How to completely clean the memory on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T: a step-by-step guide

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T

Redmi Note 8T

In this article, you will find 7 proven ways to clean up memory, from simple (hand-held garbage removal) to radical (factory resetting), we will discuss how to safely free up space without losing important data, which files can be deleted without risk, and also give tips on how to optimize storage. We pay special attention to specifics MIUI — Xiaomi’s branded shell, which often becomes a source of hidden garbage.

Before you start cleaning, check how much memory is actually occupied. Go to Settings → About Phone → Memory. The system will show the categorization of apps, photos, video, audio and other. The last item often hides up to 10-15 GB of unnecessary files — temporary data, logs and remnants of deleted programs.

1. Delete cache and temporary files

The app cache is the main memory eater on the Redmi Note 8T. It is needed to speed up the work of programs, but over time it grows to giant sizes. For example, the cache of YouTube or TikTok can take 1-2 GB, and social networks (like Vkontakte or Instagram) – even more.

To clear the cache of individual applications:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select a program (such as Chrome or Facebook).
3. Press Warehouse. → Clear the cache.

For mass cleaning, use the built-in MIUI tool:

• 📱 Open Security. → Cleanup.
• 🧹 Click Deep Cleanup and select the category "Junk Files".
• 🗑️ Check boxes for "App Cache" and "Temporary Files".
• 🔄 Confirm the cleanup.

⚠️ Warning: Don't confuse Clear cache and Clear data! The second option will delete all application settings (including logins and passwords) and should only be used to reset problem programs.

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If the app gets slower after cleaning the cache, that's OK, and the system will recover the data it needs the next time it runs, but without any debris.

2. Transfer of files to memory card

The Redmi Note 8T supports microSD cards up to 256GB, which allows you to offload internal memory, but MIUI defaults to save most files to internal storage.

Method 1: Manually moving files

• 📁 Open Files (the application "File Manager").
• 🔍 Select a category (for example, "Images" or "Video").
• 📤 Press and hold the files, then tap More → Move it.
• 📥 Specify the memory card (SD-card) as the target folder.

Method 2: Configure the default saving

For new files (photos, videos, downloads):

1. Open the Settings → Storage.
2. Select the Preferred Preservation Site.
3. Set up a Memory Map.

⚠️ Note: Not all apps support microSD, for example, WhatsApp and Telegram may refuse to save media files to a map.

3. Removal of duplicates and unnecessary media files

Photos and videos take up the lion’s share of memory on the Redmi Note 8T. Especially if you’re actively using a 48MP camera. One.jpg shot can weigh 10-15 MB, and Full HD video can weigh up to 100 MB per minute.

How to find and remove duplicates:

• 🔍 Use the Google Photos app (automatically finds similar photos).
• 📊 In the Gallery, sort files by size (more) → Sorting → In size, and remove the heaviest ones.
• 🗑️ Check the folders. DCIM →.thumbnails (miniatures) and Pictures → Screenshots (screenshots).

Optimization of photo storage:

Enable the “Free space” function in Google Photos:

1. Open the Google Photos app.
2. Slip on the profile avatar → Photo settings → Free up the place.
3. Confirm the deletion of files already uploaded to the cloud.

On the Redmi Note 8T, the DCIM/Recover folder often contains crash-recovered files that duplicate the main photos, and can be completely cleaned without risk to the system.

Once a week.|Once a month|Only when the place ends.|Never clean.-->

4. Clean up downloads and "other" files

Download folder – a real “dump” of unnecessary files: old APK, PDF-Documents, archives and installation packages, and users often forget to delete them after use. Android/obb, where game data is stored (sometimes up to) 5-10 GB per game).

What can be safely removed:

• 📄 Files with.apk extension (application installation packages).
• 📦 Archives (.zip,.rar) if you have already unpacked their contents.
• 🎮 Folders in Android/obb remote-game.
• 📑 Documents (.pdf,.docx) that are duplicated in the cloud.

How to clean the Download folder:

1. Open Files → Categories → Downloads.
2. Click More → Sort → By Date (to see the oldest files).
3. Select unnecessary files and tap Delete.

⚠️ Note: Do not delete files with unknown extensions (e.g.,.nomedia or.db) – they may belong to system processes.

🔹 Make a backup copy of important data|🔹 Check if files are used in applications|🔹 Ensure that the data being deleted is not work-related (e.g., work documents)|🔹 Clean the basket after removal-->

5. Removal of unused applications

The average user installs 30-50 apps, but actively uses no more than 10. The rest take up space and work in the background, consuming resources. On the Redmi Note 8T, especially a lot of garbage is left by preinstalled Xiaomi services (for example, Mi Video, Mi Music or GetApps).

How to find and remove unnecessary applications:

• 📊 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
• 🔍 Sort by size (More) → Sorting → By size).
• 🗑️ Remove programs that haven’t been used for more than a month (check the date of the last opening).

List of safe to remove MIUI system applications:

Removing system applications will require root rights or ADB. Without them, you can only turn them off in settings (Settings → Applications → Select Application → Disable).

6. Reset to factory settings (last resort)

If all previous methods failed, and the Redmi Note 8T has less than 1-2 GB of free space, you will have to resort to a complete reset, which will delete all data, including apps, photos and settings, but return the smartphone to a “clean” state.

Step-by-step:

1. Back up important data (contacts, photos, messages) through Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset → Local Backup.
2. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
3. Select Reset all settings (or Delete all data depending on the MIUI version).
4. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot (it will take 5-10 minutes).

⚠️ Note: After the Redmi Note reset 8T will require re-setting, including linking your Xiaomi and Google account!

What to do after the discharge:

• 🔄 Restore data from backup (if you did it through a backup) MIUI or Google Drive).
• 📥 Install only the necessary applications, avoiding "junk" programs.
• 🔧 Configure file saving to the memory card by default.

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Factory reset is the only way to completely remove system debris and remnants of remote applications, but it should only be used as a last resort when other methods have not worked.

7.Memory optimization: preventive measures

To prevent the memory problem from recurring on the Redmi Note 8T, follow the following simple rules:

Monthly prevention:

• 🧹 Clear the app cache through Security → Cleanup.
• 📂 Transfer photos and videos to a memory card or to the cloud (Google Photos, Mi Cloud).
• 🗑️ Remove unused apps (especially games).

Settings to save space:

• 📸 In the camera set the photo saving in format HEIF instead JPEG (It takes up 2 times less space with the same quality).
• 🎥 For video, select Full resolution. HD (1080p) instead 4K, If you do not need maximum detail.
• 📥 Turn off the automatic download of media files in messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram).

Useful applications for memory control:

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