Cleaning the cache on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T: Complete leadership with risks and life hacks

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T — One of the most popular smartphones in the budget segment, but even it eventually begins to "slow down" because of not always a weak processor or a small amount of RAM: most often the problem lies in cache clogged. This temporary data buffer, which should speed up the system, eventually turns into a dump of unnecessary files, occupying precious space and slowing down the device.

In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to clean the cache on the Redmi Note. 8T — standard-tool MIUI You will learn how to clean the cache correctly without harming the system, which files can be deleted without risk and which should not be touched. /cache on some of the scorings, it takes up to 1,5 GB, although it is only used in practice 10-15% space-space.

Important: instructions are relevant to all versions MIUI (12 to 14, including global and Chinese firmware. If your smartphone is running custom software (like Pixel Experience or LineageOS), some methods may not work, which we'll mention.

1.What is cache and why should it be cleaned on Redmi Note 8T

Cache is a temporary file that creates Android, apps, and even Google services.

🚀 Accelerating the loading of frequently used data (e.g. thumbnails of photos in a gallery)
📱 Storage of temporary application files (for example, YouTube cache or TikTok)
🔄 Optimize the operation of the processor (Dalvik cache to speed up the start of programs)
🌐 Save web pages for offline browsing (in browsers)

On the Redmi Note. 8T Cache is divided into three main types:

Cache type	Where it's stored	Max. Size on the Note. 8T	Can we clean it?
System cache	/cache	1-1,5 GB	Yeah, but with caution.
Cash app.	/data/data/<package>/cache	From 50MB to several GB	Yes, it's safe.
Dalvik cache	/data/dalvik-cache	300-800MB	Only through recovery.
Cash browsers	Inside the app folder	Up to 1 GB (depending on use)	Yes, it is recommended.

Why does the cache accumulate on the Redmi Note? 8T faster than other smartphones? It's all about features. MIUI:

🔄 MIUI aggressively caches data for “smooth animation” (even when it’s not necessary)
📁 The system creates duplicates of miniatures in the gallery (folders.thumbnails)
🤖 Background process miui.analytics collects logs and stores them in cache
📱 Xiaomi apps (such as Mi Video or Music) cache media files without restrictions.

⚠️ Warning: Don’t confuse cache with app data! Cache cleaning won’t delete your accounts or settings, but Clear Data will reset the app to factory status.

2. How to clear the cache of individual applications (Secure method)

This is the easiest and most secure way, which does not require super-user rights (root) or special knowledge. Suitable for cleaning the cache of social networks, instant messengers, browsers and other user applications.

Instructions:

Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
Select the app you want (like Facebook or Chrome).
Click Storage (or Memory in some versions) MIUI).
Put it on Clear the cache.

For convenience, you can sort applications by cache size:

In the list of applications, click on three dots (⋮) top-right.
Select Sort by size.
Pay attention to apps with cache over 100MB – they should be cleaned first.

📷 Instagram (photo cache and video)

🎵 Spotify/Yandex Music (cash of songs)

🌍 Google Maps (Cache of Maps)

📺 YouTube/TikTok (video)

💬 Telegram (cache of media files)-->

On the Redmi Note. 8T Cache is growing especially rapidly in the following applications:

📺 TikTok - up 1-2 GB per month of active use
🎮 PUBG Mobile/Call of Duty – Cache texture can take up to 500 MB
📷 gallery MIUI — Creates miniatures even for deleted photos
🌐 Mi Browser – caches web pages without restrictions

⚠️ Warning: Do not cache system applications called com.android. or com.xiaomi. unnecessarily. MIUI (For example, gestures or themes will stop working).

Once a week.|Once a month|Only when the phone starts to brake|Never clean.|I don't know what cache is.-->

3. Clean the system cache through Recovery Mode

If the smartphone began to slow down, overheat or spontaneously reboot, it is worth cleaning the system cache (section) /cache). This method is more radical, but also more effective than cleaning the cache of individual applications.

Instructions for Redmi Note 8T:

Turn off your smartphone.
Press the Power + Volume buttons up at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
Release the buttons and you will be taken to the Recovery Mode (recovery menu).
Use volume buttons for navigation and power button to select the item.
Choose Wipe & Reset → Wipe Cache.
Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed.
Select Reboot → Reboot to System to reboot.

On some firmware MIUI The item may be called differently:

Wipe cache partition (global firmware)
(Chinese firmware)
Advanced → Wipe Dalvik Cache (Castom Recovery) TWRP)

What this cleanup does:

🚀 Accelerates system start-up after restart
🔄 Corrects errors such as “The app has stopped»
📉 Releases until 1-1,5 GB of space in section /cache
🔋 Reduces processor heat (especially relevant for Redmi Note) 8T Snapdragon 665)

What happens if you clean the cache in Recovery incorrectly?

If you accidentally choose Wipe Data over Wipe Cache, the smartphone will perform a full factory reset. All data (photos, contacts, messages) will be deleted: 1. Read the names of the menu items carefully. 2. Wipe items Data/Factory Resets are usually highlighted in red. 3. In Chinese firmware, the names may be in Chinese - use an interpreter or be guided by the location of the items (the cache usually comes before resetting).

⚠️ Warning: After cleaning the system cache, the first download MIUI may take up 5-10 It's okay. Don't interrupt the process or force your smartphone to turn off.

4. Cleaning Dalvik cache (for power users)

Dalvik cache is an optimized version of the apps that Android creates to speed up their launch. 8T This cache can take up to 800 MB, but it should only be cleaned in extreme cases:

🐢 Smartphone is very slow to open applications (hangs on the phone) 5-10 seconds)
🔄 After updating MIUI Errors such as “App” does not respond»
📱 Installed custom firmware or modified cores

How to clear Dalvik cache:

Boot into custom recovery (TWRP, OrangeFox. Stock recovery MIUI does not support this function!
Choose Advanced → Wipe Dalvik Cache.
Confirm the action and restart.

What happens after cleaning:

🔄 When you first start each application, Android will reassemble its cache (may take up the 1-2 minute).
🚀 In the future, applications will run faster (if the problem was in the damaged cache).
📉 Released. 200-800 MB of space in the section /data.

adb shell su -c"rm -r /data/dalvik-cache/*"

But that requires root rights and enabled debugging. USB.-->

5. Automatic cache cleaning: MIUI settings and third-party utilities

MIUI It has built-in tools for automatic cache cleaning, but they often work inefficiently:

Built-in MIUI tools:

Open the Settings → Memory.
Click Clean (or Free in new versions).
Pick Cash and confirm the cleanup.

Cons of this method:

❌ Clears only part of the cache (system files remain intact)
❌ Does not remove the cache of some system applications (e.g. Mi Video)
❌ Can delete useful data (for example, cache maps in Google Maps)

Third-party utilities:

Annex	Functions	Pluses	Cons
SD Maid	Deep cleaning of cache, garbage search	Remove the cache of system applications, works without root	Paid version for full functionality
CCleaner	Cache cleanup, autoboot management	Simple interface, Russian language	Can delete useful data
Files by Google	Cache cleaning, duplicate search	Free, from Google.	Does not clear the system cache
MIUI Cleaner (built-in)	Basic cleaning of cache and debris	It's already installed on a smartphone.	Weak cleaning algorithms

For the Redmi Note 8T We recommend SD Maid (even in the free version) – this app finds the hidden cache better than others MIUI, including:

📁.thumbnails folders in the gallery
🗑️ Logs of the system (/data/log)
🔄 Cash updates (/cache/ota)
📱 Cash themes for the decorating (/data/system/theme)

💡

Don’t use “optimizers” like this. DU Speed Booster or Clean Master – Not only do they not help, they can also slow down a smartphone by adding their background processes.

6.Cache clearing via ADB (for advanced users)

If you know me, ADB (Android Debug Bridge, you can clear the cache more accurately without having to reset:

🔧 You need to clear the cache of a particular system application (for example, Mi Account)
📱 The smartphone does not boot into the system, but there is access to the Fastboot
🔄 You need to clear the cache without losing data (for example, before firmware)

Instructions:

Install ADB and Fastboot on PC.
Enable USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times, then go back to Additional → For Developers).
Connect the Redmi Note 8T to the PC and confirm access to the USB.
Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (Linux/macOS) and type:

adb shell pm list packages -f | grep cache

This command will show all the apps with a large cache to clear the cache of a particular app (like Facebook):

adb shell pm clear com.facebook.katana

To clean the entire cache (caution!):

adb shell su -c"rm -rf /data//cache/"

Advantages of the method:

🎯 Precise control – you can clear the cache of one application without affecting the rest
🔧 It works even if the smartphone does not boot (via fastboot)
📊 Allows you to see the real size of each application’s cache

⚠️ Attention: Command rm -rf without a path pointer can delete all data on the device! Always check the correct path before running.

7.When cleaning the cache doesn't help: alternative solutions

If you cleaned the cache in every possible way, but Redmi Note 8T It's still slowing down, it could be something else:

1. Cleaning up the section /data/local/tmp:

This folder contains temporary files that are sometimes not deleted automatically, so you can clear it.

Use Root Explorer or FX File Manager (root rights required).
Move to the /data/local/tmp and delete all files.

2. disabling unnecessary system applications:

Some applications MIUI They work in the background and consume resources. They can be turned off:

Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
Press three points (⋮) → Show all applications.
Find unnecessary apps (such as Mi Pay, Mi Credit, Mi Video) and select Disable.

3. Resetting network settings:

Sometimes the brakes are not caused by the cache, but by the wrong network settings.

Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings.
Confirm the action.

Testing for viruses:

Some malware masquerades as cache and consumes resources. Use Malwarebytes or Dr.Web Light to scan.

5. Update MIUI:

Old versions. MIUI (below 12.5) were cache control bugs:

Settings → About the phone → System update.
If there are no updates, check manually at en.miui.com.

1. Go to Settings → Applications.

2. Select the application → Warehouse → Change. → SD-map.

But keep in mind:

Redmi Note 8T

FAQ: Frequent questions about cleaning the cache on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T

❓ How often should you clean the cache on Redmi Note? 8T?

✅ Optimal frequency: 📱 Cash app: 1 time 1-2 Weeks (or when the disk space ends). 🔄 System cache: 1 time 2-3 month (or postmajor updates) MIUI). 🚀 Dalvik cache: Only if you have trouble launching applications. If you don't notice the brakes, clear the cache more often. 1 Once a month is not necessary – it can even slow down the smartphone, as the system will have to cache data again.

❓ Why after cleaning the cache, the smartphone began to work slower?

🔍 This is a normal phenomenon in the first 1-2 The day after cleaning: 🔄 The system recreates the cache for frequently used applications. 📱 MIUI Optimizes the background processes (this can take up to a few years). 24 hours). 🚀 If you cleared the Dalvik cache, the first launch of each application will be slower. 💡 Solution: Wait. 1-2 If the brakes are still there, the problem is not the cache (see section). 7).

❓ Can I clear the cache without losing data?

✅ Yes, you can, if you do it right: 📱 Clearing the cache of individual applications (via Settings) → Applications) do not affect user data. 🔄 Cleaning the system cache through Recovery is also safe. ❌ Dangerous: Clear Data or Wipe Data reset to Recovery will delete everything! 💡 Tip: Before any cache manipulation, back up your important data via Mi Cloud or Google Drive.

❓ Why does the cache fill up quickly again after cleaning?

🔍 Main causes: 📱 Social media and instant messengers: TikTok, Instagram, Telegram aggressively cache media files. Limit cache in their settings. 🎮 Games: PUBG, Call of Duty, Genshin Impact download textures to cache (can take up to a few minutes) 1-2 GB). 🌐 Browsers: Chrome and Mi Browser cache web pages. Clear history once a week. 🔄 MIUI: The system creates duplicate thumbnails in the gallery (.thumbnails). SD Maid to remove them. 💡 Solution: Open the problem app settings and limit cache (e.g. in Telegram: Settings) → Data and memory → Limit cache. Use Lite versions of apps (e.g. Facebook Lite, Messenger Lite). Turn off autoload media in instant messengers.

❓ Can I clean up the cache on the Redmi Note? 8T without logging in (if the phone is locked)?

✅ Yes, but with limitations: 🔧 Through Recovery: Go to Recovery Mode (Power buttons) + Volume up) and select Wipe Cache. This will only clear the system cache without affecting user data. 📱 Using Fastboot: If you have a bootloader unlocked, you can use the command: fastboot erase cache But it requires a PC and installed ADB/Fastboot. ❌ Impossible: Clear the cache of specific applications without access to the system. ⚠️ Important: If your smartphone is locked because of a forgotten password, cleaning the cache won’t help – you need a reset via Wipe Data (but this will delete all data!).