What folders can be deleted on Xiaomi in the memory of the phone: safe cleaning without harming the system

Xiaomi smartphone owners regularly face a lack of internal memory. Even models with 128 GB and 256 GB over time are clogged with unnecessary files, app cache and system data. But not all folders can be deleted without risk - mistaken deletion of critical files can lead to MIUI failures, data loss or even "bricking" the device.

In this article, we will look at which folders can be safely removed on Xiaomi to make room without disturbing the stability of the system. We will analyze the structure of the MIUI file system, highlight the “junk” directories that take up gigabytes of memory, and warn against dangerous manipulation. We will pay special attention to the features of cleaning on different versions of firmware (from MIUI 12 to MIUI 14) and smartphone models – from the budget Redmi to the flagship Xiaomi 13/14.

Before you start deleting, remember that even “safe” folders can contain important user data – always back up via Settings → About Phone → Backup or third-party utilities like Swift Backup. If you are not sure about the purpose of the folder, it is better not to touch it or explore the content through a root file manager (for example, Mixplorer).

Xiaomi memory structure: which folders take up the most space

The MIUI file system is built on Android, but has a number of unique features associated with the corporate shell.

• 📁 /storage/emulated/0/ is a user storage (internal memory) where all your files, photos, videos, and application data are stored.
• 🗑️ /data/ is a system partition with settings, cache, and application data (available with root rights only).
• 🔄 /cache/ — temporary system files and updates (cleaned automatically, but sometimes requires manual cleaning).
• 📱 /MIUI/ is a folder with proprietary themes, wallpapers and system data MIUI.
• 🎵 /MIUI/music/ and /MIUI/video/ are media files downloaded through standard applications.

The most voracious folders are usually hidden from the user. For example, the cache of Google Play Services can take up to 2-3 GB, and the folder /data/app/ with installed applications - up to 10-15 GB. However, it is pointless to delete them manually without root rights - the system will restore files the next time you start. Instead, use built-in cleaning tools.

Special attention should be paid to /Android/data/, which stores game and application data. For example, Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile can take 10-15 GB each. If you delete a game but the folder remains, you can delete it safely. The same applies to /Android/obb/, where additional game files are stored (usually with the.obb extension).

Safe folders to delete: what can be cleaned without risk

Now, to the specific directories that can be deleted without harming the system, we have divided them into three categories: absolutely safe (you can delete always), conditionally safe (check content), and dangerous (don't touch unnecessarily).

🟢 Absolutely secure folders

• 🗃️ /DCIM/.thumbnails -- Photo and video thumbnails that are removed without consequences, and the system will restore them the next time you view them.
• 📥 /Download/ — downloads from your browser, messengers, and email, and check before you delete if there are any important documents.
• 🎨 /MIUI/Theme/ — downloaded themes. If you don't use custom themes, clean them.
• 🗑️ /cache/ are temporary system files that are cleaned automatically, but sometimes require manual cleaning.
• 📂 /MIUI/ScreenRecorder/ - Screen recordings (if not required).

🟡 Conditionally secure folders (check content)

• 📁 /Android/data/ — Application data. You can only delete folders of remote applications (for example, if you uninstall the game, but the folder is still there).
• 🎮 /Android/obb/ - Additional game files, only delete if the game is deleted or you are ready to reinstall it.
• 📷 /Pictures/Screenshots/ - Screenshots. Check if there are any important ones.
• 📹 /Movies/ or /Video/ are video files, often with duplicates or unnecessary videos.
• 🎵 /Music/ - audio files, only delete if you're sure they're not needed.

🔴 Dangerous folders (do not touch without root and knowledge)

• ⚠️ /data/ is system data. Deletion without root will cause disruption.
• ⚠️ /system/ — firmware and system files. Any changes can make the phone tick.
• ⚠️ /MIUI/backup/ are backups of the system. Deletion can disrupt recovery.
• ⚠️ /MIUI/debloat/ are files associated with disabling system applications.

⚠️ Warning: Never delete folders called com.android., com.xiaomi. or com.miui. — these are system components MIUI. Deleting them will lead to the collapse of the interface or the complete failure of the phone.

How to Clear Cache and Unnecessary Files with MIUI Built-in Tools

Before you go into the file manager, try the built-in MIUI tools, which will safely delete temporary files without affecting critical data.

1. Clean the app cache: Go to Settings → Apps → App management. Select an app (like YouTube or Facebook), click Storage and select Clear the cache. Use Settings → Memory → Clear the cache for mass cleaning.
2. Delete unnecessary files: Open the Security app (shield icon), go to Cleanup and click Deep Clean.The system will analyze the memory and suggest removing debris (temporary files, empty folders, application residues).
3. Clean Uploads: Run Files (or File Manager) app, go to Categories → Downloads and delete unnecessary files. Sort by size to find the heaviest files.
4. Remove duplicates: In the same Files app, select Cleanup → Duplicates. The system will find duplicate photos, videos and documents.

For a deeper cleanup, use Lite mode in MIUI (available on some models). It disables animations and background processes, freeing up additional resources. Activates in Settings → Special Features → Lite mode.

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If the app is slower after cleaning the cache, restart it or restart the phone. The cache will recover automatically the next time it starts.

Memory Cleanup with ADB: For Advanced Users

If the built-in tools don't work and you don't have root rights, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge) to delete unnecessary files, a method that requires connecting your phone to your computer and basic command line knowledge.

Here's how it works:

1. Install ADB: Download Google’s Platform Tools and unpack to any folder on your PC. Enable USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times on the version to activate Developer Mode, then find the option in Additional → For Developers).
2. Connect your phone: Connect Xiaomi to your PC via USB, select File Transfer mode and confirm debugging on your phone screen.
3. Execute commands: Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with the platform-tools and type: adb shell pm list packages -f | grep "packet applications" To delete the cache of a particular application (for example, Facebook): adb shell pm clear com.facebook.katana

You can also delete system applications (debloat) through ADB, but it's risky.

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.analytics

remove analytics MIUIThe list of safe to remove system packages is best searched on profile forums (for example, XDA Developers) for your phone model.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use the commands adb shell rm -rf / folder without knowing exactly what you are deleting. An error command can erase critical system files, which will lead to the need to flash the phone.

What to do if the phone starts to lie after cleaning

Sometimes, after a massive file deletion, Xiaomi starts to slow down, overheat, or discharge quickly, because the system tries to recover the deleted cache and data.

• 🔄 Reboot your phone. It's the simplest, and often the most efficient, solution, and once you restart it reassembles the cache and optimizes the work.
• 🧹 Clear the /cache partition cache. Go to Settings → Memory → Clear the cache or use the ADB command: adb shell su -c "rm -rf /cache/*" (root rights required).
• 🛠️ Reset application settings. This will return all programs to factory settings, but it will not delete user data. Path: Settings → Apps → Application Management → ⋮ → Reset application settings.
• 📉 Turn off animations. Go to Settings → Special features → Developer and set: Window animation scale → Turn off animation scale transition → Turn off animator duration → Disable

If the problem persists, check the CPU boot through Settings → About Phone → System Status. It is possible that an application consumes too much resources. In extreme cases, reset to factory settings (don’t forget to make a backup!).

Xiaomi Hidden Folders: What Can Be Deleted and What Can't

MIUI has many hidden folders that don't appear in the standard file manager, so you can either turn on the hidden files (in Mixplorer or Solid Explorer) or use ADB to see them.

The /data/log/ folder is particularly noteworthy, and it stores system and application logs, which can take up to 1-2 GB, but manual removal is not recommended.

adb shell logcat -c

It will clear the logs without risk to the system, and you can also delete old logs by:

adb shell su -c "rm -rf /data/log/*"

(root rights required).

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Never delete /efs/ or /persist/ folders, which contain critical data for modem, IMEI, and other low-level functions, and can make your phone unusable for calls or network connections.

Automatic cleaning: the best apps for Xiaomi

If you don't want to manually dig into folders, use specialized utilities, and we tested some popular applications and selected the ones that work best on MIUI:

• 🧹 Files by Google is the official Google app with garbage cleanup, duplicates and large files. Free, no ads. Pros: simple interface, integration with Google Drive. Cons: does not clean deep system caches.
• 🛡️ SD Maid is a powerful tool for cleaning cache, application residues and empty folders. There's a root version. Pros: deep cleaning, support for regular tasks. Cons: some features are paid.
• 🔍 CCleaner is a well-known utility for cleaning the cache and optimizing the system. Pros: user-friendly interface, cleaning RAM Cons: aggressive advertising in the free version.
• 📂 Mixplorer is a file manager with support for root and cloud storage. Pros: shows hidden folders, works without the Internet. Cons: difficult for beginners.

To automate the process, set up a cleaning scheduler in SD Maid or Files by Google. For example, you can set up a weekly cache cleanup and delete empty folders. It is also useful to enable Auto Cleanup in the standard Xiaomi Security app:

1. Open Security. → Cleanup.
2. Press ⚙️ (cogwheel) in the top corner.
3. Turn on the Auto Clean option and set up a schedule.

⚠️ Note: Do not use "optimizers" RAM" These apps often contain malicious code or simply trick users into showing false memory release. MIUI self-optimize RAM — The cleanup will only slow down the work.

FAQ: Frequent questions about memory cleanup on Xiaomi