How to Free Memory from the Other on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8: A Step-by-Step Guide

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 owners often encounter a mysterious “Other” partition in memory settings that takes up gigabytes of space but does not lend itself to standard cleaning. This section includes app cache, temporary MIUI files, remnants of deleted programs and even hidden error logs. Unlike garbage in the gallery or downloads, “Other” is not cleared by the “Clean” button — it has to be removed manually.

Compounding the problem, the Redmi Note 8 is only 64/128GB of memory (depending on the modification), and even 10-15GB of “invisible” debris can make the phone unsuitable for installing updates or shooting high-resolution video. In this article, we will discuss 5 proven methods, including hidden MIUI functions, working with ADB and safely removing system files – without the risk of “bricking” the device.

What is the “Other” section in Xiaomi’s memory?

The Other section is a collective name for files that MIUI cannot categorize as specific (photos, videos, apps) and includes:

• 📁 App cache (including Google Play Services, Mi Account and social media data).
• 🗑️ Temporary files from updates MIUI applications.
• 🔄 Remnants of Remote Programs (Folders) /data/app-lib and /data/data).
• 📜 Logs of the system (logcat, dmesg) that accumulate over the years.
• 🔒 Hidden files from Xiaomi Cloud and backups.

On the Redmi Note 8 with MIUI 12-14 firmware, the Other can take up 5 to 20 GB of space — especially if the phone hasn’t been reset to factory settings for more than a year — with standard tools (Settings → Memory → Clean) removing only 10 to 30 percent of that debris.

⚠️ Warning: Don't confuse "Other" with "System"! Deleting files from "System" can cause your phone to lose its performance.

Method 1: Clearing the cache of all applications

The easiest method is to remove the cache of all installed applications, which will free up 1-5 GB (depending on the activity of use).

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the top right corner and select "Sort by size."
3. Turn to large cache apps (e.g. YouTube, Telegram, Google Chrome) and click Clear Cache.
4. To speed up the process, use the “Clear Cache of All Applications” button (available in some versions of MIUI).

If there is no mass cleaning button, use the developer mode:

Settings → About the phone → MIUI version (shap 7 times)


Settings → Additional → For developers → Do not save actions

Close all active applications

Connect your phone to charge (the process can take 10-15 minutes)

Backup important data (in case of failure)

Check the vacant space before and after cleaning-->

⚠️ Warning: Clearing Google Play Services cache may cause temporary authorization errors in Google services.Reboot phone after procedure.

Method 2: Delete temporary files through Files

The built-in File Manager app can find and remove hidden debris that is not visible in the standard memory menu, a method that is secure and does not require root rights.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the Files app (the folder icon on the desktop).
2. Go to the “Cleaning” tab (in the lower menu).
3. Select “Deep Clean” and wait for the scan.
4. Check the boxes for “Temporary Files”, “App Remains” and “Large Files”.
5. Click “Clear” and confirm the action.

Pay special attention to the folders:

• 📂 /storage/emulated/0/Android/data — Remnants of Remote Games and Applications.
• 📂 /storage/emulated/0/Android/obb — Cache of games (can be deleted if the games are not used).
• 📂 /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/Backup — backups.

💡

If the Files app doesn’t find garbage, update it via Google Play or install an alternative, Files by Google.

Method 3: Manual cleaning through ADB (for advanced)

If the first two methods fail, you’ll need to connect to your phone via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which removes the system cache and logs that are not available through the GUI.

What you need:

• 💻 A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📱 Included mode “Debugging by” USB» phone-on.

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line (Windows) or terminal (Mac/Linux).


2. Enter a command to check the connection:




adb devices




3. If the device is detected, perform:




adb shell pm trim-caches 256M




adb shell cmd package bg-dexopt-job




To clean the logs:




adb shell logcat -c




adb shell dmesg -c

These commands will force the cache of all applications and reset the system logs. On the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 with MIUI 12+, this method frees up an average of 3-7 GB of space in the “Other” section.

Method 4: Resetting cache in Recovery Mode

If the phone is heavily littered, it will help to reset the cache through Recovery mode, which does not delete user data, but cleans all temporary files of the system.

How to do this:

1. Turn off the Redmi Note 8.
2. Press the Power + Volume buttons up until the Mi logo appears.
3. From the Recovery menu, select the language (English) and go to Wipe & Reset.
4. Select Wipe Cache and confirm the action.
5. After completion, press Reboot.

This method is especially effective after unsuccessful MIUI updates, when the memory remains "broken" update files.

Once a week.

Once a month

Only when the place ends.

Never clean.-->

Method 5: Remove Unnecessary System Applications (without root)

Xiaomi preinstalles dozens of apps that cannot be removed by standard means, but can be disabled or removed via ADB, freeing up 500MB-2GB in the Other section.

List of safe apps to remove (for Redmi Note 8):

To remove them through ADB, use the command:

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 name packet

⚠️ Note: Do not delete packages with the names com.android, com.google or com.qualcomm – this can cause your phone to fail!

How can we prevent the accumulation of the “Other” in the future?

To the “Other” section does not take up gigabytes of memory, follow the simple rules:

• 🔄 Clean the cache every 1-2 months (via Settings) → Memory).
• 🚫 Turn off automatic backup in Mi Cloud (if not used).
• 📱 Remove unused apps completely (not just desktop icons).
• 🔄 Update. MIUI Regularly – new versions optimize memory.
• 📁 Use cloud services to store photos/video (e.g. Google Photos).

If you actively install/delete games, it is recommended to reset the cache through Recovery every six months (Method 4) to prevent the accumulation of junk files in /Android/obb and /Android/data folders.

💡

Regularly cleaning the cache and disabling unnecessary system applications reduce the memory load by 40-60% and prolong the life of the battery.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the "Other" section