How to completely clean Xiaomi of garbage: 7 proven ways

Your Xiaomi has started to slow down, applications are open for a long time, and memory is filled with obscure files? The reason most often lies in accumulated system debris: remnants of deleted programs, cache, temporary files and duplicates. Even new models like the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ or POCO F6 after 6-12 months of use require deep cleaning — otherwise performance drops by 30-40%. In this article, we will analyze all the methods of cleaning, from standard MIUI tools to hidden functions and third-party utilities.

Many users make the mistake of using only the built-in Optimizer, which removes only surface debris, leaving deep deposits in /data and /cache folders, we show you how to clean even areas that standard tools can not reach, and we also explain which files can be deleted without risk and which can be touched dangerously so as not to turn the phone into a brick.

1. Built-in tools MIUI: What's really working?

To start with, the basic methods are available out of the box. In MIUI 14/15, developers have added some useful features, but most users don't use them or do it incorrectly. For example, many people don't know that the Settings menu → About the phone → Memory hides advanced storage analysis with file division into categories.

The most effective built-in tool is Deep Clean (available in Security → Optimization → Deep Clean).

• 🗑️ Residual files after uninstallation of applications (including: APK data)
• 📁 Empty folders in system directories
• 🔄 Outdated System and Application Journals
• 🖼️ Image miniatures and gallery cache

Important: after deep cleaning, the phone can reboot, which is normal, and the thumbnails in the gallery will temporarily disappear (they will recover the next time you open them), if there is no more space after the procedure, check the folder. /MIUI/Extra — Gigabytes of unnecessary files are often accumulated there.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use the "Clean Up Acceleration" function in the "Battery" section. It forcibly closes the background processes, which can disrupt messengers and notifications.

Manual cleaning: which folders can be removed without risk

For advanced users who are willing to dig through the file system, there is a way to free up up to 5-7 GB of space. Using any file manager with access to root folders (for example, MiXplorer or Solid Explorer), the main rule is: do not delete files from /system, /vendor or /boot folders - this will lead to a system failure.

Safe for cleaning directories:

Pay special attention to the folder /Android/obb — It stores additional game data (e.g., graphics packages for Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile) and can be deleted, but the games will have to be reinstalled. /Download old-fashioned APK-file-archive.

3.Cleaning App Cache: Why the Standard Way Is Ineffective

Many people know that cache can be cleaned through Settings → Apps → [Select App] → Storage → Clear cache. But this method has three critical drawbacks:

1. Does not delete the cache of system applications (such as Mi Video or Mi Browser)
2. Does not affect the total Dalvik cache, which takes hundreds of megabytes
3. Does not clear the web browsing cache (WebView) used by many applications

To clean up everything, follow these steps:

1. Clear the cache of all user applications (via Settings)

2. Delete the contents of /data/dalvik-cache (root rights required)

3. Clear Android System WebView data in Settings → Apps

4.Reboot the phone to reassemble the cache-->

For root-free devices, an alternative method is to install ADB on your computer and execute the command:

adb shell pm trim-caches 1000000000

This command compulsorily clears the cache of all applications, including system applications. The number at the end (1000000000) indicates the cache limit in bytes — here is set to ~1 GB.

4. Removal of duplicates and unnecessary files: tools and life hacks

One of the main memory eaters is duplicate photos, videos and documents, for example, when transferring files over Mi Share or Bluetooth, copies with names like this are often created. IMG_20231225_123456(1).jpg. Find them with apps:

• 🔍 Files by Google – Scans duplicates and large files
• 📁 SD Maid (requires root) – Finds dead files and empty folders
• 🖼️ Duplicate Files Fixer – specializes in media files

The critical mistake most cleaners make is that they don't distinguish duplicates by content, but only by file name. For example, photo.jpg and photo(copy).jpg can be different images. Always check files before deleting! Use Hash Droid to accurately find duplicates - it compares hash sums of files.

Another hidden source of garbage is downloads from instant messengers. Telegram cache is stored in /Android/media/org.telegram.messenger, and WhatsApp cache is stored in /Android/media/com.whatsapp. Clean these folders regularly, especially if you are in chat rooms with a large number of media files.

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Enable the “Do Not Store in Gallery” setting on Telegram (Settings → Data and Memory → Media Saving) to prevent automatic duplication of photos and videos to the main gallery.

5. Optimization of autoboot and background processes

Garbage is not just files, it's unnecessary processes that are constantly hanging in memory. MIUI has a hidden autoboot limitation feature that is not available in the standard interface, to activate it:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management
2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select "Stop"
3. Turn off auto-run for all applications except instant messengers and system services

For more optimization, use it ADB-team:

adb shell cmd appops set [application package] RUN_ANY_IN_BACKGROUND deny


adb shell cmd appops set [application package] RUN_IN_BACKGROUND deny

Replace [the application package] with a program ID (e.g., com.facebook.katana for Facebook) which will prevent the app from running in the background, saving up to 20% of RAM.

⚠️ Warning: Do not disable auto-run for com.miui.securitycenter and com.android.systemui.This can lead to unstable interface operation and security errors.

Section cache reset: last resort for “junk” devices

If the phone is unbearably slow and standard methods don't work, the partition cache resets, which doesn't delete user data, but clears all temporary system files.

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up before the Mi logo appears
3. Select Wipe & Reset → Wipe Cache (Change of Volume)
4. Confirm the action and wait for the completion

After resetting the cache of the section:

• 🔄 First load will take 5-10 minutes, that's normal.
• 📱 Applications will open more slowly first 1-2 day (cache reconfigured)
• 🔋 It is possible to increase the battery life on 10-15%

This method is especially effective after major MIUI updates, when old system files conflict with new ones, for example, after upgrading from MIUI 13 to MIUI 14, many users reported improved performance after wipe cache.

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Resetting partition cache does not delete photos, contacts or apps. This is a safe procedure, but it should not be performed more than 1 time every 3-6 months.

7. Prevention: how to prevent the accumulation of garbage

The best way to deal with garbage is to keep it out of the way. Here are 5 rules to keep your phone clean:

• 📥 Set a cache limit for each application (in Settings) → Annexes → Warehouse → Limit the cache)
• 🔄 Check the folder once a month. /Download presence of unnecessary files
• 🚫 Turn off automatic download of media in instant messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp, Viber)
• 🗑️ Use cloud services (Mi Cloud, Google Photos) to store photos and videos
• 🔧 Update regularly MIUI — In new versions optimized work with memory

We also recommend that you disable the automatic installation of recommended applications from Xiaomi. To do this, go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Recommended Applications and deactivate the option. This will prevent unnecessary programs that take up space and consume the battery.

If you often install APK-file from third-party sources, use APKMirror Installer or SAI (Split APK Installer: These programs allow installers to be removed immediately after installation without leaving debris in the system.

Frequently asked questions