How to remove cache on Xiaomi: the complete guide to speed up your smartphone

Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO are all known for their performance, but over time, even the most powerful devices start to slow down. The main reason for this is often the accumulation of temporary files that apps create to quickly load content, called cache, and its excess can take up gigabytes of valuable space in internal memory.

Regularly cleaning up this data not only frees up space, but also eliminates bugs in programs that stop functioning properly due to corrupted temporary files. Android smartphone owners need to understand the difference between deleting application data and cleaning the cache so they don’t lose their logins, passwords and progress in games. We’ll look at all the available methods, from built-in MIUI tools to advanced methods through the engineering menu.

Many users mistakenly believe that a quality cleaning is necessary third-party programs, but the shell MIUI and HyperOS have powerful built-in mechanisms. Proper use of these tools allows you to maintain the system in perfect condition without the risk of installing advertising software, which is often found in free "cliners." Let's figure out how to properly and safely conduct the maintenance procedure.

The concept of cache and its impact on the operation of the system

Cache is a buffer memory that stores temporary files needed to quickly access frequently used data. When you open YouTube, browser or social network, the device stores interface elements and media files locally, which allows pages to load instantly on a repeated visit, without wasting traffic and CPU resources on reprocessing information.

But over time, these storages can grow to inadequate sizes. Some applications, especially instant messengers like Telegram or Viber, can accumulate tens of gigabytes of media if automatic deletion is not configured, cache overflow makes it harder for the system to find the right files among millions of useless records, causing micro-freezes and slowing interface response.

It is important to distinguish between the three types of memory you will encounter during maintenance:

• 📱 Application cache – temporary files of specific programs that can be safely deleted without losing personal data.
• 🗑️ System garbage – remnants of remote programs, error logs and temporary shell update files MIUI.
• 💾 User data – photos, contacts and documents, the removal of which will lead to irretrievable loss of information.

There is a common misconception that constantly cleaning the cache prolongs the life of the battery. In fact, frequent deletion of the cache can even increase the energy consumption, since the processor will have to re-upload and process data that has already been stored. The optimal cleaning frequency is once every 2-3 weeks or when there are obvious signs of memory shortage.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use Clear All Data instead of Clear Cache if you want to keep your app login.

Use of the built-in "Security" application

The easiest and safest way to remove cache on Xiaomi is to use the regular Security app, which is pre-installed on all the brand’s devices and has deep integration with the operating system, allowing you to find files hidden from third-party analyzers.

Once launched, the system will automatically scan. If this does not happen, press the Cleaner button. The scanner will analyze the installed programs and system partitions, identifying temporary files, APK installer packages and ad residues, the process usually takes no more than 10-15 seconds, even on older models like the Redmi Note 8 or Redmi 9A.

In the list that opens, you'll see file categories that can be deleted. The default system selects the items that are safe to delete. Pay attention to the "Cash" item, which will indicate the amount of space occupied. Pressing the "Clear" button will start the process of deleting temporary files.

For more detailed control, you can go to Deep Cleaning Inside the App, where the memory analyzer will suggest removing large files, duplicate photos and unused applications. Be careful when choosing large video files, the app does not distinguish between important records and unnecessary debris, relying only on the size of the file.

Manually cleaning the cache of individual applications

Sometimes the problem isn't with the system as a whole, but with a particular application that doesn't properly manage its temporary files, like a browser that can weigh 5GB even though you haven't downloaded that much content, and you need to manually clean up through your Android settings.

To do this, go to Settings → Apps → All apps. Find a problem program (such as Chrome, Instagram or Facebook) on the list. Click on it to open the management page. From the menu that opens, select Storage (or Memory).

You'll see two main buttons: Clear cache and Clear everything (or Delete data) The first button deletes only temporary files, the second button resets the app to factory settings. Use the first option for regular maintenance.

If you're using a HyperOS shell or a newer version of MIUI 14, the interface may be slightly different, but the logic remains the same. In some firmware versions, the cache clearing button is hidden under three dots at the top of the app control screen, to prevent the user from accidentally resetting.

There is a hidden method of mass deleting the cache through the special features menu. To activate it, go to Settings → Advanced Settings → Special. features (or "Developers" if debugging mode is enabled). Find the Cache or Background Process Limit. However, the standard path through the settings of each application remains the most reliable for point work.

Cleaning the system cache through Recovery Mode

If the smartphone is unstable, buggy after an update or constantly restarts, you may need to clean the system partition cache (Dalvik/ART Cache), a procedure performed through the Recovery menu and does not require superuser rights (Root), which is a deeper level of service that affects the operating system itself.

To enter recovery mode, you need to turn the device off completely. Then press the Volume Up 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 up until the Recovery menu appears.

Navigation in this menu is done with volume buttons (up/down), and the choice is confirmed by the power button. In some new HyperOS models, the control can be touch-sensitive. Select the language (English), then go to the Wipe Data menu.

It is important to choose Wipe Cache (if available in your version of Recovery) or Wipe All Data, followed by the choice of "Clean Cache" (not "Format Data"). Be extremely careful: choosing the option of Format Data or Wipe All Data without confirming the type of cleaning will lead to the complete removal of all your photos, contacts and applications.

⚠️ Note: On smartphones with a locked bootloader and a new version of Android (11, 12, 13, 14), the "Wipe Cache" item may not be in the Recovery menu due to security reasons for data encryption.

Cache removal via computer (ADB commands)

For advanced users who want full control of the file system, there is a method of cleaning through the Android debugging bridge (ADB). This method allows you to delete the cache even of those system applications that are hidden from the average user, USB-cable and installed Xiaomi drivers.

First, activate Developer Mode. Go to Settings → About Phone and quickly click on the MIUI Version 7 times. Then, in the Additional → For Developers menu, turn on Debugging over USB.

Connect your smartphone to your computer and open the command line in the folder with ADB. Enter a command to check the connection:

adb devices

You'll see a debugging permission request on your phone screen, click "Allow." To clear the cache of a particular application, use the command:

adb shell pm clear com.package.name

Instead of com.package.name, you need to substitute an application ID (e.g. com.android.chrome) to find out a list of all packages, you can use the adb shell pm list packages command, which is especially useful for cleaning up Google system services or MIUI shells that do not allow you to do this by standard means.

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Use the ADB AppControl graphical shell to manage applications from your PC if working with the command line seems too difficult.

Automation and third-party utilities

While Xiaomi’s built-in tools are quite efficient, some users prefer third-party solutions to automate the process. However, one should be extremely careful: many of the accelerators from the Play Market are themselves a source of advertising and resource consumption.

Among the solutions we've tested are Files by Google or SD Maid, which have a good reputation and don't have aggressive advertising, and they let you set up a cleaning schedule or do it by clicking a widget on your desktop.

Macros can be used to automate your internal activities. If you have Root rights, Tasker or MacroDroid can automatically clear the cache of selected applications when you reach a certain memory occupancy level or when you connect to a charger at night.

Owners of older devices, such as the Redmi Note 4 or Mi 8, are advised to manually delete the cache of heavy apps once a week, as their RAM (3-4 GB) is quickly filled with modern “heavy” versions of social networks.

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The most effective method for the average user is the built-in “Security” application in conjunction with manual cleaning of the messenger cache once a month.