Cleaning up Bluetooth cache on Xiaomi: A complete guide for all models

Problems with connecting headphones, fitness bracelets or car systems via Bluetooth on Xiaomi smartphones are often related to clogged module cache. Even if the gadget previously worked steadily, over time, temporary files, conflicting data about the mated devices and outdated connection profiles accumulate, which leads to hangings on connection, communication breaks or complete invisibility of the devices in the list of available devices.

Many users mistakenly believe that it is enough to simply forget the device in the settings — but this only removes the pairing record, without affecting the system cache. In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to completely clean the Bluetooth cache on Xiaomi, including hidden methods through ADB and engineering menu. The instructions are relevant for all modern models, from the Redmi Note 12 to the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra.

MIUI firmware features aggressive caching to speed up reconnections, saving time on the one hand, but also creating a build-up of junk that interferes with new devices, such as if you were connecting AirPods and then trying to use Sony WH-1000XM5, the system can confuse profiles by giving you an error called "Unconnected."

Before you start cleaning, make sure that the problem is in the cache, and not in the hardware malfunction of the Bluetooth module.

• 🔄 The device is then connected, then disconnected spontaneously
• 🔍 The gadget does not appear in the list of available, although it is included and is nearby.
• 🎵 Sound is interrupted or distorted when played through Bluetooth headphones
• ⚙️ The “Bluetooth Error” message appears in the settings without specifying

1. Standard cache cleaning through MIUI settings

The safest and most recommended way for Xiaomi is to use the built-in tools, which do not require root rights and is suitable for all versions of MIUI (including MIUI 14 and HyperOS).

Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management. In the upper right corner, click on three dots and select "Show all apps." In the list, find "Bluetooth" (or "Bluetooth Settings" on some firmwares). Open it and select sequentially:

1. Warehouse
2. Clear the cache
3. Clear the data (optional if the standard cleaning did not help)

Important: Once the data is cleaned, all the associated devices will be removed and reconnected, and this method is effective in 80% of cases and solves the problem of "forgetting" devices after updating the firmware.

If there is no “Bluetooth” item in the list of applications, try an alternative path: Settings → Connections and Sharing → Bluetooth → Settings (cogs) → Additional → Reset Bluetooth settings.

Write down MAC- addresses of important devices (located in their settings)

Check the battery charge of the smartphone (minimum 30%)

Disable VPN or proxy servers

Close all background applications that use Bluetooth-->

2. reset Bluetooth settings to factory

When cleaning the cache doesn't work, the next step is to completely reset the Bluetooth module, which removes all stored devices, resets the power saving settings, and restores the default settings.

Instructions for MIUI 12-14 and HyperOS:

1. Open Settings → Connections and Sharing → Bluetooth
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Bluetooth Settings.
3. Scroll down and tap "Bluetooth Reset"
4. Confirm the action by entering the screen unlock password

On some models (e.g., POCO F5 or Redmi K60), the path may be different: Settings → System and device → Additional settings → Resetting → Resetting Bluetooth settings.

⚠️ Warning: After resetting, some devices (such as Mi Band or Xiaomi wireless headphones) may require re-authorization in the Mi Fitness or Xiaomi Wear app. Check in advance for data backups in these apps.

On smartphones with a Bluetooth 5.2 chip and later (for example, Xiaomi 13T Pro), the reset also resets the LE Audio protocol, which can temporarily worsen the sound quality in the first connections. This is normal - after 2-3 sessions, the quality will be restored.

3. Cleaning through the engineering menu (for experienced users)

The ##4636## Engineering Menu provides access to hidden Bluetooth settings, including low-level caching options, a method that requires caution as improper changes can disrupt wireless modules.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the Phone app and enter the combination ##4636###
2. In the menu that appears, select “Phone Information” (or “Testing” on some firmware)
3. Scroll down to the Bluetooth block and click on Bluetooth Test.
4. In the new window, select "Clear BT Cache" or "Reset BT Stack"
5. Confirm the action and restart the smartphone

On Qualcomm Snapdragon models (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro+) an additional step may be required: In the Engineering Menu → Hardware Testing → Bluetooth → BT FW Version → Clear Pairing Devices.

⚠️ Warning: Some firmware MIUI for China has the engineering menu blocked. If nothing happens after you enter the code, try using the MTK Engineering Mode app (for MediaTek chips) or Qualcomm USB Driver (for Snapdragon).

4. Complete cleaning through ADB (for advanced)

The Android Debug Bridge tool (ADB) allows deep cleaning of Bluetooth cache, including system files that are not available through the standard interface.This method requires USB- debugging and is suitable for users willing to work with the command line.

Preparation:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (Tap 7 times)
2. Enable USB- to debug in Settings → More → For developers
3. Download ADB Tools and unpack it on your computer.
4. Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm your trusted device

Cleaning commands (input in turn in cmd or terminal):

adb shell


pm clear com.android.bluetooth




rm -rf /data/misc/bluedroid/*




rm -rf /data/misc/bluetooth/*




reboot

For models with HyperOS (such as Xiaomi 14), add the command:

adb shell cmd bluetooth_manager clear_config

adb shell settings put global bluetooth_on 1

This force activates the module. If the problem persists, check the integrity of the system files through the MIUI System Repair Tool.-->

5. Manual deletion of cache files (requires root)

For users with unlocked bootloaders and root rights, the most radical method available is direct deletion of cache files through the file manager, which is guaranteed to remove all traces of previous connections, but requires caution.

Instructions:

1. Install a file manager with root support (such as Solid Explorer or Root Explorer)
2. Go to /data/misc/bluedroid/
3. Delete all files with extensions:.conf (configuration).bin (binary cache).dat (device data)

Reset the device

For Android 13/14-based firmware, check the folders: /data/misc/bluetooth/ and /data/vendor/bluetooth/.

⚠️ Warning: Deleting files in /data/misc/ without root rights can cause data loss in other system applications. Never modify files manually unless you are sure of their purpose. For example, deleting bt_config.conf will reset all settings, but touching bt_stack.conf is not recommended - it can disrupt the protocol stack.

adb shell pm clear com.android.bluetooth && adb shell rm /data/misc/bluedroid/bt_config.conf

This will only delete the configuration file without a complete reset.-->

6. Alternative methods: rollback of drivers and module firmware

If all previous methods failed, the problem may lie in damaged drivers or the firmware of the Bluetooth module, which is relevant after the failed MIUI updates or experiments with custom firmware.

Options:

• 🔄 Pushback MIUI: If problems started after the update, return to the previous stable version via MIUI bootloader and Fastboot
• 🔧 Module flashing: For Qualcomm chips, use QFil or QPST with the original BT_firmware.elf (you can download the Xiaomi Firmware Updater)
• 🛠️ Replace configuration file: Copy bt_config.conf from a working device of the same model in /data/misc/bluedroid/

Models with a MediaTek chip (e.g. Redmi 12C) may require firmware via the SP Flash Tool with only a selection of the BLUETOOTH partition (usually a MTxxxx_Bluetooth.img file where xxxx is the chip model).

Before proceeding with firmware, check the integrity of the current version through the command:

adb shell dumpsys bluetooth_manager

In the conclusion, note the lines "Stack Version" and "Controller State." If the status is UNINITIALIZED, the module requires flashing.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even after cleaning the cache, users face typical problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

If, after all the manipulations, Bluetooth still doesn’t work, check the hardware:

• 🔋 Make sure the battery is more than 15% charged (at low charge, the module shuts down)
• 📶 Check the Bluetooth antenna (located next to the main camera) for physical damage.
• 🔌 Connect the charger – some models turn off Bluetooth in power saving mode

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions