How to Free Memory on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8: Step-by-step instructions and hidden features

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 is one of the most popular smartphones in the budget segment, but even its 64 or 128 GB of memory sooner or later ends. High-resolution photos, app cache, system updates and digital garbage take up precious gigabytes, and the phone begins to slow down. In this article, we will analyze 10 proven ways to free up memory, including hidden MIUI features that not everyone knows.

The Redmi Note 8 features microSD support of up to 256GB, but even with a memory card, internal storage quickly clogs. We will tell you how to properly port applications, clean the cache without harming the system, find and delete duplicate files, and optimize MIUI to free up memory automatically. All methods are tested on current versions of the firmware (including MIUI 14 based on Android 12).

1. Analysis of occupied memory: what exactly takes place?

Before you clean the memory, you need to know which files are taking up the memory. Redmi Note 8 has a built-in storage analyzer, but it's hidden in the depths of the settings.

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Memory.
2. Slip on the schedule "Busy" - a detailed report will open.
3. Click "More details" in the upper right corner.

The system will show the allocation of memory into categories: applications, images, video, audio, documents, etc. Note the “Other” section, which often hides temporary files, logs and remnants of deleted applications. If this partition takes up more than 5-10 GB, it must be cleared (more about this in the next section).

2. Clear cache and temporary files without harm to the system

App cache and system temporary files can take up to 15-20 GB on the Redmi Note 8, especially if there has been no cleanup in the past. Unlike a full reset, cleaning the cache does not delete personal data, but requires care.

Cleaning methods:

• 🧹 Through Settings: Settings → Annexes → App management. Select an app (e.g. YouTube or Facebook), click Storage» → «Clean the cache. For mass cleaning, use the "Clean All" button in the top menu.
• 🔄 Automatic Cleanup: Enable the feature in Settings → Memory. → Autocleaning: The system will delete unnecessary files once a week.
• 📱 Hidden cache MIUI: Go to Settings. → Additionally. → Cleaning (broom icon) You can delete residual files, error logs and unused files here. APK.

⚠️ Note: Do not clean the cache of system applications (e.g. com.android.systemui) manually through ADB This can lead to loss of functionality (notification icons disappear, gestures stop working).

Close all active applications

Make a backup copy of important data

Check the space available (should be ≥1 GB)

Do not clear the cache of banking applications (re-authorization may be required)-->

3. Transfer of applications and data to SD-map

The Redmi Note 8 supports microSD up to 256GB, but not all apps can be transferred to a memory card. MIUI allows you to move only some programs, and some (such as WhatsApp or Google Play Services) will remain in internal memory.

How to move applications:

1. Put it in. SD-map (class recommended) UHS-I U3 speed).
2. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
3. Select an app (such as Spotify or Netflix) → «Warehouse» → «Change» → «SD-map».
4. Confirm the transfer. The process can take 1-5 minutes.

Limitations:

• ❌ You can not migrate Google system applications and services.
• ❌ Some games, for example, PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact does not support portability.
• ⚠️ After the transfer, the application may run slower (depending on the speed). SD-map).

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If SD-The map is not defined, try formatting it into FAT32 The Redmi Note 8 also has a bug with exFAT cards - they may not read after the update. MIUI.

4. Removal of duplicate files and unnecessary media

Photos, screenshots and downloads from instant messengers are often duplicated, taking up extra gigabytes. Redmi Note 8 has a built-in tool for finding duplicates, but it is hidden:

1. Open the Files app (Folder icon).
2. Go to the Cleanup section (bottom of the screen).
3. Select “Duplicates of Files” or “Large Files”.
4. Look through the list and remove the unnecessary.

For deeper cleaning, use third-party applications:

• 📸 Google Files: Automatically finds duplicates, memes, screenshots and suggests removing them.

⚠️ Attention: Do not delete the folder DCIM/.thumbnails This is a manual preview for the gallery, and cleaning it will slow down the upload of photos the next time you open it.

5. MIUI Optimization: Hidden Functions to Save Memory

MIUI has a few hidden features that help to automatically free up memory, which are often overlooked, but they can save up to 3-5 GB:

• 🗃️ Memory compression: In Settings → Additionally. → Memory. → Settings enable the option “Squeeze memory when space is scarce».

Another useful trick is to disable the automatic download of media in messengers:

• On WhatsApp: Settings → Storage → Autoup Media → Disable for Mobile Data and Wi-Fi.
• In Telegram: Settings → Data and Memory → Autoboot Media → Select “Never”.

6. reset the partition cache (wipe cache partition) without loss of data

If the phone is slowing down a lot and the standard cache cleaning doesn't work, try resetting the partition cache, which deletes temporary system files but doesn't affect personal data.

1. Turn off the Redmi Note 8.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.
3. In the Recovery menu, select Wipe & Reset → Wipe Cache (control – volume buttons, confirmation – power button).
4. After cleaning, restart the phone (Reboot → System).

This procedure helps if:

• The phone is stuck on the logo after the update.
• Applications are spontaneously closed.
• Free memory is less than 1 GB, but the analyzer does not show large files.

⚠️ Warning: Don't confuse Wipe Cache with Wipe Data! The second option (full reset) will delete all your files, photos and settings.

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Resetting the partition cache is an ambulance for the system, do it every 3-6 months or after major MIUI updates.

7.Alternative methods: cloud storage and external drives

If the internal memory is full, and SD-No card, use cloud services or external drives:

• ☁️ Google Photos: Automatically uploads photos to the cloud and lets you delete them from your phone. turn on "Free space" in the app settings.
• 📤 Mi Cloud: In Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud Enable Photo and Contact Backup (GB 5 Free).

To work with OTG-drives on Redmi Note 8 may require:

• USB-C adapter → USB-A (costs ~200-300 rubles).
• USB 3.0 support drive (for transfer speed).
• USB OTG Checker app to check compatibility

8.Extreme measures: reset to factory settings

If nothing works, and there is a critically low amount of free memory (less than 500 MB), there is a complete reset.

• 📲 Make a backup copy through Settings → Additionally. → Backup.
• 🔐 Write down usernames/passwords from accounts (they will be saved if you used Mi Account).
• 📷 Transfer the photos to your computer or cloud.

Resetting instructions:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select “Erase all data”.
3. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot (it will take 5-10 minutes).

After discharge:

• ✅ The phone will be like new, with a free memory.
• ⚠️ You will have to re-configure accounts and install applications.
• 🔧 It is recommended to immediately disable automatic download of updates (Settings) → The phone. → Updating the system → Settings).

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Factory reset is the last chance, only use it if other methods fail and the phone is unstable.

FAQ: Frequent questions about memory release on Redmi Note 8