Which folder to remove on Xiaomi to free up memory: detailed analysis + secure methods

Why Xiaomi is running out of memory and what to do about it

Xiaomi smartphone owners (especially budget models like the Redmi 9A, Poco M3 or Redmi Note 10) often face a lack of internal memory. Even after installing a minimum set of applications, the system shows that only 1-2 GB of 32 or 64 are free.

The fact is that MIUI firmware (even in the latest versions) actively caches data, backs up and duplicates files in system folders, and then adds the remnants of deleted applications, error logs and messaging messaging, such as a MIUI/Backup folder that can weigh 500MB-1GB, even though the user has never run a backup.

But the biggest danger is deleting the wrong folders. Many people advise cleaning DCIM/.thumbnails or Android/data without warning that it could break the gallery or reset game settings. In this article, we'll look at which folders can be removed without risk and which ones can't be touched categorically, with explanations and alternative ways to free up space.

Top.-5 Safe folders to delete on Xiaomi (without harm to the system)

If you need to release 1-3 GB immediately, start with these directories. They contain temporary files that the system will restore automatically if necessary. Exception: do not delete these folders if you use themed wallpaper or custom fonts - they can be reset.

• 📁 MIUI/Backup/AllBackup — backups of applications and settings. MIUI It creates them automatically, but they're rarely repairable. 200 MB to 1.5 GB.
• 🎨 MIUI/theme/.cache — Cache of themes. Removed without consequences, but the next time you apply the theme again downloaded.
• 📱 Android/obb — Additional game files (e.g. Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile graphics packages) only be deleted if the game itself has been deleted!
• 🗑️ Download is the standard download folder. It's often the old folder that accumulates. APK, Check memes and documents manually before cleaning.
• 📸 DCIM/.thumbnails — Deleting the originals won't hurt, but the gallery will regenerate them the next time you open them.

To delete, use the built-in file manager (Files → Categories → Device Memory) or Total Commander with root rights (if any). Do not use rm -rf commands via ADB - this can erase critical system files!

⚠️ Attention: Folder Android/data It contains game and application settings, and only remove it if you're willing to lose game progress or authorization in instant messengers.

Dangerous folders: What can not be deleted under any circumstances

Some directories are critical to MIUI and Android, and deleting them will result in a cyclical reboot, loss of IMEI, or even a bricking up of the phone.

It is especially dangerous to delete root folders through Root Explorer or ADB. For example, the command rm -rf /system is guaranteed to turn the phone into a brick. If you are not sure about the purpose of the folder, you should not take risks.

How to Clean App Cache Without Deleting Folders

Often, memory problems are not related to files, but to an inflated cache of applications, such as Facebook or TikTok can take up 500 MB-1 GB of cache, which can be cleaned in two ways:

1. Through settings: 🔧 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management. 📊 Select an app (such as YouTube) → Warehouse → Clear the cache. ⚠️ Do not click Clear Data – This will delete accounts and settings!
2. Mass cleaning: 🧹 Use Security → Cleaning (built-in utility) MIUI). 🔍 Select Deep Cleanup and tick unnecessary files.

To clean up automatically, install SD Maid or Files by Google, which can find duplicate files and uninstalled software.

Backup of important data

Close all background applications

Connect your phone to charge (the process can take 10-15 minutes)

Check the vacant space after cleaning

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Hidden files that take up gigabytes: where to look

MIUI hides some folders from the user, but they can weigh a few gigabytes to see.

1. Open the files. → press ⋮ (three-point) → Settings → Show hidden files.
2. Go to the root directory (/storage/emulated/0/).
3. Look for folders with a dot at the beginning (e.g.,.data or.miui).

The most "heavy" hidden catalogs:

• 📂.thumbdata – cache of miniatures for gallery (can weigh up to 2 GB).
• 📂.estrongs – temporary manager files ES Conductor.
• 📂.data/com.xiaomi.midrop — File transfer cache for Mi Drop.

Remove them only if you are sure they are not in use. For example,.thumbdata can be cleaned safely - the gallery will restore the thumbnails the next time you open.

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If after removing hidden folders, the phone started to slow down, restart it. MIUI will rebuild the cache and file index, which will speed up the work.

Alternative ways to free up memory (without deleting files)

If you don’t want to take the risk of manually removing folders, use these methods:

1. Transfer of applications to SD-map: 📱 Suitable for models with Adoptable Storage support (e.g. Redmi Note 8 Pro). 🔧 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Select the application → Move it to SD.
2. Disabling Preloaded Applications: 🚫 MIUI It installs many unnecessary services (for example, Mi Music, Mi Video). ⚙️ Use it. ADB App Inspector to disable them without root: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.xiaomi.music
3. Cloud storage: ☁️ Move photos and videos to Google Photos or Mi Cloud (gives 5GB for free). 📸 Enable Autoboot in Google Photos settings so that new images are immediately sent to the cloud.

Another effective way is to reset to factory settings, which will delete all user data, but return the phone to a "clean" state. Before reset, back up through Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset.

What to do if your memory ends over and over again

If even after cleaning, the free space decreases rapidly, the problem may be:

• 🔄 Background synchronization (for example, WhatsApp or Telegram download media automatically).
• 📥 Auto-Update Apps in Google Play.
• 📊 Log of the system (folder) /data/log — requires root cleaning).

Decisions:

1. Turn off autoload media in instant messengers (Settings → Data and Storage → Media Autoload).
2. Limit the background activity of applications in Settings → Battery and Performance → Battery Management.
3. Install Logcat Reader (to view logs) or DiskUsage (to analyze occupied space).

⚠️ Warning: If after all the manipulations, memory continues to leak, check your phone for viruses using Malwarebytes or Dr.Web Light.

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Regularly cleaning the cache and disabling unnecessary MIUI services can free up to 3-5 GB of memory without deleting personal files.

FAQ: Frequent questions about memory cleanup on Xiaomi