Cleaning memory on Xiaomi Mi 7: a complete guide with proven methods

Smartphone Xiaomi Mi 7 (codename dipper), released in 2018, still remains a relevant device thanks to its powerful processor Snapdragon 845 and 6 GB of RAM. However, even such characteristics do not save you from the problem of lack of free space - especially if you actively install applications, shoot video or store large files. Clogged memory leads to 4K or store large files. Clogged memory leads to slowdown of worksudden reboots and errors when installing updates.

In this article we will examine 7 working methods cleaning memory on Xiaomi Mi 7 - from basic (removing cache and garbage) to advanced (moving applications to an SD card and analyzing hidden files). All methods are tested on firmware MIUI 10–14 and do not require root access. We will pay special attention unique nuances of this particular model, for example, to working with the section /data/app and restrictions on data transfer.

Before you begin, check how much space is occupied right now: go to Settings → About phone → Storage. If less than 10% of the total volume is free (for example, < 6 GB out of 64 GB), the system starts to slow down - this is a signal to action.

1. Built-in MIUI cleaning utility: fast and risk-free

Firmware MIUI includes a powerful tool "Cleaning" (formerly "Security") that deletes temporary files, cache and residual data of deleted applications. On Mi 7 this utility works more efficiently than third-party cleaners, since it has access to system partitions.

To start cleaning:

• 📱 Open the application "Cleaning" (icon with broom on the desktop or in the application menu).
• 🔍 Click Scan —the system will analyze junk files, cache and unused APK.
• 🗑️ Select categories to clean (we recommend checking all except "Downloads"if important files are stored there).
• 🚀 Click Clean and confirm the action.

On Mi 7 the utility often finds up to 1–3 GB of garbage, even if you regularly clean your phone manually. Particularly a lot will accumulate in the section "Residual files" —this is data from long-deleted applications that MIUI does not erase automatically.

⚠️ Attention: If after cleaning an item remains in the utility "Update cache" (usually 500–800 MB), do not delete it manually through the file manager. This may disrupt operation MIUI Updater. Instead, update the firmware to the latest version - the cache will be cleared automatically.

2. Manually clearing the application cache: what can be deleted without consequences

Application caches are temporary files that speed up apps, but over time they grow to gigantic sizes. On Mi 7 social networks (Facebook, Instagram), messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp) and games are especially “gluttonous”. Clearing the cache will not delete your data (photos, messages, game progress), but will free up to 500 MB - 1 GB space.

How to clear the cache manually:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Manage applications.
2. Sort the list by size (click on the three dots in the upper right corner → "By size").
3. Select an application with a large cache (for example, Google Play Services or YouTube).
4. Click Storage → Clear cache.

Some applications (for example, Google Chrome or MIUI Launcher) restore the cache immediately after clearing. prevent:

• 🔄 Limit background activity: in the application settings, disable "Autorun" i "Background activity".
• 📵 For browsers use "Lite" mode (in Chrome: Settings → General → Lite mode).

Application	Average cache size	Is it possible to clear	Consequences
Google Play Services	200–500 MB	Yes	Temporary slowdown of Google services (1-2 days)
Telegram	100 MB–1 GB	Yes	Photos and videos in chats will be reloaded when opened
MIUI Launcher	50–150 MB	No	Reset desktop settings (widgets, wallpapers)
YouTube	100–300 MB	Yes	The video buffer will be cleared (you will have to wait for loading)

3. Deleting duplicates and large files. through a file manager

File manager MIUI (or a third-party one, for example Solid Explorer) will help you find and delete unnecessary files that take up space but are not displayed in the gallery or music player. On Mi 7 such files often accumulate in. folders:

• 📁 /storage/emulated/0/DCIM/.thumbnails — thumbnails of photos and videos (can be deleted, they will be restored automatically).
• 📁 /storage/emulated/0/Download — downloads from the browser (check for unnecessary APKs and archives).
• 📁 /storage/emulated/0/Android/data — application data (delete folders of deleted apps).

How to find large ones files:

1. Open Files (standard application MIUI).
2. Go to section "Categories" → "Large files".
3. Sort by size and delete unnecessary ones (for example, old backups or videos in 1080p).

How to get back accidentally deleted files?

If you deleted important data, check the folder /storage/emulated/0/.Trash (recycle bin MIUI). Files are stored there for 30 days. To restore after complete cleaning, use apps like DiskDigger (requires root access for deep scanning).

⚠️ Attention: Do not manually delete files from folders /system, /vendor or /data/dalvik-cache - this will lead to system crash will require flashing. Also avoid changes to /data/appif you are not sure of the actions.

4. Transferring applications to an SD card: limitations and workarounds

Xiaomi Mi 7 supports memory cards microSD up to 256 GB, but transferring applications to them has limitations due to the architecture Android. Not all apps can be moved, and some work slower after transfer. However, this will help free up 2–5 GB internal. memory.

How to transfer applications:

1. Insert an SD card (formatted as internal memory or portable).
2. Go to Settings → Applications → Manage applications.
3. Select application → Storage → Edit → SD card.

Restrictions on Mi 7:

• ❌ System applications (MIUI Camera, Google Play Services) cannot be transferred.
• ❌ Anti-piracy games (for example, PUBG Mobile) block the transfer.
• ⚠️ After the transfer, some applications may freeze upon startup (especially instant messengers).

Format the card as internal memory (data will be encrypted)|Back up the data on the card|Check the speed class of the card (UHS-I/U3 recommended)|Do not remove the card without safely unplugging it-->

If the option "Change" is inactive, then the application does not support transfer. In this case, it will help forced transfer via ADB (requires a PC and USB debugging):

adb shell pm set-install-location 2

This command will force the system to install new applications on the SD card by default. Attention: after this, some apps may work unstable!

5. Cleaning the system of pre-installed applications (bloatware)

MIUI is known for the abundance of pre-installed applications (Mi Browser, Mi Music, Mi Video etc.), which take up space and run in the background. On Mi 7 you can disable (without root access) or delete (with root). This will free up to 1–1.5 GB and reduce the load on the processor.

How to disable unnecessary applications:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Manage applications.
2. Click on the three dots → "Show all applications".
3. Select unnecessary ones (for example, Mi Pay or Mi Drop) → Disable.

List of applications that are safe to disable on Mi 7:

• 🌐 Mi Browser (can be replaced with Chrome or Firefox).
• 🎵 Mi Music and Mi Video (if you use YouTube Music or VLC).
• 📦 Cleaner (if you use third-party cleaners).
• 💳 Mi Pay and Mi Credit (do not work outside of China/India).

⚠️ Attention: Do not disable Google Play Services, MIUI System Launcher or Security - this will lead to smartphone inoperabilityAlso avoid! changes in Mi Cloudif you use synchronization.

6. Reset to factory settings: when you really need it

If after all manipulations less than 5% is free. memory, and the phone slows down, the last step is hard reset (reset to factory settings). This is a radical method that deletes all dataincluding photos, messages and installed applications. On Mi 7 reset helps in the following cases:

• 🐢 Severe slowdown after update MIUI.
• 🚨 Errors when installing applications ("Not enough memory", despite free space).
• 🔄 Cyclic reboots or freezes.

How to reset:

1. Create a backup (via Settings → Advanced → Backup or Google Account).
2. Go to Settings → About phone → Reset settings.
3. Select "Erase all data" and confirm.

After the reset:

• 🔄 The phone will reboot and return to its out-of-the-box state.
• 📥 Restore your data from the backup (but do not install all applications at once - this will clog up the memory again!).
• 🔧 Disable auto-update applications in Google Play (Settings → Auto update → Never).

⚠️ Attention: On Mi 7 with firmware MIUI 12+ the reset may take up to 10-15 minutes. Do not interrupt the process, even if the screen goes blank! go to Recovery (press Power + Volume Up) and repeat the reset.

7. Advanced methods: ADB, root and hidden settings

If the standard methods did not help, but the memory is gone ends up being useful advanced methods. They require technical skills, but allow you to clear up to 2–3 GB hidden files.

Method 1: Cleaning Dalvik cache via Recovery

Dalvik cache is temporary files of the virtual machine Androidwhich sometimes grow to hundreds of megabytes. To clear it:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Power + Volume Upto enter Recovery.
3. Select Wipe & Reset → Wipe Dalvik Cache.
4. Restart the device.

Method 2: Removing unnecessary locales via ADB

System MIUI installs language packs for all regions, which take up to 500 MB. You can remove unnecessary ones using the command:

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.systemLocaleHelper

This command will remove the locale assistant, but will not affect the main languages (Russian and English will remain).

Method 3: Transferring application cache to an SD card (requires root)

Using the application FolderMount (requires root) you can redirect cache folders (for example, /Android/obb) to an SD card. This is relevant for games like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobilethat take up 2–4 GB.

What should you do if, after cleaning, the memory runs out again?

This is a sign that one or more applications are actively creating temporary files. DiskUsage from Google Play —the app will show which folders are growing the fastest. Frequent culprits: Telegram (media cache), Google Photos (backups), TikTok (cache video).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about clearing memory on Xiaomi Mi 7

🔹 Why does the memory quickly run out again after clearing the cache?

This happens due to background application activityFor example, Facebook i Instagram constantly cache content. Solution:

• Disable autorun for unnecessary applications (Settings → Permissions → Autorun).
• Use Greenify to "freeze" background processes.
• Limit mobile traffic for greedy applications (Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → Application traffic).

🔹 Is it possible to increase the memory on Xiaomi Mi 7 using an OTG flash drive?

Technically yes, but with reservations:

• A flash drive via OTG does not expand the internal memory, but is used as an external drive.
• Some applications (for example, FX File Explorer) allow you to mount OTG as internal storage, but this requires root access.
• The speed of working with OTG is lower than with internal memory (especially if the flash drive is class USB 2.0).

It is better to use microSD class A1/A2 (for example, SanDisk Extreme) - it is optimized for applications.

🔹 How to clear memory if the phone does not turn on (stuck on the MI logo)? summary>

If Mi 7 does not load, try:

1. Log in Recovery (Power + Volume Upand select Wipe Data.
2. Connect the phone to the PC and use Mi Flash Tool for flashing (instructions on Xiaomi.eu).
3. If that doesn’t help, carry to the service (problems with the EMMCdrive are possible).

⚠️ Important: When flashing via Fastboot all data will be erased without the possibility of recovery!

🔹 Which applications are better not clear the cache?

Some apps do not work correctly after clearing the cache:

• Google Maps — you will have to download the maps again.
• Spotify/Apple Music — downloaded songs will be deleted.
• WhatsApp —media files from chats will be downloaded again.
• Games (for example Genshin Impact) - you will have to download the resources again (up to 10 GB!).

For such applications, it is better to manually limit the cache size in the settings.

🔹 Why is the full cache not displayed on Xiaomi Mi 7 amount of memory (for example, 64 GB instead of 128 GB)?

This is normal: part of the memory is occupied by:

• Firmware MIUI (~8–12 GB).
• Partition /system i /vendor (~3–5 GB).
• Cache and backup partitions (~1–2 GB).

To see the real distribution, install DiskInfo from Google PlayIf. the difference is more than 15–20 GB, possibly on the phone fake memory (found on “gray” devices).