Memory Cleanup on Xiaomi Redmi 8: from cache to deep reset

Xiaomi Redmi 8 is one of the most popular budget smartphones, but its main drawback (especially in the 32 GB version) is fast-ending memory. Even after installing several applications, the system begins to issue warnings about space shortages and the phone slows down. In this article, we will analyze all possible ways to clean memory, from basic to radical, and explain why standard methods often do not work.

Not only is there a small amount of internal memory, but it's also a problem with the MIUI firmware, which is actively cacheing data, backing up and hiding files that the user can't see, and many applications (especially social media and instant messengers) swell to giant sizes over time, and we've tested each method on a real device and we've eliminated those that have minimal impact.

Important: Before cleaning, check how much space is occupied. Go to Settings → About Phone → Memory. If less than 1 GB is free, prepare for serious measures, as in this case the smartphone begins to work unstable.

1. Delete the application cache and system

The fastest and safest way to free up 1-3 GB of storage is to clear the cache. Unlike deleting these apps, it won't result in account logging or loss of settings. Cache accumulates over time and can take up up to 50% of total storage, especially if you're actively using a browser, YouTube or games.

How to clear the cache of individual applications:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
• 🔍 Select an app (such as Chrome or Facebook).
• 🧹 Click Clear Cache (not to be confused with Clear Data!).
• 🔄 Repeat for all "heavy" programs (messengers, social networks, games).

For mass cleaning of the cache of all applications:

1. Go to Settings → Memory → Cleanup.
2. Click Clear cache (the system will show how much space will be freed).
3. Confirm the action.

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If the app gets slower after cleaning the cache, that's OK. The cache speeds up the re-start, but the lack of it doesn't break the functionality. After a few uses, the speed will recover.

The hidden cache of the system (Dalvik-cache) is only cleared through Recovery Mode (discussed below), which usually takes 300-800 MB, but it is not necessary to remove it unnecessarily - this can lead to failures.

2. Deletion of unnecessary files and "garbage"

Redmi 8 has a built-in tool for finding unnecessary files, called Cleaning Up in Memory Settings, but it often skips large files, such as:

• 🎥 High-resolution video (especially from WhatsApp or Telegram).
• 📸 Photo format HEIC (It takes up 30% less space, but not all programs support it).
• 🎵 Downloaded music from Spotify or Yandex Music.
• 📁 Archives (.zip,.rar) after installing applications.
• 📄 Temporary files from editors (such as PicsArt or CapCut).

How to find and remove them:

1. Use the File Manager (built-in or Total Commander)
2. Sort files by size: Menu → Sort → By size (by decrease).
3. Check folders: Download – downloads from the browser. DCIM → Camera – photos and videos from the camera. Android → data – application data (root rights are required). WhatsApp → Media – media files from chats.

Redmi 8 has a hidden folder called.thumbnails (at the root of the memory) that stores gallery thumbnails, which can take up to 1 GB and is safely removed, and the system will recreate it if needed.

3. Transfer of data to memory card

Redmi 8 supports microSD up to 512GB, but not all applications can be migrated to it. However, this will free up 5-10GB of internal memory.

⚠️ Note: If you remove the memory card, the applications that are transferred to it will stop working, and not all games support microSD startup, for example, PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact requires internal memory.

To automatically save new photos/video to the map:

1. Open the chamber.
2. Press on. ⚙️ Settings → Warehouse → Memory map.

16GB|32GB|64GB|128GB|256 GB or more|I don't use it.-->

4. Cleaning of application data and removing unnecessary programs

Many applications swell over time because of the accumulated data, such as:

• 📱 Facebook can take up to 1 GB (cache) + data).
• 💬 Telegram stores all media files from chats (up to 5 GB!).
• 🎮 Games like Call of Duty: Mobile are downloading updates in the background.
• 🌍 Maps Google Maps or Yandex.Navigator stores offline maps.

How to clean up data without deleting the application:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the application → Warehouse.
3. Click Clear Data (this will delete settings, logins, uploaded files!).
4. For instant messengers (such as WhatsApp), separate clear media files in Settings → Storage → Storage Management.

Applications that can be removed without consequences:

• 🎵 Mi Music and Mi Video - few people use them.
• 📰 Mi Browser: Better to use Chrome or Firefox.
• 🛒 Mi Pay – does not work in Russia and many other countries.
• 📡 Cleaner is useless because it duplicates the function in the settings.

Check if important data is linked to it (e.g. saves in games)

Export settings if possible (e.g. in Telegram chats)

Make sure you have a backup of logins/passwords

See if the app is system-based (deleting it could disrupt your phone’s performance)-->

⚠️ Warning: Do not remove system applications like Mi Account, Security or Settings, which can cause a phone to fail.

5. reset to factory settings (Hard Reset)

If you have less than 500MB of free memory, and standard methods don't work, you should do a full reset.

• 📱 Installed applications and their data.
• 📸 Photos, videos, music (if not on a memory card).
• 🔑 Accounts (Google, Mi Account, social networks).
• ⚙️ All settings (Wi-Fi, wallpaper, sound, etc.).

How to reset:

1. Create a backup copy of important data (contacts, photos, messages).
2. Go to Settings → About Phone → Resetting → Erase all data.
3. Enter your password (if installed) and confirm.
4. After the reboot, the phone will look like new.

Alternative method (if the phone is not turned on):

1. Turn off the device.
2. Press Volume Up + Power before the Mi logo appears.
3. From the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
4. Confirm and wait for completion.

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Factory reset is the only way to completely remove system debris that has been accumulating for years (for example, remnants of remote applications or updates).

⚠️ Warning: Redmi 8 can be turned on for a long time (up to 10-15 minutes) after reset, which is normal.

6. Advanced methods (for advanced users)

If you’re willing to go beyond standard methods, here are a few advanced ways:

1. Removal of system applications without root

With the help of ADB (Android Debug Bridge), you can remove unnecessary system programs:

adb shell


pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.browser




pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.videoplayer

A list of uninstall packages can be found on forums like 4PDA or XDA-Developers.

2.Dalvik-cache cleanup in Recovery

This cache takes hundreds of megabytes and is only cleared through TWRP or standard Recovery:

1. Go to Recovery (Loud up + Power buttons).
2. Choose Advanced → Wipe Dalvik Cache.
3. Reboot the phone.

3. Transfer applications to SD using Link2SD

If you have root access, Link2SD allows you to port even programs that don’t normally support microSD.

7. How to prevent memory filling in the future

To avoid clearing your memory every week, follow these tips:

• 📵 Turn off auto-update apps in Google Play (Settings) → Auto-update → Only through Wi-Fi).
• 📸 Set up an automatic upload of photos to the cloud (Google Photos or Yandex.Disk) and delete the originals from your phone.
• 🗑 Clean the messenger cache regularly (WhatsApp, Telegram have built-in tools).
• 🚫 Do not install memory cleaners – they take up space and are often useless.
• 🔄 Check the Download folder once a month – unnecessary files accumulate there.

It’s also helpful to disable MIUI backups that eat up to 1GB:

1. Go to Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset.
2. Turn off automatic backup.
3. Remove old copies to Local Backups.

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The most effective way to save space is to not store media files on your phone, use cloud services (Google Photos, Mail.ru Cloud) or transfer everything to a memory card immediately after shooting.

FAQ: Frequent questions about memory cleanup