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

The app cache on Xiaomi smartphones is a temporary file that speeds up programs, but over time takes up gigabytes of memory and can slow down the device. If your Redmi, POCO or Mi started to slow down, spontaneously close applications or issue notifications about a memory shortage, it’s time to clear the cache. In this article, we will examine all the ways from manual cleaning through settings to deep cleaning through Recovery Mode.

It is important to understand that there are two types of cache: cache of individual applications (for example, YouTube or Telegram) and system cache (MIUI shell files). The first can be deleted without risk, and the second one should be careful - cleaning it can lead to resetting some settings, we will tell you how to do this safely and efficiently.

Why clean up the cache on Xiaomi?

Cache is not garbage, it's useful data that speeds up the loading of apps. For example, when you open Instagram, the app uploads photos from the cache, not downloads them again, but over time, these files accumulate and take up space:

• 📱 Slowing down – if the cache is inflated to 5-10 GB, the system spends resources on its processing.
• 🔄 Application errors – a corrupted cache can cause crashes (e.g. Google Play won’t open).
• ⚠️ Notification of memory — MIUI They complain of a lack of space, even if they are free. 20-30 GB.
• 🔋 Increased battery consumption – background cache cleaning wastes charge.

However, a complete cache cleanup of all applications can lead to a temporary slowdown – programs will have to cache data again, optimally clean the cache selectively (for example, only for TikTok or Chrome) or every 1-2 months.

Method 1: Clearing the cache of a separate application through settings

The safest method is to remove the cache for a specific application.This will not delete your data (logins, save in games), but will free up space. The instructions are relevant for all Xiaomi smartphones on MIUI 12/13/14 and HyperOS:

1. Open the Settings → Applications.
2. Select Application Management.
3. Find the app you want (like Facebook) and tap it.
4. Go to the Warehouse.
5. Click Clear Cache (not to be confused with Clear Data!).

For convenience, you can sort applications by cache size:

Slip to the three points in the top corner → Select "Sort by size"

Look at the Cash column – apps with 500MB+ should be cleaned first

Ignore system applications (such as MIUI Launcher) without a strict need

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⚠️ Note: Do not clear the cache for Google Play Services, MIUI Security or System UI — This can cause the shell to malfunction. If you want to free up a lot of space, you better use the following method.

Method 2: Mass cleaning the cache of all applications

If the cache takes several gigabytes and it takes a long time to manually clean each application, use the built-in MIUI function:

1. Go to Settings. → Warehouse.
2. Slip on Clear (or "Free Place").
3. Select the Cash App tab.
4. Click Clean and confirm the action.

After a mass cleanup, some apps (like Google Maps or Spotify) will load longer on their first run — that's OK. After 1-2 days, the work will stabilize.

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If the app gets worse after cleaning the cache (for example, YouTube is slowing down), try restarting the smartphone. This will reset the background processes and speed up the re-caching.

Method 3: Cleaning the cache with Recovery Mode (for experienced)

If the smartphone is slowing down and standard methods don’t work, you can clear the system cache through recovery mode, which is suitable for all Xiaomi models, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 and Mi 11.

⚠️ Warning: Don't confuse Wipe Cache with Wipe Data! The second option will erase all your data (photos, contacts, apps:

1. Turn off your smartphone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up until the MI logo appears.
3. Choose your language (if required).
4. Go to Wipe & Reset → Wipe Cache.
5. Confirm the action and wait for the completion.
6. Restart the device (Reboot) → Reboot to System).

This method deletes temporary system files, but does not affect user data. After a reboot, the smartphone can turn on longer than usual (up to 5 minutes) - this is normal.

Method 4: Automatically clean the cache with MIUI Optimizer

MIUI 14 and HyperOS have a built-in memory optimization tool called MIUI Optimizer, which automatically clears the cache and closes the background processes.

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Slip the MIUI version 7 times to activate the Developer Mode.
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
4. Find the MIUI Optimizer and turn on the switch.
5. Choose Cache Cleanup and set up a schedule (e.g. once a week).

This solution is suitable for those who do not want to manually monitor the cache.However, keep in mind that aggressive automatic cleaning can interfere with the operation of some applications (for example, WhatsApp will take longer to download chats).

What if the cache quickly accumulates again?

If the cache takes up several gigabytes again a day or two later, the problem may be:

• 🎮 Games: Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile PUBG cache 5-10 GB.
• 📺 Streaming services – YouTube, TikTok, Netflix save videos to cache for offline viewing.
• 📱 Social Media – Facebook and Instagram cache stories and photos.
• 🔍 Cloud Services – Google Drive or Mi Cloud can sync files in the background.

Decisions:

1. For games: In the graphics settings, select Low texture quality or disable caching.
2. For streaming: On YouTube, turn off Traffic Saving in Playback Settings.
3. For social media: limit background activity in Settings → Apps → [Name] → Battery → Background activity.

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If cache is accumulating due to system processes (such as Android System WebView), check your smartphone for viruses using MIUI Security or Google Play Protect.

Frequent errors in cleaning cache on Xiaomi

Many users make mistakes that lead to data loss or performance impairment.

⚠️ Warning: Never clear your data instead of a cache for system applications (e.g., Clear Cache, MIUI Home or Settings. This can cause you to reset all the shell settings, and you have to reset your smartphone.

• 🚫 Use Play Market Cleaners – Apps like Clean Master often delete useful files and show false virus notifications.
• 🚫 Cleaning the cache too often – it forces applications to constantly reassemble the cache, which consumes the battery.
• 🚫 Delete cache through file manager manually – you can accidentally erase system files in folders /data or /system.
• 🚫 Ignore updates MIUI — In new versions optimized work with cache.

If after cleaning the cache, the smartphone began to work worse, try:

1. Reset the device.
2. Disable MIUI Optimizer (if it was enabled).
3. Check the vacant space – if less than 1 GB, the system can brake regardless of the cache.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions