How to Delete Other Files on Xiaomi Redmi 8: Safe Ways to Clean Memory

Xiaomi Redmi 8, with its 32 or 64 GB of internal memory, is quickly clogged with unnecessary files if you don’t keep up. Even after removing photos and apps, the system continues to show busy gigabytes in the “Other Files” category — cache, temporary data, remnants of deleted programs and system debris. Unlike the new models, Redmi 8 does not have automatic deep cleaning, so users have to manually vacate space.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods to delete other files on Redmi 8 without risking damage to the system: from standard MIUI tools to hidden functions and third-party utilities. Particular attention will be paid to removing the system cache through recovery mode - this method frees up to 3-5 GB, but requires caution.

What are the “Other Files” on Xiaomi Redmi 8 and why do they take up space?

The Others category in the MIUI storage menu is a collection of files that the system cannot categorize as photos, videos or apps.

• 🗑️ Application cache – temporary data to speed up the operation of programs (for example, thumbnails of images in the gallery or data messengers).
• 📁 Residual files – “tails” from remote applications (settings, databases, log files).
• 🔄 System Logs – Error logs, crash reports and diagnostic information (/data/log).
• 📄 Downloads and temporary files – something that has been downloaded through a browser or messengers, but has not been deleted.
• 🔐 Encrypted data – files that MIUI cannot classify (e.g., backups or game data).

On Redmi 8, this category often grows to 10-15GB because:

1. The older version of MIUI (up to 12.5) does not optimize automatic cleaning.
2. The weak Snapdragon 439 processor forces the system to actively use the cache to accelerate.
3. Many apps (especially games and social networks) do not clear the cache when closed.

⚠️ Note: Do not attempt to delete all “Other Files” in a row! This category may store important data for the job. MIUI, For example, update files or Xiaomi account settings, only delete what is identified as garbage.

Method 1: Cleaning through built-in MIUI tools

The safest method is to use standard MIUI features that do not require superuser rights and do not risk damaging the system.

Steps for cleaning:

1. Open Settings → Memory of the device.
2. Click on "Cleaning" (the broom icon in the upper right corner).
3. Select the category "Junk" and wait for analysis.
4. Check all items except “Journal” and “Download” (it is better to check them manually).
5. Click "Clean" (up to 1-2 GB will be released immediately).

For deep cleaning of the application cache:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on three dots in the corner → “Sort by size”.
3. Open each major app (e.g. Facebook, Telegram, YouTube) and click Clear Cache.

Check the space in memory (should be < 1 GB)

Close all applications (cache clears more efficiently)

Connect charging (the process can take 5-10 minutes)

Backup important data (in case of an error)-->

This method removes up to 3-4 GB of garbage, but does not affect system files.

Method 2: Recovery Mode (without root)

If the built-in tools didn’t help and the Other Files category still takes up a lot of space, try clearing the partition cache through Restore Mode.This is safe, but it will reset some temporary data (for example, saved passwords in the browser).

Instructions:

1. Turn off Redmi 8.
2. Press Volume Up + Power before the Mi logo appears.
3. In the Recovery menu, select the language (English / Whale) and tap "Wipe & Reset".
4. Select “Wipe Cache” (NOT “Wipe All Data” is a factory reset!).
5. Confirm the action and wait until the completion (1-2 minutes).
6. Reboot your phone via Reboot → System.

This method exempts from 500 MB to 3 GB, depending on the degree of cloggedness, after restarting, the phone may be slower first. 10-15 Minutes are normal, as the system recovers the cache.

⚠️ If after cleaning the cache in Recovery, the phone hung on the Mi logo for longer 10 Just stop panicking, turn it off with a long press on the power button (15-20 So, you turn it on again. It's not a critical error, it's a Redmi feature. 8 at first start after cleaning.

Method 3: Manually delete files through file manager

Some "other files" can be manually deleted if you know where they are stored, use the standard Explorer or install FX File Explorer (there is access to system folders without root).

What folders can be cleaned:

How to clean:

1. Open the “Conductor” and go to the desired folder.
2. Select files (long press) and click "Delete".
3. For Android/data and DCIM/.thumbnails folders, use the Clean feature in the folder menu.

💡

Before you delete your Android/data folder, check if there are any game saves (Genshin Impact or PUBG Mobile store progress here, for example). If you are not sure, transfer the folder to your computer and then delete it.

This method requires care, but it allows you to free up to 5 GB if you haven't cleaned your phone for a long time. The main thing is not to delete folders called com.android. or com.xiaomi.

Method 4: Use of third-party utilities (without root)

If manual cleaning seems difficult, use specialized applications that analyze memory and suggest removing unnecessary files.

• 🧹 Files by Google – a simple tool from Google with a “Cleanup” feature that finds duplicates and large files.
• 🗃️ SD Maid (free version) – deep analysis of cache and residual files.
• 🔍 CCleaner is a classic for cleaning up garbage (but be careful with the settings!).

How to work with SD Maid:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Start the analysis ("Scan").
3. Go to the “Basket” tab – safe files for removal are collected here.
4. Click "Execute" and confirm the cleanup.

The advantages of third-party utilities:

• 🔹 Automatic search for duplicates (e.g., identical photos).
• 🔹 Clearing messenger cache (WhatsApp, Viber) that standard tools don’t see.
• 🔹 The ability to sort files by size (it’s easy to find “heavy” unnecessary data).

⚠️ Note: Some applications (e.g. CCleaner) aggressively clear cache, which can cause the brakes on the first start of programs after cleaning.

Built-in MIUI tools

Recovery Mode

Manual file manager

Third-party applications (SD Maid, CCleaner, etc.)

Never clean.-->

Method 5: Reset to factory settings (extreme case)

If all the previous methods didn't work, and the Other Files category is still 10+GB, the radical way is to completely reset, and it will remove everything, including system debris, but it will also erase all your data.

How to do the reset correctly:

1. Backup: Photos and videos - copy to your computer or to the cloud (Google Photos, Mi Cloud). Contacts - sync with Google Account. Messages - export via SMS Backup & Restore.

Settings → About the phone → Resetting settings

"Erase all data."

After restarting, set your phone as new.

What the dumping does:

• 🧼 Delete all “other files” (including hidden system files).
• 🚀 Return of the phone to the “factory” speed.
• 🔄 Removing errors caused by memory clogging.

Cons:

• ⏳ Class. 30-60 minutes of reservation and restoration.
• 📱 Loss of unsaved data (e.g., progress in games without account binding).
• 🔄 The need to reconfigure the phone.

💡

Resetting to factory settings is the last chance to return "clean" memory, but only use it if other methods have not worked. After reset, install the applications selectively and clean the cache regularly so that the problem does not return.

How to Prevent Memory Clogging in the Future

To prevent the category “Other Files” from growing again, follow the simple rules:

• 📱 Clean the cache once a month through Settings → Memory. → Cleanup.
• 🚫 Remove unused apps – even inactive programs accumulate cache.
• 🖼️ Transfer photos and videos to SD-Map or cloud (Google Photos gives unlimited space for compressed images).
• 🔄 Turn off the automatic download of media files in messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram).
• 🛡️ Use lightweight versions of apps (e.g. Facebook Lite, Messenger Lite).

For automatic optimization:

1. Enable “Autoclean” in Settings → Memory → Three Points → Autoclean.
2. Install Files by Google and enable notifications about unnecessary files.
3. Check the Download folder regularly – many files are downloaded there and forgotten.

If you monitor the memory system, “Other files”** will not exceed 2-3 GB, and the phone will work faster.

FAQ: Frequent questions about deleting files on Redmi 8