Memory Cleanup on Xiaomi Redmi 8T: from cache to deep optimization

Xiaomi Redmi 8T is one of the most popular budget smartphones with 64 GB of internal memory, but even this volume becomes scarce over time. High-resolution photos, app cache, system updates and unnecessary files clog storage, causing lags and notifications of space shortages. Unlike flagships, Xiaomi budget models require regular manual cleaning, as their processors are weaker at handling automatic memory management.

In this article — 7 Proven ways to free up memory on Redmi 8T, from basic (cache removal) to advanced (cleaning system partitions through ADB). We're going to look at which files can be deleted without risk and which ones should not be touched, even if they take up gigabytes. MIUI, which is not visible in the standard file manager, but can take up to 3-5 GB.

1. Analysis of occupied space: what exactly eats memory?

Before you clean, you need to know which files are taking up space. Redmi 8T has built-in tools and third-party utilities for this.

1. Open the settings → About the phone → Memory.
2. Wait for the scan to be completed (may take 1-2 minutes).
3. See the distribution by category: Apps, Images, Videos, Audio, Other.

Note the Other section, which often hides up to 20% of the garbage: system logs (.log), temporary update files (.tmp), remnants of remote applications. If this partition takes more than 2-3 GB, it should be manually cleaned (for this, see the ADB section).

For a detailed analysis, use third-party applications like Files by Google or SD Maid (the latter requires root rights to work properly).

• 📁 Duplicate files (especially relevant for photos from messengers).
• 🗑️ Large files (>100 MB) that has not been opened for a long time.
• 🔍 Residual files from remote programs.

⚠️ Note: If the "System" section is occupied more than 10 GB - this is normal for the user. MIUI. Do not try to clean it manually without knowing the commands. ADB, so as not to damage the firmware.

2.Cleaning the app cache: Quick and secure

Cache is a temporary file that apps create to speed up work. On Redmi 8T, the cache can take anywhere from 500 MB to 2-3 GB, especially if you are actively using social networks, messengers or games. It can be deleted without risk to data, but there are nuances:

• 🔄 Social media cache (Facebook, Instagram, VK) — clean once 1-2 He recovers quickly, but he can weigh up to a week. 1 GB.
• 🎮 Cash games (PUBG, Call of Duty - delete only if the game has started to lag. Some games require reloading resources after cleaning the cache.
• 📱 System application cache (e.g. com.miui.gallery) – only touch if you know exactly what it is responsible for.

How to clear the cache for all applications:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select "Sort by size."
3. Open each major app and click "Clear Cache".

To speed up the process, use batch cleaning:

Settings → Memory → Clean (in the "Cash" section)

⚠️ Warning: Don’t confuse “Clear Cache” and “Clear Data”! The second will delete all settings and accounts in the app (for example, WhatsApp correspondence or saved passwords in the browser).

Clear the cache of messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp)

Delete the browser cache (Chrome, Mi Browser)

Clear the cache of games if they slow down

Do not touch the cache of system applications without the need-->

3. Removal of unnecessary applications and their residues

Redmi 8T has many MIUI applications that cannot be removed in the standard way, but some can be disabled and some can be removed through ADB.

• 🧹 Remove unnecessary user applications: games that have not run for six months, duplicate messengers, test programs.
• ⚙️ Disable system applications you don’t use (e.g. Mi Video, Mi Music, Mi Pay).
• 🗑️ Delete residual files after uninstallation (folders in the /Android/data/ and /Android/obb/).

How to disable system applications:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select an app (such as Mi Browser).
3. Click "Disable" (if the button is inactive - the application is critical to the system).

To completely remove system applications, you will need ADB. For example, to remove Mi Browser, do:

adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.android.browser

💡

Before you uninstall your system applications via ADB, back up to Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset. This will help restore your phone if something goes wrong.

4.Photo and video optimization: how to save gigabytes

Photos and videos are the main memory eaters on the Redmi 8T. Even if you don’t shoot in 4K, the camera defaults to high-resolution (12MP) and video to Full HD.

• 📸 Change the camera resolution: Go to the camera → Settings → Photo resolution and choose 9 MP instead of 12 MP. The difference in quality is minimal, and savings up to 30% of space.
• 🎥 Take a video in HD (720p) Full instead HD, Unless you need a high level of detail.
• 🗃️ Enable compression in Google Photos: the app automatically reduces the weight of the photo without loss of quality (settings) → "Make room").

To compress existing files, use the following applications:

• Photo & Picture Resizer – reduces the resolution of the photo package.
• Video Compress compresses video without loss of quality (for example, from 500 MB to 150 MB).

How to transfer a photo to a memory card:

1. Open the gallery and select the files.
2. Press "More" → "Move it".
3. Choose. SD-map (if installed).

⚠️ Note: If you use Google Photos for backup, don’t delete the originals from your phone until you’re sure they’ve uploaded to the cloud. → Recycle Bin (files should disappear from it after 60 days).

5. Cleaning up system debris through ADB (for advanced)

Even after deleting the applications and cache, Redmi 8T still has hidden system debris that is not visible in the file manager.

• 📦 Remains of updates (/cache and /data/local/tmp).
• 🗑️ Logs of the system (/data/log).
• 🔄 Cash Dalvik (/data/dalvik-cache).

To clean them, you will need ADB (Android Debug Bridge) – this method is only suitable for advanced users, since the wrong commands can damage the system.

Step-by-step:

1. Install ADB Tools on your PC.
2. Turn on USB Debugging on your phone: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times to become a developer), then Settings → Additional → Developers → Debugging over USB.
3. Connect Redmi 8T to your PC and execute the following commands:

adb shell


su




rm -rf /data/local/tmp/*




rm -rf /cache/*




rm -rf /data/log/*

What these teams do:

• rm -rf /data/local/tmp/* - clears temporary update files.
• rm -rf /cache/* — removes the system cache (safely, recovers when restarted).
• rm -rf /data/log/* - erases logs (can take up to 1 GB).

⚠️ Attention: Do not follow the rm -rf /data/data/ rm -rf /system/ — This will cause the phone to be completely reset or the firmware to be damaged, and don't delete files in the phone. /system rootless.

6.Memory card use: nuances for Redmi 8T

Redmi 8T supports microSD up to 512GB, but there are limitations:

• 📱 The card is formatted as a portable storage (files must be manually transferred).
• 🔄 Not all applications can be transferred to SD (particularly systemic).
• ⚡ The speed of the card depends on its class (recommended). UHS-I Class 10).

How to set up a memory card:

1. Insert the card in the slot (on Redmi). 8T It's combined with SIM-tray 2).
2. When you first connect the phone will offer to format the card – agree.
3. Go to Settings → Memory → SD card and select “Use as internal memory” (if necessary).

What files can be transferred to SD:

• 📷 Photos and videos (via Gallery or Files).
• 🎵 Music and podcasts.
• 📄 Documents (PDF, Word, Excel).
• 🎮 Some games (through Settings) → Annexes → [play-name] → Memory. → Change).

What you can not transfer to SD:

• 🚫 Applications that do not support portability (e.g. WhatsApp, Banking applications).
• 🚫 System files and cache.
• 🚫 Files that are used in real time (e.g. weather widgets).

💡

A memory card won’t speed up your phone, but it will help free up internal memory. For better performance, use A1 or A2 (application-optimized) cards.

7.Reset to factory settings: Last chance

If none of the methods worked, and the Redmi 8T has less than 1 GB of free space, you'll have to reset it, which will delete all the data, but it will return the phone to "clean" state.

Make a backup of contacts (export to VCF)

Save photos and videos to PC or cloud

Remember passwords from accounts (or use a password manager)

Remove the memory card (unless you want to format it)-->

How to reset:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select "Erase all data."
3. Confirm the action (you will need to enter a pattern lock or PIN).
4. Wait until it is completed (it will take 5-10 minutes).

After discharge:

• 🔄 The phone will reboot and offer to configure as new.
• 📱 Restore data from backup (if done through Mi Account or Google).
• 🚫 Don’t install all apps at once – do it gradually to avoid re-filling the memory.

⚠️ Attention: On Redmi 8T After the reset, you may have a “Device failed to activate” error due to problems with Xiaomi servers, in which case connect to another Wi-Fi network or use mobile Internet.

FAQ: Frequent questions about cleaning up memory