Cache Clearing on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro: A Complete Guide to Accelerating Your Smartphone

Why should Redmi Note 8 Pro cache be cleaned regularly?

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro often face a slowdown in the device after 1-2 years of active use, the reason for this is a cache that accumulates in the background when applications, browsers and even system processes. Cache (from English cache - "cache") is designed to accelerate re-access to data, but over time turns into "digital garbage": temporary files, image thumbnails, error logs and outdated application data.

On the Redmi Note 8 Pro with its 6/8 GB of RAM and 64/128 GB of ROM, the cache can take up to 3-5 GB of memory, which is critical for users with a basic configuration.

• 🐢 Freezes when switching between applications (especially in MIUI 12–14).
• 🔋 Fast battery discharge due to background process activity.
• 📱 Spontaneous reboots or errors such as “Application stopped».
• 📸 Delays when opening a camera or gallery (cache of thumbnails takes up to 1 GB!).

Unlike factory resets, cache cleaning does not delete personal data, but requires understanding three types of cache:

1. Application cache – temporary files of each installed software (for example, YouTube or Telegram cache).
2. System cache – MIUI data, including the Dalvik cache (Android Virtual Machine).
3. Browser cache – cookies, history and downloaded items in Chrome or Mi Browser.

Method 1: Clearing the cache of individual applications through settings

The safest method is to manually clean the cache for specific programs, which is true if you slow down one or two applications (for example, Instagram or Google Maps).

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the right app (for example, Facebook).
3. Select Warehouse. → Clear the cache.
4. For a complete application data reset, click Clear Data (⚠️ This will remove all settings and accounts!).

To speed up the process, use sorting by cache size:

• 🔍 In the Application Management section, click on three dots in the upper right corner.
• 📊 Select Sort by Size – so you’ll see “gluttonous” programs at the top of the list.

Social media (VK, TikTok, Instagram)|Messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram)|Navigators (Google Maps, Yandex.Maps)|Browser (Chrome, Mi Browser)|Games (PUBG, Genshin Impact)-->

⚠️ Warning: Do not clear the cache of system applications called com.android. or com.xiaomi. unless absolutely necessary. MIUI, For example, missing widgets or synchronization errors.

Method 2: Automatic cleaning through “Safety” (built-in cleaner)

Xiaomi has integrated a security tool into MIUI that analyzes the system and offers optimization, which is suitable for beginners, as it does not require manual application search.

1. Launch the Security app (the shield icon).
2. Go to the Optimization tab (or Acceleration in older versions of MIUI).
3. Press Deep Cleanup. → Garbage.
4. Tick the Cash points of the applications and Residual files, then tap Clean.

Unlike the manual method, the built-in cleaner removes:

• 🗑️ Cache thumbnail (.thumbnail files in folder) DCIM).
• 📁 Temporary download files (Download/.temp).
• 🔄 Logs of system errors (/data/log).

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After cleaning the cache through Security, restart the phone – this will allow MIUI to reassemble system files without errors.

Method 3: Clean Dalvik cache and system partitions through Recovery

Dalvik cache is an optimized file on the Android virtual machine that is created when you install or update applications. Its cleaning helps to correct errors such as "App is not responding" or "Com.android.phone process is stopped." Importantly, this method requires logging into Recovery Mode and should not be used more than 1 time every 3 months.

Instructions for Redmi Note 8 Pro:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power + Volume buttons up at the same time until the Mi logo appears.
3. From the Recovery menu, select Wipe & Reset → Wipe Cache.
4. Confirm the action with the swipe or the Yes button.
5. After cleaning, go back to the main menu and select Reboot → Reboot to System.

⚠️ Warning: Don't confuse Wipe Cache with Wipe Data! The second option will reset the phone to factory settings by deleting all data, including photos and contacts.

Method 4: Using ADB for deep cleaning (for advanced)

If standard methods do not help, and the phone continues to brake, you can use the ADB-Android Debug Bridge, which is a way for people who are familiar with working through a computer, has the advantage of spot cleaning without the risk of removing important data.

What you need:

• 🖥️ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB (download).
• 📱 Included Debugging by USB on the phone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times tap to activate the developer mode, then return to the additional → For developers).
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).

Cleanup commands:

adb shell pm list packages -f | grep "cache" # Shows apps with large cache


adb shell pm clear com.example.app # Clears the cache and data of a specific application (replace com.example.app with a package)




adb shell cmd package bg-dexopt-job # Optimizes Dalvik cache after cleaning

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ADB-Cleaning allows you to remove the cache even those applications that are not displayed in the Settings menu → Applications (e.g. pre-installed services by Google or Miui).

Method 5: Manually clean cache folders through file manager

For those who prefer full control, manually deleting cache folders through a file manager (such as Mi File Manager or Solid Explorer) requires root rights or access to hidden folders.

Where to find the cash:

• 📂 /data/data/<package_name>/cache/ — cache.
• 📂 /sdcard/Android/data/<package_name>/cache/ — cache of games and heavy apps (such as Netflix or Spotify).
• 📂 /sdcard/DCIM/.thumbnails/ — Image miniatures (can be removed without consequences).

On the Redmi Note 8 Pro, the /data/data/ folder is hidden by default and not accessible without root permissions. Trying to access it through a standard file manager will result in a “No permission” error. Alternatively, use applications like Root Explorer (requires a root) or connect via ADB with a command:

adb shell


su




rm -rf /data/data//cache/

What if after cleaning the cache, the phone becomes worse?

In rare cases, users note that after cleaning the cache, the Redmi Note 8 Pro begins to "lay" even more.

If problems persist, reset the partition cache via Fastboot:

1. Turn off the phone and press Power + Volume down to log into Fastboot Mode.
2. Connect the device to the PC and execute the command: fastboot erase cache
3. Reboot the phone: fastboot reboot

FAQ: Frequent questions about cleaning up the cache on the Redmi Note 8 Pro