Modern Xiaomi smartphones, whether budget Redmi or flagship Mi series models, accumulate a significant amount of temporary data over time, these files, known as cache, are created by applications to speed up their work and store intermediate information. However, over time, the accumulation of such data can lead to slowdown of the MIUI operating system, the appearance of errors in the operation of programs and a lack of free space in the internal memory of the device.
Many users are faced with a situation where the phone starts to run slower and notifications of memory shortages appear more often. In most cases, the problem is solved not by buying a new gadget, but by competent digital hygiene. Cache cleaning is a safe and effective procedure that returns the system to speed without affecting your personal photos, contacts or important documents.
In this article, we will take a look at all the ways you can delete temporary files on Xiaomi devices. You will learn about the built-in system tools, manual cleaning methods for specific applications and the nuances of working with the system cache. Understanding how data storage works in Android will help you keep your smartphone in optimal condition throughout your life.
What is cache and why it should be cleaned on MIUI
Cache is a buffer memory where apps store frequently used data for faster loading. For example, the browser stores thumbnails of visited sites, and messengers store the received images and videos so that you do not have to re-download them every time you open the chat. On Xiaomi devices with a MIUI shell, this process occurs automatically and unnoticed by the user.
The problem arises when the cache size becomes excessive, applications may incorrectly update temporary files, leaving a dead load that takes up gigabytes of space, this is especially critical for models with a small amount of internal memory.
- 🐌 Significant reduction in the speed of opening applications and switching between them.
- 📉 Fast battery discharge due to background reading processes of damaged files.
- ❌ The appearance of startup errors or sudden closure of programs (coloring).
- 📦 Inability to install system updates or new applications due to space shortage.
⚠️ Attention: Cleaning the cache regularly is helpful, but don't fanatically delete it every hour.The Android system is designed to use free memory to speed up work. Excessive diligence can lead to the opposite effect – the phone will waste the resources of the processor to recreate the cache.
It's important to distinguish between cache and application data. If you clear the cache, you just delete the temporary files. If you choose Clear Data or Reset the application, the program will return to state immediately after installation, and you will lose logins, settings and progress in games. Be careful when choosing actions in the settings menu.
Use of the built-in "Security" application
The easiest and safest way to remove cache on Xiaomi is to use the standard system application "Security" (Security), which is pre-installed on all devices of the company and optimized for working with the MIUI shell. This tool automatically scans the system for garbage files and offers (one-tap) cleaning.
To perform the procedure, open the Security app on the home screen or in the Tools folder. Click on the Cleanup icon (usually a broomstick), and the system will analyze the amount of debris it finds, and click the Clean button to delete temporary files.
☑️ Cleaning Algorithm Through Security
For a deeper setup, go to Clean up inside the app and select Deep Clean. Here you'll see the categories of files that take up the most space: large files, rarely used apps, APK installation packages. This allows you to point-to-point memory management without removing any extra.
💡
Set up automatic cleaning in the Security app so that the phone will remove the garbage itself when the memory is more than 80% full, eliminating the need to do it manually.
Manual cache cleaning for individual applications
Sometimes the problem is with one particular application that has swelled to the unthinkable, and in these cases it is more effective to manually clean through the system settings, giving you full control over what is being removed and allowing you to make room most efficiently.
To access the app's memory management, go to the Settings menu and select the App. Next, click All Apps. From the list that opens, find the program you want (like YouTube, Instagram or Telegram) and tap it. From the menu that opens, select Memory or Storage.
You'll see two main buttons: Clear Cache and Clear Everything (or Reset) and the first button deletes only temporary files, the second button completely resets the application, use the first button for regular maintenance. If the application is not working properly, you can try resetting, but remember to lose authorization data.
Hidden system applications
In Telegram, for example, cache can take up tens of gigabytes if you don't set up auto-delete. It's better to clear the cache through the settings of the app itself: Settings → Data and memory → Memory Use → Clear cache. It's more secure than a system reset.
Cache removal via recovery menu and storage
If the phone is unstable and the interface is unstable MIUI It's loaded with errors, you can use Recovery mode (Dalvik/ART cache, which often helps after a failed firmware update.
Turn off the phone completely to enter Recovery mode. Then press the Volume Up button and the Power button at the same time. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, then release power, keep the volume up. In the menu that appears, the navigation is done with volume buttons, and the power button selects.
Find Wipe Cache Partition and confirm the action. This procedure does not delete the user's personal files (photos, contacts), it only clears the system temporary files. Once completed, select Reboot.
| Cleaning method | Security | Efficiency | Risk of data loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annex "Security" | Tall. | Medium | No. |
| Application settings | Tall. | High (point) | No (when cleaning the cache) |
| Recovery Mode | Medium (requires knowledge) | High (systemic) | Low (only if the user makes an error) |
| Third-party utilities | Low. | Low. | Medium (advertising, access) |
There's also a storage menu option, go to Settings → About Phone → Storage. The system will show you a memory usage schedule. By clicking on "Other" or "Applications," you can get detailed statistics and go to cleaning the heaviest items.
Clearing cache in the browser and social networks
Browsers and social networks are the leaders in the consumption of time memory. When you watch news feeds, thousands of images and video files are downloaded, which are stored in cache. On Xiaomi, this data can be cleaned both through system settings and within the applications themselves.
In Chrome or the standard Mi Browser, go to the menu (three dots) and select History → Clear History. Make sure to tick the box opposite to Images and other files saved in cache. This will free up a significant amount of space, but will require reloading sites the next time you visit.
Social networks like Instagram or TikTok aggressively cache content. These apps often have a “Cache and Data” setting where you can safely delete temporary files. If you don’t, use the system method through Settings → Applications described above.
⚠️ Warning: Clearing your browser cache will result in logging out of your accounts on the sites if you haven't saved passwords. Make sure you remember your logins, or make sure your passwords are synced with your Google account.
For users who actively consume video content, it is recommended to set a cache limit in the application settings (if such a feature is available) or regularly check their "weight" in storage. Video files in the TikTok cache can stealthily "eat" 5-10 GB of memory per month of active use.
Automation and third-party cleaning tools
Xiaomi smartphone owners can automate the maintenance process with built-in features or proven third-party solutions. MIUI shell allows you to adjust the cleaning schedule, eliminating the need to do it manually.
To set up automation, open the Security app, go to the settings (cogs) and find "Clean up." Here you can activate the automatic cleaning function when you reach a certain memory filling threshold, which is one of the most effective ways to maintain order.
If built-in tools aren't enough, you can consider third-party apps like Files by Google or SD Maid.They provide a more detailed analysis of the file system and find duplicates that a standard cleaner might miss.However, install only proven programs from the official Google Play store.
💡
The built-in MIUI tools, paired with Files by Google, provide 99 percent of the functionality needed to clean up, and installing dozens of accelerators will only slow down the phone.
Don't forget cloud services: Syncing photos and videos with Google Photos or Xiaomi Cloud allows you to enable the "Free Space" feature, which automatically deletes files already stored in the cloud from your device, which radically solves the problem of lack of memory for media files.