Installing games with cache on Xiaomi Redmi: from download to launch

Install mobile games with additional cache (OBB-Xiaomi Redmi smartphones often cause difficulties for users, problems arise from the stages of unpacking archives to correctly placing files in the deviceโ€™s memory. In this article, we will take a look at the whole process Step-by-step, from selecting a download source to optimizing the gameโ€™s performance after installation.

Redmi devices (including Note 12 Pro+, Redmi 10C and others) have an aggressive MIUI memory management policy that can automatically remove cache or block installation from unknown sources, and weโ€™ll show you how to circumvent these restrictions legally and safely without resorting to rooting.

It is important to understand that cache games (such as Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile or PUBG New State) require not only the correct installation of APKs, but also the correct placement of additional files.

1. Preparation of the smartphone for installation

Before downloading the game, you need to configure Xiaomi Redmi to work with files from third-party sources. Without this, the system will simply block the installation of APK.

First, check the MIUI version in Settings โ†’ About Phone. On newer versions (MIUI 14 and above), the security algorithms are stricter, so you may need to adjust the permissions further. Also make sure that the device has enough free space โ€“ modern cache games require between 2 and 10 GB.

  • ๐Ÿ”ง Allow installation from unknown sources: Settings โ†’ Annexes โ†’ Application management โ†’ Conductor (or browser) โ†’ Allow installation from this source
  • ๐Ÿ“ Clear Play Market's cache (if the game downloaded from there): Settings โ†’ Annexes โ†’ Google Play Store โ†’ Warehouse โ†’ Clear the cache
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Disable Adaptive Cleaning (so that the system does not delete the game cache): Settings โ†’ Battery and productivity โ†’ Adaptive cleaning โ†’ Shut down.

โš ๏ธ Note: Some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro) 5G) post-update MIUI 14 appeared bug with the installation permit APK If you are not active, use an alternative file manager, such as Solid Explorer.

๐Ÿ“Š How much internal memory is your Redmi?
32GB
64GB
128GB
256 GB or more

2. Where to download games with cache

The download source determines not only the download speed, but also the security of files. Official stores (Google Play, Mi App Store) automatically install cache, but often offer stripped-down versions of games.

Recommended verified sources:

  • ๐ŸŒ APKMirror โ€“ a reliable directory with hash-sum verification APK. Cash (OBB) It is usually attached to a separate archive.
  • ๐ŸŽฎ TapTap is a dedicated store for gamers, and many of the games here are available with preloaded cache.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฆ OBB-archive 4PDA โ€” Russian-speaking community, where they lay out the latest versions of cache for popular games.
SourcePlusesConsRisk of viruses
Google PlayAutomatic cache installation, updatesCut-down content, regional restrictionsLow.
APKMirrorFile Checking, Original APKCash downloaded separatelyMedium.
TapTapFull versions of games, cache includedSlow loading for some regionsLow.
Torrents/Unverified SitesFast download, rare gamesHigh risk of viruses, broken filesHigh-pitched

Critical information: On Redmi models with a Snapdragon processor (such as the Redmi K50), some games from unverified sources can be blocked by the Qualcomm Secure Processing Unit (SPU), which is not a virus, but protection against pirated content, in which case only the official version from Google Play will help.

3. APK installation and cache placement

After downloading the APK and the cache archive (usually in.zip or.obb format), we proceed to install, the main rule is that the cache must be placed in a strictly defined folder, otherwise the game will not see additional files.

Step-by-step:

  1. Install APK โ€” just open the file through Explorer and confirm the installation. Don't start the game right away!
  2. Uncache the archive with cache. If it's.zip, use any archiver (like RAR for Android).
  3. Create a folder for cache: For most games: /Android/obb/[game package name]/ (e.g. /Android/obb/com.tencent.ig/ for PUBG Mobile) For games from Gameloft: /Android/obb/com.gameloft.[name]/

Move the cache files.

Android

APK file installed | Android/obb folder exists | Cache files copied to the correct directory | Security settings allow installation from unknown sources-->

On some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi) 9A) The internal memory is divided into "internal" and "SD-Make sure you copy the cache to internal memory, not to a removable drive โ€“ many games do not support external media.

โš ๏ธ Warning: If the game still asks you to download the data after copying the cache, check the name of the folder with the game package. APK. You can find it through the App Inspector app (available on Google Play).

4. Typical errors and their solutions

Even if you install a cache game correctly on Xiaomi Redmi, you can experience crashes. Letโ€™s look at the most common problems and ways to fix them.

Mistake.Reason.Decision
"Files not found" at launchCash in the wrong folder or broken archiveCheck the Android/obb folder path and file integrity
The game flies out on the screensaverIncompatible with Android version or processorUpdate the game or download the version for your chipset (ARM64/ARMv7)
"Not enough memory."MIUI reserves space for system needsClear the cache of system applications or use SD-map as an internal memory
The game is not updatedA modified version has been installedRemove the game and install the official version from Google Play

The most important thing to note is the 924 error in Google Play, which occurs when you try to update a game with a manual cache, which means a conflict of versions.

  1. Remove the game through Settings โ†’ Apps.
  2. Delete the cache folder manually (/Android/obb/[game package]/).
  3. Install the game again from Google Play and wait for the automatic cache download.

How to check files before installing:

  1. Compare the hash amount (MD5 or SHA-1) of the downloaded APK with the official one on the distributorโ€™s website.
  2. Use VirusTotal to scan files (download the APK to the site before installing).
  3. Check the game permissions in Settings โ†’ Apps โ†’ [game] โ†’ Permissions. Suspicious permissions: access to SMS, contacts, geolocation (if it is not part of the gameplay).

โš ๏ธ Note: Forums often feature โ€œmodifiedโ€ versions of games with supposedly โ€œenhanced graphicsโ€ or โ€œinfinite moneyโ€ and most of these files contain Trojans or mining scripts that will use your Redmiโ€™s resources to mine cryptocurrency.

๐Ÿ’ก

Never install games that require you to disable Google Play Protect or antivirus.

7. Alternative installation methods

If the standard method doesnโ€™t work (for example, due to MIUI limitations or memory shortages), alternative methods of installing cache games can be used.

Method 1: Installation via ADB

Suitable for power users, bypassing the limitations of MIUI for installation from unknown sources.

adb install path/to/file.apk

Method 2: Using a file manager with root rights

Apps like Root Explorer or FX File Manager allow you to copy cache to system folders if you have root access. Attention: rooting is insecure and can lead to unstable system operation.

Method 3: Installation to SD-map as an internal memory

If internal memory is lacking:

  1. Put it in. SD-card (class 10 or UHS-I).
  2. Go to Settings. โ†’ Warehouse โ†’ SD-map โ†’ Settings โ†’ Internal memory.
  3. Format the card as an internal storage (the data on it will be deleted!).
  4. Move the game to SD-Map through Settings โ†’ Annexes โ†’ [play] โ†’ Warehouse โ†’ Change.

On Redmi models with Android 11+, the transfer of games to SD can be limited, in which case the App2SD application (requires root) will help.

8. Frequent questions from users

Can I install a cache game on Redmi without Google Play?
Yeah, but you're gonna have to manually download it. APK and OBB-files from trusted sources (for example, APKMirror or TapTap) The main thing is to correctly place the cache in the folder. /Android/obb/[game package]/ and allow installation from unknown sources in security settings.
Why does the game write "Files are not downloaded" after installation?
This error occurs in three cases: the cache is copied to the wrong folder (check the path /Android/obb/[packet]/); the cache files are broken or not fully downloaded (recheck the archive size); the APK version and the cache do not match (download both files from the same source); the solution: delete the game and the cache, then re-install from the verified site.
How to transfer the game with cache to another Redmi model?
To transfer the game to another phone: Copy /Android/obb/[game packet] folder on your PC. Install the same APK on your new device. Insert the cache folder in /Android/obb/ on your new phone. If the game doesn't start, delete the cache and let the game download it again (sometimes device-bound). Important: In some games (such as Genshin Impact), the cache is tied to your account and device. The transfer may not work.
Can I play with the cache on SD-map?
Technically yes, but there are nuances: SD-The card should be formatted as internal memory (in storage settings). Not all games support external media (especially online shooters like Call of Duty Mobile). SD-The card must be at least 10 Class or UHS-I, For better performance, it is recommended to use internal memory.
How to remove the game with cache to free up space?
To completely remove the game: Delete the app through Settings โ†’ Apps. Manually delete the cache folder: /Android/obb/[game pack]. Check the /Android/data/[game packet] folder - there may be additional files left. Clear the basket in the file manager (if you use Mi File Manager). Some games (for example, Honor of Kings) leave up to 500 MB of junk files after uninstalling.