Brand smartphones Xiaomi are deservedly popular due to their optimal price-performance ratio. However, over time, even the most powerful devices, such as Redmi Note or flagship Mibegin to slow down. This occurs due to the accumulation of system garbage, duplicate files and outdated data in the application cache.
Users often wonder how to clean Android Xiaomi safely without deleting important photos or contacts. The MIUI operating system (and now HyperOS) has built-in maintenance tools, but sometimes deeper intervention is required. In this material, we will analyze all stages of optimization, from simple settings to complete flashing of the device.
Regular cleaning not only frees up space, but also extends battery life, reducing the load on the processor. Let's take a closer look at what tools the shell provides and how to use them most effectively for your gadget.
Using the built-in Security application
The first and easiest step is to use the standard software that is already installed on your device. The "Security" (Security) application in MIUI is designed specifically for monitoring system status. It automatically scans the memory and offers to delete unnecessary files.
To start the procedure, open the menu and find the icon with a green shield. Press the Cleaningbutton for the system to analyze the amount of space occupied. The algorithm will find the remains of deleted apps, temporary files and empty folders.
⚠️ Attention: Before mass cleaning, check the “Trash” section in the “Gallery” and “Files” application. Sometimes important screenshots or documents that you wanted to save but accidentally deleted earlier end up there.
After scanning, you will see a list of categories that can be deleted. Be careful with item "App Cache". Clearing it is safe for the system, but may cause social networks or browsers to take a little longer to load the next time you launch them, since they will have to download avatars and thumbnails again.
Turn on the "Auto Clean" function in the "Security" application settings so that the phone automatically deletes garbage when the memory is more than full by 90%.
Manual cleaning of storage and removal of duplicates
Automatic scanners do not always see files that the user created himself or downloaded from instant messengers. To clean Android Xiaomi manually, you need to go to the storage settings. Go to Settings → About phone → Storage.
Here the system will show a detailed breakdown of data types. Pay special attention to messenger folders, such as Telegram or WhatsApp. These applications often save thousands of viewed pictures and videos, which take up gigabytes of space.
- 🗑️ Delete the folder
Downloadif there are old APK installation files accumulated there. - 📸 Check the folder
DCIMfor blurry photos or unsuccessful takes. - 🎵 Clear the folder
Musicof tracks that you no longer listen to. - 📂 Use the file manager to search for files larger than 100 MB.
New versions of the shell have a duplicate search feature. It allows you to quickly find identical images and remove unnecessary copies. This is one of the most effective ways to free up space without the risk of losing unique data.
Managing startup and background processes
Often the reason for the brakes is not a lack of memory, but an overload of RAM (RAM). Many applications running in the background consume CPU resources. To clear the system of excess load, you need to limit autostart.
Go to the application "Security"**, select the section Permissions and find the item Autostart. Disable this feature for all apps except instant messengers and alarm clocks. This will prevent them from starting immediately after turning on the phone.
It is also recommended to configure background activity restrictions. Go to Settings → Applications → Manage applications. Select a heavy application, click Battery saving and set the value "No restrictions" only for those apps that need real-time notifications. For the rest, it is better to choose "Limit background activity".
⚠️ Attention: Do not disable system processes with names containing the words System, MIUI or Googleif you are not sure of their purpose. This can lead to unstable operation of the interface.
☑️ Optimizing startup
Cleaning through Recovery mode
If the phone is unstable or freezes on the logo, you may need to clean it through a special recovery menu - Recovery Mode. This method is more radical and requires caution, since the interface here is controlled only by the volume and power buttons.
To enter the mode, turn off the smartphone completely. Then hold down the Volume Up button and the Power button at the same time. Hold them until the logo appears Mi, then release the power, but continue to hold the volume until the menu appears.
In the Recovery menu, select a language (usually English or Chinese is available) and go to Wipe Data. There are two options here: Wipe Cache (clear cache) and Wipe All Data (full reset).
| Action | What is being deleted | Risk of data loss | When to use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wipe Cache | Temporary system files | No | For minor failures |
| Wipe All Data | All photos, contacts, applications | High | Before sale or with viruses |
| Connect with MIAssistant | Nothing (debug mode) | No | For firmware via PC |
| Reboot | Nothing | No | Normal restart |
What to do if the Recovery menu is in Chinese?
If you are in the Chinese menu, try switching the language in the top corner (if available) or using the button combinations described in the instructions for your specific model. Often, the first button at the top confirms the choice, and the second returns back.
Selecting an option Wipe All Data will lead to the complete deletion of all information from the internal storage. Use this method only as a last resort, after first backing up important data to the cloud or to a computer.
Connecting to a computer and deep scanning
Sometimes the phone’s built-in tools cannot detect hidden files or deeply embedded viruses. In such cases, it is advisable to connect Xiaomi to the computer via a USB cable. Select the file transfer mode MTP in the notification shade.
On your computer you can use specialized software to analyze the disk. Windows Explorer will show the actual space allocation. Often, users find forgotten folders from deleted games or archives that the phone does not consider garbage.
Cleaning is available for advanced users via ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This is a developer tool that allows you to send commands directly to the system. To use it, you need to enable USB debugging in the menu For developers.
adb shell pm clear com.android.cacheThis command forcibly clears the cache of system components. However, using ADB requires precision: one syntax error can result in the wrong data being deleted. If you are not sure of your actions, it is better to limit yourself to the standard file manager on your PC.
⚠️ Attention: The interface of the “For Developers” menu may differ depending on the version of Android. If you do not see the “USB Debugging” item, click 7 times on the build number in the “About Phone” section to activate the hidden menu.
Connecting to a PC allows you to visually assess the folder structure and delete large files that the phone mistakenly classifies as system files.
Prevention and keeping the system clean
After you have successfully cleaned Android Xiaomi, it is important to keep it in good condition. Regular prevention takes less time than emergency removal of gigabytes of garbage.
Try not to install applications from dubious sources. Files with the extension .apk, downloaded from the browser, often contain advertising modules that create hidden folders and slow down the device.
- 🔄 Once a month, do a quick cleanup through the Security application.
- 🚫 Unsubscribe from unnecessary channels in messengers so as not to download media files automatically.
- ☁️ Set up photo synchronization with Google Photos or Mi Cloud with the “Free up space” option.
Timely firmware updates also play an important role. Engineers Xiaomi continuously optimize the MIUI code, fixing memory leaks and improving the performance of data compression algorithms.
Install the Cleaning widget on your home screen. This will allow you to run a garbage scan in one click without going deep into the settings.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it safe to delete the Android folder on a memory card?
Deleting the entire folder Android on an external memory card can cause data loss for some applications that store a cache there (for example, offline maps or music on Spotify). It is better to delete only the contents of subfolders data or obb specifically those games that you have already deleted.
Why is the space freed up after cleaning, but quickly filled up again?
This is normal behavior for browser caches and social networks. They are constantly uploading new images and videos. If the space fills up critically quickly, check to see if any application is running in the background with an error, creating log files.
Do you need to use third-party apps like Clean Master?
In most cases, no. The built-in MIUI app works more efficiently and securely. Third-party “cleaners” often contain advertising themselves and can aggressively terminate useful processes, which even harms autonomy.
How to clear the cache of a specific application without deleting data?
Go to Settings → Applications → All applications, select the desired app, press Storage and select the button Clear cache. Do not confuse with the “Clear all” button, which will reset the application to factory settings.