Memory Cleanup on Xiaomi Redmi 8: from cache to deep reset

Why Redmi 8 is fast clogging memory and how to fix it

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi 8 often face a problem: a smartphone with 32 or 64 GB of memory suddenly gives a notification “Not enough space”, even though you have not installed new applications. What is the matter? The reason lies in the architecture of MIUI and the features of the Redmi 8 based on the Snapdragon 439 processor.

The fact is that the system reserves up to 6-8 GB for its own needs (updates, logs, backups), and the remaining space is quickly eaten: app cache (especially Facebook, Instagram, TikTok), duplicate photos (due to the function of Google Photos or MIUI Gallery), residual files after deleting programs, debris from MIUI updates (folder /cache can weigh up to 1-2 GB).

Also, Redmi 8 doesn't support adoptable storage, so even with a 128GB flash drive, it won't be able to automatically migrate applications there, but there's a way out: below, we'll look at 7 working cleaning methods, from basic to radical.

Method 1: Integrated MIUI cleaning – fast but superficial

The easiest method is to use Xiaomi's built-in Cleanup tool, which removes temporary files, cache and residual debris, but doesn't touch user data.

1. Open the settings → About the phone → Memory.
2. Slip the “Clean” button (near the memory usage schedule).
3. Wait for the analysis (it will take 10-30 seconds).
4. Select categories for cleaning: 🗑️ App cache – securely deletes temporary data (e.g., YouTube video thumbnails). 📁 Downloads - files from a folder /Download (Check if there is anything important!). 🔍 Unnecessary files – log files, empty folders, remnants from uninstallation.

"Clean it up."

⚠️ Attention: This method will free up 100-500 MB, but it won't solve the problem dramatically. 1 GB), proceed to the following methods.

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Once the cache is cleared, some applications (like VK or Telegram) can load longer on the first run — that's normal. Data will be recovered automatically.

Method 2: Manually cleansing cache for individual applications

Some programs (especially social networks and instant messengers) accumulate gigabytes of cache, for example, Facebook can eat up to 3-4 GB in six months of active use, to clean the cache selectively:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select an app (like Instagram or Google Chrome).
3. Slip "Storage" → "Clear the cache."
4. For complete cleaning, click "Clear Data» (⚠️ This will reset the program settings!).

⚠️ Attention: Clearing the data in Telegram or WhatsApp will delete all correspondence and media files! → chat → Backup.

Make a backup of important chats|Check if there are no unloaded files in downloads|Close the application before cleaning|Reboot your phone after the procedure-->

Method 3: Removing duplicate photos and videos

Redmi 8 automatically creates duplicate media files when editing in the MIUI Gallery or syncing with Google Photos. For example, if you cropped a photo, the original will remain in the DCIM/Camera folder, and the edited version will remain in Pictures.

To find and remove duplicates:

1. Install Files by Google (official, from Google).
2. Open the “Cleanup” tab → “Duplicates of files”.
3. Select files to delete (the app will show the preview and the path to the original).
4. Click "Delete" and confirm.

🔍 Where to look for unnecessary media files:

• 📂 folder /DCIM/.thumbnails — Photo miniatures (can be removed without consequences).
• 📂 folder /DCIM/Screenshots — screenshots 3 months.
• 📂 folder /Movies — Videos from messengers (often duplicated in Telegram or WhatsApp).

Critical point: the /MIUI/Camera folder contains camera settings – removing its content will reset all shooting parameters (white balance, exposure, etc.) to factory ones.

Method 4: Transfer applications to a memory card (with limitations)

Redmi 8 does not support adoptable storage, but some applications can be manually ported, and this only works for programs that support external storage (many games and social networks do not).

Instructions:

1. Insert a memory card (UHS-I or U3 class is recommended for speed).
2. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
3. Select an application (for example, VK or Yandex Maps).
4. Slip "Storage" → "Change" → select a memory card.
5. Confirm the transfer (may take 1-5 minutes).

⚠️ Warning: After transferring the application to the memory card, do not remove it without first returning the program to internal memory! Otherwise, Redmi 8 will give an error "Application not installed".

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Transfer applications to SD is a half-measure. Main memory will still be filled with cache and system files. For a radical solution, use reset or clean through the PC.

Method 5: Deep cleaning through PC (for advanced)

If the built-in methods didn't work, connect Redmi 8 to your computer and manually remove the garbage.

• 🖥️ PC with Windows or Mac.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original to avoid connection issues).
• 🛠️ Programme MI PC Suite (official utility from Xiaomi) or File Explorer.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on the developer mode on your phone: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version. Go back to Settings → Additional → Developer. Activate USB Debugging.

Redmi 8

"File transfer"

This computer

Redmi 8

/storage/emulated/0/Android/data/*/cache


/storage/emulated/0/Android/obb (if you don't play games)




/storage/emulated/0/Download (check for important files!)




/storage/emulated/0/DCIM/.thumbnails

Reboot the phone.

🔧 Additional tools for PC:

• 🧹 CCleaner – Clears cache and temporary files (use with caution!).
• 🔍 Wondershare MobileTrans – Transfers files between devices without loss.
• 📊 DiskDiggers – Recovers accidentally deleted files (if something is erased).

Method 6: Reset to factory settings (radical method)

If memory is clogged with invisible files (for example, after a failed MIUI update or a virus attack), only a complete reset will help.

• 📱 Applications and their settings.
• 📸 Photos, videos, music (if not saved to a memory card).
• 📞 Contacts, SMS, call-up.
• 🔐 Passwords from Wi-Fi and accounts.

🔹 How to do the reset correctly:

1. Backup: Photo/video – copy to PC or Google Photos. Contacts – export to.vcf via Contacts → Settings → Import/Export. Apps – use MI Cloud or Titanium Backup (requires root).

Settings → About the phone → Resetting settings

"Erase all data."

Enter your password (if installed) and confirm.

Wait until it is completed (it will take 5-10 minutes).

⚠️ Warning: Redmi 8 can be turned on for up to 15 minutes after reset, which is normal. MI!

💡 Tip: If the memory is filling up quickly after reset, check the phone for viruses using Malwarebytes or Dr.Web Light. /system.

Method 7: Optimize MIUI for memory savings

To prevent memory from clogging for longer, set up MIUI according to these rules:

• 🚫 Turn off automatic media download in messengers: WhatsApp: Settings → Warehouse → Autoboot media → Select "Never." Telegram: Settings → Data and memory → Autoboot media → disconnect for mobile network.
• 📵 Limit background activity: Go to Settings → Battery → Selection of applications. For unnecessary programs (e.g. AliExpress), select "Limit».
• 🗑️ Set up automatic cleaning: In Settings → The phone. → Memory. → Settings: Turn on Auto Clean and set a schedule (e.g. once a week).
• 🔄 Update. MIUI Regularly: Newer versions optimize memory work (e.g., in the MIUI 14 added Easy Mode for weak devices. Check for updates in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

📊 Efficiency of methods (estimation of vacated place):

FAQ: Frequent questions about cleaning Redmi memory 8