Cleaning Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro: from cache to complete reset

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro is one of the most popular mid-range smartphones, but even it eventually starts to slow down. The reasons usually lie in clogged memory, overloaded cache or fragmented files. If your device is slowing down, spontaneously restarting or issuing errors “Not enough memory”, it’s time for a cleanup.

In this article, we will analyze all the ways to clean the Redmi Note 8 Pro - from the basic (removal of garbage and cache) to radical (reset to factory settings). MIUI, We'll also find out which apps to uninstall first, and how to clean Dalvik-cache properly without risking bricking your device.

1.Diagnostics: Why does the Redmi Note 8 Pro need to be cleaned?

Before you start cleaning, it's important to understand what exactly is slowing your smartphone.Redmi Note 8 Pro on a Mediatek Helio processor G90T It's not the most productive, but it gets worse over time. Here are the key "symptoms" that signal the need to clean:

• 📉 Fall FPS in games (e.g. in games) PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact at previously stable 60 frames.
• ⏳ Delays in opening a camera or gallery – photos are uploaded more 3-5 seconds.
• 🔄 Spontaneous reboots, especially when connecting to charging or running heavy applications.
• 📱 Notice "Memory is filled" with free 5-10 GB (the system reserves space for updates).

The main culprits are:

• 🗑️ System garbage: remnants of remote applications, temporary files.thumbnails (image sketches), error logs.
• 🧹 App cache: Facebook or TikTok can take up to 1-2 GB cache.
• 📦 Fragmented files: Frequent data write/delete on eMMC 5.1 (Not in Redmi Note 8 Pro) UFS) slow down.
• 🦠 Background processes: Autoload messengers, optimizers and games (for example, Mi Video or Game Turbo).

🔍 How to check memory status? Go to Settings → The phone. → Memory: If the System Data section is more occupied 10-15 GB is time to clean. Also note the RAM Usage Graph: If less free 500 MB when idle, background processes overload the system.

2. Cleaning up cache and debris without data loss

Start with the safest method, which is to delete temporary files, and it won’t affect your photos, contacts, or messages, but it will free up the time to file. 3-5 GB space.

Clearing the application cache

Cache speeds up programs, but it grows to giant sizes over time, for example, Google Play Services can take up to 1 GB of cache.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the top right corner and select "Sort by size."
3. Select an app (such as Chrome or Instagram) → Storage → Clear cache.

⚠️ Warning: Do not clear cache for Miui System, Android System or Google Play Market – this can cause app store malfunctions.

Disposal of garbage through “Safety”

MIUI has a built-in cleaning tool:

1. Launch the Security app (shield icon).
2. Select Cleanup. → Deep cleaning.
3. Check all items (except “Downloads” if there are files) and click “Clean”.

💡 Hidden function: In the same section, there is the Auto Clean tab. Enable it and set up a schedule (e.g., clean every 3 days at 3:00 a.m.) This will prevent garbage from accumulating.

Backup your contacts (via Google Account)

Save important files to your PC or cloud

Write down Wi-Fi passwords (in Settings → Wi-Fi → Save Networks)

Check the vacant space (should be available) ≥10% of the total)-->

Manual deletion of unnecessary files

Some folders can be manually cleaned through a file manager (e.g., Mi File Manager):

• 📁 /storage/emulated/0/DCIM/.thumbnails — Photos (can be removed completely).
• 📁 /storage/emulated/0/Download — download from the browser (check for important documents).
• 📁 /storage/emulated/0/Android/data — cache of games (e.g. com.tencent.ig for PUBG Mobile).

⚠️ Attention: Do not delete folders Android/obb — It stores game data (such as Genshin Impact graphics packages) and deleting it will require re-uploading several gigabytes.

Storage optimization: what can be removed without risk?

Even after cleaning the cache, the memory can remain full. Consider which files and applications can be safely deleted.

Integrated annexes MIUI, shutdown

Xiaomi preinstalles a lot of services that most users don’t need, which can’t be completely removed (without root rights), but you can disable:

How to disable: Settings → Annexes → Application management → select the application → Shut down.

3.2. Removal of duplicates and unnecessary media files

Photos and videos take up the lion's share of memory. Use built-in tools. MIUI:

1. Open the gallery. → three-point → Management → Search for duplicates.
2. The app will automatically find the duplicates. Select the ones you don't need and delete them.

💡 Use Files by Google (available in the Play Market) to find large files. >500MB and high-resolution photos that can be compressed.

Transfer of data to a memory card

Redmi Note 8 Pro supports microSD up to 512 GB.

• 📸 Photos and videos (via Gallery) → Select → Move over).
• 🎵 Music (in Mi Music or through file manager).
• 🎮 Data from some games (for example, Minecraft allows you to save worlds on the game). SD).

⚠️ Note: Do not transfer applications to SD through settings → Applications – This will slow them down due to low microSD read speeds (even class speeds). A1).

💡

Before perenosom files to the memory card format it in exFAT format via PC – this will allow you to store files larger than 4 GB (for example, video in the memory card). 4K).

4.Deep cleaning: reset partition cache and Dalvik-cache

If standard methods didn’t work, it’s time for more drastic measures: Wipe Cache Partition reset and Dalvik-cache cleanup won’t delete your data, but require you to enter Recovery Mode.

How to Sign in to Recovery Mode on Redmi Note 8 Pro

Sequence of action:

1. Turn off your smartphone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up 5-10 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you will see a menu in Chinese (or English if you have previously changed the language).

🔄 If you don’t: Try the combination of food. + Loudness up + Loudness down (on some firmware).

4.2 Cleaning of Cache Partition

On the Recovery menu:

1. Select Wipe & Reset (use volume buttons for navigation, power button for confirmation).
2. Next up is Wipe Cache.
3. Confirm the action and wait for the completion (it will take 1-2 minutes).
4. Reboot the device (Reboot).

✅ Effect: After cleaning the partition cache, the smartphone will boot longer (until the end of the day) 5-7 It's okay. It'll just disappear when you open apps.

4.3 Dalvik-cache cleaning (for advanced)

Dalvik-cache is an Android virtual machine cache that speeds up the launch of applications. Cleaning it up is useful if you install/remove programs often.

🔧 Instructions:

1. Enter Recovery Mode (as in 4.1).
2. Choose Advanced → Wipe Dalvik Cache.
3. Confirm and restart the device.

Once you clean Dalvik-cache, the first run of each application will be slower (the system recollects cache). Don't be alarmed - it's temporary.

5. Complete reset (Hard Reset)

If all previous methods fail, you will have to reset completely to factory settings, which will delete all data, including apps, photos and accounts, so make sure to back up.

Preparation for discharge

What to keep:

• 📱 Contacts: sync with Google Account (Settings → Accounts → Google → Contact Sync).
• 📷 Photos: upload to Google Photos or copy to PC.
• 🔑 Wi-Fi passwords: Write down or take a picture of the network list (Settings) → Wi-Fi → Save networks).
• 🎮 Save Games: Use cloud services (e.g. Google Play Games for the purpose of using the cloud) PUBG Mobile).

5.2 Ways to perform Hard Reset

There are two methods:

1. Through Settings: Open Settings → The phone. → Setting reset. Select Erase all data (reset to factory) enter the password (if installed) and confirm.
2. Through Recovery Mode: Log in to Recovery (as in 4.1). → Wipe All Data. Confirm and wait until it's done.

⚠️ Note: After resetting the Redmi Note 8 Pro, you will need to enter your Mi Account data if you previously enabled Find Device (anti-theft) without a password, you will not be able to unlock the device!

Recovery after discharge

After the reboot:

1. Connect to Wi-Fi and log in to Google Account to restore contacts and apps.
2. Install Google Photos to upload backup photos.
3. Don’t install all apps at once – do it gradually to avoid overheating.

💡

Complete reset is a last resort if the lags are caused by physical wear and tear of the eMMC (e.g. after the end of the day). 3-4 years of use, even Hard Reset won't bring back performance, so consider replacing the drive at the service center.

6. Alternative methods: root rights and custom firmware

If you're willing to take risks, you can try rooting or custom firmware installation (e.g., Pixel Experience) that will give you access to:

• 🧹 Complete cleaning of system folders (for example, /data/local/tmp).
• 🚀 Optimize the CPU core to improve performance.
• 🗑️ Removing Xiaomi’s built-in apps (debloating).

⚠️ Risks:

• 🔴 Loss of warranty (if the device is under warranty).
• 🔴 The ability to “brick” the smartphone with a firmware error.
• 🔴 Problems with Google Pay and banking apps (due to SafetyNet).

🔧 Instructions for obtaining root (briefly):

1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi website (Mi Account binding is required).
2. Install TWRP Recovery via fastboot:

fastboot flash recovery twrp.img


fastboot boot twrp.img

1. In TWRP, you can use Magisk to obtain root rights.

📌 Important: Use the Redmi Note 8 Pro TWRP 3.5.2 or later.Older versions may not support Mediatek Helio G90T.

7. Prevention: how to prevent memory clogging?

So you don’t have to clean every single time. 2-3 month, follow the simple rules:

• 📵 Limit background activity: In Settings → Battery. → Power management applications disable auto-start for unnecessary programs.
• 🗃️ Clean the cache regularly: Set up automatic cleaning in the Security app (once a week).
• 🚫 Avoid “optimizers”: Apps like Clean Master or CCleaner often become a source of garbage.
• 🔄 Update the firmware: In new versions MIUI Optimized memory. Check for updates in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

📊 Optimal memory occupancy: Try to keep it free at least 10-15% from the total volume (e.g, 8-12 GB 128 This will prevent fragmentation and slowing of the eMMC.

FAQ: Frequent questions about cleaning Redmi Note 8 Pro