Cache on Xiaomi smartphones are temporary files that speed up applications, but over time take up gigabytes of memory and slow down the system. If your Redmi, POCO or Mi started to slow down, spontaneously reboot or give out errors "Not enough memory", the problem most often lies in the cache clogged. However, just clearing it through the standard menu is not enough - you need to delete all types of cache: system, app cache and even hidden Dalvik files.
In this article, you will find 5 proven ways to completely clean up the cache on Xiaomi, including methods through Recovery, ADB and third-party utilities. We will also analyze which files can be deleted without risk to the system and which should not be touched. The instructions are valid for all models on MIUI 12-14 (including Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11, etc.) and do not require root rights.
Why Xiaomi Cache Should Be Cleaned Regularly
Cache is not just junk, it's a necessary element for a smartphone to run fast, but it's a big problem with too much of it.
- π Slowing down the system: MIUI Starts to hang when opening applications or switching between them.
- π Increased battery consumption: background processes are constantly reassembling the cache, draining the battery.
- π¨ App errors: For example, Google Play displays βError 924β or games crash on download.
- π± Memory Lack: Even with 128 GB of internal memory, the system shows "Memory is full".
This is especially critical for Xiaomi budget models (for example, Redmi 9A or POCO M3), where the memory capacity is limited to 32-64 GB. In such cases, the cache can take up to 10-15 GB - almost a quarter of the total!
β οΈ Warning: Do not confuse cache with user data. Clearing the cache will not delete your photos, messages or saves in games, but will reset the settings of some applications (for example, you will have to re-enter your login to Instagram or Tinkoff Bank).
| Cache type | Where it's stored | Can I remove it? | Effects of cleaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cash app. | /data/data/<package>/cache | Yes. | Applications are longer to load when first opened |
| System cache (Dalvik) | /cache | Yes (via Recovery) | It may need to be rebooted. |
| Cash MIUI | /data/system/package_cache | Partially. | Resetting themes and widgets |
| Cash Google Play Services | /data/data/com.google.android.gms | Yes. | Temporary account synchronization errors |
Method 1: Clearing the cache through standard MIUI settings
The safest method, which requires no additional tools, is suitable for beginners and those who are afraid of breaking the phone.
Instructions:
- Open the Settings β Memory.
- Click on "Clean" in the "Junk Files" section.
- Select "App Cache" and confirm the cleanup.
- For deep cleaning, go to Settings β Applications β Application Management.
- Sort the applications by cache size (click on the three dots in the upper right corner).
- Select apps with large cache (e.g. YouTube, Telegram, Google Chrome) and click Clear Cache.
This method only removes the cache of user applications, but does not affect system files. For complete cleaning, proceed to the following methods.
Close all applications
Connect your phone to charge (if charge < 30%)
Backup of important data
Remember passwords from applications (may be required to re-repeat)-->
Method 2: Recovery Mode Cache Removal (for experienced)
Recovery Mode is a service mode that allows you to clear the system cache without affecting user data.The method works on all Xiaomi, including models with a locked bootloader.
Step-by-step:
- Turn off the phone.
- Press the Power Button + Volume up for 10-15 seconds at the same time until the Mi logo appears.
- From the Recovery menu, select the language (English / Chinese) and go to "Wipe & Reset".
- Select "Wipe Cache" (Do not confuse with Wipe All Data - it is a factory reset!).
- Confirm the action and wait for the completion (it will take 1-3 minutes).
- Reboot your phone through Reboot.
β οΈ Note: On some models (POCO F3, Redmi K40) Wipe Cache can be called Clear Cache Partition. If there is no such item, your firmware does not support this function (solution - method 3 or 4).
What happens if Recovery does not open?
Method 3: Using ADB for deep cleaning
ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is a tool for power users that allows you to delete cache at the system level, and this method is effective if the standard methods do not help.
What you need:
- π₯οΈ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
- π USB-Cable (original, not cheap, no-name").
- π₯ Installed drivers Xiaomi and ADB Tools.
Instructions:
- Turn on the phone Developer Mode: Settings β About Phone β MIUI version (click 7 times).
- Activate USB Debugging in Settings β Additional β For developers.
- Connect your phone to your PC and open the command prompt (cmd) in the ADB folder.
- Enter the commands in turn: adb devices (should appear serial number of your device) adb shell pm clear --user 0 com.miui.home (clears the launcher's cache MIUI) adb shell pm trim-caches 1000000000 (forced cache clearing of all applications)
- Reboot the phone.
1. Reconnect. USB-cable.
2. Enable the mode of file transfer on the phone.
3. Install drivers manually through Device Manager (select "Xiaomi" ADB Interface").-->
Method 4: Third-party applications for automatic cleaning
If you don't want to go through the settings, you can use specialized tools.
- π§Ή SD Maid (paid version): Clears cache, duplicates and residual files after deleting applications.
- π Files by Google: Free tool with βMemory Cleanup".
- π CCleaner: removes cache and optimizes autoload (cautiously β can delete useful data!).
- π Storage Analyzer: Shows which files are in place.
How to use (as an example of SD Maid):
- Install the app from Google Play.
- Run and provide root access (if any) or permissions to work with files.
- Go to the "CorpseFinder" section and "AppCleaner" section.
- Select files to delete and confirm the action.
β οΈ Note: Applications such as Clean Master or DU Speed Booster often contains adware and can delete important system files. Use only the proven utilities from the list above.
Through MIUI settings
Via Recovery Mode
I'm using ADB.
Third-party applications (SD Maid, CCleaner, etc.)
I'm not cleaning at all.-->
Method 5: Manually clean through file manager (for advanced ones)
This method requires caution, but it removes the cache that standard tools don't see, and is suitable for users with root rights or an unlocked bootloader.
Instructions:
- Install a file manager with access to the root folder (such as Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer).
- Go to the root directory (/) and open the folders: /data/dalvik-cache /cache /data/system/package_cache
- Delete all files in these folders (except recovery.log and last_log into /cache).
- Reboot the phone.
If you donβt have root rights, you can only clear the cache for your apps:
- Go to /storage/emulated/0/Android/data.
- Find folders with the name of the application (for example, com.whatsapp) and delete the contents of the cache folder.
π‘
Manually cleaning the cache without root rights only removes the cache of user applications, but does not affect system files. ADB.
Frequent Cache Cleaning Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Many Xiaomi users experience problems after not cleaning the cache correctly, and here are the most common mistakes:
- π Deleting the cache of system applications (e.g. com.android.systemui) causes the interface to crash. MIUI.
- ποΈ Cleaning the folder. /data/app instead /data/cache β This will remove all installed applications!
- π Interrupting the process during cleaning through Recovery can lead to a load cycle.
- π Using "cleaners" with questionable permits that steal data.
How to avoid problems:
- β Always backup before manual cleaning (via Settings) β System system β Backup).
- β Do not delete files with.odex,.vdex or.oat extensions β these are critical system components.
- β After cleaning the cache through Recovery, wait for a full reboot (can take up to 10 minutes).