How to completely remove downloads from the phone Xiaomi: all ways

The Downloads folder on Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi and POCO) is one of the most littered places in the device’s memory, automatically storing files from browsers, messengers, emails, and even screenshots of system notifications. Over time, the folder grows to several gigabytes, taking up precious space, but simply removing its contents is not always enough: hidden files, cache, and duplicates remain.

In this article, you will find 5 working ways to clean downloads, from basic to advanced, including deletion via MIUI, third-party apps, and even connecting to a PC. We will also discuss why files return after deletion and how to prevent it. If your Xiaomi constantly issues a notification “Memory is full”, these methods will help to free up to 10-15 GB in 10 minutes.

⚠️ Important: Before mass deletion, check the folder for important documents (tickets, checks, scans). Some files may not have extensions or may be called a set of digits (for example, a set of digits, 167894532.pdf).

1. Standard removal through the "Conductor" MIUI

The easiest way is to use the built-in MIUI file manager.It is available on all Xiaomi models, starting with the Redmi 4X (2017) and later. The interface may vary slightly depending on the firmware version (MIUI 12/13/14), but the algorithm of actions will remain the same.

To remove downloads:

1. Open the Explorer app (an icon with a blue folder).
2. Go to the "Category" section» → «Downloads (or Internal Storage) → Download).
3. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select "Select."
4. Check the unneeded files or tap “Select All” (if you want to clear everything).
5. Click on “Delete” (basket icon) and confirm the action.

🔹 Features of the method:

• ✅ Quickly and without additional programs.
• ✅ Allows selectively deleting files.
• ❌ Does not clear hidden files (such as.nomedia or temporary browser data).
• ❌ In some versions MIUI The folder can be restored after rebooting.

💡

If there is no Downloads section in Explorer, check the hidden folders: turn on the display of hidden files in the manager settings (three dots → Settings → Show hidden files).

2. Cleaning through “Storage” in the MIUI settings

Xiaomi’s Storage menu not only shows occupied space, but also offers automatic garbage cleanup, including downloads, a method that works if you want to delete all files at once without manually selecting them.

Instructions:

1. Open "Settings» → «Warehouse».
2. Wait for the memory analysis (it can take 10–30 seconds).
3. Tap on Clean next to the Downloads section (or Other Files if downloads are there).
4. Confirm removal.

🔹 What's removed:

• 📁 All files in the folder. /Download (including subfolders).
• 🗑️ Temporary browser files (Chrome, Mi Browser).
• 📥 Cache downloads from instant messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp).

⚠️ Note: this method does not remove files from cloud storage (e.g. Google Drive or Mi Cloud).If you downloaded something directly to the cloud, clean it separately through the corresponding application.

3. Removal via PC (for deep cleaning)

If you have files that are not deleted on your phone, or if the Download folder weighs suspiciously high (for example, 20 GB with empty content), connect Xiaomi to your computer.

• 🔍 See hidden system files.
• 🗃️ Remove “sticky” downloads that don’t appear on your phone.
• 🛠️ Recover important files accidentally deleted (through programs like Recuva).

Step-by-step instructions for Windows:

1. Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable (preferably original).
2. On the phone, select the File Transfer mode (notification will appear in the curtain).
3. On your computer, open “This Computer” → search for a Xiaomi device (usually a Redmi or MI).
4. Go to Internal Storage → Download.
5. Delete unnecessary files (you can use Ctrl + A to highlight all of them).

🔹 Additional action:

• 🔄 If the folder doesn’t open, check your phone for viruses (for example, via Dr.Web CureIt!).
• 📂 If files are not deleted, try renaming the Download folder to Download_old, And then create a new one.

4. Use of third-party applications

Built-in MIUI tools don’t always clean up. Third-party file managers (e.g. Solid Explorer, FX File Manager) offer advanced features:

• 🔎 Search for duplicates and large files.
• 🗑️ Cleaning up the download cache.
• 🔒 Access to system folders (root rights required).

Top.-3 load-cleaning applications:

🔹 How to Clean Uploads with Files by Google:

1. Download the app from the Play Market.
2. Open it and go to the “Cleaning” tab.
3. Select “Downloads” in the category list.
4. Mark the files and click "Delete".
5. For deep cleaning, tap "Addvanced" → "Clear the download cache."

Download the application from the official source (Play Market, APKMirror)

Check reviews and ratings (avoid programs with a score below 4.0)

Create a backup copy of important files

Close background applications to speed up the process-->

5. Automatic cleaning: how to set up

To avoid manually cleaning the Download folder, set up automatic deletion of old files. MIUI has a built-in feature, and you can also use Google Files or MacroDroid to automate.

Method 1: through the MIUI settings

1. Open "Settings» → «Warehouse».
2. Slip on “Cleaning” → “Cleaning settings”.
3. Turn on the Auto Clean option and select Downloads in the list.
4. Set a period (e.g., “Delete files older than 30 days”).

Method 2: MacroDroid (for advanced)

This app allows you to create a macro that will clean the folder on a schedule, like every Monday at 3:00 a.m.

• ➕ Doesn't require root rights.
• ➕ Flexible settings (you can exclude certain files).
• ➖ It's hard to set up a beginner.

💡

Auto-cleaning saves time, but risks removing important files. Always check the Downloads folder before setting up automatic deletion.

6.Why do files return after deletion?

Many Xiaomi users are faced with a problem: they cleared the Download folder, and after a day it is again filled.

🔹 The most common reason: browsers (Chrome, Mi Browser) and instant messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp) cache downloads in the background:

1. Open “Settings” → “Apps” → select your browser/messenger.
2. Slip "Storage" → "Clear the cache."
3. Turn off “Autoload Media” in the settings of the messenger.

⚠️ Warning: If the Download folder continues to repair itself after all the manipulations, check the phone for viruses (for example, through Malwarebytes.

FAQ: Frequent questions