App “Cleanup” on Xiaomi: features, settings and hidden features

If you own a Xiaomi smartphone, you’ve probably noticed a strange utility called Cleanup in the app list.** It appears immediately after the first setup of the device, but many users do not understand why it is needed and how to use it. Some even try to remove it as unnecessary junk, and it's actually one of the key system applications. MIUI, which is responsible for optimizing the smartphone.

In this article, we will discuss in detail what the Cleanup app is** on Xiaomi, how it affects the performance of the device, what features are hidden in its settings and whether it should be turned off, and how to use this utility to avoid harming the system, and what alternatives exist for deep memory cleaning. If your smartphone started to slow down and the battery goes down too quickly, perhaps the problem lies in the wrong settings of this tool.

What is the “Cleanup” app on Xiaomi and why you need it

The "Cleaning" app** (English Security or Cleaner) is a built-in utility in the shell MIUI, which performs several key functions:

• 🧹 Clearing cache and temporary files – removes unnecessary data that accumulates when applications and systems work.
• 🔋 Battery Optimization – Covers background processes that consume charge without needing to.
• 📱 Acceleration of the system - frees up RAM (RAM) squatting.
• 🛡️ Virus protection – scans the device for malware (in new versions) MIUI This function is included in a separate Security app).

It's basically like CCleaner or Avast Cleanup, but it's built into the system. The main difference is that Cleanup** works at the Android kernel level and has access to system processes that third-party apps can't clean, like it can delete Google Play Services cache or residual files after uninstalling programs.

It's important to understand that this is not just a garbage collector, it's a full-fledged optimization tool. MIUI 14 and HyperOS app has become even smarter — it analyzes the user’s habits and automatically closes those applications that are rarely used but consume resources in the background.

Where is the Cleanup App and how to open it

Find the utility in several ways, depending on the version MIUI:

1. Through the app menu, look for an icon with a brush or trash can image (the name may differ: Clean, Security, Clearer).
2. Through the notification bar – swipe down from the top edge of the screen and find the Clear button (usually appears when the Detects system has high memory consumption).
3. Through Settings – Go to Settings → Annexes → Application management → Cleanup.

In some firmware (for example, on the Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5) The app can be hidden in the Tools folder or combined with Security. If you can't find it, try searching the system (guest down the home screen). → enter “Cleaning up»).

On smartphones with HyperOS (for example, Xiaomi 14 or Redmi) K70) The interface of the application has changed, now it is called Optimization,** and has a more minimalist design.

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If the Cleanup app disappeared after the update, try resetting the launcher settings: pinch the empty space on the home screen → Home screen settings → Reset the settings.

The main functions of the application “Cleaning”: what can and cannot be removed

When you first run it, it offers you a quick cleanup, which is to remove the cache and close the background applications, but the useful functions are hidden deeper.

The most controversial feature is Deep Clean.** It removes not only the user's cache, but also system files that are not used in the system. MIUI And when it starts, it can start to slow down for the first few minutes until the system recovers the data. On HyperOS devices, deep cleaning works more carefully, but it can still delete authorization data in some applications (for example, in banking services).

What you should not delete through this application:

• 📁 Android files and MIUI The root folder is the system data.
• 🔄 Google Play Services cache – cleaning it could disrupt Google services.
• 📱 Phone and Contacts app data – this can erase your call history.

How to use the application "Cleaning": step-by-step instructions

To avoid damaging the system, follow this algorithm:

1. Launch the application and wait for the quick scan to be completed.
2. View the list of files to delete – uncheck the boxes from those that seem suspicious (for example, files with the.db extension or the com.xiaomi.* folder).
3. Click “Clean” and wait for the process to be completed.
4. Go to Optimize** and select Optimize (this closes the background processes).
5. In the application settings, turn off automatic cleaning if it interferes (path: Settings) → Autocleaning).

Additional options are available for advanced users:

• 🔍 Manual selection of files – in the Warehouse section, you can manually mark unnecessary data (for example, downloads or duplicate photos).
• ⚡ Exceptions – add to the whitelist applications that should not be closed (for example, messengers or navigators).
• 📊 Usage statistics – shows which applications consume the most memory and battery.

If after cleaning the smartphone began to work slower, reboot - this will help the system to restore the necessary temporary files. → The phone. → Update the system and check if you do not need to reinstall the firmware.

Should I disable or remove the Cleanup app?

Many users want to get rid of this utility, thinking it's useless or even harmful, so let's see if it can be done and what it will lead to.

Can I remove it?

Technically yes, but only with root or through ADB. Without them, the app can only be turned off (freeze), but it will still take up space in memory:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the "Cleanup"** (or Security) page and open it.
3. Click Disable (if the button is active).

What happens after the shutdown?

• ✅ Notifications about “clogged” memory will cease to appear.
• ✅ Some applications will work more stable (for example, messengers will not spontaneously close).
• ❌ The system will stop automatically optimizing the battery, which can reduce the time of operation.
• ❌ Cache and junk files will accumulate faster, which over time will slow down the smartphone.

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Turning off Cleanup only makes sense if you use third-party optimizers (e.g, SD Maid or Greenify and are confident you can handle manual memory management.

On HyperOS devices, disabling the cleanup can lead to update issues — the system uses this app to prepare for installing new firmware versions. If you decide to remove it, do so only through the service. ADB team:

adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.miui.cleanmaster

Alternatives to built-in cleaning: which applications are better

If you don't like the standard utility, you can use third-party solutions, the main thing is to choose proven programs so as not to run into viruses or spyware.

If your goal is to make room, then the best choice is — SD Maid or Files by Google. They can find:

• 🗑️ Residual files after deleting applications (.apk,.odex).
• 📸 Duplicate photos and videos (e.g. screenshots with the same content).
• 🎵 Large files that have not been opened in a long time.
• 📂 Empty folders and broken labels.

Greenify is suitable for battery optimization (but root rights are required) or built-in settings. MIUI In the Settings section → Battery → Optimizing the battery.

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Before using third-party cleaners, back up important data. Some programs (for example, SD Maids can delete files that seem like garbage, but are actually needed to run apps.

Frequent problems and errors when using “Cleaning”

Despite its usefulness, the app sometimes behaves strangely, and let's look at typical situations and their solutions.

1. After cleaning, the smartphone began to slow down

This is because of the system cache removal.

• Reset the device.
• Run a heavy application (such as a game) to restore the files you need.
• Turn off Deep Cleaning** in the utility settings.

2.The app constantly shows notifications about “clogging”**

This annoys a lot of users. To turn off:

1. Go to Settings → Notifications → System Notifications.
2. Find the “Cleanup”** and turn off the notifications.
3. Or go to the app itself and uncheck the tick from Show reminders in the settings.

3. The cache of some applications is not cleared

Some programs (like Facebook or Instagram) block the cleaning of their cache.

• Go to Settings. → Annexes → [Title of the annex] → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
• Use it. SD Maid with root rights.

4.The Cleanup application does not open or fly out

It could be because of:

• Damaged firmware (re-installation will help) MIUI via Fastboot).
• Conflict with other optimizers (remove third-party cleaners).
• Errors in the application data (clear its cache in the settings).

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If Google services (such as Play Market or Gmail) stop working after cleaning, delete your Google account in the settings and add it again.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About Xiaomi’s Cleanup App