Xiaomi’s Redmi line of smartphones are famous for their excellent value for money, but over time, even the powerful hardware of the Redmi 8T model can start to work slower. Often the cause of the performance decline is not the wear of the processor, but the accumulation of temporary files that the system and applications create while working. This data, known as cache, is designed to speed up the launch of programs, but when they are abundant, they only take up precious space in memory.
Users often notice that the phone takes longer to react to touch, apps fly out or just open with a delay, and in this situation, cleaning the cache is the first and most effective step before radical measures like resetting to factory settings. Proper maintenance of the file system allows you to extend the life of the device and return it to its former sharpness.
In this guide, we will take a look at all the ways you can delete temporary files on Redmi 8T. You will learn how to use the built-in MIUI shell tools, how to work with the storage of individual applications, and when to resort to deeper cleaning methods.
Why you need to clean the cache on Redmi 8T
Cache is an area of RAM or internal memory reserved for temporary data storage. When you launch a browser, social network or game, the system stores interface elements, pictures and scripts there, so that when you re-enter, you do not download them again from the Internet, which saves traffic and time.
But over time, these temporary files can grow to gigabytes, and the problem is that the cleaning algorithms don't always work perfectly, and old data can conflict with newer versions of applications, leading to bugs and a lack of space to install updates.
Regular cleaning helps solve the following problems:
- 📱 Freeing up internal storage, which is critical for models with 64 GB of memory.
- 🚀 Accelerate the launch of heavy apps and games by removing “broken” temporary files.
- 🔋 Reduce the load on the processor, since the system does not need to index excess data.
- 🛡️ Increased privacy as your activity can be stored in the cache.
⚠️ Caution: Clearing the cache does not delete your personal photos, contacts or correspondence. However, clearing the data (not to be confused with cache) will completely reset the application to its original state.
It's important to understand the difference between cache and app data, so if you delete the data, you have to re-enter the passwords and customize the profile, and you can delete the cache safely, because the programs will just recreate it the next time you run it.
Use of the built-in "Security" application
The easiest and safest way to clean the Redmi 8T is to use Xiaomi’s regular tool.Security is preinstalled on all MIUI-enclosed devices and has access to system files, allowing you to remove garbage more efficiently than third-party utilities.
To start the procedure, look for an icon on your desktop called “Security” or “Security” that looks like a green lightning shield. Once the application is opened, the system will automatically start scanning, but for deep cleaning, it is better to manually start the process through the Cleanup menu.
☑️ Cleaning Algorithm Through Security
Once you have completed the basic scan, you will see a list of the files you have found, the system will prompt you to delete the app cache, advertising files and remnants of deleted programs, and press the clean-up button to make room.
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For more thorough cleaning after standard cleaning, go to the Deep Clean section inside the app, where you can find and remove old ones. APK-Installation files and large documents that you haven’t opened in a long time.
Manually cleaning the cache of individual applications
Sometimes the problem lies in one particular app that has swelled to an incredible size, such as YouTube, TikTok, or messengers like Telegram and WhatsApp, which can take up several gigabytes of space, in which case spot cleaning will be more effective than general cleaning.
To do this, go to your smartphone’s Settings menu. Find the Apps section, then select All Apps. In the list that opens, find the program you want (like Instagram) and click on it.
Inside the app menu, you'll see the Storage or Memory button, and by clicking on it, you'll get access to two important options:
- 🗑️ Clear cache: deletes temporary files without affecting your logins and settings.
- ❌ Clear Everything (or “Erase Data”): Completely deletes the app and all of its data, returning it to the “what’s out of the store” state».
Use the first option for regular maintenance. Use the second option only if the application is not working correctly or you want to reset it completely. After cleaning the cache on the first run, the program can open a little longer than usual - this is normal, the process of creating new temporary files is underway.
⚠️ Warning: Do not confuse the "Clear Cache" and "Erase Data" buttons in the storage menu. The second button will delete your correspondence and authorization in the application.
Cleaning the cache in Recovery mode
There is a deeper level of cleanup available through the Recovery Mode menu, which removes temporary files from the Android operating system itself that are not visible during normal operation, which is useful if the phone is slow even after rebooting and cleaning through settings.
To enter this mode, you need to turn off the Redmi 8T completely. Then press the volume button and the power button at the same time. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, then release the power button, continuing to keep the volume.
In the Recovery menu, the navigation is done with volume buttons (up/down), and the choice is confirmed by the power button. You need to find the Wipe Cache Partition. Don't confuse it with Wipe Data, which will delete all your files!
| Action. | The result | Security of data |
|---|---|---|
| Wipe Cache Partition | Cleaning the system cache | Safe (data retained) |
| Wipe Data / Factory Reset | Complete phone reset | Dangerous (all removed) |
| Reboot System Now | A normal reboot. | Safe. |
| Connect with MIAssistant | Firmware mode via PC | Safe. |
What to do if the Recovery menu doesn’t appear?
Once you have selected Wipe Cache Partition, the system will ask you to confirm the action. Agree and wait for the process to end. Then select Reboot System Now. The phone will reboot, and it may take longer than usual -- don't panic, the system updates its indexes.
Removal of residual files and debris
Even after cleaning the cache, files that are not formally cache-based but are actually junk can still be stored in storage, such as folders from remote applications, logs of errors and temporary downloads, and are best suited to the built-in MIUI file manager or third-party solutions.
Open the File Manager app. Notice the folders with the names of popular apps you've already removed. Often they're left hanging dead weight. Also, check the Download folder where the.apk installation files accumulate after the software update.
Pay special attention to the DCIM folder and the.thumbnails folder, which stores thumbnails of your photos. If you deleted thousands of photos but the space didn't vacate, maybe the thumbnail cache is bloated. It can be safely removed, the system will recreate it the next time you view the gallery.
You can use the command via ADB to automate the process (for advanced users), but on Redmi 8T, manually deleting large files through sorting by size in Explorer is often enough.
Prevention and optimization of the system
To avoid having to clean your phone all the time, you need to implement a few good habits: First, reboot your device regularly, and reboot clears your RAM and completes the hung back-end processes that can generate extra cache.
Second, keep an eye out for MIUI updates. In newer versions of the firmware, Xiaomi engineers often optimize memory algorithms. You can check for updates in the Settings → About Phone menu.
Third, use the lighter versions of apps if you have a memory-constrained model. Social media Lite versions consume less resources and generate less cache, especially for Facebook and Messenger.
⚠️ Warning: Don’t install questionable accelerator apps from the Play Market.They are often a source of advertising and junk, slowing down Redmi’s performance. 8T speed up.
It's also recommended that you check the list of installed apps once a month, and if you haven't used the program in the last six months, you probably don't need it, and removing unused software is the best way to prevent cache inflating.
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Regular manual inspection of storage every two weeks is more effective than daily use of automatic cleaners, which often work incorrectly.