Xiaomi Redmi 8 with its modest 32 or 64 GB of internal memory is a real champion in terms of the speed of filling storage" MIUI They eat gigabytes without notice, but before they run for a new one. SD-Up to 70% of the occupied space on the Redmi 8 can be freed up without losing important data.
Not only is it a problem with small storage, but MIUI (even in current versions of Redmi 8) aggressively reserves space for system needs, and some applications default to storing data in internal memory, ignoring external storage. This article presents proven cleaning methods, from basic to advanced, taking into account the features of hardware and firmware Redmi 8 (codenamed olive).
1. Analysis of occupied space: what eats up memory?
Before you delete files at random, you need to understand which data takes up the most space. Redmi 8 has built-in tools and third-party utilities for this.
Open Settings → Memory. Here, the system will show you the categorization of "Apps", "Images", "Video", etc. But this data is often inaccurate - for example, the application cache can be displayed as "System Data".
- 🔍 Files by Google (official app from Google) – shows junk files (duplicates, large packets, temporary data).
- 📊 SD Maid (requires root for full scan) – finds residual files after uninstalling apps.
- 📁 MIUI Storage Analyzer (built into Files) → Analysis – visualizes occupied space by folders.
On Redmi 8, up to 30% of memory can be cacheed with system applications (such as Security or Themes) that MIUI does not allow to be cleaned by standard means. If you see System Data >5 GB in the Memory section, this is a reason for deep cleaning (this is discussed in Section 4).
2.Cache cleanup: system and applications
Cache speeds up programs, but on Redmi 8 it often grows to giant sizes, for example, the cache of Google Play Services can weigh > 1 GB, and social networks (Vkontakte, TikTok) — 500-800 MB each.
How to clean:
- Cache individual applications: Go to Settings → Apps → App management. Select an app (like YouTube or Facebook). Click Memory → Clear cache.
⚠️ Warning: Do not clear the cache for Google Play Store and Google Play Services – this may disrupt the updates.
General cache cleaning
- Open Settings → Memory → Clear (bottom of the screen).
- Select "Cash" and confirm the action.
For deep cleaning (including system cache) you will need:
Backup of important data|Charge your phone at least 50 times%|Disable two-factor authorization in banking applications (during cleaning)|Remember passwords from accounts (may need to re-enter)-->
3. Removal of unnecessary applications and MIUI "junk"
MIUI on Redmi 8 is installed with a dozen pre-installed apps that can't be removed by standard means, including Mi Video, Mi Music, Browser, Cleaner and others. They not only take up space, but also work in the background, consuming resources.
Ways to get rid of them:
- 🗑️ Disconnect (without root): Settings → Annexes → Application management → [Select the application] → Disable This hides the app from the menu and stops its background activity, but does not free up memory completely.
- 🔧 Removal through ADB (requires PC: Enable Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (press 7 activate the developer mode. Activate the settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.miui.videoplayer (replace com.miui.videoplayer with the desired application package). ⚠️ Warning: Removing system applications may cause malfunctions MIUI. Before the procedure, check the list of safe packets for Redmi. 8 forum-wise 4PDA.