How to remove cache on Xiaomi Android: a step-by-step guide

Xiaomi’s current Android smartphones have powerful architectures, but even they can slow down over time. One of the main reasons for the decline in performance is the accumulation of temporary files known as cache, which are created by applications to quickly load content, but over time they can reach tens of gigabytes, taking up precious space in memory.

If you notice that MIUI or HyperOS interfaces are becoming less responsive and free space is rapidly shrinking, cache cleaning is an effective solution. Unlike a full reset, it is safe for your personal data, photos and contacts. However, it is important to understand the difference between system debris and important files so that you don't disrupt mission-critical services.

In this guide, we will take a look at all the cleaning methods available, from built-in system tools to advanced actions through the engineering menu, learn how to distinguish secure files from those that you shouldn’t delete, and you can return your device to its original speed without using third-party software.

What is cache and why you should clean it on Xiaomi

Cache memory is a buffer where apps store temporary data to speed up re-accessing it, such as Google Chrome storing thumbnails of pages visited, and Telegram storing images and videos already viewed, which allows apps to load faster and consume less traffic, but over time this mechanism starts to work against the user.

The main problem is that Android’s temporary file cleanup algorithms don’t always work perfectly. Apps can store data that will never be used again, or create duplicates. As a result, Internal Storage’s free memory fills up, causing the file system to fragment and reduce overall write and read speed.

⚠️ Warning: Uncontrolled cache accumulation can lead not only to space shortages, but also to software errors when an application tries to access a corrupted temporary file.

Cleaning regularly helps make room for new photos and apps, and eliminates some bugs in the software, especially for devices with a small amount of internal memory, where every gigabyte counts, and understanding the cache structure will allow you to make informed decisions about what to delete first.

Cleaning the cache through the built-in Security app

The easiest and safest way to free up space on Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones is to use the regular Security app. This tool is already integrated into the shell of MIUI and HyperOS, so it does not require additional software. The scanner’s algorithm is optimized specifically for the architecture of the Snapdragon and MediaTek processors used in the brand’s devices.

To start the procedure, you need to launch the application and click on the large green scan button, the system will automatically analyze the file system and find temporary files that can be deleted without consequences, and after the analysis is completed, you will be asked to clean up the debris found, which will take only a few seconds.

Importantly, the built-in cleaner works in gentle mode and doesn’t remove the cache of active applications completely so as not to slow down their next run.It only removes clearly redundant data, such as remnants of remote programs and temporary APK installer files.

If the standard cleaning didn’t work, you can go to the extended menu inside the app, which has a deep cleaning feature that analyzes large files and duplicates, and use this option with caution, carefully checking the content before deleting so you don’t lose important documents.

Removing the cache of individual applications manually

Sometimes the problem is not with the system as a whole, but with a particular application that mismanages its temporary files. Social networks and instant messengers often grow to giant sizes, in which case you need to manually clean through the Android settings menu.

To do this, go to Settings, then select Apps and find All Apps. In the list that opens, look for a problem program, such as YouTube or Instagram. Inside the app menu, you are interested in Memory or Storage, where the Clean button is located.

Here, the user is given a choice between two actions: clearing the cache or clearing all the data. The first action is safe and only deletes temporary files. The second action completely resets the application to the state immediately after installation, removing logins, passwords and settings.

• 🗑️ Clearing cache: deletes temporary files, speeds up work, does not affect personal data.
• 🔒 Cleaning up data: full application reset, deletion of accounts and settings.
• 📂 Memory management: allows you to see how much space the cache occupies relative to the total size.
• ⚙️ Autorun: in the same menu, you can prevent the application from starting automatically.

It is recommended to regularly check the cache volume for the applications you use daily, for example, video services and navigators tend to accumulate huge amounts of map data and previews, and regular prevention in these sections will help keep the system on track.

Cleaning the system cache through Recovery Mode

A deeper level of cleanup is available through Recovery Mode, or Recovery Mode, which removes the system cache that accumulates during operating system updates and Android background services, a method that is especially useful after a firmware update or if the phone is behaving unstablely.

To enter this mode, you need to turn off your smartphone completely. Then press the button combination: usually it's Volume Up and Power at the same time. Hold them until the Mi or Redmi logo appears, then release the power button, keep the volume still. When the Recovery menu appears, the volume buttons are used for navigation and the power button is used for selection.

From the Recovery menu, select Wipe Cache Partition. Confirm if necessary. It's important not to confuse this with Wipe Data, which will completely delete all your personal files and reset your phone to factory settings. Be extremely careful when navigating.

⚠️ Note: On newer versions of HyperOS, access to the cache partition in Recovery may be restricted or hidden for security reasons.If you don't see this option, use the other methods described in the article.

Once the cleaning process is complete, the system will suggest restarting the device, and the first start-up after this procedure may take longer than usual, as the system will need to re-form the necessary temporary files, which is normal and does not require user intervention.

Clearing cache in popular browsers and social networks

Browsers and social networks are the leaders in disk space consumption, and their mechanisms involve actively saving graphics, scripts and media files, cleaning through general system settings may not be effective enough, so it is better to use the built-in tools of the applications themselves.

In Google Chrome, you must open the menu (three dots in the corner), select History, and then Clear History. In the window that opens, make sure that you select Images and other files saved in the cache. The remaining items, such as passwords and browsing history, can be left if you do not want to lose them.

For instant messengers, the situation is similar. Telegram cleans through Settings -> Data and memory -> Memory Use, where you can not only clear the current cache, but also set up automatic cleaning, for example, delete media files that have not opened for more than 3 days.

• 🌐 Chrome: Menu -> History -> Clear history -> Cash.
• 📱 Telegram: Settings -> Data and memory -> Use of memory.
• 📸 Instagram: Settings -> Account -> Use of cellular data -> Clear the cache (on Android).
• 🎵 TikTok: Profile -> Menus -> Settings and privacy -> Liberation of the place.

Cleaning these apps regularly makes life much easier for the operating system, especially for devices with a lot of heavy apps installed, and removing the cache in messengers never deletes your correspondence, they are stored on the server or in the application database.

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Set up automatic cache cleanup in Telegram and WhatsApp so that media files don’t take up your phone’s memory without your knowledge.

Automation and third-party cleaning tools

While Xiaomi’s built-in tools are quite effective, some users prefer third-party solutions for more subtle control.Apps like Files by Google or SD Maid can find remnants of remote programs and empty folders that the system cleaner ignores.

But it's worth remembering that aggressive "cleaners" can do more harm than help. The constant forced unloading of processes from RAM causes the processor and system to work harder to start them again, leading to increased battery consumption. Use such tools only for analysis and manual selective cleaning.

You can use the built-in "Accelerate" function in the MIUI notification curtain to automate the automation. Adding a cleaning widget to the desktop also allows you to quickly free up RAM with a single touch, which is especially convenient before launching resource-intensive games or video applications.

⚠️ Warning: Avoid installing questionable antivirus applications and cleaners from unverified sources.

The best strategy is to combine the built-in system with manually cleaning heavy applications once a week, balancing Android performance with stability. Don’t aim for “sterile” memory, as a fully free cache slows down the initial launch of programs.

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The best way to speed up Xiaomi is not to constantly clean the cache, but to monitor the autoload of applications and remove really unnecessary programs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)