Many smartphone users Xiaomi and Redmi over time face a lack of internal memory. This happens especially often due to the active work of instant messengers, which accumulate gigabytes of temporary files. The application WhatsApp occupies a leading position in resource consumption, storing thousands of images, videos and voice messages in hidden sections of the system.
Clearing the cache is a safe and effective procedure that does not affect your personal correspondence, contacts or media files saved in the gallery. This operation deletes only temporary data that is necessary for the application to work quickly, but which over time can cause crashes or slow down the operation of the device.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the available ways to free up space on smartphones with shell MIUI i HyperOS. You will learn how to perform the procedure through standard settings, using the built-in cleaning tools and specialized functions of the messenger itself.
Why does the cache take up so much space on Xiaomi
The operating principle of any modern messenger involves the active use of buffer memory. When you open a chat, view photos, or listen to voice messages, the system saves copies of them in a special section for instant access when you open them again. On devices Xiaomi this process is often aggravated by an aggressive policy for storing metadata.
Over time, the size of this storage can reach several gigabytes, which critically affects the performance of budget models of the series. Redmi. The impact is especially noticeable on models with an internal memory capacity of 64 GB or less, where every free megabyte counts.
The accumulation of temporary files can also lead to errors when sending media or freezing of the application interface itself. Regular maintenance helps keep the software running smoothly without the need for a complete reinstallation.
⚠️ Note: Clearing the cache does not delete your text messages and contacts. However, if you mix up the button and click “Clear all” or “Erase data”, the entire correspondence history will be permanently deleted. Be extremely careful when choosing an item in the menu.
Standard cleaning method through Android settings
The most reliable and universal method for deleting temporary files is available in the system menu of any smartphone based on Android. This method ensures that the application cache is deleted without affecting the message database.
First, you need to go to the main settings menu of your device. Find the section responsible for managing installed apps. On different firmware versions MIUI it may be called differently, but the logic of the location remains the same.
In the list of all apps, find the icon of a green phone with a handset - this is our target object. By clicking on it, you will be taken to the application card, where detailed information about memory consumption and access rights is available.
- 📱 Open
Settingson the main screen or in the notification shade. - 📂 Go to section
Applications→All applications. - 🔍 In the search, enter WhatsApp or find it manually in the list.
- 🗑️ Click on the item
MemoryorStorage. - 🧹 At the bottom of the screen, select the button
Clear cache.
It is important not to confuse this button with the adjacent option to clear all data. The system usually warns about the consequences of a full reset, but it's better to be safe. After pressing the button, you will see that the amount of space taken up has decreased significantly.
If the “Clear cache” button is inactive or missing, try restarting your smartphone and repeating the procedure. Sometimes the system memory management process requires a restart.
Using the "Security" application on MIUI
The shell MIUIinstalled on smartphones Xiaomi i Redmihas a powerful built-in tool for optimizing the system. The application Security (Security) allows you to delete garbage without deep diving into the system menus.
This method is convenient because the scanner automatically finds all temporary files, including the messenger cache, and offers to delete them with one click. The utility's algorithms are constantly updated by the developers to more accurately identify unnecessary data.
Launch the green icon with a shield on the desktop. After a brief analysis, the system will show the volume of garbage. However, for selective cleaning it WhatsApp it is better to use the advanced functions of the same application.
Security → Cleaning → Deep cleaningIn the deep cleaning section you will find file categories sorted by type. Find the messenger section or specifically WhatsApp. Here you can choose what exactly to delete: image thumbnails, old statuses or temporary update files.
| Data type | Description | Deletion security |
|---|---|---|
| Application cache | Temporary files interface | Absolutely safe |
| Photo thumbnails | Small copies of images | Safe (downloaded again) |
| Statuses | Viewed contact histories | Safe |
| Backups | Local database backups | Dangerous (you can lose your history) |
Usage The built-in MIUI scanner saves time, but requires manual verification before deleting, so as not to accidentally erase important backups.
Cleaning through the settings of the messenger itself
The developers WhatsApp have provided their own tool for memory management, which is often even more effective than system tools. This function allows you to see which chats take up the most space.
Go to the settings of the application itself inside the messenger interface. Here you will find detailed storage usage statistics broken down by each contact and group. This makes it possible to specifically remove garbage from specific dialogs.
The system will show files larger than 5 MB, which is very convenient for finding heavy videos that you may have already forgotten. Deleting such files frees up a significant amount of memory in a matter of seconds.
- 🟢 Open WhatsApp and click on the three dots in the upper right corner.
- ⚙️ Select item
Settingsin the drop-down menu. - 💾 Go to the section
Data and storage. - 📊 Click on the item
Storage management.
In the list that opens you will see a scale of occupied space and a list of chats sorted by volume. By clicking on any of them, you can select specific media files to delete. This is an ideal way to clear your memory without losing text conversations.
⚠️ Attention: The menu interface may vary slightly on different versions of Android and updates to the application itself. If you do not find the “Storage Management” item, check for updates in the Google Play Market.
Manually deleting files through Explorer
For advanced users who want to gain full control over the file system, a manual cleaning method through Explorer is available. On smartphones Xiaomi usually a pre-installed application Explorerthat has access to all folders.
This method allows you to delete specific folders with sketches and sent files, which are sometimes not deleted by standard methods. However, special care is required here so as not to erase the necessary documents.
The path to the messenger data has changed in the latest versions of Android. The files are now located in a protected system folder, access to which may be restricted. You will need to confirm permission to access special folders.
Internal memory → Android → media → com.whatsapp → WhatsAppInside this directory we are interested in the folder Media. This is where all pictures, videos and documents are stored. The folder Cache contains technical data that can be deleted without fear. It's also worth checking the folder Stickersif you use a lot of stickers.
What to do if the Android folder is hidden?
If you don't see the Android folder in Explorer, click on Explorer settings and turn on show hidden files. In some cases, you need to provide access through a system request at the bottom of the screen.
Process automation and prevention
To prevent the problem of low memory from returning every two weeks, it is worth setting up automatic deletion of old files. New versions WhatsApp have introduced an auto-delete media feature, which solves this problem at the application level.
You can configure the period after which downloaded photos and videos will automatically disappear from the phone's memory. This will not affect the ability to view them in chat if they have not yet been deleted from the server, but will free up space on the device.
It is also recommended to disable autosaving to the gallery. By default, all received pictures are duplicated in the system album, taking up double space. Disabling this feature will significantly reduce data growth.
- 📸 Go to
Settings→Chats. - 🚫 Disable the switch
Visibility media. - 🕒 In the section
Auto-deleteselect a period (for example, 90 days). - 📵 In the settings of each chat, disable
Autoload mediafor mobile data.
Regular adherence to these simple rules will allow you to forget about “Memory full” messages at the most inopportune moment. Your smartphone Redmi will work faster, and the messenger will be more stable.
☑️ Monthly memory maintenance
Possible problems and solutions
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where, after clearing, the cache quickly swells again or the clear button does not works. This may be due to errors in the synchronization service or corruption of database files.
If standard methods do not help free up space, try force stopping the application before cleaning it up. Go to the application settings, click Stop, and then clear the cache. This ensures that no process uses the deleted files.
In rare cases, clearing the service's cache helps Google Play Services, since it is also involved in storing temporary data for installed apps. This procedure is safe and often solves problems with freezing memory counters.
⚠️ Attention: If after cleaning the application begins to work incorrectly (notifications do not arrive, photos do not load), try clearing the cache not only of WhatsApp, but also of the Google Play Services application. Do not delete your Google account data.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Will my correspondence be deleted when clearing the cache?
No, clearing the cache only affects temporary files necessary for the interface to load quickly. All your messages, contacts and call history will be saved in full. Delete only the cache, avoiding the “Clear all” or “Erase data” button.
Why is the space not freed up after clearing?
Perhaps the bulk of the space is occupied not by temporary cache files, but by media files (photos and videos) that are stored in the Media folder. To delete them, use the built-in “Manage Storage” function inside WhatsApp itself or delete files manually through Explorer.
How often do you need to clear the cache on Xiaomi?
It is recommended to carry out the procedure once every 1-2 months, or when you notice a slowdown in the application. If you actively use the messenger to work and send heavy files, you should check it more often.
Is it possible to delete the WhatsApp folder in Explorer completely?
It is strictly not recommended to delete the entire application folder through Explorer manually. This will result in the loss of the message and settings database. Use only standard deletion tools inside the Android settings or the application itself.