Memory Cleanup on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro: Full Guide 2026

Why is the Redmi Note 8 Pro running out of memory?

Owners of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro often face the problem of lack of free space, despite the stated 64/128 GB of internal memory, the fact that the MIUI system actively uses cache, temporary files and backups, which over time take up gigabytes of space, and many applications (especially social networks and instant messengers) save media files automatically, churning memory without your knowledge.

Another reason is the duplicate photo/video that is created when editing in a gallery or transferring files between folders. And if you have ever used the application Clone feature in MIUI, you may not notice how each duplicate application (for example, the second WhatsApp) took an additional 500-800 MB. In this article, we will analyze all the cleaning methods, from basic to advanced, including hidden features of the Redmi Note 8 Pro, which are not written in the official instructions.

1. Built-in MIUI cleaning utility: fast and safe

The easiest way is to use a regular Cleanup tool that's built into the firmware, and it analyzes the system and suggests that you delete unnecessary files without risking data, and then it starts.

1. Open the Settings → Memory.
2. Slip the "Clear" button at the bottom of the screen.
3. Wait for the analysis to be completed (usually 10–30 seconds).
4. Select file categories to delete (cache, temporary files, APK) and confirm the action.

Note: The utility does not delete user data (photos, videos, documents), but it can clean up up to 3-5 GB of garbage if you have not cleaned it for a long time. For example, the Google Play Services cache on Redmi Note 8 Pro often grows to 1-2 GB, and temporary browser files – up to 500 MB.

Application cache (does not affect the operation of programs)

Temporary files (for example, downloads from the browser)

APK-Files (installation packages of remaining updates)

Empty folders (system artifacts)-->

If the free space is rapidly reduced once cleaned, check the settings for automatic media downloads in instant messengers. For example, Telegram defaults all photos and videos to the Telegram Images folder, and WhatsApp saves all photos and videos to WhatsApp Media. These folders can weigh tens of gigabytes!

2. Manual cleaning of cache applications: which can be removed?

Not all apps are equally useful, but almost everyone accumulates cache. On the Redmi Note 8 Pro, it is especially voracious:

• 📱 Social networks (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok) – cache up to 1-2 GB.
• 🎮 Games (PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty – up to 3-5 GB for updates and temporary files.
• 📺 Streaming services (YouTube, Netflix) – video cache up to 500 MB.
• 🗺️ Maps (Google Maps, Yandex.Maps) – up to 1 GB for offline maps.

To clear the cache of individual applications:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the appropriate app (such as Facebook).
3. Tap the "Storage» → «Clear the cache».
4. If necessary, click Clear Data (this will reset the app settings!).

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If the app is slower after cleaning the cache, restart the phone. MIUI sometimes incorrectly recalculates the free space without a reboot.

⚠️ Note: Do not clear the cache of system applications (for example, com.android.systemui or com.miui.home) – this can lead to interface failures. Also avoid clearing data in Google Play Services, otherwise Google services will stop working (for example, push notifications).

3. Removal of duplicates and unnecessary files in the gallery

Photos and videos take up the lion’s share of memory on the Redmi Note 8 Pro, especially if you’re actively using a 64MP camera. MIUI automatically:

• 📸 Duplicates when editing a photo (original) + edited).
• 🎥 Screenshots (Screenshots folder) that are rarely deleted.
• 📁 Backups from Google Photos or Mi Cloud (backup folder).
• 🔍 Hidden files (e.g.,.thumbnails – thumbnails for quick viewing).

To search for and remove duplicates:

1. Open the Gallery app.
2. Go to the "Albums" section» → «Duplicates" (if not, update it MIUI Gallery through Play Market).
3. Select unnecessary copies and click “Delete”.
4. For deep cleaning, use a file manager (e.g. Mi File Manager) and manually check the folders: /storage/emulated/0/DCIM/ /storage/emulated/0/Pictures/ /storage/emulated/0/Download/

If you need to vacate your space urgently, transfer your photos and videos to a microSD (Redmi Note 8 Pro supports cards up to 512 GB) or to the cloud.

1. In the Gallery, highlight the files.
2. Press "More» → «Move it».
3. Choose. SD-map or Google Drive.

Storage optimization: what can be transferred to a memory card?

Redmi Note 8 Pro allows you to transfer not only media files, but also some applications on microSD.

⚠️ Note: If you are moving the application to SD-The card may be slower, especially if the card is Class 10 or lower, and some games (such as Genshin Impact or Honor of Kings) refuse to run from an external drive.

For optimization:

1. Use it. SD-map UHS-I (U3) — It's faster and more reliable.
2. Only transfer to the map those applications that you rarely use.
3. Do not store important data on an SD without a backup – cards can fail.

32GB

64GB

128GB

256GB or more

I don't use it.-->

5. Hidden MIUI functions for memory release

The Redmi Note 8 Pro has a few hidden tools that help you manage memory more efficiently than standard methods.

• 🔄 Cleaning on schedule: MIUI It can automatically remove garbage once a week. → Memory. → Three dots up there. → Autocleaning.
• 🗑️ Deep Clean: Hold your finger on the app icon in the menu and select “Application Information» → «Deep Cleanup. This not only removes cache, but also unnecessary application files.
• 📦 Memory compression (RAM): B Settings → The phone. → Tapnite memory by “Optimize” – this will free up RAM, which indirectly affects the speed of file processing.
• 🔍 Search for large files: In Mi File Manager go to Categories» → «Large files" to find and delete files as small as 10MB.

Another little-known feature is Light Mode (Settings → Special Options → Light Mode), which turns off animations and background processes, which reduces memory load, but the visual interface will become less attractive.

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Regular automatic cleaning (once every 1-2 weeks) prevents the accumulation of garbage and keeps the performance of the Redmi Note 8 Pro at a high level.

If you use Mi Account, check your sync settings in Settings → Accounts → Mi Account → Sync. Turn off backup of unnecessary data (such as call records or SMS) so that it doesn’t duplicate in the cloud and on your device.

6. Radical methods: reset to factory settings and ADB-team

If all previous methods did not help, and the Redmi Note 8 Pro is less than 1 GB of free space, you will have to resort to radical measures.

Reset to factory settings (Hard Reset)

This will delete all data, including apps, photos and settings.

1. Make a backup through Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset.
2. Copy important files on a PC or SD-map.
3. Remember the Mi Account (linked to your phone).

For discharge:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select “Erase all data”.
3. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot (it will take 5-10 minutes).

Cleaning through ADB (for advanced users)

If you are familiar with Android Debug Bridge (ADB), you can manually delete unnecessary system files. For example, to clear the cache of all applications at once, do:

adb shell pm trim-caches 256m

To delete temporary system files:

adb shell rm -rf /data/local/tmp/*


adb shell rm -rf /cache/*

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB This can cause a device to blink (completely inoperable). /system or /vendor — It's gonna disrupt work. MIUI. If you are not sure about your actions, it is better to contact the service center.

7. Prevention: how to prevent memory filling?

To avoid having to clean up your memory on the Redmi Note 8 Pro regularly, follow these rules:

• 📵 Turn off autoload media in messengers: WhatsApp: Settings → Warehouse → Autoboot media → Turn off for mobile data. In Telegram: Settings → Data and memory → Autoboot media → Choose "Never».
• 🔄 Clean the cache once a week (through the built-in utility) MIUI).
• 📁 Use cloud services for storing photos / videos (Google Photos, Mi Cloud).
• 🚫 Remove unused apps (especially games that take up 2–4 GB).
• 🔍 Check “Other Files” in Settings → Memory – There is often a hidden data.

It is also useful to turn off background activity for unnecessary applications.

1. Go to Settings → Battery and Performance → Battery Management.
2. Select an app (such as Facebook).
3. Activate “Limit background activity.”

This will not only save memory, but also increase battery life.

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Regular memory monitoring (once every 1-2 weeks) and disabling autoload media reduce space consumption by 30-50% without loss of functionality.

FAQ: Frequent questions about memory cleanup on Redmi Note 8 Pro