Open the Security app and tap Cleaner (sometimes called Cleanup) to scan and clear caches, then check Settings > About phone > Storage to see the full breakdown. On Xiaomi and Redmi phones running MIUI or HyperOS, the built-in Security app cleaner is the fastest first pass, after which the big remaining wins are removing preinstalled bloatware and cutting large videos. The cleaner handles junk files; you handle the media and apps you actually choose to keep.

TL;DR

  • Run Security app > Cleaner for a quick first pass at junk and cache.
  • See the real breakdown in Settings > About phone > Storage.
  • Clear per-app cache via Settings > Apps > Manage apps > [app] > Clear data > Clear cache.
  • Uninstall or disable bloatware you never opened.
  • The cleaner clears junk, but it will not delete your photos and videos for you.

What is using my Xiaomi storage?

Open Settings > About phone > Storage (on some HyperOS builds it is Settings > Storage directly). You will see categories for Photos, Videos, Apps, and System. On Redmi phones the heaviest are usually Videos and Photos, then a stack of apps that ship preinstalled. Tap into a category to view files by size.

For cross-brand Android tactics that complement the Xiaomi-specific steps, see /blog/how-to-free-up-space-on-android-without-a-factory-reset.

How do I use the Security app cleaner?

Open the Security app, tap Cleaner, and let it scan. It groups results into cache, residual files, memory, and obvious junk, then lets you clear them in one tap. This is safe to run regularly; it targets regenerable temporary data, not your documents or media. Be cautious with any "deep clean" suggestions that propose removing large personal files, and review those before confirming.

How do I clear app cache and handle a browser hog?

For a specific heavy app, go to Settings > Apps > Manage apps, tap the app, then Clear data > Clear cache. Choose Clear cache, not Clear all data, so you keep your logins and downloads. Browsers are the usual storage hogs here; if Chrome is the problem, this focused fix applies directly: /blog/why-is-chrome-taking-up-so-much-space-on-android.

How do I remove bloatware on MIUI or HyperOS?

Xiaomi phones ship with extra preinstalled apps. Many can be uninstalled outright: long-press the icon and choose Uninstall, or go to Settings > Apps > Manage apps, tap the app, and select Uninstall. System apps that cannot be uninstalled can often be Disabled from that same screen, which stops them running and frees their cache. Removing a few unused preinstalled apps reclaims both space and background activity.

How do I cut large videos safely?

Videos are by far the biggest files. Open Settings > About phone > Storage, tap the Videos category, sort by size, and remove long clips you have already backed up to Google Photos or a computer. Photos take far less room, so target video first for the largest gain per delete.

What does MIUI or HyperOS do natively, and where does it stop?

The Security app cleaner removes cache and junk automatically and can be scheduled, and the system reclaims temporary files under pressure. What it will not do is decide which of your videos, screenshots, or near-duplicate photos to delete, because those are yours to judge. That review is where the real space lives, and it is intentionally left to you rather than an automatic sweep.

A note on recoverability

Photos and videos you delete from the Gallery move to a Trash or Recently deleted album for 30 days before they are gone for good, so mistakes are reversible in that window. Clearing cache only removes rebuildable temporary files and will not log you out. Disabling a system app is fully reversible by re-enabling it. Back up to Google Photos first and none of these steps risks your real data.

FAQ

Is it safe to use the Xiaomi Cleaner regularly?

Yes. The Cleaner's standard scan targets cache and junk files that apps regenerate, so running it often is harmless. Just review any prompt that offers to delete large personal files or media before you confirm it.

Can I uninstall preinstalled Xiaomi apps?

Many of them, yes. Long-press the app and choose Uninstall, or do it from Settings > Apps > Manage apps. Apps the system blocks from removal can usually be Disabled instead, which stops them from running and using space.

Why is my Redmi storage still full after cleaning?

The cleaner clears junk but not your photos and videos, which are usually the real bulk. After running it, go into the Videos category in Storage and remove or back up large clips, since those free far more space than cache ever will.

If you would rather see your largest files and duplicates in one screen instead of opening Storage category by category, the Cleanor app scans your phone and shows what is safe to remove. Here is the full guide to clean up phone storage.