How to Clean Up Xiaomi Completely: From Garbage Removal to Hard Reset

Xiaomi smartphones are some of the most popular devices on the market due to their combination of price and functionality. But over time, even the most productive Redmi, Poco or Mi begins to slow down: apps open for a long time, memory is filled with unknown files, and the battery dies in half a day. The reason is often one – contamination of the system. This can be the cache of applications, residual files after deleting programs, duplicate photos or even malware that penetrated through third-party APKs.

Xiaomi cleanup is a multifaceted process. Some people just delete unnecessary files manually, others will need a complete factory reset, and in advanced cases even flashing through Fastboot. In this guide, we will analyze all methods from basic to emergency, taking into account the features of MIUI firmware (including MIUI 14/15) and models with HyperOS. You will also learn how to avoid the typical errors that turn cleaning into a “brick” for a phone.

1. Basic cleaning: remove garbage without dumping

Before you resort to radical measures, try the software tools built into MIUI, which will help you free up 3-10 GB of memory without losing personal data.

The main sources of garbage on Xiaomi:

• 🗑️ App cache – temporary files that accumulate when using social networks, instant messengers and games. For example, TikTok or Instagram can take up to 1-2 GB of cache.
• 📁 Residual files – “tails” from remote programs (especially relevant for games such as Genshin Impact or “Taps”) PUBG Mobile).
• 📸 Duplicate photo/video — MIUI often creates copies when editing or sending via instant messengers.
• 🦠 Viruses and Advertising Software – if you have installed APK From unknown sources, there is a high risk of catching adware.

How to clean:

1. Open the Security app (the shield icon).
2. Go to the Cleanup section. → Deep cleaning.
3. Press Scan and wait for analysis. The system will show you how much you can release.
4. Tick all categories (cache, residual files, duplicates) and click Clear.

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If the "Viruses" item appears on the cleaning list, don't ignore it! Delete the threats you find and check your phone with an antivirus (for example, Malwarebytes or Dr.Web Light).

For more thorough cleaning, use third-party utilities:

• 🧹 CCleaner – removes cache and residual files, but requires caution when choosing options.
• 🔍 Files by Google – Finds duplicates and large, unnecessary files.
• 🛡️ SD Maid is an advanced tool for cleaning system folders (you need root for full functionality).

2. Memory Cleanup: What Can Be Deleted Manually

Automated cleaning doesn't always deal with hidden debris, like a DCIM/.thumbnails folder that can weigh a few gigabytes and the system doesn't touch it.

To access these folders, use any file manager (such as Mi File Manager or Solid Explorer) and enable the display of hidden files in the manager settings.

⚠️ Attention: Do not delete folders Android/obb For the games that are installed, it's going to crash, and if the game is deleted and the folder is still there, you can clean it up.

3. Reset to factory settings: when and how to do

If the phone is freezing, overheating or not updating, and basic cleaning hasn't worked, it's time to do Hard Reset, which deletes all data, including accounts, photos and apps, so back up first.

How to reset Xiaomi to factory settings:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Choose to erase all data.
3. Enter the password (if installed) and confirm the action.
4. Wait for the reboot (it will take 5-15 minutes).

If the phone is not switched on or locked:

• 🔄 Turn off the device.
• Press Volume Up + Power before the Mi logo appears.
• In the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data (manage volume buttons, confirmation – power button).
• After reset, select Reboot.

⚠️ Note: On models with Mi Account lock (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro) after reset, you will need to enter the username and password from the Xiaomi account that was previously linked!

4. Removal of viruses and advertising software

If Xiaomi has a harassing advert in the menu, browser or notifications, you probably picked up adware.

• 📱 Installation APK Unknown sources (especially hacked games).
• 🔗 Switching to suspicious links in messengers.
• 📦 Pre-installed “bonus” applications from the operator.

How to remove viruses:

1. Install antivirus (Malwarebytes, Kaspersky Mobile) and perform a full scan.
2. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
3. Sort the list by installation date and remove suspicious programs (such as those with names like com.system.update or FlashPlayer).
4. Reset your browser settings: in Chrome or Mi Browser, select Clear Data.

If the virus blocks the installation of the antivirus:

• 🛡️ Boot in Safe Mode (when turned on, press Volume down before downloading).
• 🔄 Remove malware manually through settings.
• 🔄 If it doesn’t help, reset it through Recovery.

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Viruses on Xiaomi are often disguised as system applications, and if the antivirus finds a threat in the /system/app folder, it can only be removed through firmware or root access.

5. Cleaning system applications (without root)

MIUI is known for its abundance of pre-installed applications that cannot be removed by standard methods, but can be disabled or frozen to keep them from wasting resources.

List of safe to disable system applications (for example, MIUI 14):

• 📱 com.miui.analytics – statistics collection (responsible for sending data to Xiaomi).
• 📰 com.miui.miservice – Mi services (advertising and push notifications).
• 🎵 com.miui.player is a standard music player.
• 📡 com.miui.fm — FM-radio (if not used).

How to turn it off:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Show all processes.
3. Find the application by the name of the package (see the list above) and select Disable.

⚠️ Note: Do not disable system services called com.android or com.qualcomm – this can cause your phone to fail!

6.Clean through ADB: for advanced users

If you're ready to experiment, ADB (Android Debug Bridge) allows you to remove even apps that don't turn off via the menu, a method that requires a computer and basic command line knowledge.

Instructions:

1. Enable USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times, then go back to Additional → For Developers).
2. Connect your phone to your PC and install ADB drivers (download Minimal ADB and Fastboot).
3. Open the command line and type: Adb devices Make sure the device is defined.
4. To remove the application, use the command: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 name.packet For example, to delete Mi Browser: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.android.browser

List of popular removal packages:

7.Flashing: A last resort for "bricks"

If Xiaomi doesn’t turn on, hovers on the logo or after a failed update turned into a “brick” – only flashing through Fastboot will help. This method requires a PC, USB Type-C cable and official firmware.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the firmware for your model from the MIUI Download website (choose the Fastboot version).
2. Unpack the archive in a folder on your PC.
3. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log in to Fastboot.
4. Connect the phone to the PC and open the command line in the firmware folder.
5. Enter commands in turn: fastboot flash all (for models with unlocked bootloader) or fastboot flash all_lock (lock-down).
6. Wait for completion (10-20 minutes) and restart your phone: fastboot reboot

⚠️ Note: Fastboot flashing erases all data, including files in internal memory. Also, some models (Redmi Note 12, Xiaomi 13) require unlocking the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool, which takes up to 720 hours of latency!

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi cleanup