Brand smartphones Xiaomiworking on an operating system Androidinevitably accumulate temporary files over time. This data, called cache, is designed to speed up the launch of applications and system operation, but when accumulated in excess, it begins to slow down the device. Users often notice slower performance, interface freezes and a lack of free space precisely because of the proliferation of temporary data.
Clearing the cache is a safe and necessary maintenance procedure that does not delete your personal photos, contacts or correspondence. Proper memory management allows you to return your gadget to its former speed and extend its effective service life. In this article, we will analyze in detail all the ways to delete temporary files: from standard system tools to advanced methods for experienced users.
What is the cache and why it needs to be cleared
The cache is a memory area where applications save intermediate data for quick access. For example, the browser stores images of visited sites, and instant messengers store received media files. This allows you to avoid downloading the same information from the Internet repeatedly, saving traffic and time. However, over time, the size of this folder can reach several gigabytes, taking up valuable space in internal memory.
On the shell MIUI or new HyperOS the process of garbage accumulation can occur more aggressively due to the peculiarities of the operation of pre-installed services. If the cache becomes corrupted or becomes too large, apps may crash and your phone may overheat. Regular cleaning helps avoid these problems and maintains the stability of the operating system.
⚠️ Attention: Clearing the application cache may reset some settings within these apps, for example, automatic login information or the cart status in the online store. Be prepared to enter your password again.
If your device is stable and has a lot of free memory, you should not clear the cache too often. The system itself effectively manages temporary files, and frequent clearing can even slow things down since applications will have to download data again.
Understanding the difference between clearing the cache and resetting data is critical. The first operation removes only temporary junk, leaving your account and files intact. The second one completely removes the application, returning it to the “as after installation” state. We will consider methods of safe memory optimization.
Using the standard "Security" application
The easiest and most accessible way to organize memory is to use the built-in tool from the developers Xiaomi. The Security application is pre-installed on every device of this brand and does not require downloading from the store. It automatically scans the system for junk files, ad cache and remnants of uninstalled apps.
To start the process, find the green shield icon on your desktop. Once opened, click on the large “Clean” or “Speed” button. The system will conduct a quick analysis and show the volume of files that can be deleted without harm to personal data. Typically this includes the system cache, remnants of installation files APK and temporary browser data.
- 🗑️ Automatic garbage removal with one click.
- 🛡️ Scanning for viruses and malware.
- ⚡ Optimization RAM to speed up games.
- 📂 Managing large files for manual deletion.
It is important to note that the operating algorithms of this application may change with version updates. MIUI. In some firmware the functionality is expanded with deep analysis, in others it is simplified. If standard cleaning does not free up enough space, you should move on to more detailed work with specific applications.
Manually clearing the cache of specific applications
Sometimes the speed problem lies not in the system as a whole, but in one specific “heavy” application, for example Telegram, TikTok or YouTube. These apps cache a huge amount of videos and images. Manual cleaning allows you to specifically remove garbage from a problematic service without affecting the rest of the phone's data.
To perform this operation, go to the smartphone settings through the gear in the notification shade. Go to section Applications and select item All applications. In the list that opens, find the desired app and click on it. Next, select the option Memory or Storage, where you will see two buttons: “Clear cache” and “Clear everything”.
Settings → Applications → All applications → [Select application] → Memory → Clear cacheClick on the clear cache button. If you accidentally click "Clear All" (or "Reset"), the application will remove your authorization and local settings. This is a common mistake made by beginners, which leads to the need to re-enter logins and passwords. Be careful when choosing an action in the memory management menu.
⚠️ Attention: The settings interface may differ on different versions of Android (11, 12, 13, 14). If you do not find the "Memory" item, look for the trash icon or the inscription "Memory Usage" inside the application card.
☑️ Correctly cleaning the application
For social networks and instant messengers, it is recommended to carry out this procedure regularly, as they are prone to rapid cache growth. In some cases, for example in Telegram, it is more convenient to clear the cache through the internal settings of the application itself, since there you can choose to delete files only for a certain period of time.
Clearing the cache through the Recovery mode
If the phone is unstable, freezes on the screen saver, or standard methods do not help, you can use the recovery mode Recovery. This method allows you to clear the system cache (Dalvik/ART cache), which affects the operation of the entire operating system as a whole. This is a deeper cleaning than deleting files through settings.
To enter this mode, you must completely turn off your smartphone. Then hold down the Volume Up button and the Power button at the same time. Hold them until the logo Miappears, then release the Power button, but continue to hold the volume down until the Recovery menu appears. Control here is carried out by the volume buttons (up and down) and the power button (confirmation).
- 🔧 Deep cleaning of the system cache.
- 🚀 Solving problems with cyclic reboots.
- 📉 Eliminating errors after updating the firmware.
- 🔒 Data security (when selecting Wipe Cache).
In the menu, select item Wipe Data. Be extremely careful: in some versions of Recovery, this item immediately erases all data. Look for subsection Wipe Cache or Clear Cache. If there is no such separate item, but only Wipe All Data, then going into this mode to simply clear the cache is not recommended, as you risk losing all your files.
What to do if the menu is in Chinese?
If your Recovery menu displays hieroglyphs, try changing the language. This can often be done by pressing the power button in combination with other keys, or by selecting the first line in the menu. If you can’t change the language, it’s better not to take risks and use software cleaning methods inside Android to avoid accidental reset.
After successfully clearing the cache in Recovery mode, select Reboot and then Reboot to System. The first boot after this procedure may take longer than usual - this is normal, as the system rebuilds optimized application files.
Comparison of memory clearing methods
Various methods for deleting temporary files have their advantages and disadvantages. The method you choose depends on your goal: whether you just need to free up a couple of gigabytes or solve a serious performance problem. Below is a table to help you choose the best option for your situation.
| Cleanup method | Complexity | Risk of data loss | Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application Security (input settings) | Low | Absent | Average |
| Application Settings | Average | Low (Input Settings) | High (spot) |
| Recovery mode | High | Medium (if error) | Maximum (system) |
| Third-party utilities | Low | Depends on the application | Low/Medium |
As can be seen from the table, the built-in Security application is the golden mean for daily use. It is safe and effective enough for most tasks. Recovery mode should be used only in extreme cases, when other methods are powerless.
⚠️ Attention: Third-party cleaning applications (Clean Master and analogues) are often themselves a source of advertising and lag. On modern versions of Android, they have limited access rights and may be less effective than standard system tools.
For everyday use, the built-in Security application is sufficient. Manual cleaning of heavy applications and Recovery mode are needed only when specific problems with memory or stability occur.
Automation and prevention of clogging
In order not to have to do manual cleaning every day, you can set up automatic garbage removal. The Security app has a Boost feature that you can add to desktop widgets. Also, in the settings of the application itself, you can enable automatic cleaning when a certain threshold of memory fullness is reached.
Another useful tip is to regularly check the folder Download (Downloads). Often, users download installation files, documents and pictures that they forget to delete. These files are not a cache, but they take up space just as actively. Use a file manager to sort data by size.
Disable auto-downloading of media files in messengers. In the settings WhatsApp or Viber you can disable automatic saving of photos and videos to the gallery. This will prevent cache duplication: the file will remain in the application cache, but will not take up space in the phone’s general gallery twice.
Use cloud storage (Google Photos, Yandex.Disk) with the “Free up space” function. They will automatically delete photos and videos from the device that have already been uploaded to the cloud, freeing up gigabytes of space without the risk of losing important memories.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Will my correspondence be deleted when clearing the cache?
No, clearing the cache does not affect the message database. Your correspondence, contacts and media files saved in the gallery will remain in place. Only temporary files that speed up loading are deleted.
Why does the cache quickly fill up again after clearing?
This is normal system behavior. Applications begin to re-create temporary files for their work. If the cache grows abnormally quickly (gigabytes per hour), there may be a bug in the application or it is not working correctly.
Is it possible to delete the Android folder completely?
It is strictly not recommended to delete the entire folder Android manually through a file manager. This will lead to application failures, loss of settings, and possible system instability. Delete only the contents of folders cache within specific application directories.
Does clearing the cache affect the battery?
Indirectly - yes. When memory is full of garbage, it is more difficult for the processor to process files, which can lead to unnecessary energy consumption. A clean system works more efficiently and can consume less resources when idle.
Do you need to reboot the phone after cleaning?
It is advisable. Rebooting helps the system to correctly redistribute free space and terminate background processes associated with deleted files. This is especially true after cleaning through Recovery mode.