Have you ever looked into the storage of your Android smartphone and seen that the lion's share of the memory is occupied by a mysterious section "Other"? On some devices, it “eats” from 10 to 30 GB - despite the fact that photos, videos and applications take up much less. What's the catch?

In fact, "Other" is not garbage, but system files, application cache, temporary data and remnants of deleted appswhich Android does not classify as “media”, “documents” or “applications”. The problem is that it is almost impossible to clean this section using standard tools: neither the built-in tools nor most of the “cleaners” from Google Play see its contents. But there are workarounds - and we will talk about them without general phrases and watery paragraphs.

Important: the methods in this article are suitable for devices on Android 8.0–14 (including Samsung One UI, MIUI, ColorOS and other shells). On some firmware, the names of menu items may differ - focus on the logic, not the exact wording.

📊 How often do you clear the memory on your smartphone?
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1. What is hidden under “Other” in Android memory?

Section "Other" is a basket for everything that the system cannot classify into a specific category. It includes:

  • 📁 Application cache (including a hidden cache of system services, for example Google Play Services).
  • 🔄 Temporary files from OS updates, downloads and APK installers.
  • 🗑️ Remains of deleted applications (configs, databases, log files).
  • 📱 System dumps and logs (created during failures or for debugging).
  • 🔒 Encrypted data (for example, from Android Work Profile or corporate applications).

On Samsung and some other devices in "Other" also included .thumbnails —thumbnails for the gallery, which can weigh several gigabytes. And on smartphones with MIUI duplicate files created by the function "Double applications".

⚠️ Attention: Do not try to delete everything from section "Other" via Rootaccess or file managers. This may lead to loss of Google account data, camera malfunctions or complete inoperability. system.

2. Standard cleaning methods (without Root)

Start with safe methods that do not require superuser rights. They will help free up from 1 to 5 GB:

Clearing the application cache

The easiest way is to delete the cache for all applications. immediately:

  1. Open Settings → Storage.
  2. Tap on "Other" (or "System data", if there is such an item).
  3. Select "Clear cache" (on some devices you must first click "Advanced").

If there is no such item, clear the cache for each application manually via Settings → Applications → [Application name] → Storage → Clear cacheStart with instant messengers - they usually take up the most. Google Play Services, Chrome, YouTube and messengers - they usually take up the most.

Deleting temporary files and downloads

Often forgotten files from the folder "Other" forgotten files appear in a folder Download or update residues end up in

  • 📂 Folder /Download (via any file manager).
  • 📂 Folder /Android/data —here may be heavy files from deleted games (for example, cache Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile).
  • 📂 Folder /DCIM/.thumbnails —gallery thumbnails (can be deleted, they will be restored automatically).

Make sure that important files are saved in the cloud

Check the Download folder for unnecessary APKs

Clear cache in Google Play Services

Reboot your smartphone after cleaning-->

Resetting “Adaptive Storage” (on Samsung)

On devices Samsung s One UI there is a hidden function that optimizes section "Other":

  1. Go to Settings → Device maintenance → Storage.
  2. Tap on "Other" → "Optimize".
  3. If there is no such item, enter in the settings search "Adaptive storage" and reset it.

3. Advanced methods (with Root or ADB)

If the standard methods did not help, and “Other” still takes up tens of gigabytes, you will have to use tools for experienced users. You perform all actions at your own peril and risk - incorrect commands can lead to data loss or “bricking” the device.

Cleaning via ADB (without Root)

Using Android Debug Bridge you can delete some system files without obtaining root access. Connect your smartphone to the PC and do:

adb shell pm clear com.android.providers.media

This command will reset the media storage (including thumbnails and metadata). Once completed, reboot your device.

To clear the cache of all user applications: 

adb shell pm trim-caches -f 100G

Where 100G is the maximum cache size that can be cleared (specified in bytes, gigabytes, or megabytes).

⚠️ Attention: ADB commands may not work on some firmware (for example, MIUI blocks some functions). If you see an error Operation not permitted, try another method.

Manual cleaning via Root Explorer

If you have Rootaccess, use Root Explorer or FX File Explorer to search for heavy files in system folders. Look for:

  • 🗃️ /data/log - system logs (you can delete everything except the current ones). files).
  • 🗃️ /data/tombstones — crash dumps (delete everything).
  • 🗃️ /data/dalvik-cache — virtual machine cache (cleared only through Wipe Dalvik Cache in TWRP).

Do not touch folders /data/data (application data is stored here) and /system (system files) - changing them can break the OS.

What to do if, after cleaning, “Other” is full again?

This is normal: Android constantly creates temporary files To slow down the process:

1. Disable automatic application updates in Google. Play.

2. Limit background activity of applications in the battery settings.

3. Clear the cache regularly via ADB (once every 1-2 months).

If the partition grows too quickly (more than 1 GB per week), check your smartphone for viruses or reset it to factory settings. settings.

4. Hidden functions of firmware (Xiaomi, Honor, Realme)

Manufacturers often hide cleaning tools "Other" in the depths of the menu. Here's where to look for them:

Brand Path to function What it clears
Xiaomi (MIUI) Settings → About phone → Memory → Clean MIUI cache, duplicate files, leftovers applications
Honor/Huawei (EMUI) Settings → Memory → Storage → Deep cleaning System logs, temporary update files
Realme/Oppo (ColorOS) Settings → Advanced → Memory cleaning → Deep cleaning Shell cache, thumbnails, APK remains
Samsung (One UI) Settings → Device maintenance → Storage → Advanced Adaptive storage, Knox cache

On Xiaomi there is also a hidden function "Junk cleaning" in Security App (shield icon). Launch it, select "Deep cleaning" and wait for the analysis - the tool will find up to 2-3 GB of unnecessary files that standard methods do not see.

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On smartphones Samsung s One UI 5.0+ can be reset "Other" through recovery mode. Turn off the device, press Power + Volume Up, select Wipe Cache Partition. This will not delete your data, but will clear the system cache.

5. Applications for cleaning “Other” (what really works)

Most of the "cleaners" from Google Play are useless - they only remove surface debris without touching "Other". But there are exceptions: "Other" data-i="198">(without the right to delete them).

  • 🛠️ Files by Google - finds duplicates and heavy files in /Android/data.
  • 🔍 SD Maid (requires Root) - clears the remains of deleted applications and system logs.
  • 📊 Storage Analyzer — shows which files are taking up space in "Other" (without the right to delete them).

If you use SD Maid, run a scan along the path "Case" → "Remains". The application will find files that remain after uninstalling apps (for example, folders com.tencent.ig from PUBG Mobile or com.supercell.clashroyale).

⚠️ Attention: Do not trust applications that promise to “free up 20 GB in 1 click". Often they simply move files to a hidden folder or show false scan results. Check reviews and ratings before installing.

6. When all else fails: drastic measures

If "Other" takes more than 10 GB, and All methods have been tried, there are two options left:

Reset to factory settings

This is guaranteed to clear "Other", but will delete all data on the device Before resetting:

  1. Save photos and documents to Google Drive or on a PC.
  2. Export contacts and SMS (for example, via SMS Backup & Restore).
  3. Record application logins/passwords (use Google Password Manager).

After resetting, do not restore data from a backup - this may return “garbage” back. Install applications selectively.

Flashing via Fastboot

If the reset did not help (this happens on Xiaomi with damaged partitions), you will have to reflash device. To do this:

  1. Download the official firmware for your model from the manufacturer's website.
  2. Unpack it and through Fastboot run the command:
fastboot flash system system.img

This will completely overwrite the system partition, deleting all hidden files. The method requires an unlocked bootloader and is suitable only for experienced users.

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If, after flashing, “Other” quickly fills up again, the problem may be hardware memory wear (especially on older smartphones with eMMC. In this case, only replacing the storage chip will help.

7. How to prevent “Other” from filling up. in the future

To prevent the partition "Other" from growing again, follow simple rules:

  • 🔄 Clear the cache regularly through Settings → Storage → Clear cache (every 1-2 weeks).
  • 🚫 Turn off automatic app updates in Google Play (or limit it to Wi-Fi only).
  • 📱 Do not use the “Dual Apps” features (on Xiaomi) or “Parallel Spaces” (on Huawei) - they create duplicate data.
  • 🔍 Before deleting an application, clear its data through Settings → Applications → [Application] → Storage → Clear data.

If you often install/uninstall games, use Google Play Games with cloud saving - this will reduce the number of "junk" files in /Android/obb.

On devices with Android 12+ you can enable the function "Auto-cleaning" in the storage settings. It will delete unused files automatically, but does not work on all firmware.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about "Other" in Android

Is it possible to completely delete the "Other" section?

No, this is impossible - it is needed for the system to function. But you can reduce its size to 1-3 GB using the methods from the article. If after cleaning the partition grows again, this is normal: Android constantly creates temporary files.

Why does “Other” still take up a lot of space after resetting the settings?

This happens because:

  • Residual firmware files (especially Xiaomi and Realme).
  • Pre-installed applications that create a cache immediately after the first boot.
  • Hidden partitions (for example, /vendor or /product), which are not cleared when resetting.

Try to reflash the device via Fastboot or TWRP.

Is it safe to use applications like Clean Master?

Most “cleaners” from Google Play Not only useless, but also harmful:

  • They often delete useful files (for example, game data).
  • They may show false notifications about “critical garbage”.
  • Some collect personal data (see permissions before installation).

It is better to use the built-in Android tools or SD Maid (only with Root).

How to clear “Other” on Android TV or tablet?

On Android TV (for example, on Nvidia Shield or Xiaomi Mi Box) methods are the same, but:

  • Use ADB via a PC - there is no file manager on TV set-top boxes.
  • Clear the cache via Settings → Applications → Delete data for each application.
  • On some devices, resetting through Settings → Storage → Reset and wipe helps.

On tablets (for example, Samsung Tab), the same instructions apply as for smartphones.

Does formatting the SD memory card help?

No, "Other" is the section internal memory, and not the SD card. Formatting the microSD will only clear the files on it, but will not affect the system junk. However, if you use the SD as internal storage (function Adoptable Storage), then part of "Other" may be there:

  1. Transfer important files from SD to PC.
  2. Format the card how portable storage (in memory settings).
  3. Reconfigure it as internal again (the data will be erased).