • 📁 At the bottom of the screen, select the category: Images, Video, Audio, Downloads, or Documents».

To delete files:

  1. Open the folder you want (for example, Downloads or DCIM/Camera).
  2. Press and hold your finger on the file to select it (a tick will appear).
  3. Mark other files if you want to delete a few.
  4. Click on the basket icon (🗑️) In the lower menu and confirm the action.

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If you want to delete all files in the folder, click on three dots (⋮) in the upper right corner and select “Select all».

⚠️ Note: Files deleted through Explorer first enter the Recycle Bin (.Trash folder in internal memory). To make room for the final time, go to the Recycle Bin (section in the Explorer menu below) and clean it up.

Make sure important files are saved in the cloud | Check Downloads folder for documents | Clear application cache separately (in settings) | View the size of the DCIM folder (photo/video)

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2.Relieving Memory Through Cleanup in MIUI

The MIUI shell offers a built-in tool for quick memory release, the Cleanup section, which automatically finds unnecessary files: cache, temporary data, duplicates and remnants of deleted applications.

How to start cleaning:

  1. Open “Settings” → “About the phone” → “Memory”.
  2. Click on Cleanup (or Optimization in new versions of HyperOS).
  3. Wait for the analysis to be completed (it may take 10–30 seconds).
  4. Check the categories of files for removal (for example, “Cash”, “App Remains”, “Downloads”).
  5. Click “Clear” and confirm the action.

Advantages of this method:

  • 🔍 Automatically finds hidden files that are not visible in Explorer.
  • 📊 Shows how much space each category takes up (e.g., Telegram cache or TikTok).
  • ⚡ Faster manual search – analysis takes a few seconds.

Once a week.|Once a month|Only when the place ends.|Never clean.|As necessary-->

⚠️ Note: Do not remove the category “App Data” without needing – this can reset settings in games or instant messengers (for example, chat history on WhatsApp or progress in Genshin Impact).

3. Delete files via computer (Windows/Mac)

If files are not deleted via the phone (for example, the system gives an error "File is used" or "No rights"), connect the smartphone to the computer. This method is also convenient for mass removal or backup before cleaning.

Instructions for Windows:

  1. Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable (preferably original).
  2. On the phone, select the File Transfer Connection Mode (FTP/MTP).
  3. Open “This Computer” (Win+E) → find a Xiaomi device under “Devices and Disks”.
  4. Go to the Internal Storage or SD card folder (if you have a memory card).
  5. Delete unnecessary files as on a regular hard drive (Sharing + Delete).

For the Mac:

  • 🖥️ Use Android File Transfer (official software from Google).
  • 🔌 Connect the phone, allow access to files on the smartphone screen.
  • 📁 Drag files into the cart or delete them through the context menu.

⚠️ Note: If Android folders, MIUI or com.xiaomi won't open - don't try to delete it manually! MIUI.

What to do if your computer can’t see your phone?
1. Check the cable - try another (preferably original). 2. Enable "Debugging by" USB» in the developer settings (how to enable – see Section 5). 3. Update drivers on your PC (via Device Manager in Windows). 4. Reboot both devices.

4. Delete hidden and system files (for experienced)

Some files (such as the MIUI update cache or system application logs) are not visible in standard Explorer, and you will need root access or special applications to delete them.

Ways for users without root:

  • 📱 Use Files by Google (an app from Google Play).It shows hidden folders and suggests cache cleaning.
  • 🔧 Enable the display of hidden files in Explorer MIUI: Open the Files» → press ⋮ → «Settings. Enable the option to "Show hidden files».

For users with root:

  • 🛠️ Install Root Explorer or FX File Explorer.
  • 📂 Move to the /data/data/ or /system/ Delete unnecessary files (caution, this may disrupt the system!).

Options for cleaning:

  • 🧹 Wipe Data → Wipe All Data – Complete reset (remove everything, including apps and settings).
  • 🗑️ Wipe Cache Partition – Cleaning the cache of the system (safe).