How to completely clean the application on Xiaomi: 5 ways for Android 12-14

Xiaomi Android-based smartphones eventually start to slow down due to a crowded cache of applications, unnecessary temporary files and residual data of remote programs. Even after uninstallation, many applications leave behind tails in the form of folders on the internal drive, registry entries. MIUI and fragments in the section /data/data. This article will help not just remove the application, but completely erase all its traces – from cache to system files that are not visible through standard settings.

We will look at both basic methods (clearing the cache through the settings menu) and advanced ones using ADB, hidden MIUI functions and third-party utilities. Particular attention will be paid to applications with administrative rights (for example, banking customers or antiviruses) that block standard deletion. Instructions are relevant for all modern models, from Redmi Note 12 to Xiaomi 14 Ultra on Android 12-14 with a MIUI 13-15 shell.

1. Standard cleaning through MIUI settings

The easiest way is to use the built-in MIUI tools. It is suitable for most user applications (social networks, instant messengers, games), but does not delete system files and data protected by root rights.

To clear the cache and data:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
• 🔍 Enter the program name in the search bar or find it in the list.
• 🧹 Press Warehouse. → Clear the cache (delete temporary files) and Clear the data (reset the settings of the application to the factory).
• 🗑️ For complete removal, remove the tap (uninstallation).

⚠️ Attention: Clearing the data will result in logging out of accounts in the application (for example, in VKontakte or Telegram) and removing all local settings. The cache can be cleaned without consequences - it will recover the next time the program starts.

2. Deep cleaning through the "Security App"

MIUI includes the proprietary Security app, which offers advanced tools to optimize the system, and allows you to remove residual files, duplicates and debris that are not available through the standard menu.

Instructions:

1. Launch the Security app (the shield icon).
2. Go to the Cleaner tab.
3. Press Deep Clean and wait for the scan.
4. In the results, select Leftover files and mark the applications you want to clean.
5. Confirm the action with the Clean button.

This method removes:

• 🗃️ Cache folders in /storage/emulated/0/Android/data.
• 📁 Temporary files in /data/local/tmp.
• 🔗 Symbolic references to deleted APK.

💡

If system applications (such as Mi Video or Mi Browser) appear in the list of residual files, do not delete them - this may disrupt the MIUI.

3. Manual deletion of residual files through the conductor

Even after uninstallation, many applications leave folders with data on the internal drive, which can be manually deleted through any file manager (for example, Mi File Manager or Solid Explorer).

Where to look for garbage:

⚠️ Note: Do not delete folders of system applications (for example, com.miui.gallery or com.android.settings) – this may cause a crash MIUI. Also, avoid touching files in the /system rootless.

4. Cleaning through ADB (for power users)

If the application is not removed by standard methods (for example, system software or program with administrator rights), Android Debug Bridge (ADB) will help.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (shap 7 times, then go back to Additional Settings → For Developers).
2. Connect the phone to your computer and confirm the debugging permission.
3. Open the command line (cmd) and enter:

adb devices

(Your device should be displayed)

adb shell pm list packages | grep 'name packet'

(find the exact package name)

adb shell pm clear com.example.app

(clears data and cache)

adb uninstall --user 0 com.example.app

(Removes the application for the current user)

To completely remove system applications (requires an unlocked bootloader):

adb shell


su




mount -o rw,remount /system




rm -rf /system/app/NameFolds




rm -rf /system/priv-app/Names

💡

The pm clear command resets the app to its original state, but does not delete it. Use uninstall to uninstall.

5. Resetting the application settings (without deleting)

If the program doesn't work properly, but you don't want to delete it, you can reset it to factory settings, which is useful for system utilities (such as Mi Browser or Camera) that can't be uninstalled.

How to reset:

• 🔧 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
• 📌 Select the desired application and click ⋮ → Resetting settings (or Resetting Preferences).
• 🔄 Confirm the action.

This method:

• ✅ Resets all permissions (access to camera, microphone, etc.).
• ✅ Remove saved settings (for example, the theme in Mi Browser).
• ❌ Does not affect the cache and user data (for this purpose, use Clear Data).

6. Removal of applications with administrator rights

Some programs (antiviruses, bank clients, VPNs) request device administrator permissions, which blocks their standard removal, as the system issues an error: “You can’t delete an application with active administrator rights.”

To uninstall this software:

1. Go to Settings → Passwords and Security → Device Administrator Rights.
2. Uncheck the problem application.
3. Return to Application Management and remove it in the standard way.

If there is no “Administrator’s Rights” clause:

• 🔍 Check the section Special Permits → Device administrators.
• 🛡️ For MIUI 14+ The path may be: Settings → Annexes → Permits → Additionally. → Device administrators.

⚠️ Note: Do not disable administrator rights for system services (such as Find My Device or Mi Cloud) – this will disrupt phone search and sync functions.

7. Cleaning automation: planner and third-party utilities

To avoid manual cleaning of applications, you can set up automatic cleaning or use specialized programs.

Option 1: MIUI Planner

• 🕒 Open Security. → Cleanup → ⚙️ Settings.
• 🔄 Turn on Auto Cleanup and select the frequency (daily/weekly).
• 📋 In the Exceptions section, add apps that don’t need to be cleaned (e.g., messengers with important files).

Option 2: Third-party utilities

⚠️ Note: Cleaning applications (especially root-access) can delete critical system files. → System system → Backup.

FAQ: Frequent questions about cleaning apps on Xiaomi