How to clear the cache on Android 12 MIUI 13

Modern Xiaomi smartphones, running on a shell MIUI 13 and operating system Android 12, have powerful functionality, but may slow down over time. One of the common reasons for poor performance is the overflow of temporary files that accumulate while using various apps. Understanding how to properly manage this data is critical to maintaining the stable operation of your device.

Many users mistakenly believe that clearing the cache will delete personal photos or correspondence, but this is not the case. Application cache is temporary data necessary for quickly loading content that can be safely deleted without losing important information. In this article, we will analyze in detail all the available methods for freeing up memory, from standard settings to using the engineering menu.

Regular system maintenance allows you not only to free up gigabytes of free space, but also to eliminate errors in app operation, which often arise due to damage to temporary files. Let's look at what tools it provides us Xiaomi to solve this problem effectively and safely.

What is the cache and why delete it on MIUI 13

The cache is a memory area where temporary application data is stored to speed up their operation. When you open a social network or browser, the system loads images and scripts into memory cacheso that the next time you log in, the page opens instantly. However, over time, these files may become outdated, conflict with new versions of apps, or simply take up excess space.

On the shell MIUI 13 the process of garbage accumulation occurs quite quickly due to the aggressive policy of background processes. If you notice that your phone is starting to heat up and the batteries are starting to last less time, it’s most likely that the culprit is overgrown temporary files. Cleaning helps reset the state of applications to factory caching settings, eliminating software failures.

It is worth distinguishing between the cache of a specific application and the system cache. The first can be cleared through the settings of any app, while the second requires deeper intervention in the system. Improper deletion of system files can lead to unstable operation of the interface, so it is important to understand the difference between these concepts before starting the procedure.

⚠️ Attention: Clearing data (not to be confused with clearing the cache) will delete all your information in the application, including logins, passwords and game saves. Be extremely careful when selecting the button in the settings menu.

Clearing the cache of individual applications through the settings

The safest and most common method of deleting temporary files is This is working with the settings of each app separately. This method allows you to selectively free up space occupied by the most “gluttonous” services without affecting the operation of the entire system. The algorithm of actions on Android 12 remains the same regardless of the smartphone model.

First, you need to go to the main settings menu of your device. Find the section responsible for managing installed software. Depending on the regional firmware, the name may differ slightly, but the logic of the arrangement of elements remains the same for the entire line Xiaomi.

The sequence of actions is as follows:

• 📱 Open Settings and go to the section Applications.
• 🔍 Select item All applicationsto see the full list of installed software.
• 🗑️ Find the desired app in the list and click on it to enter the control menu.
• 💾 In the window that opens, select the option Storage or Memory.
• 🧹 Press the button Clear cachelocated at the bottom of the screen.

Please note that the button Clear everything or Reset performs a more radical action, also deleting authorization data. Use it only if the application is not working correctly and you are ready to re-enter your credentials. For normal prevention, it is enough to limit yourself to clearing the cache.

Using the built-in Security application

Company Xiaomi has integrated into its shell a powerful system tool called “Security”, which allows you to carry out comprehensive cleaning of the device in a couple of touches. This is the most convenient way for those who do not want to manually go through each application and look for hidden temporary files.

The application automatically scans the internal memory, identifying not only the cache, but also the remains of deleted apps, duplicate files and advertising junk. Running the utility does not require superuser rights and is available on any device with pre-installed MIUI 13. The system itself determines which files can be deleted without harming the operation of the smartphone.

To use this tool, find the green shield icon on your desktop. After launch, press the big button Scan. Upon completion of the analysis, the system will offer to clean up the found garbage. You can manually uncheck the categories of files that you want to save, or agree with the algorithm's recommendations.

It is important to note that this tool also has a function to clear RAM (random access memory). Although this does not free up disk space, closing background processes can temporarily speed up the interface. Regular use of “Security” helps to maintain order in the file system automatically.

⚠️ Attention: The interface of the “Security” application may differ depending on the firmware version and region. If you don't find the button you need, check for updates for system applications in the store GetApps.

Deep cleaning through the storage menu

In the settings Android 12 there is a separate section dedicated to storage management, which provides more detailed statistics than the standard application menu. Here you can see how much space is taken up by images, videos, audio files and the system cache itself. This section is useful for identifying hidden memory consumers.

Go to Settings → About phone → Storage. The system will calculate the occupied volume and offer recommendations for freeing up space. Often here you can find the “Other” or “System Files” category, bloated due to logging errors or update failures.

In this menu, the smart cleaning function is available, which analyzes rarely used applications and large files. You can sort your data by size and remove what takes up the most space. This is especially true for users who actively download media files or use instant messengers without limiting the size of downloaded files.

Sometimes this section displays the “Cache” item, the sum of which is the sum of the temporary files of all apps. Cleaning through this interface is equivalent to entering each application one by one, but it is faster. However, there is less control over what data will be deleted.

Clearing the system cache through Recovery Mode

If standard methods fail help eliminate global system slowdowns or errors after updating the firmware, you may need to clear the system cache through Recovery mode. This method deletes temporary files of the operating system itself without affecting your personal data, photos and contacts.

To enter this mode, you must turn off your smartphone completely. Then hold down the combination of buttons Volume Up and Power at the same time. Hold them until the logo appears Mi, then release the power button, but continue to hold the volume until you enter the Recovery menu.

Navigation in this menu is carried out with the volume buttons (up and down), and selection confirmed by the power button. You need to find the item Wipe Data. Be careful: in some versions of Recovery this item may contain subitems. You must select exactly Wipe Cache, avoiding the item Wipe All Data, which will reset the phone to factory settings.

Sequence in Recovery:
1. Wipe Data
2. Wipe Cache (NOT Wipe All Data)
3. Confirm
4. Reboot to System

After confirming the action, the system will delete the system cache and prompt you to reboot. The first startup after this procedure may take longer than usual as the system will recreate the necessary temporary files. This is normal behavior and does not require user intervention.

⚠️ Attention: In new versions of MIUI, the system cache clearing option in Recovery may be hidden or combined with a hard reset. If you do not see a separate Wipe Cache option, it is better to refrain from actions in this menu so as not to lose data.

What to do if the phone is not included in Recovery?

If the button combination does not work, try connecting the switched off phone to the computer via a USB cable, and then hold down the buttons. Also make sure that the battery charge is at least 30%.

Comparison table for cleaning methods

To make it easier for you to choose an optimization method, we have compiled a comparison table that will help you determine the best method for your specific situation. Different approaches require different levels of preparation and carry different risks.

Cleaning method	Level of difficulty	Risk of data loss	Efficiency
Application settings	Low	No (cache only)	Medium
Security application	Low	No	High
Storage Menu	Medium	Low	High
Recovery Mode	High	Average (user error)	Maximum

As can be seen from the table, the first two methods are optimal for everyday use. They are safe and do not require special knowledge. Recovery mode should be used only in extreme cases, when other methods do not bring results and the system is unstable.

Frequent questions and problems when cleaning

During the optimization process, users often encounter with unusual situations or have concerns regarding the safety of their data. Below are answers to the most popular questions related to clearing the cache on devices Xiaomi.

Will my WhatsApp conversations be deleted when clearing the cache?

No, clearing the cache does not affect message databases, media files and account settings. Your chats will remain completely safe. Only temporary files are deleted, for example, image thumbnails, which will be downloaded again if necessary.

Why does the cache quickly fill up again after clearing?

This is normal system behavior. Applications create a cache to speed up their work. If the cache grows too quickly (gigabytes per hour), the specific application may have a bug or is not handling downloaded content correctly. In this case, you should try updating the application.

Is it possible to use third-party apps like CCleaner?

The built-in cleaning tools work more efficiently than third-party analogs. Third-party applications often consume a lot of resources themselves and display intrusive advertisements. In most cases, they do not provide any advantage over the system Security utility. Android 12 And MIUI 13 built-in cleaning tools work more efficiently than third-party analogues. Third-party applications often consume a lot of resources themselves and display intrusive advertisements. In most cases, they do not provide any advantage over the Security system utility.

Is it safe to clear the Google Play service cache?

Yes, it is safe and is often recommended if you have problems downloading or updating applications. Resetting the Google Play cache will not delete your installed apps, but may require you to log into your Google Account again in some cases.

What to do if the “Clear Cache” button is grayed out?

This means that for this particular application there are currently no temporary files accumulated, or they have already been cleared by the system automatically. This can also happen with system applications, the cache of which is protected from manual modification without superuser rights.