Why Xiaomi’s clipboard is filling up with garbage and how to fix it
The clipboard on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro is a temporary storage for text, links and images that you copy in apps. Over time, it accumulates a history of dozens or even hundreds of records, from random phrases from messengers to sensitive data like passwords or card numbers. The problem is that MIUI does not automatically clear this cache, and manual cleaning is hidden in the depths of settings.
On the Redmi Note 8 Pro (especially with MIUI 12-14 firmware), the clipboard can take up to 50 to 100 MB of memory, slow down the system, and even become a source of personal data leaks. For example, if you copied a phone number a year ago, it can still pop up in sentences when you type. In this article, we will discuss 5 proven cleaning methods, from basic to radical, including resetting through ADB for experienced users.
Before you start, note that some methods require superuser rights (root), and others can reset the sync settings with Mi Account. We noted such moments with warnings - read carefully!
Method 1: Cleaning through standard MIUI settings
The simplest method that works on all versions of the Redmi Note 8 Pro without any additional tools is suitable if you want to delete only the latest copied information or the entire story at a time.
Instructions:
- Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen).
- Go to the section Additional → Clipboard (on some firmwares the path may differ: System and device → Clipboard).
- Slip the icon "Basket" (or "Clean") in the upper right corner.
- Confirm the action by clicking “Delete everything”.
⚠️ Warning: If this menu doesn't have a clear button, your device has disabled the clipboard history function. Turn it on in the same section, moving the slider to save history in active position, then repeat the steps.
Check if clipboard history is enabled in settings |Update MIUI to the latest version |Reboot your smartphone |Try alternatives from this article-->
This method only deletes data stored by the system, and if you used third-party buffer managers (like Clipboard Manager), your cache will have to be cleaned separately, as discussed below.
Method 2: Removal through Security and Optimization
MIUI has a built-in Security tool that manages the cache of system applications, including the clipboard, among other things, which is useful if the first method didn’t work or you want to clean other temporary files at the same time.
Step-by-step:
- 📱 Open the Security app (shield icon).
- 🔍 Go to the Optimization tab (or Acceleration on older versions).
- 🧹 Click on “Deep Clean” and wait for the scan to be completed.
- 🗑️ In the list, find the clipboard or Clipboard item and tick it.
- 🚮 Tap "Clean" and confirm the action.
This method removes not only copy history, but also other temporary files, which can free up up to 200-500 MB of memory, but beware: with the garbage, useful data, such as the cache of frequently used applications, can disappear.
Once a week | Once a month | Only when memory runs out | Never cleared |I don't know what it is-->
Method 3: Reset via the “Buffer” application settings
On the Redmi Note 8 Pro, the clipboard is often controlled by a separate system app, com.miui.clipboard.It can be reset via the app menu, but this method requires caution - wrong actions can lead to crashes.
How to reset:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- In the search bar, type “Clipboard” (or “Clipboard”).
- Select the com.miui.clipboard app (if it is on the list).
- Click on “Storage”, then “Clear Data” and “Clear Cache”.
- Reset the device.
⚠️ Warning: After this action, the clipboard history will be completely erased and the sync settings with the Mi Account will reset. If you used the cloud clipboard, the data from it will also disappear from the device (but remain in the Xiaomi account).
What to do if com.miui.clipboard is not listed?
Method 4: Using ADB for complete cleaning (for advanced)
If standard methods did not help, and the clipboard still stores unnecessary data, you can resort to debugging through ADB. This method is suitable for advanced users and requires connecting a smartphone to a computer.
What you need:
- 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Tools.
- 📱 Included debugging by USB Redmi Note 8 Pro (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times, then go back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers).
- 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
Cleanup commands:
adb shell pm clear com.miui.clipboard
adb shell rm -rf /data/data/com.miui.clipboard/*
adb shell am broadcast -a android.intent.action.CLIPBOARD_RESET⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB If you're not sure what you're doing, skip this method or consult a specialist, and also note that once you've done the commands, the clipboard history will be erased without any recovery.
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Before using ADB, back up your important data via Settings → System & Device → Backup. This will take 5-10 minutes, but save your contacts, messages and settings in case of a crash.
Method 5: Disable the clipboard synchronization with Mi Account
Many Xiaomi users are unaware that their clipboard syncs with the Mi Account cloud, which means that copied data can be stored on Xiaomi servers and appear on other devices (such as a tablet or second smartphone).
How to turn off synchronization:
- Open Settings → Xiaomi account.
- Go to the "Mi Cloud" (or "The Cloud").
- Find the Synchronization section and tap it.
- Turn off the slider opposite the clipboard (or Clipboard).
- Return to the Mi Cloud main menu and click Clear Data (if any).
After you turn off sync, the clipboard history will only be stored locally on the device. To delete the already synced data, follow the following steps:
- 🔄 Reboot your smartphone.
- 🗃️ Clear the clipboard through standard settings (see Method 1).
- 🔒 Turn on the sync again (if you need it) and the story will be empty.
⚠️ Note: Disabling clipboard sync does not automatically delete data from the Mi Cloud. To guarantee that you will erase it, go to i.mi.com via your browser, log in and manually clear your history in the Devices section. → buffer.
Comparison of methods of cleaning the exchange buffer
To choose the best way, compare them by key parameters:
| Method | Difficulty | Required. root/ADB | Removes cloud data | Implementation time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard settings of MIUI | ⭐ (simple) | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | 1-2 minutes |
| Cleaning through "Safety" | ⭐⭐ (middle-of-the-road) | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | 3-5 minutes |
| Resetting the buffer annex | ⭐⭐ (middle-of-the-road) | ❌ No. | ❌ No, only locally) | 2-3 minutes |
| ADB-team | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (difficult) | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. | 10-15 minutes |
| Shutting down synchronization | ⭐⭐ (middle-of-the-road) | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes (when cleaned by hand) | 5-7 minutes |
For most Redmi Note 8 Pro users, the first two methods are sufficient. If you experience persistent clipboard failures (e.g., copy text is not inserted or artifacts appear), try the combination of Method 3 (Reset the application) and Method 5 (disable synchronization).
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If the clipboard is still unstable after cleaning, check the device for viruses through Security → Scanner. Some malware is replacing the buffer contents.