Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often face a situation where once-fast devices start to work slower, and notifications of space shortages appear more often. The main reason for such problems is the accumulation of temporary files that the system and applications create in the course of their work. Understanding how to remove cache on Xiaomi is a key skill for maintaining high performance of the gadget throughout its life.
Temporary files, or cache, are essential for loading frequently used items quickly, but over time they can reach tens of gigabytes. It's not just "digital junk," but data that takes up precious space in internal memory, preventing updates or a new game from being installed. Regular cleaning allows you to free up resources and eliminate program errors arising from conflicts of outdated data.
In this article, we will take a look at all the cleaning methods available, from standard MIUI tools to advanced methods through the engineering menu, learn how cleaning a particular application differs from cleaning the system completely, and understand which files can be deleted without fear of damaging the operating system.
What is cache and why should it be removed on MIUI
Cache memory is a buffer zone where temporary data is stored for quick access. When you open an application for the first time, it loads resources longer, but when it is re-run, it uses stored files. However, the algorithms are not always perfect, and old files can conflict with new versions of programs, causing crashes.
On the shell of MIUI and its modern version of HyperOS, garbage accumulation is especially active due to aggressive work of background services and built-in advertising, which if not carried out prevention, this leads to the fact that the smartphone begins to slow down even on simple tasks such as typing or scrolling the news feed.
⚠️ Note: Deleting the cache is safe for your personal data, such as contacts, photos or correspondence. However, cleaning the application data (not the cache) can lead to resetting settings and logging out of the account within a particular program.
There is a misconception that constantly cleaning the cache harms the battery or the processor. In fact, releasing RAM and permanent memory reduces the load on memory controllers, which theoretically can even extend the life of the device, the main thing is to do it competently using proven methods.
Cleaning the cache through the standard “Security” application
The easiest and safest way to remove temporary files is to use the built-in tool from Xiaomi. It is available on all models, whether it is a budget Redmi Note or flagship Xiaomi 14.
To get started, look for an app called Security (a shield icon) on your desktop or in the Tools folder, and run it and wait for the system to be scanned automatically. Once you have completed the check, you will see a list of file categories that can be deleted.
☑️ Quick cleaning algorithm
In the menu that opens, look at the Cache section, click on it to see the details, the system will suggest that you delete temporary files, residual files and ad cache. Be careful, there may be large files that you downloaded yourself.
- 🗑️ Temporary files: secure to delete, created during the OS operation.
- 📦 Residual files: “tails” from previously deleted applications that take up space.
- 📢 Cache of advertising: files that accelerate the display of banners in games and programs.
- 📸 Small videos and photos: often here get screenshots or previews from messengers.
After selecting categories, press the cleaning button. The process will take a few seconds, and it is recommended to repeat this procedure every 1-2 weeks to maintain optimal interface speed.
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For a deeper cleaning in the Security app, go to Deep Cleaning. You can find forgotten installations. APK-photo files and duplicates.
Removing the cache of individual applications manually
Often, one particular app, such as Telegram, TikTok or YouTube, eats the space, and standard cleaning may not affect them deeply, so you need to act point-by-point through the system settings, which allows you to control what data will be deleted.
Go to Settings → Applications → All Apps. In the list, find a “heavy” application that consumes a lot of memory. Click on it to open the control menu. Here you are interested in “Memory” or “Storage”.
In the window that opens, you will see two buttons: Clear cache and Clear everything (or Delete data). For our purpose, we need the first button, and clicking on it will only delete temporary files, saving your logins, passwords and settings inside the program.
| Action. | What's removed | Impact on the account | Security |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clear the cache | Temporary files, thumbnails | It doesn't affect you (remain in the system) | Completely safe. |
| Clear it all up. | The whole database, settings, cache | Exit, reset, reset | Requires re-entry |
| Delete the appendix | Complete removal of the program | Total reset | Requires reinstallation |
Use this method if a particular application is not working correctly: it crashes, freezes or displays content incorrectly.Cache reset often solves the problem of “broken” images or hanging videos.
Why is the app's cache growing fast?
Using the Recovery Menu to Clean Up Completely
If the smartphone is unstable, glitchy or does not load normally, you may need to clear the cache at the system level through the Recovery menu.This method is deeper and affects system partitions without deleting your personal files (photos, contacts).
To enter recovery mode, you need to turn off the smartphone completely. Then press the volume button and the power button at the same time. Hold them until the Mi or Redmi logo appears, then release the power button, continuing to keep the volume.
In the Recovery menu, the navigation is done with volume buttons (up/down), and the choice is confirmed by the power button (on some models the sensor works), you need to find the Wipe Data or Clear Cache item.
- 🔍 Wipe Cache: Clears only system cache, secure for data.
- ⚠️ Wipe All Data: Complete reset to factory settings, removes everything.
- 🔄 Reboot: Reboot the device in normal mode.
- 🔙 Back: Return to the previous menu.
⚠️ Warning: In the Recovery menu, mix items. Make sure you choose "Wipe Cache" or "Clean Cache." Choosing "Wipe All Data" will result in the complete removal of all your photos, contacts and applications without the possibility of recovery.
Once cleaned successfully, the system will suggest restarting. The first run may take longer than usual, which is a normal process of reassembling system files.
Hidden folders and cleaning through the conductor
Advanced users may prefer manual control of the file system. The MIUI shell has a built-in Explorer that allows you to see hidden folders where heavy log files and remnants of remote programs often hide.
Open the Explorer app and click on the menu icon (three bars or dots). Turn on the hidden file display. Now go to the Android root folder. This is where the main app dataset is stored.
You're interested in two subfolders: data and obb. The data folder contains settings and cache of programs. Be careful: deleting a folder with a name like com.whatsapp will reset the messenger. Only delete folders that start with com. and refer to applications that have already been deleted.
/storage/emulated/0/Android/data/
/storage/emulated/0/Android/obb/The obb folder contains a cache of heavy games (graphic packages). If you deleted the game but its folder is still here, feel free to delete it, it is no longer needed and takes up gigabytes.
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Manual cleaning through a conductor gives you maximum control, but it requires care. Only delete folders that you are 100% sure of.
Automation of cleaning with scripts and ADB
For those who want to automate the process or clean up system debris that is not available with conventional methods, there is an ADB tool (Android Debug Bridge), which requires connecting a smartphone to a computer and minimal technical skills.
First, activate Developer Mode. Go to Settings → About Phone and quickly press 7 times on MIUI Version (or OS Version). Then, in the advanced settings, turn on USB Debugging.
Connect your phone to your PC, install drivers and the SDK Tools platform, and you can send commands to clean up your computer from the command line, and you can remove the cache of system applications that don't have a user interface.
adb shell pm trim-caches 999999999This command forcibly caches all applications, freeing up a specified number of bytes (in this example, almost everything possible), a powerful tool that can instantly free up several gigabytes of space.
Using ADB is especially relevant for older models like the Redmi Note 8 or Mi A3, which can’t physically pull up modern versions of apps without constantly cleaning up resources.