How to Remove Downloads from Xiaomi Redmi 9: From Hand Cleaning to Hidden Folders

Why Redmi 9 is getting trash in the Downloads folder and how to fix it

Download folder (or “downloads”) on Xiaomi Redmi 9 smartphones is one of the most clogged storages of unnecessary files, APK-Application files, temporary archives, even duplicate media that you've long forgotten, and the problem is compounded by the fact that the system is a real mess. MIUI The default does not clean this folder automatically, and many users simply do not know where it is.

According to the Clean Master study (2023), device-wise 64 GB of memory on average 12–15% It's the downloads that take up the spaces, and that doesn't include the app cache! 9 modestly 32/64 GB of internal memory each megabyte counts, but simply deleting files is not enough: you need to understand which ones are safe to erase and which can disrupt applications (for example, updates for games or offline maps). In this article, we will analyze all methods - from basic to advanced, including cleaning through the ADB and hidden system folders.

Before you start, check how much space the downloads on your device take up:

1. Open the settings → About the phone → Memory.
2. Click on the "Files" or "Other Files" section.
3. Find the Download line – this shows the folder volume.

If the figure is more than 1-2 GB, it is time to act.

Method 1: Delete via standard MIUI file manager

The easiest method is to use Xiaomi’s built-in Explorer (or Files) preinstalled on all Redmi devices and does not require additional permissions.

1. Open the Files app (an icon with a blue folder).
2. In the lower menu, select the Category → Downloads tab.
3. Slip the Control button (or pinch your finger on any file).
4. Check the unneeded files. To select all, click on the ✓ icon in the upper right corner.
5. Click Remove (basket) and confirm the action.

⚠️ Note: This folder may store important files, for example:

• 📄 Documents for work (PDF, DOCX) mail-mail.
• 🎮 Game saving (if the game uses local files).
• 📱 APK-Application files that you have manually installed.

Before mass deletion, sort files by date (click on the icon) ⋮ → Sorting) and check the latest downloads.

Have not removed documents for work|Not really. APK-file|Screenshots and memes are checked for importance|Is the cart cleaned (it also takes up space)-->

If there are too many files, search for extensions:

• 🔍 Enter.apk in the search bar – will show all the installers of applications.
• 🔍 Search.zip or.rar will display archives.
• 🔍 Filter.mp4 or.mp3 Helps you find media files.

Method 2: Cleaning with Google Files (recommended for deep cleaning)

Google Files is more efficient than standard MIUI Explorer, which analyzes garbage, duplicates and large files, download it from the Play Market if you don’t already have it installed.

Cleaning instructions:

1. Open Google Files and go to the Cleanup tab.
2. Wait for the analysis to be completed (it may take 1-2 minutes).
3. In the section Large files or downloads, select the unnecessary.
4. Press Clean or Delete.

The advantages of Google Files over standard Explorer:

• 🧹 Automatically finds duplicates (e.g., identical memes or screenshots).
• 📊 Shows which files take up the most space.
• 🔄 Offers to clear the application cache in one click.

💡

Google Files has a “Secure Folder” feature – transfer important files there before mass deletion so you don’t accidentally lose them.

⚠️ Note: If files are still displayed in memory after cleaning through Google Files, check the folder Android/data. Some apps (like Telegram) save downloads there rather than Download.

Method 3: Remove via ADB (for power users)

If standard methods don’t help (e.g. files aren’t deleted because of a File is busy error), you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires you to connect your phone to your computer, but allows you to delete even protected files.

Step-by-step:

1. Download ADB Tools on PC and unpack the archive.
2. On your phone, activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on the MIUI Version line. Go back to Settings → Additional → Developer. Turn on USB Debugging.

Redmi 9

File transfer

ADB

adb devices

(The name of your device should appear)

adb shell

rm -rf /sdcard/Download/*

This command will completely clear the Download folder, including hidden files.

⚠️ Attention: Command rm -rf It permanently deletes all files in the folder. If there's any important data in it, pre-copy it on your PC:

adb pull /sdcard/Download/ C:\Backup\Redmi9_Downloads

Method 4: Cleaning with MIUI Cleaner (built-in utility)

Xiaomi has built its own cleaning utility, Security (or Cleaner), into MIUI, which is less functional than Google Files, but does not require additional applications.

How to use:

1. Open the Security app (the shield icon).
2. Go to the Cleanup tab.
3. Click Deep Cleanup → Garbage Files.
4. In the Downloads section, mark unnecessary files and tap Clear.

To find them and clean them up:

1. Open the files. → Internal memory.
2. Tap on. ⋮ → Show hidden files.
3. Go to Android → Data (root permission may be required).
4. Find application folders (e.g. com.android.chrome for Chrome) and delete unnecessary files.

⚠️ Note: Delete files from application folders (for example, /Android/data/com.tencent.mm/MicroMsg/Download For WeChat, it can cause crashes. Don't touch files with extensions:

• .db is databases.
• .xml is a configuration file.
• .so are system libraries.

💡

Hidden download folders can take up to 30% of your memory if you are actively using instant messengers and browsers. Check /Android/data and /Android/media regularly!

Comparison of cleaning methods: what way to choose

Not all methods are equally effective. Below is a table comparing key parameters:

For most Redmi 9 users, the best option is a combination of Google Files + MIUI Cleaner. If you want to delete files that “do not want to be deleted” (for example, due to the error “File is busy”), ADB will help.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When cleaning downloads, users often face problems, and here are the most common solutions:

1. Error "File is busy" or "No access» 🔹 Reason: The file is used by an application (e.g., a torrent client or media player). 🔹 Solution: Close all applications through Settings → Annexes → Launch or restart the phone.
2. Files are deleted, but memory is not released. 🔹 Reason: Files are in the basket (in the MIUI It's cleaned separately). 🔹 Solution: Open the Files → Basket and clean it.
3. After deleting the files, they appear again. 🔹 Reason: An application (such as a browser) automatically restores downloads. 🔹 Solution: Clear the browser cache in Settings → Annexes → browser → Memory. → Clear the cache.

⚠️ Warning: If after all the manipulations, the memory is still occupied, check the Other files section in the memory settings:

• 🗃️ Backup copies (.bak,.backup).
• 🎵 Offline music from Spotify/Yandex Music.
• 🗺️ Cash cards (Google Maps, Yandex Maps).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions