How to clean up memory on Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro: full instructions

Why Redmi 8 Pro is Fast and How to Fix It

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro often face the problem of lack of internal memory, despite the declared 64 or 128 GB of storage.The fact that the MIUI system actively uses cache, temporary application files and duplicate media that quietly eat up free space. Even after removing unnecessary photos or programs, memory is released by only 10-15%, and after a week it is clogged again.

The main memory eaters in Redmi 8 Pro are: social networks (Facebook, TikTok, Instagram store gigabytes of cache), instant messengers (Telegram and WhatsApp accumulate media files in the background), games (even after deleting leave residual files in the folder Android/obb).

The situation is complicated by the fact that the Redmi 8 Pro does not support microSDXC memory cards above 256 GB, and the transfer of applications to the portable format. SD-The card often works unstablely.

In this article, we will discuss 7 working methods for cleaning memory, from basic (hand-held garbage removal) to radical (factory reset). Each method is tested on the Redmi 8 Pro with MIUI 12.5 and Android 10, but it is also suitable for newer versions of firmware. Important: before you start, check how much memory is occupied - for this, go to Settings → About Phone → Memory.

1. Clear cache and temporary files through settings

The safest way to free up 1-3 GB of memory is to delete the app cache and system temporary files, which does not affect personal data (photos, contacts, messages), but can reset settings in some programs (for example, you will have to re-sign in to accounts).

Step instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Sort by size.
3. Select the apps with the largest cache (usually YouTube, Chrome, Facebook or TikTok).
4. Click Clear Cache for each of them.
5. Return to the main settings menu and go to Memory → Cleanup (Broomclean icon). Here, click Deep Cleanup – the system will delete unnecessary APK files, log files and residual data.

After cleaning, restart the phone, which will help the system correctly recalculate the free space. Note: the cache will accumulate again, so repeat the procedure every 1-2 weeks. If after cleaning the memory is freed by less than 500 MB, the problem lies deeper — move to the next method.

2. Removal of duplicate photos, videos and documents

Redmi 8 Pro automatically creates thumbnails for photos, copies of downloaded files and duplicate documents (for example, when editing in Google Docs or WPS Office). These files take up to 5-7 GB, but they are difficult to detect manually. Use the built-in Cleanup app (the broom icon in the settings menu) or third-party utilities like Files by Google to find duplicates.

How to find and remove duplicates:

• 📸 Photo and video: Open the Gallery → Albums. → Duplicates. Here, the system automatically groups the same images. Hold your thumbnail to select a few files, then click Delete.
• 📄 Documents: In the Files app (from Xiaomi) go to Categories → Sort the documents by size. Look for files with the same names (e.g., file size, contract_final.pdf and contract_final(1).pdf).
• 🎵 Audio files: In the same Files utility, select Audio category and delete the recordings with the same name (often duplicate voice messages from instant messengers).

Warning: Do not delete files from Android, MIUI or system folders – this can cause malfunctions in the phone.If in doubt whether the file is duplicate, transfer it to the cloud (for example, Google Drive) before deleting.

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Before mass deletion, turn on the hidden files in the Files app (three dots → Settings → Show hidden files). Often duplicates are hidden in folders like.thumbnails or.cache.

3. Transfer applications and files to a memory card

Redmi 8 Pro supports memory cards up to 256 GB, but by default, applications are installed in internal memory. SD-The card will help 3-10 GB, however, note: not all apps support this feature (especially system and games with high performance requirements).

How to transfer applications to a memory card:

1. Insert microSD into the slot (on Redmi 8 Pro it is combined with a tray for the game). SIM-map).
2. Format the card as internal memory (this will delete all data from it!): go to Settings → Memory → SD card → Set up → Internal memory.
3. After formatting, go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
4. Select an app (such as Telegram or Spotify) and click Storage → Change → SD Card.

Important nuances:

• 🔄 After the transfer, the application may run slower (especially if the memory card is a class). UHS-I lower).
• 🚫 Don't put it on. SD-Launcher card, keyboard or antivirus – this will cause system errors.
• 📁 Photos and videos can be transferred manually: open the Gallery, select files, click More → Move it → Map. SD.

4. Removal of unnecessary system applications (debloating)

MIUI defaults to install dozens of preloaded apps (bloathvear) that cannot be removed by standard means, including Mi Video, Mi Music, Mi Browser, GetApps, and others, which take up to 1-2 GB of memory and run in the background, consuming battery power.

Methods of removing system applications:

• 📱 Through ADB (without root: Enable Developer Mode (7 once you tap the version MIUI In Settings → On the phone, activate the debugging. USB In Settings → Additionally. → For developers, plug the phone into a PC, open the command line, and type in: adb shell pm uninstall. -k --user 0 com.miui.video (replace com.miui.video with the desired application package).

Xiaomi ADB/Fastboot Tools

XDA Developers

Removing system applications can disrupt the work MIUI, Especially if you delete services like com.miui.securitycenter or com.android.providers.media. → Additionally. → Backup.

5. Cleaning the Download folder and downloads of messengers

Download folder and messenger directories (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber) are the main garbage storage devices.

• 📄 PDF-files and documents downloaded "for later",
• 🎥 Videos from Stories and Reels (automatically saved in the WhatsApp/Media),
• 🎵 Voice messages and stickers (in) Telegram/Telegram Audio).