How to completely remove cache on Xiaomi Redmi 9: all the ways 2026

Xiaomi Redmi 9 gets slow over time, apps take longer to load, and free memory melts away? 90% of the time, the cache — temporary files that the system and programs create to speed up work — is to blame. But when these files become too many, they get in the way: take up gigabytes of memory, fragment storage and even cause MIUI malfunctions.

In this article you will find 5 Proven methods of cleaning cache on Redmi 9 — From standard tools to hidden functions MIUI 12/13/14. We're going to figure out how to remove the cache of individual applications, system debris, browser data, even files that you can't see in a regular manager. 2026 year and do not require root rights.

What is cache and why should it be cleaned on Redmi 9?

Cache (from English cache - "cache") are temporary files that are created:

• 📱 Android system to speed up the loading of the interface MIUI (animations, icons, fonts).
• 🎮 Applications (social networks, instant messengers, games) for storing frequently used data (for example, thumbnails of photos on Instagram or maps in Google Maps).
• 🌐 Browsers (cookie storage, history of visits, uploaded images).

On Redmi 9 with its 64/128 GB of storage, the cache can take from 1-2 GB to 10+ GB depending on the intensity of use. For example, TikTok accumulates up to 500 MB of cache per month of active use, and Google Chrome - up to 1 GB.

⚠️ Warning: Don't confuse cache with user data! Deleting WhatsApp cache won't lose correspondence, but all downloaded stickers and animations will have to be downloaded again.

Signs that it’s time to clean up the cache on Redmi 9:

• 🐢 Smartphone “hangs” when opening applications or returning to the main screen.
• 📉 Free memory is less than 10% of the total amount.
• 🔄 Applications spontaneously close or give an error “No memory is enough».
• 🔋 Battery goes down faster than usual (cache increases the load on the processor).

Method 1: Clearing the cache of individual applications through settings

The safest method is to remove the cache only for those programs that take up the most space, which will not affect their work, but will free up to 1-3 GB of memory.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Sort by size.
3. In the list, find apps marked “Cash” (usually Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, Google Play Services).
4. Click on the app → Storage → Clear the cache.

To speed up the process, use a filter: enter “cache” in the search bar, and the system will show only those programs that have it.

📷 Instagram (up to 1 GB)

🎵 Spotify (up to 500MB)

🎮 PUBG Mobile (up to 2 GB)

🌍 Google Maps (up to 1.5 GB)

📺 TikTok (up to 800MB)-->

⚠️ Note: Do not clear the cache for Google Play Services and Google Play Services unnecessarily – this may disrupt push notifications and geolocation.

If the Clear Cache button is inactive, the application uses a shared system cache (e.g., MIUI Launcher).

Method 2: Remove the system cache through Recovery mode

The Dalvik-cache accumulates in the hidden /cache partition and is not visible in the normal file manager. its cleaning helps to correct MIUI errors, speed up the smartphone load and free up to 500 MB of memory.

Important: This method does not delete user data, but requires a reboot to Recovery Mode.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off Redmi 9.
2. Press the Power + Volume buttons up at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.
3. Use volume buttons for navigation and select Wipe & Reset (on some firmwares – Wipe Cache Partition).
4. Confirm the action by choosing Yes.
5. After you complete the process, select Reboot to System.

It takes 2-5 minutes. After restarting, the first MIUI run may be slower than usual, which is normal, since the system recovers the cache again.

Method 3: Automatic Security Cleaning

Xiaomi has built a security utility into MIUI that can find and delete unnecessary files, including cache, which is suitable for regular cleaning without manually searching for applications.

How to use:

1. Open the Security app (the shield icon).
2. Go to the Optimization tab (or Cleaner in English).
3. Click Deep Cleanup → Garbage Files.
4. Check the boxes: 🗑️ Cash app. 📁 Temporary files 🔍 Residual files (remains from deleted programs)

Clean up

Security only deletes secure files and never touches user data (photos, contacts, messages), but it can skip the cache of some system applications (for example, Mi Video or Mi Music).

💡

To make cleaning through Security more efficient, open and close all commonly used applications (such as WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram) before running it, which will cause them to update the cache, and the utility will find more unnecessary files.

Method 4: Manually clean the cache through the file manager

Some cache files are stored in folders accessible through standard Explorer (or Files by Google), a method that is suitable for power users because it requires care – accidentally deleting system files can cause crashes.

Where to find the cash:

• 📂 folder /Android/data/ — cached application data is stored here (for example, downloaded levels in games).
• 📂 folder /Android/obb/ — Additional game files (may weigh) 1–5 GB).
• 📂 folder /DCIM/.thumbnails — Photo and video miniatures (can be removed without consequences).
• 📂 folder /cache/ — System cache (usually empty, as it is automatically cleared).

How to delete:

1. Open Explorer (or install Files by Google from the Play Market).
2. Go to Internal Memory → find the folder you want (see the list above).
3. Select files (e.g., in /DCIM/.thumbnails) and click Delete.

⚠️ Note: Do not delete files in folders: /Android/data/com.xiaomi... — These are system application settings MIUI. /system/ — Any changes here can lead to a blink (inoperability) of the smartphone.

💡

Manually clearing the cache through the file manager is the riskiest method. Use it only if other methods have not worked, and you know exactly what files you are deleting.

Method 5: Cache reset via ADB (for advanced)

If standard methods don’t work and the smartphone still slows down, you can use the Android debugging bridge (ADB), which removes all cache, including hidden system files, but requires a connection to the computer.

What you need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/Mac/Linux.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 🛠️ Utility. ADB Tools (download from the official Google website).

Instructions:

1. Turn on Redmi 9 Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap the MIUI version 7 times until the notification “You’ve become a developer” appears. Return to Settings → Additional → For Developers and enable USB Debugging.

Connect your smartphone to your computer and confirm your trust in the device.

Command line.

Windows

Terminal

Mac/Linux

ADB

adb devices

(The name of your device should appear)

adb shell

su

(If you have root rights, otherwise you will miss the link)

pm clear --all

(clears the cache of all user applications)

rm -rf /cache/*

(deletes system cache)

Reboot your smartphone:

reboot

This method frees up to 2-3 GB of storage, but resets the settings of some applications (for example, WhatsApp may request a re-authorization).

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When cleaning the cache on Redmi 9, users often face problems, and here are the most common solutions:

1. After cleaning the cache, the apps fly out.

Reason: Critical configuration files (e.g. Google Play Services) have been deleted.

Solution: Reinstall the problem application or reset it to Settings → Apps → [name] → Storage → Reset.

2.Cash is back in a few days.

Reason: Apps (especially social media) actively cache data.

Solution: Limit background activity in Settings → Battery → Power Saving Mode or use Lite versions of apps (e.g. Facebook Lite).

3. There's not enough room to clean the cache.

The reason: The system requires 10-15% of the free space for the operation.

Solution: Transfer the photo/video to a memory card or computer, then re-clean.

4.The "Clear Cache" button is inactive.

Reason: The application uses a shared system cache or is protected by MIUI.

Solution: Try clearing the cache with Recovery (Method 2) or ADB (Method 5).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions