How to completely clean the applications and their data on Android-smartphones Xiaomi: 5 proven ways

Xiaomi smartphones based on MIUI (or HyperOS in new models) over time accumulate gigabytes of unnecessary data: app cache, residual files after uninstallation, duplicate media files and garbage from system processes. Even after removing a program through a standard menu, the device often has its settings, databases and temporary files that take up space and can affect performance. In this article, we will analyze all available cleaning methods from basic to advanced, including working with ADB, secure mode and hidden MIUI functions.

Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi, POCO and Black Shark) have overlapping cleaning tools, such as Optimization (formerly Security), Storage, and Applications with separate data management section, and we show you how to use when to not only free up space, but also avoid errors like accidentally deleting system files or resetting important settings, and you will learn how to clean data without root rights, but with maximum efficiency.

1. Basic cleaning through the menu "Applications"

The easiest way is to use the built-in MIUI/HyperOS tools, which are suitable for removing unnecessary programs and cleaning their cache, but do not always cope with the "deep" residual files.

1. Open the settings and go to Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the app from the list (or use the search at the top).
3. Click Warehouse (or Memory in older versions of MIUI).

⚠️ Attention: Clearing the data will result in resetting all application settings (e.g. chats in messengers, progress in games) If the program syncs with the account (e.g., Google or Mi Account), the data can be restored after re-authorization. For local applications (such as some photo editors), recovery will not be possible.

This method works for all user applications, but does not affect system services, for example, you can not clear the data com.miui.home (launcher) or com.android.phone (phone services) – they will require superuser rights or ADB.

2. Deep cleaning through “Optimization” (Security)

The Optimization (formerly Security) app in MIUI offers advanced cleaning tools, including deleting residual files, duplicates and unnecessary APKs.

1. Open the Optimization app (the icon with the shield).
2. Go to the Cleanup tab (or Accelerate in some firmware).
3. Press Deep Clean and wait for the scan to be completed.
4. Check the file types for deletion: 🗑️ Residual files – residues after uninstallation of programs. 📁 Application cache – temporary data (safe to delete). 📄 Duplicate files – repetitive photos, videos or documents. 🔍 Large files – media and archives ranging in size from 10 MB.

Clean up

Important: In some versions of MIUI, deep cleaning can delete files from the Download folder, even if they are not duplicates. Before running, check the contents of this folder and transfer important data to another location.

For maximum efficiency, it is recommended that:

• 🔄 Repeat deep cleaning once every 1-2 months.
• 📴 Before the procedure, restart the smartphone – this closes the background processes that can block the deletion of files.
• 🔒 Do not clean system application data (e.g. com.miui.gallery) unnecessarily – this may cause crashes.

3. Removal of system applications without root rights (via ADB)

Many preinstalled programs on Xiaomi (e.g. Mi Browser, Mi Music, GetApps) cannot be removed by standard methods, but they can be deactivated or removed via the app. ADB. This method does not require root rights, but requires a computer and USB-cable.

Instructions for Windows/macOS/Linux:

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version (you will be notified "You've become a developer"). Return to Settings → Additional → Developer. Activate USB Debugging.

File Transfer (MTP)

ADB Tools

ADB

adb devices

If the device appears in the list, enter:

adb shell

pm uninstall -k --user 0 name.package

For example, to remove the Mi Browser:

pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.browser

pm disable-user --user 0 name.package

⚠️ Note: Removing system applications may cause firmware to work unstable. For example, removing com.miui.analytics (analytics service) may cause errors in the firmware. MIUI, a Delete com.xiaomi.midrop - disrupt the function Mi Drop (file transfer between Xiaomi devices.

List of popular removal packages (at your own risk):

4. Safe cleaning (to remove viruses and “unremovable” programs)

If suspicious apps appear on your smartphone that are not removed by standard methods (such as adware or viruses), use Safe Mode, which only downloads system services, and all third-party programs are disabled.

How to get into Safe Mode on Xiaomi:

1. Press the power button before the turn off menu appears.
2. Slip and hold the item Turn off (or turn off power).
3. Confirm the transition to safe mode (notification will appear).

⚠️ Note: In Safe Mode, some features (e.g, NFC, Bluetooth or Google Pay may not work, and you can't install new apps before you quit mode. If you have viruses left after you reboot, reset to factory settings (see Section 6).

1. Hold the power button for 10-15 seconds for a forced reboot.

2. If it doesn't work, connect the device to your PC and type the command into ADB:

adb shell am broadcast -a android.intent.action.BOOT_COMPLETED

5 Manually clean folders through file manager

Some apps (especially games and social media) store data in hidden folders that are not cleared through standard methods, such as WhatsApp backing up chats to /sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases, and TikTok cacheing videos to /sdcard/TikTok to manually delete them:

Steps for cleaning:

1. Open any file manager (e.g., standard MI File Manager or Solid Explorer).
2. Go to the root folder of the storage (/storage/emulated/0/).
3. Find folders with names of remote applications (for example, Android/obb/ for games or Android/data/ for cache).
4. Delete unnecessary files. Pay attention to the: 📂 Android/data/ — This is where the application data is stored (e.g. com.facebook.katana for Facebook). 🎮 Android/obb/ — Game files (up to several GB weight). 📷 DCIM/.thumbnails — photo and video miniatures. 📥 Download/ — uploaded files that are often duplicated.

Critical: Do not delete folders with the names com.android., com.google. or com.miui.* - this can cause a system failure. /system/ or /vendor/ rootless.

For convenience, you can use storage analyzer applications, for example:

• 📊 Files by Google – Shows large and unnecessary files.
• 🔍 SD Maid – Finds residual files and duplicates (requires root for full functionality).
• 🗃️ Storage Analyzer – visualizes occupied space by category.

💡

Manually cleaning Android/data/ and Android/obb/ folders is the most effective way to free up space after removing games and heavy apps, for example, after uninstalling Genshin Impact, these folders can have up to 10-15 GB of unnecessary files.

6. Full reset to factory settings (last resort)

If other methods fail, and the smartphone is slowed down or infected with viruses, you can reset to factory settings, which will delete all data, including apps, settings, photos and accounts.

• 🔄 Make a backup copy through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset → Local backup.
• 📱 Save contacts in your Google Account or on SIM-map.
• 📷 Move photos and videos to your PC or cloud (Google Photos, Mi Cloud).
• 🔐 Remember your Wi-Fi passwords and accounts (they will be deleted).

Resetting instructions:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select to erase all data (reset to factory).
3. Enter the password (if installed) and confirm the action.
4. Wait until it is completed (it will take 5-15 minutes).

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro) POCO F3) After reset, you may need to re-activate Mi Account to unlock the device.If you forget the password from your Xiaomi account, the smartphone may remain locked.

After discharge:

• 🔧 Configure your smartphone as new or restore data from a backup.
• 🛡️ Install an antivirus (such as Malwarebytes) and check the system.
• 🚫 Avoid installing applications from unverified sources.

7. Cleaning automation: planner and third-party utilities

To avoid manual cleaning, you can set up automatic cleaning using built-in tools or third-party software.

The built-in MIUI/HyperOS tools are:

• 🔄 Optimization → Autoclean – Set up a schedule to remove the cache.
• 📴 Settings → Battery and performance → Battery Optimization – Limits Background Application Activity.
• 🗑️ Settings → Warehouse → Free up space – suggests removing unnecessary files.

Third-party utilities (without root rights):

• 🛡️ Avast Cleanup – Remove unnecessary APK cash.

⚠️ Note: Some “optimizers” (e.g, DU Speed Booster or Clean Master can become a source of advertising or viruses. Use only proven high-ranking Google Play apps.

For advanced users with root rights, more powerful tools are available:

• 🔧 Titanium Backup – Deletes System Applications and Data.
• 🗃️ Root Explorer – manually cleansing any folders, including /data/data/.
• 🧹 Greenify – Freezes unnecessary processes.

1. Add a time trigger (e.g. every Saturday at 3:00).

2. Add the action "Execute command" with the code:

pm clear --user 0 com.android.vending

(This will clear the Google Play Market cache.)

3. Keeping the macros.-->

FAQ: Frequent questions about cleaning apps on Xiaomi