Memory Cleanup on Xiaomi Redmi 8: a complete guide with hidden MIUI chips

Xiaomi Redmi 8 is one of the most popular budget smartphones with 4/64 GB of memory, but even this amount is not enough over time. MIUI actively caches data, applications accumulate unnecessary files, and users often do not know how to properly free up space without harming the phone. In this article, 7 proven ways to clean up memory, including hidden MIUI features that are not described in the official documentation.

The Redmi 8 features hybrid memory: part of the built-in drive is given to system needs, and the user is available about 50-55 GB of the declared 64 GB. At the same time, MIUI aggressively reserves space for updates and cache, which creates the illusion of lack of memory even with free gigabytes.

1. Built-in cleaning MIUI: What is missing and what is missing

The most obvious way is to use the built-in Security → Cleanup tool. It removes:

• 🗑️ Application cache (temporary files that can be restored on the next run)
• 📁 Unnecessary APK (residues of established programmes)
• 📥 Downloads (files from the Download folder, older than 30 days)
• 🗂️ Duplicate files (only in the MIUI 13+)

However, this method has critical limitations:

• ❌ Does not clear the cache of system applications (e.g. com.miui.gallery or com.android.providers.media)
• ❌ Does not delete residual data after uninstallation of programs (folders) /Android/data/ and /Android/obb/)
• ❌ Ignores hidden files from Xiaomi Cloud and Mi Account

To start deep cleaning through standard means:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Sort by size.
3. View the list and manually clear the cache for applications from 100MB and above.

⚠️ Note: Do not clear the cache for Google Play Services and Services Framework – this may disrupt Google services and lead to sync errors.

2 Manual removal of junk files: hidden folders and secure paths

Even after using the built-in cleaning, Redmi 8 still has gigabytes of invisible garbage, and here are 5 key folders that can be manually cleaned without risk to the system:

To access these folders:

1. Connect your phone to your PC via USB (File Transfer Mode).
2. Use Windows Explorer or Total Commander with the "Show Hidden Files" option enabled.
3. Delete the contents of the folders listed in the table (except Download – check it manually).

⚠️ Note: Do not delete files in folders /system/, /vendor/ or /data/ It's not root-righted, it's going to cause permanent damage to the system and the need to flash it back.

Backup of important files|Check the free space on the PC for copying|Disable sync with Xiaomi Cloud|Close all background applications-->

3. Cleaning the cache of system applications: hidden memory reserve

MIUI system applications (e.g. Gallery, Music, Records) accumulate cache that is not cleaned by standard means.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Tap it on three points. → Show all the processes.
3. Find in the list: com.miui.gallery (Gallery) com.miui.player (Music) com.miui.notes (Notes) com.miui.video (Video)

Warehouse → Clear the cache

Pay special attention to the application com.android.providers.media — it is responsible for media scanning and can take up to 1-2 GB of cache. its cleaning will not hurt, but after the restart, the phone will re-scan all media files (it will take 5-10 minutes).

Use it to speed up the process. ADB-Team (Developer Mode enabled is required):

adb shell pm clear com.android.providers.media

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If after cleaning the cache com.android.providers.media gallery for a long time uploads photos, reboot the phone – this will speed up the re-scanning.

4. Transfer of applications to SD-map: circumventing restrictions MIUI

Redmi 8 supports memory cards up to 512 GB, but MIUI blocks most applications from migrating to SD.

Method 1: Through Application Settings (Limited List)

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the application → Warehouse → Change. → SD-map.
3. Confirm the transfer (only works for a portion of the programs).

How to do the reset correctly:

1. Create a backup through Settings → Additional → Backup or manually copy files to your PC.
2. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
3. Choose to erase all data and confirm.
4. After rebooting, set your phone up as new (don’t restore the backup right away – check the free space first).

Alternative method (via Recovery):

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Power + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.
3. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (control – volume and power buttons).

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Resetting through Recovery removes more debris than a standard reset in the settings, but requires reconfiguration of all system settings.

6.Memory optimization without deleting files: Hidden MIUI chips

If you need to make room but don’t want to delete anything, use the built-in MIUI tools that few people know about:

1. Compression of unused applications

The Light Mode feature (available in MIUI 12+) archives rarely used programs, saving up to 50% of their size:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Light mode.
2. Activate the option and select compression applications.

2. Cleaning duplicates in the gallery

MIUI 13+ can find repetitive photos and videos.

1. Open the gallery → Albums → Duplicates.
2. Select unnecessary copies and click Delete.

3. Disabling automatic download in messengers

WhatsApp, Telegram and Viber download all media files by default.

• 📲 WhatsApp: Settings → Warehouse → Autoboot media → Turn off for mobile data.
• 📲 Telegram: Settings → Data and memory → Autoboot media → Choose Never.

4.Using Xiaomi Cloud Storage

5GB is free in Xiaomi Cloud to transfer photos to:

1. Open the gallery. → Select the photo → More. → Upload to the cloud.
2. After downloading, delete local copies (the option to Delete after download).

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If you use Google Photos, turn on the “Free Space” option in the app settings – it will automatically delete local copies of photos that have already been uploaded to the cloud.

7. Advanced methods: root access and custom firmware

If you are willing to take drastic measures, root access will open up additional opportunities:

1. Removal of system applications (bloatware)

With Titanium Backup or Root Explorer, you can remove pre-installed programs that cannot be uninstalled by standard means:

• 🗑️ com.miui.analytics (collection of statistics)
• 🗑️ com.xiaomi.midrop (Mi Drop, if not used)
• 🗑️ com.miui.hybrid (hybrid services) MIUI)

Warning: Removing system applications may disrupt MIUI. Be sure to back up your system through TWRP before doing so.

2. Transfer applications to SD using Link2SD

Link2SD (requires root) allows you to:

• Transfer any applications to SD-map (including system map).
• Create links to files, saving space in internal memory.
• Freeze unnecessary programs.

3. Use of custom firmware

Firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience is devoid of pre-installed MIUI debris and takes up 2-3 GB less space.

• Unlocked bootloader (bootloader).
• Installed TWRP Recovery.
• Experience with fastboot and ADB.

⚠️ Attention: Inept actions with custom firmware can lead to a "brick" of the phone (completely inoperable). On Redmi 8 it is especially dangerous to use firmware for other models (for example, Redmi). 8A).

FAQ: Frequent questions about memory cleaning on Redmi 8