Cache cleanup on Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro 128GB: all ways + hidden nuances

Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro with 128 GB of memory is a reliable smartphone, but even it eventually begins to “slow down” due to crowded cache. If your device becomes slower to respond to commands, applications load for a long time, and free space melts before your eyes — the problem lies in the accumulated temporary files. Cache speeds up the re-run of programs, but its excess leads to the opposite effect.

In this article, we will look at all the ways to clean up cache on Redmi 8 Pro, from standard MIUI tools to hidden features for power users. You will learn how to safely delete unnecessary data without resetting to factory settings, which files can be touched and which are better left, and pay special attention to the specifics of the model with 128 GB of memory, where the cache can take up tens of gigabytes without the user being aware.

Why is the cache on the Redmi 8 Pro 128GB piling up so fast?

Smartphone with bulk memory is not a guarantee of no problems. On the Redmi 8 Pro, cache accumulates more actively than on budget models, because:

• 🎮 Snapdragon 665 game processor – powerful chipset generates more temporary files to speed up 3D-Games (Call of Duty, PUBG, Genshin Impact).
• 📸 Four-chamber module 48 MP - processing RAW-photo and video 4K Creates gigabytes of service data in a folder DCIM/.thumbnails.
• 🤖 MIUI With an abundance of background processes – the system caches even weather widgets and news feeds that you do not open.
• 📱 128 GB of memory – users are less likely to follow the cleaning, believing that there is enough space “for centuries».

According to our tests, for 6 months of active use, the cache on the Redmi 8 Pro can take from 8 to 25 GB - this is at least 5,000 high-resolution photos! At the same time, the system does not always correctly display the cache volume in standard settings, hiding some of the data in service sections.

Cache types on Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro: what can be deleted and what can not be removed

Not all cache is equally useful (or harmful). On Redmi 8 Pro, there are 4 types of temporary files, and cleaning them has different effects:

A critical mistake many users make: they only clear the app cache through settings, ignoring Dalvik and the system cache. On Redmi 8 Pro, this leads to the lags returning after a week. To completely clean, you need to combine methods — more about this in the next sections.

⚠️ Note: Do not manually delete files from the folder /data/app — These are not cache, they're installed applications, and if you clean them up, they'll delete the software!

Method 1: Clearing the application cache through MIUI settings

The safest method, which does not require root rights, is suitable for beginners and allows you to delete temporary files of individual programs.

Instructions:

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 (like YouTube or Facebook) and click Clear Cache.
4. For mass cleaning, use the Clean All button (available in MIUI 12+).

On the Redmi 8 Pro, this method releases an average of 1-3 GB, but has limitations:

• ❌ Does not clean the system cache and Dalvik.
• ❌ Does not remove the cache of pre-installed apps (such as Mi Video or Mi Browser).
• ❌ Does not affect hidden folders with media cache.

Close all active applications

Connect your phone to charge (the process can take 10-15 minutes)

Backup important data (in case of failure)

Check the vacant space before and after cleaning-->

Method 2: Deep Cleaning with Recovery Mode (for the experienced)

This method removes Dalvik cache and system cache that are not available through standard settings.This is suitable if the Redmi 8 Pro has started to slow down a lot, but you do not want to reset the settings.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off your smartphone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.
3. From the Recovery menu, select Wipe & Reset → Wipe Cache (use volume buttons for navigation, power for confirmation).
4. Select Wipe Dalvik Cache (if you have one).
5. Reboot the phone (Reboot) → Reboot to System).

The first run after cleaning will take 3-5 minutes, which is normal, since the system restores the Dalvik cache.

• 🚀 Acceleration of work MIUI 20 to 30%.
• 📉 Release of up to 500 MB-1 GB of space.
• 🔄 Correction of errors such as “The application has stopped».

⚠️ Warning: Don't confuse Wipe Cache with Wipe Data! The second option will reset your phone to factory settings and delete all your data.

Method 3: Removal of hidden media cache (photo, video, thumbnails)

The DCIM/.thumbnails folder on Redmi 8 Pro can weigh up to 10GB — these are thumbnails for fast gallery loading. These can be safely removed, but the gallery will take longer to form previews the next time it opens.

How to clean:

1. Connect your phone to your PC or use a file manager (such as Mi File Manager).
2. Go to the Inner Memory → DCIM →.thumbnails.
3. Delete all files in this folder (they have the extension.thumbdata3 or.thumbdata4).
4. Similarly, clean the.face folder (stores facial recognition data in the photo).

To automate the process, use the SD Maid app (requires root permissions for complete cleanup) and it will find all hidden cache folders, including:

• 📁 /data/media/0/Android/data — game-cash (PUBG, Free Fire).
• 📁 /data/media/0/WhastApp/Media — messenger miniature.
• 📁 /data/media/0/.estrongs — temporary file managers.

💡

After cleaning the media cache, restart the phone and open the gallery. Wait for it to recreate the thumbnails (may take 5-10 minutes).

Method 4: Automatic cleaning with built-in MIUI tools

Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro has a built-in utility, Optimization, which analyzes the cache and suggests clearing it. However, it does not work perfectly - it often skips large files.

How to use:

1. Open Settings → Optimization (a shield icon).
2. Press Cleanup and wait for the scan.
3. Select Deep Clean and confirm removal.
4. In the Files section, check the "Big Files" and "Dublicates" folders.

Weaknesses of the method:

• ❌ Does not clear Dalvik cache.
• ❌ Often ignores the cache of system applications (Mi Security, Mi Cloud).
• ❌ Can delete useful files (such as downloads from the browser) if you do not manually check the boxes.

For more accurate work, disable the “Automatic Cleanup” option in the utility settings – it often deletes data in the background without your knowledge.

💡

Built-in MIUI optimization is useful for quick cleaning, but it doesn't replace manual methods. Use it as a complement to other methods.

What if Redmi 8 Pro started to work worse after cleaning the cache?

In rare cases, after mass cleaning of the cache, users are faced with:

• 🐢 Slowing down the launch of applications (the system recreates the cache).
• 🔄 Spontaneous reboots (if an important system cache is removed).
• 📱 Disappearance of widgets (widget cache is also cleared).

Decisions:

1. Wait 24 hours and the system will restore the necessary files.
2. Restart your phone in Safe Mode (clip Power, then hold off Power Disconnect until the option appears).
3. Restore the cache of individual applications:

adb shell pm clear --user 0 name packet


adb shell cmd package compile -m speed -f name packet

For Redmi 8 Pro, it is critical not to touch the cache of system services:

• 🚫 com.miui.home (launcher).
• 🚫 com.android.systemui (system interface).
• 🚫 com.miui.securitycenter (security).

FAQ: Frequent questions about cleaning cache on Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro