Modern Xiaomi smartphones, which are based on MIUI shells or the new HyperOS, have powerful hardware, but even these become slower over time. One of the main reasons for the decline in performance and lack of internal memory is the accumulation of temporary files, or cache. This data is created to speed up the application, but when overgrowth begins to slow down the system and take up gigabytes of usable space.
It is often unclear to users whether these files can be deleted and if this will lead to the loss of important data, such as correspondence or progress in games. In this article, we will detail safe cleaning methods that will help restore the device to its previous speed, learn how to distinguish system debris from important data and know where to look for hidden memory reserves.
The cleaning procedure does not require the acquisition of superuser rights (Root) and can be performed by regular means of the Android operating system. Regular maintenance of a smartphone is the key to its stable operation over many years of operation.
What is cache and why it should be removed
Cache is a region in the memory of a device where temporary data is stored for frequently used programs. When you launch an application, such as a social network or a browser, the system stores some information (images, scripts, logs) so that the next time you open it, the download happens instantly. However, over time, these files can become corrupted, conflict with new versions of the software or simply take up a critical amount of space.
The main problem with accumulating temporary files is that they are not always deleted automatically. Android’s automatic cleanup mechanisms don’t always work correctly, especially if the application was closed in an emergency, resulting in launch errors, program crashes, and a message that there is not enough space to install updates.
⚠️ Caution: Clearing the cache does not delete your personal files, logins and passwords. However, data cleanup completely resets the application to the factory state, removing all your history and settings inside it.
Regular prevention helps to avoid a situation where only a few hundred megabytes are left free, which is critical for the system to work. The operating system needs free space to create temporary swap files and correct background processes. Ignoring this aspect can lead to interface freezes.
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Use the “Accelerate” feature in the standard Security app once a week to automatically search for obvious debris.
Use of the built-in Security application
The easiest and safest way Xiaomi offers is to use a pre-installed system tool.Security is already integrated into the firmware and has access to all necessary system folders for deep cleaning without the risk of damaging important files.
To start the procedure, you need to find an icon on your desktop called "Security" and run it. Once you open it, you'll see a green memory-filled button or a "Clean Up" plaque, and clicking on this button will start scanning the system for temporary files, residual debris and large, unnecessary files.
Once the scan is complete, the system will suggest removing the objects found, and it's important to look carefully at the list, because sometimes messaging caches can get into the garbage section that you might want to save, but for quick cleaning, you can safely agree with the algorithm's recommendations.
☑️ Cleaning Algorithm Through Security
It is worth noting that this method only removes the surface layer of temporary files. To clean the cache of specific applications that take up the most space, for example, you will need to go to the individual settings of each service.
Clearing the cache of specific applications
If a memory or error problem occurs in a particular program (e.g. Telegram, Instagram or YouTube), global cleanup may not help, and in such cases, you need to act point-by-point, resetting the cache of the problem application through the system settings.
To get to the menu, go to Settings → Applications → All Apps. From the list that opens, find the program you want and click on it. From the control menu that opens, select Memory (or Storage) where you will see two buttons: Clear and Clear Everything.
The Clear Cache button only deletes temporary files, saving your authorizations and settings. The Clear Data button completely removes the application and returns it to a post-installed state, which will require you to log in again.
| Annex | Type of data in the cache | Is it safe to remove? | Impact on account entry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Browser (Chrome/Mi Browser) | Website pictures, cookies | Yes. | Re-entry may be required |
| YouTube | Miniatures, video buffer | Yes. | No. |
| Telegram | Photos, videos, chat files | Yeah (better inside the app) | No. |
| Google Play Store | Application lists, updates | Yes. | No. |
In Telegram, for example, the cache can grow to tens of gigabytes, in which case it is better to use the built-in cleaning inside the application: Settings → Data and memory → Memory Use → Clear cache. This allows you to choose how long it takes to delete files.
Secret cleaning function in Telegram
Cache removal via Recovery Mode
For more advanced users, there is a method to clean the system cache through Recovery Mode, which is useful if the phone is unstable, freezes or does not boot properly after a system update, and allows you to clear the Dalvik/ART Cache section, where optimized files are stored to run applications.
To enter Recovery mode, you need to turn off your smartphone completely. Then press the Volume Up and Power button at the same time. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, then release the power button, but keep the volume up until the Recovery menu appears.
In the menu, navigation is done with volume buttons (up-down), and the choice is confirmed by the power button. Find the Wipe Data option (in some versions of Recovery you need to choose Wipe Cache if it is available separately, but often in stock Recovery Xiaomi this option is combined or hidden). If there is a separate Wipe Cache Partition, select it.
⚠️ Attention: In stock Recovery Xiaomi often does not have a separate button "Wipe Cache". Selecting "Wipe All Data" will lead to a complete reset of the phone to factory settings with the loss of all photos and contacts.
If you don't have a separate cache cleanup, you should skip this method to avoid losing data. However, if you're confident in your actions and have a backup, a factory reset is guaranteed to remove all system debris and resolve software conflicts.
Cleaning the DNS cache and browser
Often, problems with page loading speed or Wi-Fi connection errors are not related to the application itself, but to the cache. DNS Or browser. Android operating system saves DNS-Requests to open frequently visited sites faster, but these records may become outdated.
For cleaning. DNS-cache on modern versions of Android with a HyperOS shell or MIUI 14+ You can use a hidden menu of engineering tests. Open the Phone app and dial ##4636##. From the menu that opens, select Wi-Fi Information and find the button "Run a ping test" or "Clear" DNS», If this option is available in your version of the firmware.
A more general way is to clear the browser’s cache: Go to your browser settings (Chrome, Mi Browser), find the History or Privacy section, and select Clear History. Make sure it is in front of the Cached Images and Files and Cookies.
It is also worth checking the settings of the private DNS. If you use third-party DNS (For example, dns.google or 1.1.1.1), try temporarily disabling them in the connection settings (Connect and share). → Private DNS), Selecting “Auto” or “Disconnected” to see if they are the reason for slow work.
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Cleanup DNS-Cache often solves problems with “falling off” Wi-Fi and long network search in games.
Automation and third-party utilities
For those who don't want to manually check their memory, there are automation tools, and besides the standard cleaner, there are a lot of apps on Google Play, but be careful: many of them only create visibility and show ads, and proven solutions from well-known vendors like Files by Google or SD Maid are considered the best.
Files by Google has a Cleanup feature that cleverly analyzes files and suggests removing duplicates, screenshots that are no longer needed, and app cache. It works gently and doesn't remove excess. Installing this assistant allows you to keep the system on top without deeply interfering with settings.
It is important to understand that the “accelerators” (RAM Boosters), which forcefully close the background processes, on modern versions of Android, are more likely to harm. The system itself effectively manages RAM, and the constant reboot of applications after they are closed only consumes battery power and CPU time.
Set up automatic cleaning in the standard Security app. Go to the cleaner settings and enable the Auto Clean option. The phone will self-delete temporary files when the memory is full, for example, 80%, which will prevent critical overflow.
⚠️ Warning: Avoid installing all-in-one utilities by unknown developers. They often contain aggressive advertising, miners, or collect personal data.
Regular smartphone maintenance is not a one-time promotion, but a habit. By taking 5 minutes a week to check the storage, you prolong the life of your device and maintain a high speed of the interface even a few years after purchase.