Cleaning Viber cache on Xiaomi Redmi: 5 working methods (including hidden ones)

The clogged Viber cache on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones is one of the main causes of lags, slow download of media files and sudden outbursts of the messenger. Especially a problem for owners of devices with 32-64 GB of memory, where every megabyte counts. But even on flagships like Redmi K60 Pro, accumulated temporary files can take up to 1-3 GB – and this does not include backups of chats!

Many users mistakenly think that it is enough to delete the correspondence history or reinstall the application. In practice, the Viber cache is stored in several folders of the system, and the standard cleaning through the Android menu deletes only part of it. In this article, 5 proven ways for all versions of MIUI (including MIUI 14/15), as well as answers to frequent questions: what will happen after cleaning, how to restore deleted files and why the cache accumulates again so quickly.

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Why does the Viber cache take up so much space on Xiaomi Redmi?

The messenger cache consists of three types of files, each of which weighs differently:

• 📁 Media files are photos, videos, voice messages and stickers that you receive/send, and even after viewing, they remain in the device's memory.
• 🗂️ Databases are service files with chat history, account settings, and timestamps. They weigh little but fragment over time.
• 🔄 Temporary files – downloaded when you update Viber or restore backup, often duplicated and not automatically deleted.

On Xiaomi Redmi, the problem is exacerbated by two factors:

1. MIUI optimization: The system aggressively caches data for quick access, but doesn’t always clean it.
2. Memory architecture: Budget models (such as the Redmi 10A or Note 10S) use cheap eMMC flash memory, which is slower to process cleaning operations.

Example: if you are in 10 active chats with media exchange, cache can grow to 500 MB-1 GB per month. And if you have ever recovered backup – plus 300-800 MB of junk files.

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Method 1: Standard cleaning through Android settings

The safest method that is suitable for beginners: does not require root rights and does not affect personal data (chats, contacts, settings are saved).

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. In the search bar, enter Viber and select the app from the list.
3. Stick to the item Warehouse (or Memory in older versions of MIUI).
4. Click Clear cache. If the button is inactive, the cache is already empty.

⚠️ Warning: Don't confuse Clear cache and Clear data! The second option will delete the entire correspondence history, including media files and account settings.

Backup important chats in Viber

Close the messenger (swipe up in the menu of recent applications)

Connect the charger (if the battery level is below 20%)

Check the available space on the device (requires a minimum of 100 MB)

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After cleaning:

• 🔄 Viber will restart (the inscription “Optimize the application” may appear").
• 📥 Media files from chats will be saved, but will be downloaded again when opened.
• ⚡ Speed of the messenger will increase by 15-30% (according to the tests on the Redmi Note 11 Pro)+).

If there is no Clear Cache button, you have a modified version of MIUI installed on your device (e.g. global firmware for China).

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Method 2: Manually delete cache files through a conductor

This method allows you to delete hidden temporary files that are not cleared through the standard menu, suitable for users who have access to the file system.

1. Install any file manager with access to root folders (such as Mi File Manager or Solid Explorer).
2. Go to /storage/emulated/0/Android/data/com.viber.voip/files
3. Delete the following folders (if any): cache - the main cache of the messenger. temp - temporary download files. thumbnails - miniatures of media files.

Reboot your smartphone.

⚠️ Warning: Do not delete the media folder, which stores your personal files saved from chat rooms. If you need to vacate space, transfer its contents to a PC or cloud.

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Before deleting folders, take a screenshot of their content so you can recover important files if something goes wrong.

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Method 3: Cleaning with Recovery Mode (for power users)

If Viber is unstable even after manual cleaning, the problem may be the system cache that accumulates in the /cache partition.

Important: This method does not delete Viber data, but resets some system settings (e.g., application rights).

1. Turn off your smartphone.
2. Press the Power + Volume buttons up and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. From the Recovery menu, select the language (if required), then: Wipe & Reset → Wipe Cache → Confirm
4. After you complete the process, select Reboot to System.

⚠️ Warning: Do not confuse Wipe Cache and Wipe Data! The second option will perform a full reset (remove all data on the phone).

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Method 4: Use of CCleaner or similar utilities

Third-party cleaners (such as CCleaner, Files by Google or SD Maid) can find and remove Viber cache that is not visible in standard settings.

• ✅ Pluses: 🔍 Finding junk files in non-obvious folders. 📊 Show how much space each type of cache takes.
• ❌ Cons: 🛡️ Can delete important data if you don’t configure filters. 📴 Nana MIUI Often require additional permissions (e.g. access to Special Opportunity Services).

Instructions for CCleaner:

1. Download the app from Google Play (avoid third party sites!).
2. Run the analysis in the Cleanup section.
3. In the results, find the Viber block and tick: Cache Temporary files

Clean up

🔹 Important: Do not clean the following items through CCleaner:

• 🚫 Application data (will remove chats).
• 🚫 APK-Files (may break Viber updates).

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Third-party cleaners are convenient, but Xiaomi Redmi often performs worse than built-in tools due to the limitations of MIUI. Use them only if standard methods did not help.

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Method 5: Reinstall Viber with data storage

The last measure – a complete reinstallation of the messenger – should be used if:

• 🐢 Viber slows down even after cleaning the cache.
• 📥 Media files are not downloaded or displayed with an error.
• 🔄 The application is constantly restarted.

How to reinstall Viber without losing chats:

1. Create a backup: Open Viber → More (⋮) → Settings → Account. → Backup. Select Create a backup and wait until it is completed (the file will be saved to Google Drive or locally).

Settings → Applications

Google Play

Restore from backup copy

⚠️ Note: If you used local backup (not to the cloud), copy the backup file (viber_backup.vbb) to a safe place before you delete the application. It's on the way by default:

/storage/emulated/0/Viber/Backup

🔹 What does reinstallation do:

• 🆕 Complete reset of cache and temporary files.
• 🛠️ Correction of errors related to damaged data.
• 📉 Release up to 1-2 GB of space (if the cache has not been cleared for years before).

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How to prevent rapid accumulation of cache in the future?

To avoid clearing Viber cache every month, follow these tips:

• 📥 Turn off autoload media: In Viber: Settings → Media → Autoload media. Choose Never or Only over Wi-Fi.

Set up automatic cleaning:

• In MIUI: Settings → Memory → Auto Clean → turn on the option and add Viber to the list.

Regularly archive chats:

• Once every 2-3 months, back up and delete old media files manually.

📊 Comparison of space saving methods:

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Frequent Questions (FAQ)