Folder “Other”** (or Other in English firmware) is one of the most mysterious directories in the memory of Android devices. It takes up gigabytes of space, but is not displayed in the standard file manager, and attempts to delete or open it often end with the “No access” error. Why does this happen?

The fact is that this folder stores system caches, temporary application files, data from corporate MDM solutions (for example, Samsung Knox or Mi Enterprise), as well as the remnants of deleted apps that were not cleaned properly. Manufacturers specifically hide it from users to prevent accidental damage to the system. However, with the right approach, it is possible to access "Other"** and we will show how to do this on devices of different brands.

In this article you will find relevant methods for Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei and other Android smartphones, including methods using ADBthird-party conductors and connecting to a PC. We will also look at which files can be safely deleted and which should not be touched.

What is the “Other” folder and why is it hidden?

Folder "Other"** (in some firmware - misc, other or secure_folder) is system partition that Android reserves for:

  • 📁 Application cachesthat were not deleted after uninstallation (for example, remnants of games or instant messengers).
  • 🔒 Corporate profile data (if the device was used within BYOD or MDM).
  • 🛠️ Temporary update files OS that were not cleared after installation.
  • 📱 Hidden manufacturer settings (for example, logs Samsung DeX or Xiaomi Game Turbo).

On some devices (especially Samsung and Huawei) this folder can take up to 10–15 GB —and this is not always garbage. Some files are critical for the stable operation of the system. For example, it can contain:

  • 🔑 Encryption keys for Secure Folder (y Samsung) or Private Space (y Xiaomi).
  • 📡 NFC module configurationsif you used contactless payments.
  • 🎮 Game savesthat are not synchronized with the cloud (for example, in Genshin Impact or Honor of Kings).
⚠️ Attention: Deleting files from the “Other” folder without a backup copy can lead to to application failure, data loss or even "brick"** device (permanent inoperability). If you are not sure of the purpose of the file, do not delete it!

Manufacturers hide this folder for a reason: it may contain personal information. data that was not correctly deleted (for example, photos from chats or documents from corporate applications). Therefore, before any manipulations, it is recommended to create a backup copy through adb backup or third-party utilities like Titanium Backup (requires root access).

📊 Which brand is yours? Android smartphone?
Samsung
Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco
Huawei/Honor
Realme/Oppo
Other

Method 1: Through a standard file manager (without root)

On some devices, the folder "Other"** can be opened without additional tools, but for this you need to know exact path and enable display hidden files. The instructions are suitable for Samsung, Xiaomi and most smartphones on clean Android (for example, Pixel or Nokia).

Steps:

  1. Open standard Explorer (for example, My files on Samsung or Files on Xiaomi).
  2. Go to the root directory (/storage/emulated/0/).
  3. Tap on the three dots (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Settings → Show hidden files.
  4. Go back to the root folder and try to find the directories:
    • Android/obb/other/
    • Android/data/other/
    • misc/ (on some firmware)

If the folder is not displayed, try an alternative path:

/storage/emulated/0/Android/data/com.android.providers.media/other/

On Samsung c One UI sometimes it helps to go through My files → Categories → Others files. However, in most cases the system will block access with a message "No permissions"**. In this case, proceed to the following methods.

Enable display of hidden files

Create a backup copy of important data

Charge the phone at least 50%

Install a file manager with root access (if you plan to use root)

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Method 2: Using ADB (without root, but with debugging)

ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is a debugging tool that allows you to manage the Android file system through a computer. The method works on any devices, but requires enabling developer mode And USB debugging.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Enable the mode developer:
    • Go to Settings → About phone → Build number.
    • Tap Number assembly 7 times until a notification appears "You have become a developer"**.
  2. Activate USB debugging:
    • Go back to Settings → System → For developers.
    • Enable switch USB debugging.
  3. Connect the phone to the PC:
    • Use the original cable (not all USB cables support data transfer!).
    • On the phone, select the mode File transfer (MTP).
  4. Install ADB on your computer:
    • Download Platform Tools from Google.
    • Extract the archive into a folder C:\platform-tools\.
  • Open the command line:
    • In Windows: click Win + R, enter cmd and go to the folder with adb command: 
      cd C:\platform-tools\
    • Enter the command to check the connection: 
      adb devices

      (the name of your device).

    • Access the "Other" folder: 
      adb shell

      ls /storage/emulated/0/Android/other/

      If the folder exists, you will see its contents. To copy files to your PC:

      adb pull /storage/emulated/0/Android/other/ C:\other_files\
    ⚠️ Attention: Commands adb shell rm or adb shell rmdir to delete files from the folder “Other” can lead to unstable operation of the system. If you are not sure of the purpose of the file, first copy it to your PC and analyze it using JADX (APK decompiler) or Hex editor.

    If during execution command ls you see a message Permission denied, which means access is blocked at the firmware level. In this case, you will need root or alternative methods (see the next section).

    What to do if ADB does not see the device?

    If command adb devices does not show your smartphone:

    1. Check if the drivers are installed (download for Windows Google USB Driver).

    2. Try another USB port (preferably USB 3.0).

    3. Restart your phone and PC.

    4. Enable the option in the developer settings Cancel USB debugging authorization, then connect the device again.

    Method 3: Using a file manager with root access

    If your device has one root access, you can use specialized explorers such as Root Explorer, Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer. These applications allow you to view and edit system folders, including "Other"**.

    Instructions:

    1. Install one of the explorers with root support:
      • Root Explorer (paid, but reliable).
      • Solid Explorer (free version with limitations).
      • FX File Explorer (requires an additional module for root).
  • Open the application and give it root access (a request will appear from SuperSU or Magisk).
  • Go to the path: 
    /data/media/0/Android/other/

    or (on some firmware):

    /storage/emulated/0/Android/obb/other/
  • For safe browsing:
    • Do not delete files with extensions .key, .db or .cfg —this may be system settings.
    • Copy suspicious files to your PC before deleting.
    File type Can I delete? Risks
    .nomedia Yes Responsible for hiding multimedia in the gallery. Deleting will not harm.
    .tmp, .temp Yes (usually) Temporary files, but some may belong to system processes.
    .db, .sqlite No Databases of applications or systems. Removal will lead to failures.
    .apk Conditional Remains of deleted applications Can be deleted, but some may be update caches.
    .odex, .vdex No Optimized Dalvik files. Critical for application operation.

    If you use Magisk to get root, it is recommended to temporarily disable Magisk Hide before working with system folders - this will prevent conflicts c SafetyNet.

    💡

    Before deleting files from the "Other" folder, check their modification date. If the file has not been edited for more than a year, the system most likely does not need it. However, even in this case, it is better to make a backup copy first.

    Method 4: Connect to a PC via MTP (alternative method)

    If ADB doesn’t help, and you don’t have root access, you can try to access the folder through a computer in MTP (Media Transfer Protocol) mode. This method does not work on all devices, but sometimes it allows you to see hidden directories.

    What you will need:

    • 🖥️ Computer with Windows, macOS or Linux.
    • 📱 Original USB cable (important for a stable connection).
    • 🔍 Explorer with support for hidden files (for example, Total Commander or Far Manager).

    Step-by-step guide:

    1. Connect your phone to the PC and select the mode File transfer (MTP).
    2. On your computer, open This computer (Windows) or Finder (macOS).
    3. Go to the folder of your device (usually displayed as [Model name]).
    4. In the address bar, enter the path: 
      \\?\Volume{GUID}\Android\other\

      (where GUID is a unique identifier your device, you can find it through Disk Management in Windows).

    5. If the folder is not displayed, try the alternative path: 
      \\?\Volume{GUID}\data\media\0\Android\other\

    On macOS to access hidden folders in Finder use the keyboard shortcut Cmd + Shift + . (dot). In Linux (for example, Ubuntu) connect the device and use the command:

    gvfs-mount -li | grep mtp

    then navigate to the mounted directory via Nautilus or Dolphin.

    ⚠️ Attention: In the latest versions of Android 12+ and Android 13 Google has tightened restrictions on access to system folders via MTP. If your device is running a new OS, this method may not work.

    Method 5: Through TWRP Recovery (for advanced users)

    TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) is a custom recovery that allows you to get full access to the Android file system, including hidden partitions. The method is suitable for users who have already installed TWRP (for example, for flashing custom firmware). ROM).

    Warning: Incorrect actions in TWRP can lead to data loss or firmware damageUse this method only if you are confident in your actions.

    Instructions:

    1. Turn off the phone and hold down the button combination to enter recovery:
      • For Samsung: Power + Volume up + Bixby.
      • For Xiaomi: Power + Volume up.
      • For Google Pixel: Power + Volume down.
  • V menu TWRP select Advanced → File Manager.
  • Navigate to the path: 
    /data/media/0/Android/other/
  • To copy files to an external drive (for example, an SD card):
    • Select the desired files.
    • Click Copy and specify the target folder (for example, /external_sd/backup/).

      • B TWRP you can also connect the phone to the PC via ADB Sideload or MTP in recovery mode. To do this:

      1. B menu TWRP select Mount → Enable MTP.
      2. Connect the device to the computer - the folders will become available for viewing.

    If you plan to delete files via TWRP, be sure to create a backup copy of the partition /data (option Backup in the main menu). This will allow you to restore the system in case of an error.

    💡

    TWRP gives maximum access to the file system, but requires preliminary installation of a custom recovery. Without experience with firmware, it is better to use other methods.

    What to do if the “Other” folder takes up too much. space?

    If the folder "Other"** has grown to several gigabytes, this may be due to:

    • 🗑️ Incorrectly deleted applications (caches and data remain).
    • 📱 OS updatesthat were not cleared after installation.
    • 🔒 Corporate profiles (if the phone was used at work).
    • 🎮 Game caches (for example, Call of Duty Mobile or PUBG can leave gigabytes of data).

    How to clean the folder safely:

    1. Use the built-in cleaning utility:
      • On Samsung: Settings → Device maintenance → Memory → Clear.
      • On Xiaomi: Settings → Memory → Cleanup.
    2. Delete cache applications:
      • Go to Settings → Applications → [Select an application] → Memory → Clear cache.
      • Pay attention to games and instant messengers - they often leave the most garbage.
    3. Check corporate data:
      • If the phone was used at work, go to Settings → Accounts → Delete work profile.
  • Use third-party utilities:
    • SD Maid (requires root for deep cleaning).
    • Files by Google (shows "junk" files without root).

      • If the folder "Other"** still takes up a lot of space, try resetting the cache via recovery:

      1. Turn off the phone and go into recovery (see method with TWRP).
      2. Select Wipe cache partition.
      3. Reboot the device.
      ⚠️ Attention: Do not confuse Wipe cache partition s Factory Reset! The first option clears only temporary files, and the second deletes all user data.

      FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the “Other” folder on Android

      Is it possible to completely delete a folder? “Other”?

      No, this is a system directory, and completely deleting it will result in the device not working. You can only delete individual files if you are sure of their purpose.

      Why does the "Other" folder appear again after cleaning?

      This is normal behavior of the Android system constantly creating temporary files for applications and updates. and caches. Regular cleaning through built-in utilities will help control its size.

      How to find out which files are taking up space in the “Other” folder?

      Use memory analysis applications, such as DiskUsage or Storage AnalyzerThey show the distribution of space by. folders and file types.

      Is it safe to use root to access a folder?

      Root gives full control over the system, but also opens up opportunities for errors. If you are an inexperienced user, it is better to use methods without root (for example, ADB).

      Can the "Other" folder contain viruses?

      Theoretically, yes, if you installed applications from unverified sources. Check the folder with an antivirus (for example, Malwarebytes or Dr.Web).