Cache Cleanup on Xiaomi Redmi: A Complete Guide to All Models (2018–2026)

Cache is a temporary file that Xiaomi apps and systems create to speed up work. Over time, they accumulate, taking up precious space in memory and slowing down the smartphone. On Redmi devices (from Redmi Note 7 to Redmi 13C), cleaning the cache can return up to 30% of free space and eliminate lags. But it is important to do this correctly: deleting the wrong files will cause malfunctions in applications or even systems.

In this article, you'll find 5 proven ways to clean up cache, from standard MIUI tools to hidden features for power users, and we'll also look at which cache can be removed without risk and which should not be touched, and explain why some applications can temporarily slow down after cleaning. If your Redmi is slowing down, but you don't want to do a full reset, these methods will help it return to its previous speed.

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1. Standard cache cleaning through MIUI settings

The safest way is to use the built-in MIUI tools.It is suitable for all Redmi models, including the Redmi 12/11/10, Note 12 Pro+ and older devices on MIUI 12-14.This method does not require root rights and does not delete important data.

To clear the cache of all applications at once:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select "Clear Cache".
3. Confirm the action – the system will show how much memory is freed.

To clear the cache of an individual application (such as YouTube or Telegram):

• 🔍 Find the application in the list Application Management.
• 🗑️ Click Clear Cache (not to be confused with Clear Data – this will delete all app settings!).
• 🔄 Reboot your phone to make the changes take effect.

⚠️ Warning: After clearing the cache, some apps (like Google Maps or Instagram) will take longer to load on their first run — that's OK.

Reboot phone |Check free space in Settings → Storage |Open frequently used apps so they recover cache |Configure automatic cleaning (see section 3)

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2. Deep cleaning through the Warehouse (including system cache)

If the standard method didn’t work, try clearing the system cache and junk files through the Warehouse menu, which removes temporary MIUI files, update remnants, and cache of preloaded applications (such as Mi Video or Mi Browser).

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings. → Warehouse.
2. Click on "Clean" (or "Free space" in new versions of MIUI 14).
3. Select file categories to delete: 📁 "Application cache – temporary files of all programs. 🗑️ "Garbage files" - remnants of deleted applications. 📥 "Downloads – Old files from the Download folder (check to make sure there is no important file in the Download folder!).

"Clean it."

Important: Do not delete the category "Other files" without checking - it may store game saves or instant messenger data.

Once a week.|Once a month|Only when the phone starts to brake|Never cleaned.-->

3. Automatic Cache Cleanup: Configure MIUI Optimization

MIUI has an automatic cache cleaner built-in, but it's disabled or inefficient by default.

1. Open Settings → Battery and Performance → Optimization.
2. Activate the Auto Clean switch.
3. Click on "Autocleaning Settings" and select: 🕒 "Clean when screen locks – removes the cache when the phone is not in use. 🔋 "Clean at low battery charge – Frees up memory when the charge is below 15%. 📶 "Cleaning When Connecting to Wi-Fi is Good for Saving Mobile Traffic.

⚠️ Note: Autocleaning may conflict with some apps (like WhatsApp or Viber) if they use cache to run in the background.If you notice notifications are coming with a delay, turn off autocleaning for those programs manually.

For advanced users, MIUI 14 has a Deep Clean feature (Settings → Memory → Deep Clean) that removes not only the cache, but also the residual files of uninstalled applications, and use it every 1-2 months, but no more often, because this can affect the stability of the system.

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If after auto-cleaning, applications start to “fly out”, add them to the exceptions: Settings → Applications → Special permissions → Auto-run and enable auto-run for the desired programs.

4. Clear cache via Recovery Mode (for system files)

If the phone is slowing down a lot and standard methods don’t help, try clearing the system cache through Recovery Mode.This is suitable for all Redmi models, but requires caution – wrong actions can lead to a reset.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Volume Up + Power buttons and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. From the Recovery menu, select the language (if you have a choice) and go to "Wipe & Reset".
4. Select "Wipe Cache" (not to be confused with "Wipe Data" - it's a complete reset!).
5. Confirm the action and wait until it's done. The phone will reboot automatically.

⚠️ Warning: This method removes the cache of the entire system, including the core and module data. MIUI It can take up to 5-10 minutes, which is normal!

5. Clean up the Google Play Services cache and system applications

Many lags on Xiaomi Redmi are linked to overloaded cache from Google Play Services and other system applications (Mi Account, Security, Theme Store) that cannot be removed, but the cache can be manually cleared.

List of “problem” apps and how to clean them:

• 🤖 Google Play Services: Open Settings → Annexes → App management. Find Google Play Services (could be called Google Play Services).Click on Clear Cache and Memory Management" → "Clear all data" (this will reset your Google account settings, but will not delete your app data!).
• 🔒 Mi Security: Clearing the cache can speed up virus scanning. After cleaning, restart your phone so the service restarts.

💡 Useful tip: If notifications stop coming after cleaning up Google Play Services, check your sync settings: Settings → Google accounts → Sync your account and turn on all switches.

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Cleaning the Google Play Services cache can solve geolocation, push notifications, and Google Assistant problems, every 1-2 months.

6. Use of third-party applications (pros and cons)

There are hundreds of cache-cleaning apps on Google Play: CCleaner, Files by Google, SD Maid. But on Xiaomi Redmi, they often run worse than the built-in MIUI tools, and some can even hurt.

The advantages of third-party cleaners:

• ✅ Convenient interface with visualization of occupied space.
• ✅ Possibility of cleaning the cache on schedule.
• ✅ Additional features (e.g., search for duplicate photos).

Cons and risks:

• ❌ Can delete important files (for example, WhatsApp cache with media).
• ❌ Some apps (like Clean Master) show false “problems” for advertising.
• ❌ Nana MIUI Often, additional permits are required, which reduces security.