Clearing the cache on Xiaomi Redmi 9 Pro: 5 proven methods

Xiaomi Redmi 9 Pro is a popular smartphone with an excellent price-performance ratio, but even it starts to slow down over time. One of the main reasons is full cache, which takes up precious memory space and slows down the system. Unlike flagship models, budget devices like Redmi 9 Pro have limited resources, so regular clearing of the cache is especially important here.

In this article you will find detailed instructions on clearing all types of cache: from standard application cache to hidden Dalvik-cache, which many users miss. We will also look at when to use manual cleaningand when to use automatic tools, and why some methods can lead to resetting your settings Widgets and wallpaper (this is an important nuance specifically for MIUI).

Before you begin, check the free space in memory: go to Settings → About phone → Memory. If more than 1.5–2 GB are occupied in the “Cache” section, it’s time to act. With 64 GB of memory, this is a critical mark! Redmi 9 Pro with 64 GB of memory this is a critical mark!

1. What is the cache and why does it need to be cleared on Redmi 9 Pro

Caches are temporary files that applications and the system create to speed up work. For example, when you open Instagram, the application saves thumbnails of photos in the cache so that they can be loaded faster the next time you launch them. Over time, these files accumulate and occupy gigabytes of memory.

The Redmi 9 Pro cache is divided into three types:

• 📱 Application cache — temporary data of individual apps (for example, cards in Google Maps or videos in TikTok).
• ⚙️ System cache —files that it creates MIUI to speed up the interface (animations, icons, fonts).
• 🔄 Dalvik-cache —hidden files that optimize the launch of applications (unique for Android-based ART).

Why is this important for Redmi 9 Pro? The point is processor architecture: the model is equipped with Snapdragon 720G, which is sensitive to memory fragmentation. When the cache takes up more than 20% of the total volume, the system begins to freeze when multitasking, for example, when switching between WhatsApp and Chrome A black screen may appear for 1-2 seconds - this is a sign of an overloaded cache.

⚠️ Attention: Clearing Dalvik-cache manually (without root) on MIUI 12–14 may result to resetting widgets on the main screen. Before the procedure, take screenshots of the location of the icons!

2. Method 1: Clearing the cache of individual applications

The safest method is to delete the cache for specific apps. does not require superuser rights. You can do this in two ways: Redmi 9 Pro you can do this in two ways:

Through settings:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Manage applications.
2. Select an application (for example, Facebook or YouTube).
3. Click Storage → Clear cache.

Through the "Memory" menu:

1. Go to Settings → About phone → Memory.
2. Tap on the “Application cache” section.
3. Confirm cleaning (the system will show how much space is freed up).

On Redmi 9 Pro especially “gluttonous” cache:

• 📸 Instagram — up to 500 MB (saves stories and thumbnails).
• 🎵 Spotify — up to 1 GB (caches songs for offline listening).
• 🗺️ Google Maps — up to 2 GB (maps and routes).
• 🎮 PUBG Mobile — up to 1.5 GB (textures and models).

After cleaning, some applications may takes longer to load on the first launch - this is normal. For example, Google Maps downloads the maps again. your region, and Netflix movie covers.

3. Method 2: Completely clearing the system cache via Recovery

If the phone is very slow and standard methods do not help, it’s time to clear it system cache via Recovery Mode. This method will reset temporary files MIUI, but will not affect your data (photos, contacts, messages).

Instructions for Redmi 9 Pro:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Hold Power button + Volume up until the logo appears Mi.
3. In the menu Recovery select language (English/Chinese) and tap Wipe & Reset.
4. Select Wipe Cache (NOT Wipe All Data!).
5. Confirm the action and wait for completion (takes 1-2 minutes).
6. Reboot the phone (Reboot).

After this procedures:

• ✅ Lags will disappear when opening Settings i Galleries.
• ✅ Battery life will increase (by 5–10%).
• ⚠️ Desktop wallpaper desktop wallpaper And widget settings.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI (for example, MIUI 13 for Redmi 9 Pro) item Wipe Cache may be called Clear Cache Partition. If you do not find this section, do not select other options so as not to reset. data!

adb reboot recovery

4. Method 3: Clearing Dalvik-cache (for advanced users)

Dalvik-cache - these are hidden files that optimize the launch of applications on Android. On Redmi 9 Pro they are stored in the folder /data/dalvik-cache and can take up to 1 GB. Clearing them without root access is difficult, but possible through ADB.

Step by step instructions:

1. Enable USB debugging (Settings → About phone → MIUI version (tap 7 times) → Advanced → USB debugging).
2. Connect your phone to the PC and open Command Line (Windows) or Terminal (Mac/Linux).
3. Enter the commands in order:

   adb shell
   su
   rm -r /data/dalvik-cache/*
   reboot

If you have no root access, use an alternative method:

1. Install TWRP Recovery (custom recovery) for Redmi 9 Pro.
2. Boot into TWRP and select Advanced → Dalvik Cache.
3. Swipe to clean and reboot the phone.

After cleaning Dalvik-cache:

• ✅ Applications will launch faster (especially noticeable on Redmi 9 Pro with 4 GB of RAM).
• ✅ Random errors like “The application has stopped” will disappear.
• ⚠️ The first launch of each application will take 2-3 seconds longer (the system rebuilds the cache).

5. Method 4: Automatic cleaning using built-in tools MIUI has a built-in tool that can automatically clear the cache. On

MIUI has a built-in memory optimizer, which can automatically clear the cache. On Redmi 9 Pro it is called Security (Security) and hides several useful functions.

How to enable automatic cleaning:

1. Open the application Security (shield icon).
2. Go to the section Cleaning (Cleaner).
3. Tap on the gear ⚙️ in the upper corner and turn on:
   • 🔄 Auto Clean (weekly).
   • 🗑️ Deep Clean (removes residual files).
   • 📉 Memory optimization (closes background processes).

Also in MIUI there is a hidden function Lite Mode (Light mode), which reduces resource consumption:

1. Go to Settings → Accessibility → Lite Mode.
2. Turn on the mode and select applications for optimization (for example, Facebook or Messenger).
💡

If after automatic cleaning the phone still slows down, check Settings → Battery → Performance mode and select High performance. This will temporarily disable background optimization, but will speed up the work.

6. Method 5: Using third-party applications (with caution!)

B Google Play hundreds of applications for clearing the cache, but Redmi 9 Pro many of them do not work correctly due to the features of MIUIWe tested top utilities and identified those that not conflict with firmware:

• 🧹 SD Maid - deletes residual files and cache even in system folders (requires root for full functionality).
• 🔍 Files by Google - a simple tool with the “Cleanup” function (safe for MIUI).
• 🛡️ CCleaner - classic, but Redmi 9 Pro can aggressively close background processes (disable “Game Acceleration”)

How to use it correctly:

1. Install one of the applications (for example, Files by Google).
2. Run a scan and select Clear cache (do not touch Clear garbage - this may delete the ones you need files!).
3. After cleaning, reboot your phone.

⚠️ Attention: Do not use Clean Master, DU Speed Booster or similar “accelerators” on Redmi 9 Pro. These applications often conflict with MIUIcausing:

• Spontaneous reboots.
• Disappearance of notifications.
• Blocking background synchronization (for example, WhatsApp stops showing new messages).

7. When clearing the cache does not help: alternative solutions

If after all the manipulations Redmi 9 Pro it continues to slow down, the problem may be deeper. check:

• 🔋 Battery status: when worn out more than 80%, the phone forcibly limits performance. Check in Settings → Battery → Battery status.
• 🔄 System updates: go to Settings → About phone → System update. Critical patches are released monthly. MIUI 12–14 critical patches are released monthly.
• 🧠 Background processes: in Settings → Applications → Manage applications → Background processes disable unnecessary services (for example Mi Video or Mi Musicif you don’t use them).

If all else fails, consider resetting to factory settings:

1. Make a backup (via Settings → Advanced → Backup).
2. Go to Settings → About phone → Reset settings Settings → About phone → Reset settings.
3. Select Reset all settings (NOT if you don't want to lose files!). all settings Delete all data, if you don't want to lose files!).

8. How to prevent the cache from filling up quickly in the future

To avoid clearing your cache every week, follow these tips:

• 📵 Limit background activity: Settings → Battery → Battery optimization select Strict for unnecessary applications.
• 📥 Disable autoloading of multimedia: in WhatsApp, Telegram and Viber disable automatic downloading of photos/videos.
• 🎮 Use “Light” versions of applications: Facebook Lite, Messenger Lite, Twitter Lite take up 2-3 times less cache.
• 🔄 Update applications regularly: new versions often optimize cache use.

For Redmi 9 Pro it is especially important to disable MIUI animationwhich loads unnecessary files into the cache:

1. Activate Developer mode (tap 7 times on MIUI version in the settings).
2. Login in Settings → Advanced → For developers.
3. Set Window animation scale, Transition animation scale and Animator duration scale to Off.

⚠️ Attention: On some versions MIUI for Redmi 9 Pro disabling animations may cause screen flickering when opening applications. If this happens, return the settings to 1x.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about clearing the cache on Redmi 9 Pro