Modern smartphones of the series Redmi 9 have sufficient performance for everyday tasks, but over time, the accumulation of temporary files can slow down the device. Users often notice that the phone begins to slow down, applications take longer to open, and free memory space is rapidly disappearing. The main reason for such problems is the overgrown application cache system temporary data that Android accumulates to speed up content loading.
Clearing this data is a safe and necessary gadget maintenance procedure. It's important to understand that deleting the cache does not affect your personal photos, contacts or messages, it only resets temporary files that the application can recreate if necessary. In this article, we will analyze in detail all the ways to optimize memory specifically for the shell MIUIinstalled on your device.
Understanding the cache structure in the MIUI system
Before we start deleting files, we need to figure out what exactly we are going to clean. In the operating system Android, and in particular in the shell MIUI from Xiaomi, the cache is a set of temporary data. These files are created by applications to quickly download frequently used information, such as thumbnail images in a gallery or saved pages in the browser.
This data accumulates constantly in the background. Over time, the cache size can reach several gigabytes, which is critical for models with a small amount of built-in memory. There is a distinction between the cache of individual applications and system cachewhich relates to the operation of the shell itself and Google services.
Many users confuse the cache with application data. If you delete the "data", the app will return to the state immediately after installation, losing all your settings and logins. Clearing only the cache leaves login and personal settings intact, freeing up valuable space.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use dubious applications from third-party sources that promise “deep cleaning.” Built-in system tools Redmi 9 cope with this task much more safely and efficiently without the risk of deleting important information.
Why can’t the cache be deleted forever?
The cache is a mechanism for speeding up work. If you completely disable its creation, applications will load more slowly, and the processor will work under increased load, processing the same data over and over again. Periodic cleaning is needed precisely to remove “garbage”, and not to disable the mechanism.
Using the built-in "Security" application
The simplest and most recommended cleaning method on smartphones Xiaomi is using a pre-installed utility. The company has developed its own tool, which is integrated into the system and has access to all necessary directories. This method is suitable for most users who want to quickly free up space.
To get started, find an icon on the desktop with the name Security (green shield with lightning). Launching this application will automatically initiate a system scan for junk files, viruses, and performance issues. The analysis process usually takes from 10 to 30 seconds, depending on the number of installed apps.
After the scan is completed, you will see a button Cleaning indicating the volume of files that can be deleted. Clicking on this button will start the process of deleting temporary files, remnants of deleted applications and advertising junk. This is a basic procedure that should be performed regularly.
- 🧹 Automatically finding residual files after removing apps.
- 🛡️ Simultaneously checking the system for malware.
- ⚡ Quickly freeing up RAM for speedup work.
- 📊 Visual statistics of freed space in megabytes.
For maximum efficiency, run the Security application at least once a week. This will prevent critical memory filling and maintain high interface response speed.
It is worth noting that standard cleaning through this menu does not always delete the deeply embedded cache of large applications, such as social networks or instant messengers. These may require a more detailed approach, which we will look at in the following sections. However, for daily maintenance of cleanliness this tool is quite enough.
Manually clearing the cache of individual applications
If a particular app does not work correctly or takes up a disproportionate amount of space, targeted cleaning is required. In settings Redmi 9 you can manage the memory of each installed application individually. This allows you to solve problems with specific software freezing without affecting the rest of the system.
To get to the desired menu, go to Settings, then select the section Applications and press All applications. In the list that opens, find the desired app, for example YouTube or Instagram. Tap on the name to open the management page for this application.
Inside the control menu you will find the item Memory or Storage. Here the system will show two values: the size of the application itself and the size of the occupied data. To clear, press the button Clear cache. Be careful and do not press the adjacent button Clear all or Delete dataif you do not want to reset your account.
| Application type | Recommended cleaning frequency | Risk of data loss | Impact on speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social networks | Once every 2 weeks | No (when clearing the cache) | High |
| Messengers | Once a month | No (media will download again) | Average |
| Browsers | As needed | No (history will be saved) | High |
| Games | Only in case of errors | Can reset settings | Low |
This method is especially useful for messengers like Telegram or Viberwhich tend to accumulate gigabytes of media files in the cache. Regular manual cleaning of these apps can free up to 5-10 GB of space, which is significant for a model Redmi 9 with the basic version of memory.
Manually clearing the cache of a specific application is the safest way to solve problems with this app freezing, since it does not affect the operation of the rest of the system.
Clearing the system cache via Recovery Mode
There is a deeper level of cleaning that affects temporary files of the operating system itself. This method is used when the phone is unstable after a firmware update or when system errors occur. This will require entering recovery mode Recovery.
Before starting the procedure, make sure that the battery charge is at least 50%. Turn off your 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 button, but continue to hold the volume.
You will be taken to the main menu Recovery. Control here is carried out with the volume buttons (up and down), and the choice is confirmed with the power button. You need to find the item Wipe Data. In new versions MIUI this section may contain an option Wipe Cache, however, often only a full reset is available there.
⚠️ Attention: Be extremely careful in the Recovery menu. Selecting the item
Wipe All Datawill lead to the complete deletion of all your files and return the phone to factory settings. Look for the option to clear the cache, if it is available in your version of the software.
If there is no separate button for the cache, and the system only offers a full reset, it is better to refrain from this procedure via Recovery if you do not have a backup copy. In this case, it is safer to limit yourself to cleaning through the settings or use the following method with a computer.
☑️ Preparing to work in Recovery
Advanced cleaning via computer and ADB
For users who own a computer, there is the most effective method of clearing the system cache without the risk of losing personal data. Using the debug bridge ADB allows you to send a command to delete the cache partition directly, bypassing the limitations of the phone interface.
First you need to activate the developer mode on your Redmi 9. Go to Settings → About phone and quickly click 7 times on the item MIUI version. A notification will appear indicating that you have become a developer. Then in the advanced settings, enable the item USB debugging.
Connect the phone to the computer with a cable. The platform must be installed on the PC Android SDK Platform-Tools. Open the command line in the tools folder and enter the command to test the connection:
adb devicesA request for debugging permission will appear on the smartphone screen, confirm it. After successful connection, enter the command to reboot into bootloader mode:
adb reboot bootloaderNext, while in Fastboot mode, use the command to enter recovery mode and clear the cache. The specific command may depend on the bootloader version, but the standard request looks like this:
fastboot erase cache⚠️ Attention: Using ADB commands requires care. Entering an incorrect command, for example
fastboot erase userdata, will instantly delete all data from the phone without the possibility of recovery. Double-check each letter before pressing Enter.
This method ensures that the system cache partition is cleared, which is not available for deletion through normal settings. It often helps solve problems with “bootlap” (cyclic reboot) or stuck on the logo after an unsuccessful update.
What to do if the computer does not see the phone?
Install the original Xiaomi USB driver from the official website. Also try replacing the USB cable, as some cables only support charging, but not data transfer.
Automation of the process and additional tips
In order not to constantly have to do manual cleaning, you can set up process automation. The application Security has a scheduler function that allows you to run garbage cleaning on a schedule. This is a convenient way to maintain order in your memory without user intervention.
Go to the settings of the "Security" application and find the item Scheduler. Activate the option Auto-garbage cleaning and select a frequency, for example, “Every day” or “Once every 3 days”. The system will independently delete accumulated temporary files in the background.
It is also worth paying attention to the “Advanced Cleaning” function inside the same application. It allows you to delete large files, duplicate photos and unused applications. Regularly viewing this section helps control the filling of the storage.
- 📅 Set up auto-cleaning at night so as not to be distracted during the day.
- 📸 Regularly check the "Trash" folder in the Gallery, it also takes up space.
- 📲 Delete the cache of streaming services after watching movies offline.
Remember that complete free disk space (less than 1 GB free) critically slows down flash memory. Try to maintain at least 15-20% of free space for stable operation of your memory controller Redmi 9.
The combination of automatic cleaning on a schedule and monthly manual checking of large files ensures optimal smartphone performance over the long haul.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Will my chatting in WhatsApp when clearing the cache?
No, clearing the cache does not affect the message database. Your correspondence, contacts and settings will remain in place. Only temporary files will be deleted, such as image thumbnails, which will be reloaded when chats are opened.
Why does the cache quickly fill up again after clearing?
This is normal system behavior. Applications create a cache to speed up their work. If the cache grows abnormally quickly (gigabytes per day), there may be an error in the operation of a particular application, and it is worth trying to clear its data completely or reinstall it.
Is it safe to use third-party apps like Clean Master?
Experts do not recommend installing additional cleaners on Android. Built-in tools MIUI are more than enough. Third-party applications often consume resources themselves, show ads and can aggressively close necessary processes, reducing autonomy.
Is it possible to clear the cache without going into the settings of each application?
Yes, through the menu Settings → Applications → Managing applications you can sort the list by the size of the space occupied. This will allow you to quickly find the “leaders” in memory consumption and clean them one by one without diving deep into the menu of each.
Does clearing the cache affect the service life batteries?
Indirectly affects. When memory is full of garbage, it is more difficult for the system to manage files, which can lead to unnecessary access to the drive and increased energy consumption. A clean phone works more efficiently and economically.