How to Clean Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T: From Software Garbage to Physical Cleanup

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T is one of the most popular smartphones in the budget segment, but even it eventually begins to “brake” due to the accumulated digital debris. If your device has become slower to work, discharge faster or overheat, most likely, it needs a comprehensive cleaning. In this article, we will analyze all the ways to bring the Redmi Note 8T in order, from removing unnecessary files to carefully cleaning the case and connectors.

It is important to understand that cleaning up a phone is not just about freeing up memory, but also about optimizing the system, removing malware, and physically caring for the device. We will look at both software methods (embedded MIUI tools, third-party utilities) and hardware (cleaning speakers, ports, screens), and focusing on the typical errors that users make when cleaning up — they can lead to data loss or even the phone fails.

This article is relevant for all versions of MIUI firmware on the Redmi Note 8T (including global and Chinese), as well as for users who have never cleaned a smartphone. If you are looking for a way to get your phone back to speed, you are at the right place.

1.Preparation for cleaning: what to do before the start

Before you start taking action, follow a few mandatory steps to avoid losing important data and prevent possible system failures.

First, back up all critical data, even if you plan to clean only the cache, you better be safe.

• 📱 Connect your phone to your Mi Account (if you haven’t already) and enable synchronization of contacts, notes, and photos in Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud.
• 💾 Use the built-in backup function: Settings → The phone. → Backup and reset → Local backup. Save a copy to a memory card or to the cloud.
• 🖥️ Copy important files (photos, videos, documents) to your computer via USB-cable or by Mi PC Suite.

Second, check your battery power. If you plan to do a deep cleaning (like resetting to factory settings), make sure the charge level is at least 50%, interrupting the process due to discharge can damage system files and "brick" the phone.

Third, prepare your physical cleaning tools (if needed):

• 🧴 Alcohol wipes (70% isopropyl alcohol) or microfibre fabric.
• 🪥 Toothpick or plastic spatula for cleaning ports.
• 💨 Compressed air canister (optional, to remove dust from speakers).

⚠️ Warning: Do not use aggressive chemicals (acetone, gasoline, bleach) to clean the screen or body, which can damage the oleophobic coating of the display and plastic parts.

System Cleanup: Removing Digital Garbage

The main reason Redmi Note 8T slows down is the accumulated temporary files, application cache and residual data of remote programs, starting with the built-in MIUI tools that will help to free up space without installing third-party utilities.

2.1 Cleaning of cache and garbage through “Security”

MIUI has a built-in Security app (a shield icon) that offers basic tools to optimize the system.

1. Open the Security app.
2. Go to the "Cleaning" tab (broom icon).
3. Click on “Scan” and wait for the analysis to be completed.
4. Select categories to clean (cache, residual files, unnecessary APKs) and click Clear.

Pay special attention to the Deep Clean section, where you can remove the cache of system applications that are not normally cleaned by standard methods, but be careful: cleaning the cache of some applications (for example, Google Play Services) can lead to temporary disruptions in the work of Google services.

Removal of unnecessary annexes and duplicates

The Redmi Note 8T often comes with pre-installed apps (bloatvear) that can’t be removed by standard means, but can be turned off to keep them from wasting resources:

• 📱 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
• 🔍 Sort the list by size or installation date.
• 🚫 Select an unnecessary app (e.g. Mi Pay, Mi Video, Games) and click “Disable».

Root rights will be required to remove system applications, but we do not recommend getting them on Redmi Note. 8T — It's a security breach, and it increases the risk of failure. ADB (Android Debug Bridge for secure removal:

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.xiaomi.payment

Replace com.xiaomi.payment with a batch name for an unnecessary application (you can find it through the App Inspector or Package Name Viewer from Google Play).

⚠️ Note: Removing system applications through ADB Before doing this, create a backup and make sure that the application is not critical to the system (for example, do not delete com.android.phone – this is responsible for calls).

Application cache (non-system)

Residual files after uninstallation

Duplicate photos and videos

Unused. APK-file

Pre-installed games (if you don't play)-->

Optimization of autoloading

Many apps run automatically when you turn on your phone, consuming RAM, to turn off autoboot:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the app you want to disable (such as Facebook or AliExpress).
3. Press Auto Start and turn off the slider.

To massively disable autoboot, use the Greenify app (requires root) or AutoStart Manager (works without root, but with limitations).

3. Memory Cleanup: Freeing up space for new files

Even after removing unnecessary apps and cache, the Redmi Note 8T may be running out of memory.

Analysis of occupied space

To understand what exactly takes up memory, use the built-in MIUI tool:

1. Go to Settings. → Warehouse.
2. Wait until the analysis is complete.
3. Click on the category (e.g., Apps, Images, Videos) to see the detail.

Note the Others section, which often hides large files (logs, temporary data, downloads). For more detailed analysis, install Storage Analyzer or DiskUsage from Google Play.

3.2. Delete large and unnecessary files

The most “gluttonous” files on a smartphone are:

• 🎥 High-resolution video (especially video recorded on the phone) 1080p/60fps).
• 📸 Photo format RAW (If you have been photographing manually).
• 🎮 Game data (cash) PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty can weigh a few gigabytes).
• 📥 Downloads from instant messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp often save media files automatically).

To remove unnecessary files:

1. Open the Files app (the MIUI file manager built-in).
2. Go to the folders: DCIM/Camera — Photos and video from the camera; Download – downloads from the browser; Android/data/ — Application data (here may be heavy game files).

Sort files by size and remove unnecessary ones.

⚠️ Attention: Folder Android/data/ It contains saving games and settings of applications. Deleting files from here without backing up will lead to loss of progress in games or log out in some applications.

3.3. Transfer data to a memory card or cloud

If internal memory is sorely lacking, transfer some of the data to a microSD (if installed) or cloud storage:

• 📁 To transfer applications to a memory card: Go to Settings → Apps. Select an application that supports portability (not all apps allow it). Click on Storage» → «Change» → «Memory map».

• Mi Cloud (5GB for free for photos and contacts)
• Google Photos (unlimited storage for compressed photos/video)
• Yandex Disk or Mail.ru Cloud (10-20 GB free).

These changes will make transitions between applications instantaneous, but the interface will become less smooth.

Use of alternative launchers

The standard MIUI launcher consumes a lot of RAM.

• 📱 Nova Launcher