Why does the Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro need regular cleaning?
The Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro, released in 2018, is still popular with users thanks to its powerful Snapdragon 845 processor and 8 GB of RAM. However, even this hardware eventually begins to slow down, because of accumulated digital debris, fragmented memory and cache. Unlike the new models, the Mi 8 Pro does not receive MIUI updates of the latest versions, which complicates automatic optimization.
According to Xiaomi’s internal tests, after 18 to 24 months of active use, up to 30 percent of the phone’s internal memory is occupied by temporary files, residues from deleted applications, and duplicate media files, while physical cleaning (such as dust in speakers or a Type-C connector) can improve heat output by 15 to 20 percent, which is critical for active devices. In this article, we will discuss both types of cleaning — software and hardware — taking into account the features of the Mi 8 Pro.
Preparation for cleaning: what to do before you start
Before you start cleaning, follow a few mandatory steps to avoid data loss and system failures:
- 📱 Create a backup through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset. It's especially important to keep contacts, SMS and application data (such as WhatsApp or Viber).
- 🔋 Charge your phone to at least 50%.Cache cleaning and memory optimization processes consume additional power.
- 📡 Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network if you plan to update your firmware or download tools like MIUI Cleaner.
- 🛠️ Prepare tools for physical cleaning: soft brush, alcohol wipes (70% isopropyl alcohol), wooden toothpick.
Note that if your Mi 8 Pro runs on custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), some standard cleaning methods may not work, which would require alternative tools like TWRP or Magisk Modules.
Cleaning up software debris: cache, memory and background processes
The main reason for the slowdown of the Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro is the overloaded cache and background processes. MIUI has built-in tools to clean them, but they don’t always work efficiently.
1. Cleaning the application cache and system
Cache speeds up applications, but over time it accumulates and takes up gigabytes of memory to clean it up.
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Select an app (like Facebook or Instagram) and click Clear Cache.
- For mass cleaning, use Settings → Memory → Cleaning (the “Junk” tab).
To clean the system cache in depth (for example, after the MIUI update), you will need Recovery Mode:
1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the power button + increase the volume until the Mi logo appears.
3. From the recovery menu, select Wipe & Reset → Wipe Cache (use volume buttons for navigation).Closed all active applications
Backup of important data is made
The phone is charged at 50%+
Notifications are disabled (Do Not Disturb mode)
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2. Optimization of RAM
The Mi 8 Pro is equipped with 8GB of RAM, but MIUI aggressively manages background processes, which sometimes leads to unjustified application closures.
- 🔄 Turn off AutoRun for unnecessary apps in Settings → Permits → Auto-start.
- 🚫 Ban background activity for voracious services (such as TikTok or AliExpress) in Settings → Battery and productivity → Battery management.
- 📊 Use Developer Options (include with 7 clicks on the version) MIUI In Settings → About phone) to limit background processes: Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Process limit (maximum 4).
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If applications still crash after cleaning up memory, try turning off MIUI Optimization in the developer settings, which can improve stability but slightly increase battery consumption.
3. Delete unnecessary files and duplicates
MIUI has a built-in file manager with memory analysis (Category → Analysis) and finds:
- 📁 Large files (>500MB)
- 📄 Duplicate photos and videos
- 🗑️ Empty folders and incorrect downloads
For a deeper scan, use third-party tools:
| Annex | Functions | Link (Google Play) |
|---|---|---|
| Files by Google | Duplicate search, cache cleaning, memory analysis | Download |
| CCleaner | Cache cleanup, autoboot management, removal APK-leftover | Download |
| SD Maid | Search for "orphan" files, clean databases, basket | Download |
⚠️ Please note: Do not use "optimizers" such as Clean Master or DU Speed Booster.They often contain adware and can degrade performance by creating additional background processes.
Physical cleaning: speakers, connectors and body
Dust and dirt not only spoil the appearance of the Mi 8 Pro, but can also cause overheating or charging problems.
- 🔊 Speakers (lower and upper) – clogged with dust, which leads to distortion of sound.
- 🔌 Type-C connector – contact oxidation interferes with charging and data transfer.
- 📶 Microphone grid (near the main camera) – accumulation of dirt impairs the recording quality.
Cleaning of speakers and microphones
This will require:
- 🖌️ Soft brush (for example, for makeup) or toothpick with a cotton tip.
- 💨 Compressed air container (optional).
- 🧴 Alcohol wipes (do not use liquid alcohol - it can leak inside!).
Algorithm of action:
- Carefully walk the brush on the speaker grid (movements should be parallel to the body so as not to damage the membrane).
- For persistent contaminants, use a toothpick soaked in alcohol (don’t press hard!).
- Dry for 10-15 minutes before turning on the phone.
2.Cleaning the Type-C connector
If the phone is not charging well or not recognizing the cable, the problem may be oxidized contacts.
- Turn off the Mi 8 Pro and remove it. SIM-map.
- With the help of a toothpick, carefully remove visible dirt from the connector (movement - along the contacts, not across!).
- Moisten the cotton swab in alcohol and wipe the contacts (do not allow excess liquid!).
- Let it dry for 30 minutes. Use a cold dryer to accelerate (hold it 20 cm away).
⚠️ Warning: Never use metal objects (needles, paper clips) to clean the connector - this can close the contacts and disable the charging controller. If after cleaning the problem remains, check the cable and power supply (recommended power for the Mi 8 Pro - 18 watts).
What if the connector doesn’t work after cleaning?
Cleaning up viruses and malware
The MIUI-based Mi 8 Pro has built-in Security, but it doesn't always detect all threats, especially those who install APKs from unverified sources.
- 📈 Unexplained traffic or battery consumption.
- 📱 Appearance of unfamiliar apps on the menu.
- 🔄 Spontaneous redirects in the browser.
Scanning by built-in means
Run a full check:
- Open Security. → Antivirus.
- Click Scan and wait until it is completed (may take 10-15 minutes).
- Remove the detected threats and restart the phone.
2. Checking by third-party antiviruses
For deep scanning, we recommend:
| Antivirus | Advantages | Deficiencies |
|---|---|---|
| Malwarebytes | High Adware Detection Rate, Lightweight | No Russian language, paid version for real protection |
| Bitdefender | Minimal impact on performance, cloud scanning | Registration is required for full use |
| Kaspersky | High detection rating, Russian-language support | Significantly loads the system during scanning |
After removing the viruses, it is necessary to:
- 🔄 Reset network settings (Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings).
- 🔐 Change passwords from important accounts (Google, banking apps).
- 📱 Disable the installation from unknown sources (Settings) → Confidentiality → Unknown sources).
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If the antivirus detects a threat called Android.Triada or Android.HiddenAds, it means that the virus is embedded in the system files, in which case only a complete reset to factory settings or flashing through Fastboot will help.
Resetting to factory settings: when is it needed?
If all previous methods failed and the Mi 8 Pro continues to brake, the latest option is hard reset, which will delete all data, including:
- 📱 Installed applications and their data.
- 📁 Photos, videos and music (if not on the list) SD-map).
- 🔑 Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Accounts settings.
How to reset:
- Create a backup copy (see the section "Preparation").
- Go to Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset → Reset settings.
- Choose to erase all data and confirm the action.
- After the reboot, follow the instructions of the setup wizard.
⚠️ Note: On the Mi 8 Pro with the bootloader unlocked, a reset may result in the device being locked (re-unlocked via the Mi Unlock Tool required, TWRP), After the reset, it may be necessary to re-shoot it.
After discharge:
- 🔄 Do not restore data from the backup immediately – first check the phone’s “clean” state.
- 📱 Install applications gradually, watching the performance.
- 🔋 Charge the phone to 100% and calibrate the battery (discharge to 0% and charge again without interruptions).
How to keep the Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro clean?
To avoid re-accumulation of garbage, follow these guidelines:
- 📅 Clean the cache weekly through Settings → Memory. → Cleanup.
- 📱 Check the list of installed apps monthly and remove unused apps.
- 🔄 Optimize your memory once every 3 months through Developer Options.
- 🛡️ Before installation APK Check the files on VirusTotal.
- 🔌 Once every six months, clean the connectors and speakers from dust.
For automatic optimization, you can use:
- 🤖 MacroDroid – to create rules for cleaning the cache on a schedule.
- 📊 Greenify – to “freeze” background applications (root rights required).
- 🔋 AccuBattery – to monitor battery consumption and identify “gluttonous” processes.
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If you often install custom firmware, keep the backup of the original boot.img and vendor.img handy. This will help restore the phone in case of a "brick" (unusable state after a failed firmware).