Smartphone Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro, released in 2018, is still a popular device due to the high-quality AMOLED-But over time, even these powerful devices start to work slower, and the internal memory is filled with junk files. The main reason for the decrease in performance is often the overgrown cache of applications and system temporary data that accumulate during operation.
In Android, which runs the MIUI shell, caching is an important mechanism for speeding up program launches. But when the amount of data becomes excessive, it conflicts with each other, causing interface lags and software errors. Regularly cleaning the cache is a necessary maintenance procedure that helps return the device to its former sharpness.
In this article, we will take a look at all the available methods for deleting temporary files, from standard system tools to advanced methods through the recovery menu, learn how to distinguish useful data from digital garbage and understand how to safely free up gigabytes of space on your Mi 8 Pro without losing personal information.
What is cache and why does it take up memory?
Cache is a buffer memory that stores temporary files that are necessary for programs to run quickly. When you launch an application for the first time, it downloads resources from the Internet or internal memory, which takes time. When you restart Android takes data from the cache, which happens instantly, but over time, the size of these files can grow to inadequate values.
The MIUI shell features aggressive telemetry collection and log retention, which also applies to cached data. The user often fails to notice how system services take up hundreds of megabytes. If you do not maintain, the space in the Memory section quickly runs out, which leads to the inability to install updates or new programs.
It is important to understand the difference between app data and its cache. Deleting the cache is secure and does not erase your logins, passwords or game progress. At the same time, cleaning the data will return the application to state immediately after installation. For the Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro with its limited internal memory (64 or 128 GB), cache control is critical.
- 🚀 Accelerate the launch of heavy apps and games by removing conflicting temporary files.
- 💾 Freeing up useful space for photos, videos and new programs.
- 🔋 Reducing the load on the processor, which indirectly affects battery life.
Cleaning the cache through the standard Security app
The easiest and safest way to remove debris on the Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro is to use the built-in system tool. MIUI shell comes pre-installed with the Security app, which has a green icon with a shield. This tool automatically scans the system for temporary files, remnants of remote programs and advertising debris.
To start the procedure, you need to open the application and click on the large Cleanup button, and the system will quickly analyze and suggest removing files marked as "Junk." Unlike third-party utilities, the system scanner has access to protected MIUI sections and can delete the cache of system services that is not available to ordinary cleaners.
⚠️ Attention: The Security app often features advertisements for third-party games or apps. Be careful when you press buttons so you don't accidentally install unnecessary software instead of cleaning.
After the initial cleanup, you should go to Deep Cleanup, where you can remove large files, duplicate photos, and unused applications, a more radical method that requires manual verification, as you can accidentally delete important documents if you don't look at the file path.
☑️ Quick cleaning algorithm
Manually cleaning the cache of specific applications
Sometimes the problem is not with the system as a whole, but with one particular application that mismanages its temporary files. Social networks, instant messengers and browsers on the Mi 8 Pro tend to accumulate gigabytes of cache (especially Telegram and YouTube), and to solve the problem, you need to act point-by-point through the system settings.
Go to the Settings menu, then select the App and click All Apps. In the list that opens, find the problem program. Inside the app menu, you are interested in the Memory or Storage section. Here you will see two buttons: Clear cache and Clear (or "Reset").
Click Clear Cache, which will delete temporary files, thumbnails and saved pages, but save your accounts. If you click Clear, the app will completely delete all information, including correspondence and authorization, which will require reconfiguration.
| Type of data | What's removed | Impact on the account | Recommended frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cash. | Temporary files, thumbnails | No (remains in the system) | Every 1-2 weeks |
| Data data | All information, logins, settings | Full logout from the account | Only when it fails. |
| Removal | The application itself and all files | Re-installation required | If necessary, |
Why does the Telegram cache take up so much space?
Using the Recovery Menu to Clean Up Completely
If the smartphone is unstable, hangs on the logo or standard methods do not help, you can use Recovery mode. This is an Android service boot mode that allows you to perform low-level operations. On the Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro, this mode is entered by a combination of buttons when the device is turned off.
To enter, you need to turn off your smartphone completely. Then press the Volume Down button and the Power button at the same time. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, then release the power button, but continue to keep the volume up until the Recovery menu appears (usually black with orange or blue elements, depending on the version).
In the menu, the navigation is done with volume buttons (up/down), and the choice is confirmed by the power button. You need to find the Wipe Data item, then choose Wipe Cache. Note: do not confuse with Wipe All Data, as this will lead to a complete reset of the phone to factory settings with the loss of all files.
⚠️ Note: Recovery menus may be in English. Be very careful when selecting items. "Wipe Cache" is secure, and "Wipe Data" deletes all personal files.
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If the buttons on the screen do not respond, try connecting the phone to the computer through the phone. USB-On some versions of Recovery, this activates touchscreen control.
Third-party utilities for deep cleaning
When MIUI is not enough, Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro users often turn to third-party solutions. Popular applications like CCleaner, Files by Google or SD Maid are able to find hidden remnants of remote programs and empty folders that the system analyzer ignores.
However, installing these programs has its own risks: many cleaners consume battery resources and display intrusive advertising, and they require extensive permissions to access the file system, and for one-time deep cleaning, it is better to use Portable versions or time-tested tools without background services.
An effective method is also to use a file manager with access to hidden folders, and by enabling the display of hidden files (usually in the Explorer settings), you can manually delete the contents of /Android/data and /Android/obb folders related to games already deleted, but only for experienced users who know the names of the deleted packages.
- 📁 Files by Google – the official application, safe and effective for finding duplicates.
- 🧹 SD Maid is a powerful tool for advanced users, can clean the “body” of remote applications.
- 🚫 CCleaner is a popular utility, but requires caution due to the abundance of advertising in the free version.
Preventing and optimizing the Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro
Regular maintenance is more important than one-time cleanings. To keep the Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro running fast for a long time, it is recommended not to fill the internal memory completely. When more than 90% of the storage is filled, the speed of the flash memory drops, and the system starts to work slower regardless of the cache volume.
You should also disable automatic saving of media files in instant messengers, if this is not urgently necessary. Set up cloud services (Google Photos, Mi Cloud) to automatically upload photos, then delete their local copies, which will make room for the system to work and caching important processes.
Periodic smartphone reboots (every 3-5 days) also help to reset the system cache and free RAM from hanging processes.This is a simple procedure that often solves small software glitches without having to climb into complex settings.
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The main secret to the long life of the Mi 8 Pro is to keep 10-15% of internal memory free and not ignore system updates, which often include memory optimization.