You open the settings of your smartphone, go to the storage section and see a frightening picture: the memory is full to capacity. The largest portion of the space, which cannot be immediately identified, is labeled with the cryptic term "Other Files" or "Miscellaneous." This storage often takes up tens of gigabytes, leaving the user to wonder what exactly is hidden there and whether it can be deleted without harm to the system.
In fact, this category is not a bug or a virus. This is a system "container" where Android stores data that does not fall under standard classifications like "Photos", "Videos" or "Apps". Understanding the structure of this partition is the key to freeing up valuable space on your device without losing important information.
In this article, we will take a detailed look at the anatomy of a partition "Other files", find out what data is stored there, and offer step-by-step strategies for safe erasing. You will learn to distinguish critical system caches from digital garbage that has accumulated over the years of using a smartphone.
Anatomy of the "Other files" section in Android storage
Operating system Android classifies files for the convenience of the user, grouping them by type content. However, there are data that do not fit into any of the standard categories. It is they who form the volume of the “Others” section. This includes archives, documents, installation packages and hidden application caches.
Often the volume of this section is inflated due to the work of instant messengers. Telegram, WhatsApp i Viber save received media files in their own directories, which the system does not always correctly scan as “Photos” or "Video". As a result, gigabytes of correspondence, voice messages and sent documents end up in the “Miscellaneous” category.
Temporary system update files, error logs and data from offline maps of navigation applications are also stored here. If you used a navigator without the Internet, downloaded city maps may take up significant space, remaining invisible in the standard gallery view.
Use the built-in file manager with space usage analysis function to see the real structure of folders hidden behind the "Other" label.
It is important to understand that blindly deleting all the contents of this section can lead to application failures. Some files are necessary for apps to run correctly, and their loss will require re-downloading the data or even reinstalling the software.
The main types of data that occupy a place in the “Miscellaneous” category
To effectively fight for free space, you need to know the enemy by sight. The structure of the "Other Files" section is heterogeneous and can include many different formats. Here are the main types of data that most often make up the lion's share of this storage:
- 📦 Application cache: Temporary data that apps download to speed up work (images from social network feeds, video player buffers).
- 📄 Documents and archives: Files in PDF, DOCX, ZIP, RAR formats that were downloaded from a browser or received in messengers.
- 📲 APK installation files: Old versions of application installers that remained in memory after updating apps.
- 🗺️ Offline data: Maps, music playlists for listening without a network and databases of voice assistants.
Particular attention should be paid to the cache of streaming services. Applications like YouTube, Spotify or Netflix can store huge amounts of temporary data. Even if you haven’t officially downloaded the video, buffering long videos leaves traces on the system.
Another hidden memory consumer is system logs and error reports. Although each such file weighs little, their number can number in the thousands if the smartphone is unstable or has old bugs in the firmware.
Safe cleaning methods using built-in system tools
Before resorting to third-party software, you should use the tools that are already in your smartphone. Modern shells from Samsung, Xiaomi and other manufacturers have built-in memory optimization modules.
The first step is to use the “Cleanup” function. This is usually located in the Phone Manager app or in the storage settings. The system will automatically offer to delete unnecessary files, but it is important to carefully review the list before confirming.
For deeper cleaning, go to the settings of each heavy application separately. Follow the path Settings → Applications → [Select an application] → Storage. Here you will see a Clear Cache button. This operation is safe and will not delete your personal data, logins or passwords.
⚠️ Attention: Do not click the “Clear data” (or “Reset”) button if you do not want to lose all correspondence history, settings and authorization in a specific application. This function returns the app to the “as after installation” state.
It is also recommended to check the “Downloads” folder. Users often forget about files downloaded six months ago. Removing old documents and APK installers can instantly free up several gigabytes.
☑️ Safe cleaning algorithm
Manually managing files through Explorer
If automatic means do not help, you will have to take control into your own hands. To do this, you will need an advanced file manager, for example Files by Google or FX File Explorer. Standard explorers sometimes hide system folders.
Enable the display of hidden files in the explorer settings. This will allow you to see folders starting with a dot (for example .thumbnails). This folder stores thumbnails of your photos, which can grow to incredible sizes over time.
Pay attention to the folder Android/obb i Android/data. Additional game files and application data are stored here. Deleting the contents of these folders must be done with extreme caution: deleting the game folder will result in the need to download the game cache again the next time you start it.
Path to check: /sdcard/Android/obb/
Path to check: /sdcard/Android/data/
Searching for large files is another effective method strategy. Many explorers have a function to sort files by size. Find files larger than 100 MB and analyze their necessity. Often forgotten videos or disk images end up there.
What is the .thumbnails folder?
This is a hidden system folder where Android stores thumbnails of all the images in the gallery for quick viewing. Over time, it can take up to 5-10 GB. It can be safely deleted, but the system will create it again over time.
Specifics of messengers: Telegram and WhatsApp
Messengers are the main culprits in the growth of the “Other files” category. They work like full-fledged file storage, storing everything you've ever received. Without proper configuration, they will take up memory endlessly.
In Telegram the situation is most acute due to the cloudy nature of the messenger. The application caches all viewed media files on the device. To solve the problem, go to Settings → Data and memory → Memory usage.
Here you can set a cache size limit or configure automatic cleaning. For example, set a rule: “Delete media if it has not been used for 3 days.” This will maintain quick access to fresh photos, but will not allow the memory to become full of old content.
| Messenger | Where to look for settings | Recommended action |
|---|---|---|
| Telegram | Settings → Data and memory | Enable auto-reset cache (3 days) |
| Settings → Data and storage | Disable auto-downloading media | |
| Viber | More → Settings → Memory | Clear manual cache |
The WhatsApp mechanism is different: the files are saved to the general memory of the phone. Check the Storage tab inside the app settings regularly. There you can selectively delete the most “heavy” chats, often these are groups with active video exchange.
⚠️ Attention: Messenger interfaces are frequently updated. If you do not find the specified menu items, use the search in the settings inside the application itself by entering the word “Memory” or “Cache.”
Radical measures: Reset and flashing
Sometimes the accumulated system garbage becomes so large that it is impossible to remove it piece by piece. A file indexing error may cause the system to see 20 GB of “Other Files” even though they are not physically there. In such cases, a radical reset helps.
Factory reset (Factory Reset) completely clears the user memory section. This deletes all apps, photos, contacts and, of course, the entire Other Files section. After this, the system returns to its original state with a minimum amount of occupied memory.
Before performing this operation, it is critical to make a full backup of your data. Use your Google Account to synchronize your contacts and calendar, and save photos and videos to the cloud or to your computer.
To perform a reset, go to Settings → System → Reset settings → Delete all data. The process will take from 5 to 15 minutes depending on the memory speed of your smartphone.
Resetting to factory settings is the only way to fix file system errors when the volume of “Other files” does not correspond to reality.
If even after After resetting, the problem persists, perhaps the issue is in the firmware itself. Some custom or outdated versions Android have bugs in the storage calculator. In this case, you may need to flash the device to the latest version of the software via a computer.
Prevention and keeping the system clean
The best way to deal with memory overflow is prevention. Avoid situations where the “Other Files” section takes up more than 10-15% of the total memory. Regular care will save you stress and time in the future.
Set a rule: conduct an “inspection” of your smartphone once a month. Remove unnecessary applications, empty your Downloads folder, and check your cache settings in instant messengers. It will only take 5-10 minutes.
Use cloud storage for photos and videos. Services like Google Photos or Yandex.Disk allow you to store media files on the Internet, freeing up local memory. Turn on the “Free up space” function to delete copies from your phone that have already been uploaded to the cloud.
Avoid installing “cleaners” of dubious origin. Many applications from the Play Market that promise to speed up the phone are themselves a source of advertising and unnecessary garbage. Built-in Android tools are enough for comfortable work in 99% of cases.
Is it possible to delete the entire “Other Files” folder with one click?
No, such a button does not exist. This category is a hodgepodge of different data. Removal is only possible selectively: clearing the application cache, deleting specific files, or completely resetting the phone.
Why does the volume of “Other files” increase on its own?
This happens due to the work of background processes. Applications are updated, cache new content from the Internet, and create logs. Messengers automatically download new messages and media, unless you limit this function.
Does the “Others” section affect the speed of the smartphone?
Indirectly - yes. If the memory is critically full (less than 1 GB remaining), the system starts to run slowly because it does not have enough space for temporary files and virtual memory. Clearing this partition will restore performance.
Is a high volume of “Other files” a sign of a virus?
In rare cases, yes. Some malware disguises itself as system files. If the volume of the partition grows abnormally quickly without your activity, check your phone with an antivirus, for example, Dr.Web or Kaspersky.