Cleaning Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro from garbage: 7 proven ways to return speed

Redmi 8 Pro

Xiaomi

system-waste

cash

4/64 GB

Snapdragon 450

Many users mistakenly believe that it is enough to periodically clean the cache of applications through settings - but this is only the tip of the iceberg.

1. System cache (including Dalvik-cache, which is not cleaned by standard means).

2. Residual files after uninstallation of programs (folders in the /data/data/ and /sdcard/Android/obb/).

3. Logs and dumps (.log,.dumpstate files generated by the system in case of failure).

4. Fragmented data in the section /data, slowing down reading/writing.

This article is not just a collection of tips, but a structured guide with specific features in mind. MIUI for Redmi 8 Pro (including current versions) MIUI 12/13/14). We will analyze methods from basic to advanced, evaluate their effectiveness and risks, and also tell you what actions can harm your device.

1.Diagnostics: how to know if the phone is full of garbage

Before you start cleaning, it’s important to confirm that the problem is in the garbage, not hardware malfunctions (such as wear and tear of flash memory).

  • πŸ“‰ Freeze when opening applications (even standard ones – Gallery, Settings).
  • πŸ”„ Self-reboots at low charge level (less than 15%).
  • πŸ“± Heating the case for no apparent reason (for example, when watching YouTube videos).
  • 🚫 Errors β€œNot enough memory” when installing applications, although there is free space.
  • πŸ”‹ Fast battery discharge (more than 10% per hour on standby mode).

To pinpoint the source of the problem, use the built-in tool. MIUI:

  1. Go to Settings. β†’ The phone. β†’ Status of the system.
  2. Check the Memory section: If less than 10% of the total volume is free, cleaning is required.
  3. Open the Settings. β†’ Annexes β†’ Application management and sort by cache size.

⚠️ Note: If you see a warning in the System Status section, "Memory is damaged," do not try to clean it manually - this may be a sign of wear on the eMMC chip. In this case, only replacing the motherboard will help.

For deep diagnostics, use third-party utilities like AccuBattery (battery wear check) or AIDA64 (Read/write memory speed test: If the write speed is below 50MB/s, this indirectly indicates fragmentation of data.

Basic cleaning: standard tools MIUI

Let’s start with methods that do not require the installation of third-party applications and are safe even for beginners. MIUI There are a few cleaning tools, but they often work superficially. Here's how to use them as efficiently as possible:

Clearing the application cache

  • 🧹 Go to Settings. β†’ Annexes β†’ Application management.
  • πŸ“Š Sort the list by cache size (tap on the filter icon in the upper right corner).
  • πŸ—‘οΈ For each cache-based application > 100MB press Clear Cache.
  • πŸ”„ Exception: Do not clear the Google Play Services cache and Google Play Services – this may disrupt your account.

Integrated cleaner (Security)

The Security app (or Security in the global version) has a Cleanup module, but by default it only deletes temporary files.

  1. Open Security. β†’ Cleanup.
  2. Slip on Deep Cleanup (confirmation via Mi Account may be required).
  3. Turn on the boxes opposite: πŸ—ƒοΈ Unnecessary APK-Files (remainders after updates). πŸ“„ Large files (sort by date – old files) >1 year can be removed). πŸ” Residual files (remote application folders).

Restriction: Built-in cleaner does not remove system cache (/cache) And Dalvik-cache, which requires root or ADB (let's take it down).

πŸ“Š How often do you clean your Xiaomi cache?
Once a week.
Once a month
Only when the phone is slowing down.
Never cleaned.

3. Manual garbage removal: hidden folders and files

Even after using the built-in tools, Redmi 8 Pro memory is left with gigabytes of unnecessary data, which can be manually deleted through the File Manager (or Total Commander with root rights), here are the exact paths and what to clean in them:

The way to the folderWhat can be removedRisks.
/sdcard/Android/obb/Game cache files (e.g. com.tencent.ig for PUBG Mobile).When you delete, you will have to download the data again the next time you start the game.
/sdcard/Android/data/Remote application folders (e.g. com.facebook.katana after Facebook uninstallation).Not unless you touch the folders of the current applications.
/sdcard/MIUI/Old themes (.mtz) and wallpaper (Wallpaper/).Removing the current theme can reset the design to standard.
/sdcard/Download/Files older than 6 months (especially.apk,.zip)Loss of access to saved documents if they are not backed up.
/sdcard/DCIM/.thumbnailsPhotos and videos (can be removed completely)No, the miniatures will be restored automatically.

How to safely remove:

  1. Use the Xiaomi File Manager (it shows the folder size).
  2. Before deleting, check the date of the change of files – if they are older than 3 months, they can be deleted.
  3. For application folders (/Android/data/) First, uninstall the application itself through Settings.

Backup of important data|Check the vacant space (should be available) >1GB)|Close all applications|Disable automatic synchronization (Google Photos, Contacts)-->

4. Advanced methods: ADB and hidden teams

If the standard methods didn’t help, it’s time to move on to tools for power users. ADB (Android Debug Bridge allows you to execute commands that are not available through the interface MIUI. Advantage: does not require root, but gives access to system partitions.

4.1 Cleaning Dalvik-cache through ADB

Dalvik-cache is an optimized version of the Android virtual machine applications. When updating or deleting programs, these files often remain and occupy up to three days. 1-2 GB. To clean them up:

  1. Install ADB on PC (instruction: official website).
  2. Connect Redmi 8 Pro to the USB, Turn on the debugging. USB (Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Version. MIUI β†’ 7 times tap to unlock Developer Settings).
  3. Enter the command line: adb shell su -c "rm -r /data/dalvik-cache/*" (If you don’t have root permissions, use pm clear for individual applications.)

4.2. Resetting section cache /cache

Section /cache It stores temporary update files and logs, and it can be cleaned without losing data:

adb shell


su -c "rm -r /cache/*"

Important: After this command, the phone can boot longer (up to 5 minutes) – this is normal, as the system restores the folder structure.

Removal of logs and dumps

System system MIUI He writes logs that take up hundreds of megabytes over time, and can be deleted by a team:

adb shell


su -c "find /data/ -name ".log" -o -name ".dumpstate" | xargs rm -f"

⚠️ Attention: If after completion ADB-commands the phone stopped loading (hang on the Redmi logo), don't panic. + Volume up 10 seconds to log into Recovery, then select Wipe Cache Partition.

πŸ’‘

Before work, ADB Create a backup copy through Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ Backup and reset β†’ Local backup. This will save your data even when it crashes.

5. Memory optimization: defragmentation and data transfer

The Redmi 8 Pro uses a memory like eMMC 5.1, which fragments over time, which is one of the main reasons for the slowdown. UFS, eMMC has no built-in optimization, so it requires manual intervention.

5.1. Defragmentation through ADB

For defragmentation of the section /data execute:

adb shell


su -c "fstrim -v /data"

Effect: Increased reading/write speed 15-30% (check-in AIDA64).

5.2. Transfer of annexes to SD-map

The Redmi 8 Pro supports microSD up to 512GB, but not all apps can be ported to maximize space:

  1. Put it in. SD-class A1/A2 (For example, SanDisk Ultra).
  2. Go to Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management.
  3. Select the application β†’ Warehouse β†’ Change. β†’ SD-map.

Critical information: When transferring to SD-The application card is running slower 20-40% Do not tolerate instant messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram) and games - this will worsen their performance.

Disable unnecessary system applications

MIUI It contains dozens of pre-installed apps that can’t be removed but can be disabled:

  • 🚫 Mi Video, Mi Music – if you use YouTube Music or Spotify.
  • 🚫 Browser – if you prefer Chrome or Firefox.
  • 🚫 Mi Pay – if you do not use Xiaomi Pay.

For disconnection: Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Application management β†’ Select an application β†’ Shut down.

πŸ’‘

Defragmentation via fstrim is the only way to return the original speed of the eMMC without replacing the chip.

6.Alternative methods: Custom Recovery and Magisk

If you are willing to take drastic measures, install Custom Recovery (e.g., a Custom Recovery, TWRP) And getting root rights will open access to deep cleaning. Warning: this will void the warranty and may lead to a blink if you make an error.

Installation TWRP Redmi 8 Pro

Firmware instruction TWRP:

  1. Unlock Bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool (Mi Account binding is required).
  2. Download. TWRP Redmi 8 Pro (codenamed Olivelite) from twrp.me.
  3. Fastboot: Fastboot Flash Recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img

6.2. Cleaning through TWRP

V TWRP Options that are not available in standard Recovery:

  • 🧹 Wipe β†’ Advanced Wipe β†’ Mark Dalvik / ART Cache, Cache, System (only if you have a questioning experience).
  • πŸ—ƒοΈ Mount β†’ Enable MTP β€” to access phone memory from PC and manually delete files.
  • πŸ”§ Repair or Change File System β†’ Resize System – if the partition /system damaged.

Warning: Do not choose Wipe Data without a backup – this will delete all user data, including photos and contacts.

Magisk modules for optimization

Once you get root, install these modules through Magisk:

  • πŸš€ Universal GMS Doze – Aggressive management of Google’s background processes.
  • πŸ—‘οΈ Systemless Hosts – system-level ad blocking (reduces traffic and load on the system) CPU).
  • πŸ”‹ Greenify – forced hibernation of unnecessary applications.

⚠️ Attention: Redmi 8 Pro with MIUI 12+ Magisk installation may disrupt Google Pay and banking applications (due to SafetyNet.

7. Prevention: how to prevent the accumulation of garbage

Cleaning is good, but it's even better to keep the phone from clogging. Here are 5 rules for the Redmi 8 Pro that will prolong its life:

  • πŸ“΅ Turn off the autoload of applications: Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Application management β†’ Auto-start β†’ Turn off for everyone except messengers.
  • πŸ”„ Update apps manually: Auto-update on Google Play caches. better update once a week via Wi-Fi.
  • πŸ“‚ Use cloud services: Move your photos to Google Photos (High Quality is free) and your documents to Mi Cloud or Dropbox.
  • πŸ›‘ Block Ads: Install AdGuard or Blokada – This will reduce the number of temporary files from ad networks.
  • πŸ”‹ Watch for battery health: Use AccuBattery to limit charge to 80% - this will reduce system load.

Hidden function MIUI: Enable Light Mode (Settings) β†’ Special facilities β†’ Light mode. It turns off animations and background processes, saving up to 20% charge and reducing memory load.

How to check the wear of flash memory?
Open up. AIDA64 β†’ Warehouse β†’ Health status: If the Reallocated Sector Count is greater than 10, the memory is worn out by 30% or more, in which case the garbage cleaning will have a temporary effect - get ready to replace the phone.

8. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Many users are trying to clean up the Redmi 8 Pro by doing things that only make things worse. TOP-3 errors and their consequences:

  1. Using Google Play cleaners: Apps like Clean Master or CCleaner don't help, but they also: Create additional background processes. Delete *.dex files, causing app crashes. Show false warnings about "critical errors." Solution: Remove all the β€œoptimizers” and use only the built-in tools MIUI.

Solution: Only reset if your phone is not turning on or infected with a virus.

Removal of systemic APK backup:

Delete files like MiuiSystemUI.apk or Framework-res.apk Root Explorer leads to the:

  • Bootloop (cyclical reset).
  • Poose. OTA-updates (the phone will no longer receive firmware "over the air").

The Golden Rule: If you're not sure of an action, don't do it. - Redmi 8 Pro is not the most productive phone, but with proper care it will last for more 2-3 year without critical brakes.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

❓ Can garbage be cleaned without losing data?
All methods in this article (except Wipe Data) TWRP) They retain user data, but before any manipulations ADB or root is recommended to back up through Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ Backup and reset.
❓ Why does the phone stop after cleaning the garbage?
Possible causes: πŸ”‹ Battery wear (check in AccuBattery - if health is good) < 70%, replace the battery). πŸ”₯ Overheating of the processor (use) CPU Monitor for diagnostics). πŸ› οΈ Damaged firmware (flash your phone through the Mi Flash Tool).
❓ How to Clean Dalvik Cache Without Root?
Without root, you can't completely clean Dalvik-cache, but you can reduce its size: Remove unnecessary applications. Update all remaining programs to the latest version. ADB: adb shell cmd package bg-dexopt-job (this forcefully optimizes Dalvik cache for background applications).
❓ Which apps are better not to clean?
Do not clear the cache and data for: πŸ“± Google Play Services (com.google.android.gms) – This will disrupt Google Account. πŸ”’ Mi Account (com.xiaomi.account) – You may lose access to the Xiaomi cloud. πŸ“ž Phone and Contacts – This will cause calls to crash.
❓ Should I install? MIUI publicity?
Firmware type MIUI EU Xiaomi.eu removes ads and unnecessary apps, but has disadvantages: ⚠️ No official support (updates may contain bugs). ⚠️ Google Pay and banking applications are affected (due to lack of SafetyNet certification). ⚠️ Possible problems with OTA-Recommendation: If you are annoyed by advertising, use Magisk + Xiaomi Debloater module on standard firmware.