How to remove cache from Xiaomi phone: the full guide

Xiaomi’s current smartphones, which run MIUI shells or the new HyperOS, have powerful functionality that requires maintenance over time. One of the most common reasons for the device’s slowdown is the accumulation of temporary files known as cache, which are created by apps to speed up their launch, but after months of use turn into digital garbage, occupying gigabytes of usable memory.

Many users notice that the phone starts to run slower, apps fly out or freeze, and free space on the drive disappears for no apparent reason. Cache cleaning is a safe and effective procedure that returns the device to its former sharpness and makes room for new photos and programs. In this article, we will discuss in detail all methods of cleaning, from built-in tools to advanced methods for advanced users.

It is important to understand that the process of deleting temporary files does not affect your personal data, contacts or passwords, if you act according to the instructions, but there is a difference between cleaning a particular application and completely cleaning the system, which we will definitely talk about. Let’s figure out how to properly service your Redmi or POCO, So that it works like new.

What is cache and why it should be removed

Cache is a data storage area where applications store temporary information for quick access. For example, the browser stores copies of pages and pictures visited so that when you re-enter the site they load instantly without consuming Internet traffic. Social networks store miniatures of photos and videos, and navigators store fragments of maps. This is a useful mechanism that is designed to speed up the operation of software.

But over time, this time base can grow to unimaginable proportions: Application cleaning algorithms often fail to work properly, leaving tails from long-deleted pages or updated versions of programs, and as a result, cache begins to take up a significant portion of internal memory, which is especially critical for models with 64 or 128 GB storage.

⚠️ Warning: Excessive data partitioning can lead to cyclical system reboots or inability to install updates.If the free space is less than 1 GB, the phone may start to work unstable.

In addition, corrupted cache files are a common cause of failures. If an application suddenly closes at launch, it is conflicting temporary data that is responsible for 80% of the cases. Regular cleaning of the cache helps to eliminate software errors that are not associated with viruses or hardware failure. This is the first diagnostic measure for any strange behavior of the smartphone.

It is worth noting that there are different types of cache in the MIUI and HyperOS shells: system, user and DNS cache. Understanding the difference between the two will allow you to conduct a deeper and more efficient cleaning without removing excess. Below we will look at each type in more detail.

Cleaning the cache through the standard Security app

The easiest and most affordable way to remove garbage is to use the built-in Security app, a Xiaomi tool that is already pre-installed on all devices and has deep access rights to the system, and it can find not only temporary files, but also remnants of remote programs and advertising debris.

To get started, open the green shield icon app. On the home screen, you'll see the Cleanup button or the broom icon. Click on it and the system will automatically scan the device. The process takes 10 to 30 seconds depending on the number of files. After scanning, you'll be asked to remove the debris you find.

However, standard quick cleaning doesn't always delete all temporary application data. For more in-depth processing, click on Memory or Deep Clean in the security app menu. Here, the system will suggest removing large files, duplicate photos and unused applications. This is a great way to make room in a comprehensive way.

It can delete the cache of frequently used applications, which will lead to a longer run on the next opening. So use the Clean All feature wisely, knowing that you are resetting the state of programs to the original.

Removing the cache of individual applications manually

If you're having problems with a particular app, like YouTube stopped downloading videos or Instagram didn't update feeds, you don't have to clean the entire phone, just delete the cache of that particular program, and that solves most local problems without losing personal data like emails or accounts.

To do this, go to your device's Settings menu. Find the Apps section and select All Apps. In the list that opens, find a problem program. For example, if your browser is bugging, look for Chrome or the standard Mi Browser.

Inside the app card, you're interested in Memory or Storage, and you'll see two buttons: Clear cache and Clear everything (or Reset), and you need the first button, which will delete temporary files, but it will save your logins, settings, and saves.

• 🧹 Cache: Deletes only temporary files, is safe for all data.
• 🗑️ Clean Everything: Resets the app completely, removing account logins and settings.
• 📂 Control: Cache size can be seen before cleaning to estimate the amount of garbage.

For system applications like Gallery or Explorer, the procedure is similar. If the thumbnails are missing after cleaning the gallery cache, don't worry, the system will recreate them the next time it opens, which can take some time and battery power.

System cleaning through the Recovery Engineering Menu

For advanced users who want to do a deep cleaning of the system cache (Wipe Cache Partition), there is a Recovery mode. This method removes temporary files of the operating system itself that are not available through the usual interface, which is useful after major firmware updates or frequent system errors.

To get into the Recovery menu, you must first enable USB debugging (optional for some versions) and unlock the bootloader, although on global versions the input is often open by default. Turn off the phone completely. Then press the Volume Up button and Power button at the same time. Hold them until the Mi or Redmi logo appears.

In the menu that appears, you can navigate with volume buttons (up/down) and power buttons. You have to find Wipe Data or Wipe Cache. Be careful, just choose Wipe Cache. If you choose Wipe All Data, the phone will reset to factory settings, losing all photos and contacts.

⚠️ Note: In newer versions of HyperOS, access to the cache cleanup section of Recovery may be hidden or require proof of the screen unlock password. If there is no "Wipe Cache" option, use only software cleaning methods.

Once you have selected an action, confirm it. The process will take a few seconds. When you have finished, select Reboot. The first system start after this procedure may take longer than usual, which is normal, since the system reassembles the necessary temporary files.

Cleaning DNS cache to speed up internet

Special attention deserves DNS This is a matching table for domain names (e.g., google.com) and their names. IP-Addresses stored in Android network settings. Over time, this table may contain outdated entries, which leads to long loading pages or errors in connecting to certain sites.

You can clear the DNS cache on Xiaomi through the hidden test menu. Open the Phone app and type in the command ##4636#. If the code works, the Check menu will open. Select Wi-Fi Information or Network. There may be a Flush DNS button.

If the code doesn't work (it's often blocked on new firmware), you can use flight mode. Turn on Air Mode for 10-15 seconds, and then turn it off. This action forcibly reconnects the radios and often clears network buffers, including DNS.

You can also reset your network settings completely. Go to Settings → Connection and Sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks and Bluetooth. This action will remove stored Wi-Fi passwords and pairings with devices, but is guaranteed to clear the network cache.

Comparison of cleaning methods: efficiency table

So to make it easier for you to choose the right method, we've developed a comparison table that shows you what method is best for a particular situation, and you don't need to use "heavy artillery" like Recovery to simply clean up the trash after watching a video.

As you can see from the table, the first two methods are sufficient for everyday use: Recovery mode should be used only in case of obvious system failures; Network reset is useful if the problems are solely related to the Internet connection.

Remember, after any major cleanup, the system takes time to adapt. Don't expect instant results in the first minute. Let the background optimization processes complete.

💡

Use the Auto Clean feature in the Safety app, setting it up to run once every 3 days, to help keep order without you.

Automation and prevention of garbage accumulation

So you don't have to do manual cleaning all the time, you can set up automation. There's a built-in scheduler in the MIUI shell. Go to the Security app, click three dots in the corner, or find the settings (cogs), and you can activate the Auto Clean Memory option.

In addition, many applications allow you to configure the cache size limit. For example, in Telegram you can set the autodeletion of the cache of media files in 3 days, a week or a month. This will prevent the proliferation of garbage to giant sizes. The settings are in Data and memory → Memory use.

Regularly restarting your phone also helps to reset some types of temporary files and free up RAM, which is recommended at least once a week, a simple habit that prolongs battery life and keeps the system running fast.

Keep an eye out for app updates in Google Play or GetApps. Developers often optimize their programs by fixing bugs that led to incorrect cache accumulation in past versions.

⚠️ Warning: Do not install third-party cleaners from Play Market. They often contain ads, consume resources themselves and can delete the desired system files, disrupting the work of Xiaomi.

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The best strategy is to combine built-in auto-clean once a week and manually cache only the apps you use most.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)