Cleaning up system memory on Xiaomi Redmi 8: the complete guide

Xiaomi Redmi 8 is a budget smartphone with 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of internal memory, but even such modest specs can be optimized. Over time, any phone begins to “brake”: applications open for a long time, the system hangs, and free space melts before your eyes, the reason most often lies in clogged system memory, which is occupied by cache, temporary files and background processes.

In this article, you will find 7 proven ways to clean up memory on Redmi 8, from basic (hand-held garbage removal) to radical (reset to factory settings), we will analyze which files can be deleted without risk and which should not be touched so as not to disrupt the system, and you will learn how to prevent re-clogging of memory with built-in MIUI tools.

All methods are tested on MIUI 11-14 firmware and are relevant for Redmi 8/8A/8A Dual models. If your phone is running on an older version, update the software before cleaning (instruction at the end of the article).

1. Cleaning the application cache and system

Cache is a temporary file that creates applications to speed up their work, accumulates over time and takes up gigabytes of memory. On Redmi 8, the cache can be cleared in two ways: for individual applications or for the entire system at once.

To remove the cache of a particular application:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the app you want (like YouTube or Facebook).
3. Press Warehouse. → Clear the cache.

To completely clean the system cache:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Warehouse.
• 🧹 Tap on the item Clean in the section "Cash».
• ⚡ Confirm the action – this will remove the cache of all applications except system.

⚠️ Warning: Do not confuse Clear Cache with Clear Data! The second option deletes not only temporary files, but also application settings (for example, logins in instant messengers). Cache can be cleaned even daily, and data - only when absolutely necessary.

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After clearing the cache, some applications (such as maps or social networks) can load longer on the first run, which is normal – they recover the necessary data.

2. Delete unnecessary files and “junk”

Redmi 8 system memory is clogged not only with cache, but also:

• 📁 Downloads (photos, documents, APK-file).
• 🗑️ Recycle Bin (deleted files are stored there for 30 days).
• 🎵 Offline music and podcasts.
• 📱 Duplicate photos (created during editing).

How to find and remove this garbage:

1. Open the Files app (the folder icon on the home screen).
2. Go to the Cleanup section (in the lower menu).
3. The system will automatically scan the phone and show you the categories of files that can be deleted.
4. Select unnecessary files (such as Large Files or Unused APKs) and click Clear.

For manual check:

• 🔍 Go to the files. → Categories → Download and delete old files.
• 🗑️ Clear the basket: Files → Basket → Clean up.
• 📸 Check duplicate photos in the Gallery (Albums section) → Duplicate).

3. Disabling and removing unnecessary applications

Redmi 8 has a lot of MIUI system applications that can’t be removed by standard means, but can be disabled or removed with ADB (advanced users).

Method 1: Disabling applications

• 📱 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
• 🔍 Select an unnecessary app (such as Mi Video or Mi Music).
• 🚫 Click Disable (if the button is active).

Method 2: Remove system applications via ADB (power users only!)

⚠️ Warning: Removing system applications may lead to unstable firmware or update errors MIUI. Before experimenting, create a backup copy!

4. Data transfer to memory card

Xiaomi Redmi 8 supports microSD cards up to 512 GB, which allows you to offload internal memory. However, not all data can be transferred - for example, system applications always remain in internal storage.

How to transfer files to a memory card:

• 📁 Open Files and select a category (such as Images or Videos).
• 📋 Select the files you want to transfer.
• 🔄 Press More. → Move over → Memory map.

How to make a memory card the main storage (for applications):

1. Insert microSD into your phone.
2. When a notification appears, select Use as internal memory.
3. ⚠️ The phone will format the card (all data will be deleted!).
4. After formatting, go to Settings → Storage → Data Transfer.

⚠️ Note: If you use a memory card as an internal memory card, it cannot be retrieved without losing data, and the speed of applications from the card will be lower than from internal memory.

Make sure your memory card is formatted in FAT32/exFAT

Create a backup copy of important files

Check the free space on the map (minimum 10 GB)

Turn off the phone from charging during transfer-->

5 Cleaning with the built-in Optimizer

MIUI has a built-in Security tool that automatically finds and deletes unnecessary files, and can also close background processes, saving RAM.

How to start optimization:

1. Open the Security app (shield icon).
2. Click Optimize in the main menu.
3. Wait for the scan and press Clean.
4. For deep cleaning, go to Deep Cleaning → Start.

What the optimizer removes:

• 🗑️ Temporary files and cache.
• 📥 Unused. APK (leftovers after application installation).
• 📊 Log files (log files).
• 👤 Residual data of remote applications.

⚠️ Warning: Deep Cleanup can delete data from certain games (e.g., save in the game). PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact.Close all games before launching and check if they support cloud-based saves.

6. Reset to factory settings (last resort)

If the phone is slowing down a lot and the memory is so clogged that previous methods don't work, it'll leave you with a complete reset, which will delete all the data, including apps, photos and settings, so back up first.

How to reset Redmi 8 to factory settings:

1. Create a backup copy: 📱 Go to Settings. → The phone. → Backup. 💾 Select Local Backup and save data to a memory card or to the Mi Cloud.
2. Launch the reset: 🔄 Go to Settings. → Additionally. → Recovery and discharge. 🧹 Select Settings Reset. ✅ Confirm the action and wait for the reboot (it will take 5-10 minutes).

Once reset, the phone will return to the "out of the box" state, but the firmware will remain the current version, and if memory problems were caused by viruses or system damage, resetting will help to fix them.

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Factory reset is the only way to completely remove viruses and system debris, but it erases all user data. Use it only if other methods have failed.

7.Preventing future memory clogging

To prevent memory from getting clogged too quickly on Redmi 8, follow these tips:

• 📵 Limit the background activity of applications: Go to Settings → Battery → Power Saving Mode: Enable Background Limitation for Unnecessary Applications.
• 🚫 Turn off autoload media in messengers: WhatsApp: Settings → Warehouse → Autoload media (select Wi-Fi Only or Never). Telegram: Settings → Data and memory → Autoboot media.
• 🔄 Clean the cache regularly: use the scheduler in Security (Optimization) → Settings → Planner).
• 📥 Delete. APK After installation: files with the.apk extension remain in the Downloads folder and take up space.

It’s also worth turning off automatic downloads for games (like Google Play or AppGallery) as they can weigh several gigabytes.

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If you frequently install applications from unknown sources, use an antivirus (like Dr.Web or the built-in scanner in MIUI Security) that can not only steal data, but also clog memory with unnecessary processes.

FAQ: Frequent questions about memory cleaning on Xiaomi Redmi 8