Memory Cleanup on Xiaomi Mi 8: from cache to complete reset

The Xiaomi Mi 8 is still a popular smartphone years later, but its main problem is fast-filling memory: 64GB models face a shortage of space after installing 10-15 apps, and users of 128/256GB versions wonder where gigabytes go out of thin air, the reason lies in the features of MIUI, which aggressively caches data, duplicates files and hides system debris.

In this article, 7 working methods for cleaning memory, from basic (cache removal) to radical (full reset), we will discuss how to free up space without losing data, which applications “eat” memory unnoticed, and why standard tips like “transfer files to the computer”. SD» We will also focus on the unique problem of the Mi 8, the memory-filled error, where the system shows 0 bytes of free space at real 10.+ GB.

1.Diagnosis: Why memory ends "on its own"

Before cleaning, you need to know what exactly takes up space. The Mi 8 has 3 types of memory:

• 📱 Internal memory (64/128/256 GB - for applications, photos, music.
• 🔄 Cache memory – temporary application files (can take up to a maximum of three times) 5-10 GB!).
• 🛠️ System files - firmware, updates, logs (up to) 8-12 GB MIUI 12+).

To see the memory distribution:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Memory.
2. Click on the chart and the details by category will open.
3. Pay attention to the “System Data” and “Other” items – they are often inflated for no apparent reason.

Typical memory eaters on the Mi 8:

• 🎵 Music apps (Spotify, Yandex Music) – cache songs even in offline mode.
• 📸 Google Photos – creates duplicate thumbnails and backups.
• 🎮 Games (PUBG, Genshin Impact - weighing by 2-4 GB + cash 1 GB.
• 📱 Social networks (TikTok, Instagram) - download video in the background.

⚠️ Note: If in the Memory section you see the "Reserved by the system" line with the volume 5-15 GB is normal for MIUI. These files can only be deleted through a complete reset.

2.Cache cleanup: Quick and safe

Cache is a temporary file that speeds up applications but takes up gigabytes over time. On the Mi 8, the cache can be cleared in three ways:

Method 1: Clearing the cache of all applications

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner → “Sort by size”.
3. Select the application → Clear the cache (not to be confused with Clear the Data!).

To speed up the process, use a cache size filter: applications with a cache >500 MB should be cleaned first.

Method 2: Automatic cleaning through “Safety”

MIUI has a built-in garbage disposal tool:

1. Launch the Security app (shield icon).
2. Select “Cleaning” → “Deep Cleaning”.
3. Check the boxes “Cash”, “Advertising Files”, “Residual Files” and click “Clean”.

Method 3: Hidden Cleaning Through Recovery

If the phone is slowing down even after cleaning the cache, try erasing the Dalvik cache (system application cache):

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Up + Power to enter Recovery.
3. Select Wipe & Reset → Wipe Cache (not to be confused with Wipe Data!).
4. Confirm the action and restart.

⚠️ Warning: Cleaning Dalvik cache will reset app optimization – after rebooting, the phone may run slower 5-10 minutes until the system recovers the cache.

3. Delete unnecessary files and duplicates

Even if you don't download movies or shoot videos, the memory on the Mi 8 can get clogged with "invisible" debris.

Top.-5 «snatching away memories

To find duplicates and large files, use third-party applications:

• 🔍 Files by Google – Shows “junk” files and suggests you delete them.
• 🗃️ SD Maid (requires Root) – Finds residual files after deleting applications.
• 📊 DiskUsage – visualizes occupied space by folders.

💡

If you download files from Telegram frequently, check the /storage/emulated/0/Telegram/Telegram Documents folder, which can contain gigabytes of forgotten PDFs and archives.

4. Data transfer to SD-Map: Does it work on the Mi 8?

Many people recommend transferring applications and files to SD-This is a map, but on the Xiaomi Mi 8, it works partially:

What can be transferred to SD

• 📁 Photos, videos, music, without restrictions.
• 📄 Documents (PDF, Word, Excel).
• 🎮 Data from certain games (e.g. Genshin Impact cache).

What I can't move

• 📱 Annexes — MIUI It does not support Adoptable Storage (Android formatting feature) SD internal memory).
• 🔧 System files and updates.
• 📱 Cash messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram).

How to transfer files manually:

1. Open Mi File Manager.
2. Select the files → «Cut out».
3. Move to the SD-map → «Insert».

⚠️ Attention: If you are using SD-map as the main storage for the photo, set the camera to save the pictures immediately on the map: Camera settings → Warehouse → SD-Otherwise, the photos will be duplicated in the internal memory.

5. Remove system applications (without Root)

MIUI default installs dozens of unnecessary apps (bloatwar) that take up space and are not removed in standard ways. On the Mi 8, you can safely remove:

• 🎵 Mi Music and Mi Video – if you use YouTube Music or VLC.
• 📰 Mi Browser – if you prefer Chrome or Firefox.
• 📡 Mi Remote – if you do not use the remote for technology.
• 🎮 Game Turbo – if you don’t play mobile games.
• 📊 Analytics and Feedback – Xiaomi spy modules.

How to remove without Root:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (tap 7 times).
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable “Debugging by USB”.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and use the Android Debug Bridge (ADB):

adb shell


pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.videoplayer  # Mi Video




pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.player       # Mi Music




pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.browser   # Mi Browser

A complete list of commands for removing bloatwar can be found on XDA Developers (look for the theme “Mi 8 debloat”).

⚠️ Note: Do not remove system applications called com.android. or com.miui. unless you are sure of their purpose – this can lead to a bootloop ( looped reboot).

6. Reset to factory settings: when necessary

If after all the manipulations of the free space is less than 10%, and the phone slows down, it's time to do hard reset.

• 🗑️ System debris and fragmented files.
• 🔄 Residual data of remote applications.
• 🛠️ Damaged files causing the error "Memory is filled».

How to reset the Mi 8 to factory settings:

1. Back up important data (photos, contacts, SMS) through Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset.
2. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
3. Select “Erase all data” (not to be confused with “Reset Settings!”).
4. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot (it will take 5-10 minutes).

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

1. Turn off the device.
2. Press Volume Up + Power to enter Recovery.
3. Choose Wipe & Reset → Wipe All Data.
4. Confirm the reset and reset.

💡

Resetting to factory settings is the only way to fix the memory-filled error (0 bytes free) if it is caused by file system corruption.

7.Prevention: How to avoid memory filling in the future

To avoid clearing your memory every week, set up the Mi 8 to follow these rules:

• 📸 Turn off automatic media download in messengers: WhatsApp: Settings → Warehouse → Autoboot media → Choose "Never." Telegram: Settings → Data and memory → Autoboot media → disconnect for mobile network.
• 🎵 Limit the cache of music apps: Spotify: Settings → Warehouse → Cache size → Install 1 GB. Yandex Music: Settings → Memory of the device → Offline cash → 2GB.
• 🗑️ Set up automatic cleaning: Open "Security» → «Auto-cleaning» → Turn on and select "Daily».
• 📁 Use cloud storage: Google Photos (unlimited storage for compressed photos). Mi Cloud (5 GB free for Xiaomi owners).

For advanced users:

• 🛠️ Install Magisk and the Storage Redirect module – it redirects application data to the SD-map (requires Root).
• 📊 Use AppOps (Hidden Android Menu) to block apps from accessing storage: adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.Settings$AppOpsSummaryActivity

💡

If you often install APK-files, create a folder APK on SD-map and set the browser to download there by default, which will save space in the internal memory.

FAQ: Frequent questions about cleaning the memory Xiaomi Mi 8