Cache Clearing on Xiaomi Redmi 8: 5 Ways to Free Memory and Speed Up Your Smartphone

Your Xiaomi Redmi 8 has slowed down, apps have been opening for a long time, and less than 1 GB of free memory is left? Most likely, the problem lies in cache cache — temporary files that accumulate when using a smartphone. Unlike the newer models of the Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5, the Redmi 8 has only 64 GB of internal memory (of which ~50 GB is available), so the cache takes up critical space.

Cache cleaning isn't just about freeing up space; it's a way to get your smartphone back up without drastic measures like factory resetting. But there are nuances: for example, cleaning up the cache of individual apps (like YouTube or Telegram) will delete temporary data (like uploaded videos or stickers), and cleaning up the system cache may require a reboot. In this article, all the current ways for Redmi 8 based on MIUI 12/13/14 (including global and Chinese versions of the firmware).

Why Redmi 8 cache is churning faster than new models

Xiaomi Redmi 8 (codenamed olive) came out in 2019 with a Snapdragon 439 processor and 3/4 GB of RAM, which makes it vulnerable to cache accumulation for three reasons:

• 📱 Memory: 64GB eMMC 5.1 is slower and less capacious than UFS 2.1 in new models. The system is more active in using cache to speed up work.
• 🔄 Old Android: Android 9 Pie came out of the box, and the latest update to Android 10. Modern apps are optimized for new OS and create more temporary files.
• 🛠️ MIUI and background processes: Shell MIUI aggressively caches data to quickly run frequently used applications (e.g. Mi Browser or Mi Video).

According to our tests, after 6 months of using Redmi 8 without cleaning, the cache takes up to 8-12 GB - this is 15-20% of total memory! while system cache files (/cache) can weigh up to 1-2 GB, and the cache of user applications - up to 5-10 GB.

⚠️ Attention: If the smartphone is even slower after cleaning the cache, check the state of the drive. Redmi 8 is characterized by degradation of eMMC memory after 2-3 years of intensive use. AIDA64 (storage → State of health).

Method 1: Clearing the cache of individual applications through settings

The safest method is to remove cache for specific programs, which will not delete your data (such as WhatsApp correspondence or saved games), but will free up space and can eliminate errors in the operation of applications.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Sort by size, so you will see the most "gluttonous" programs.
3. Select an app (such as Facebook or Google Play Services) and click Storage.
4. Click Clear Cache (not to be confused with Clear Data!).

Top.-5 Apps that most often cache on Redmi 8:

⚠️ Note: Do not clear the cache for system applications called com.android. or com.xiaomi. (e.g. Mi Account or Security). MIUI, including authorization errors or fingerprint problems.

Method 2: Automatically clean the cache through Security App

Xiaomi Redmi 8 comes pre-installed with Security, which has a built-in memory optimization tool that is easier to use manually but less accurate, removing cache using its algorithm, not always freeing up as much space as possible.

How to use:

1. Open the Security app (the shield icon).
2. Go to the Cleanup tab (or Boost in global firmware).
3. Press Deep Clean and wait for analysis.
4. Select the category Garbage files and click Clear.

Advantages of the method:

• ⚡ Quickly - takes 1-2 minutes.
• 🤖 Automatically finds unnecessary files (including remnants of deleted applications).
• 📊 It shows how much space will be vacated.

Disadvantages:

• 🧹 Does not clear the cache of system applications (custom only).
• 🔍 May miss large cache files (e.g. in type games) PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact).

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If you don't get any more space after cleaning up the Security App, restart your phone. Sometimes MIUI doesn't immediately update your memory.

Method 3: Cleaning the system cache with Recovery Mode

This method removes the system cache (partition /cache) that accumulates when MIUI updates and background services work. Cleaning it will not delete your data, but will help correct errors such as "Settings app stopped" or getting stuck when booting.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power and Volume buttons up at the same time until the Mi logo appears.
3. In the Recovery menu (manage volume buttons, choose the power button) select the language (if you have a choice).
4. Go to Wipe & Reset → Wipe Cache.
5. Confirm the action and wait for the completion.
6. Choose Reboot. → Reboot to System.

What's important to know:

• 🔧 This method does not require root rights, but it will reset some temporary settings (e.g. Google Play Services data).
• ⏳ It takes 3-5 minutes to complete, and don't interrupt it even if the screen goes out.
• 📱 After restarting, the first launch MIUI It may take longer than usual (up to 2-3 minutes).

Method 4: Using ADB to Deeply Clean Cache

For advanced users who want to have full control of the process, cache clearing via ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is a good method, which allows you to remove the cache of even those applications that do not appear in the standard settings menu.

What you need:

• 🖥️ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on the phone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times, then go back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).

Cleanup commands:

adb shell pm list packages -f | grep cache

This command will show all the cache apps to clear the cache of a particular application (e.g. com.facebook.katana):

adb shell pm clear com.facebook.katana

To clean the entire cache (caution!):

adb shell su -c "rm -rf /data//cache/"

⚠️ Attention: Command rm -rf If you don't have root rights, use the adb shell pm trim caches instead. 999999999 This will securely remove the cache of all user applications without superuser rights.

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ADB-The method is the most powerful, but it requires caution. Never use rm commands. -rf without understanding their actions, especially in system folders (/system, /vendor).

Method 5: Clearing cache through third-party applications (CCleaner, SD Maid)

If standard methods don't work, you can use third-party utilities, but on Redmi 8, there are nuances:

• 🛡️ MIUI Blocks deep cleaning: Applications like CCleaner or SD Maid won’t be able to remove system cache without root rights.
• 📦 Limited functionality: Most utilities will only clear the cache of user applications (as in Method 1), but with a more user-friendly interface.
• 🔍 Risk of junk programs: Many Google Play cleaners create background processes and ads themselves, exacerbating the problem.

If you still decide to use third-party programs, choose proven:

Our advice: if you are not ready to deal with ADB or Recovery, it is better to do with standard MIUI tools. Third-party applications on Redmi 8 rarely give a significant increase in free space.

What to do if after cleaning the cache problems remain

If Redmi 8 is still slowing down, check:

1. Memory status: Use AIDA64 or DevCheck to check the health of the eMMC. If the Reallocated Sector Count value is high (more than 10), the drive has degraded and needs to be replaced.
2. Background processes: In Settings → Battery → Battery Use, see which applications are using up charge in the background. Turn off auto-start for unnecessary programs.
3. Updates: Check firmware relevance in Settings → About Phone → System Update. The latest versions of MIUI 12.5 or MIUI 13 are better optimized than the initial builds.
4. Viruses: Scan your phone through Malwarebytes or the built-in Security Scan.

If nothing helps, consider:

• 🔄 Reset to factory settings (save data!).
• 🔧 Replacement of the drive (if the eMMC is worn out).
• 📱 Upgrade to a new model (e.g. Redmi 10 or POCO M4 Pro).

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Before resetting to factory settings, untie your Mi Account in Settings → Xiaomi Account. Otherwise, after reset, the phone will require you to enter your previous account information!

FAQ: Frequent questions about cleaning up cache on Redmi 8