Have you ever looked into the storage settings of your Android smartphone and wondered why the “Other”** section takes up gigabytes of memory, even though you didn’t consciously save anything there? This is one of the most mysterious categories in the system, which can “eat up” from 5 to 30% of the total memory - and at the same time remain invisible to standard cleaning tools.
In this article we will not just explain what “Other” is in Android memory, but we will also show how to analyze itwhat files go there and why this section grows over time and - most importantly - how to safely free up space without the risk of damaging the system. You will learn about hidden caches, remnants of deleted applications, system logs and other “invisible” data that has accumulated over the years.
We will pay special attention unique cleaning methods for modern versions of Android (12–14)where Google has tightened control over system sections, and also look at myths - for example, why you can’t just delete everything from “Other” and what this can lead to.
What is “Other” in memory Android?
Section "Other"** (or Other in English firmware) is the "trash can" of the operating system, where all the files that could not be classified into standard categories (photos, videos, applications, etc.) go. Essentially, these are:
- 📁 System process cache —temporary files that Android services create to speed up work (for example, cache Google Play Services or Android System WebView).
- 🗑️ Remains of deleted applications —configuration files, databases and settings apps that you uninstalled a long time ago, but their “tails” remain.
- 📜 Logs and system dumps - debugging files that are created during failures (
/data/tombstones,/data/anr). - 🔄 OTA updates - downloaded but not installed update packages Android.
- 🖼️ Media files without extension —for example, downloaded pictures with non-standard formats that the system did not recognize.
On Android 10+ data also goes into “Other” from isolated storage (Scoped Storage), where applications save files that are not directly accessible to the user. For example, Telegram or WhatsApp can store encrypted backups of chats there.
⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (for example MIUI or ColorOS) “Other” also includes files virtual memory (swapthat are used to speed up multitasking. Removing them can lead to a slowdown of the smartphone.
Why does “Other” take up so much space?
The main reasons for the growth of this section:
- Incorrect uninstallation of applications. Many apps (especially games) leave behind files in
/data/dataor/sdcard/Android/obb, which are not deleted through the standard menu. - Automatic creation of logs. Android constantly keeps an event log (
/data/log), especially if USB debugging is enabled (ADB). - Web browsing cache. Browsers (including Chrome and Android System WebView) save page thumbnails, scripts and styles that can weigh hundreds of megabytes.
- File system errorsIf there is a sudden power outage or failure, files may be “lost” and end up in “Other” as unidentified.
For example, after updates Android 12 → 13 many users noticed that “Other” suddenly grew by 2–5 GB. This is due to the fact that the system creates backup copies of old configurations in case of a rollback.
How to see what exactly takes up space in the “Other”?
Standard Android tools (for example, Settings → Storage) do not show the detailed composition of the “Other” To analyze it, you will need it. third-party utilities or ADB.
Method 1: through the app Files by Google
This is an official application from Google that can scan “junk” files:
- Install Files by Google from Play Market.
- Open the tab "Cleaning".
- Click "View files" → "Other applications".
- The application will show large files that can be deleted (for example, old APKs or logs).
Method 2: Through ADB Shell (for advanced)
If you have experience with the command line, connect your smartphone to the PC and run:
adb shellsu
du -sh /data/* | sort -rh | head -n 20
This command will show the top 20 heaviest folders in the system partition. Be careful: deleting files via ADB may break Android!
| Folder/file | What does it store | Can it be deleted? |
|---|---|---|
/data/dalvik-cache |
Virtual machine cache ART (speeds up application launches) | ❌ No (the system will restore automatically, but this will slow down) |
/data/log |
System and application logs | ✅ Yes (can be cleared via Files by Google or SD Maid) |
/data/tombstones |
Memory dumps when applications crash | ✅ Yes (will delete logcat -c via ADB) |
/data/app-asec |
Encrypted application data (for example, banking) | ❌ No |
/data/media/0/Download |
Downloaded files without extension | ✅ Yes (check manually) |
⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 11+ access to some folders in /data is limited even through ADB. A complete analysis will require root access, but obtaining them may void the warranty.
How to safely clear “Other” in Android memory?
Before deleting something, remember: not all files in “Other” can be erasedFor example, deleting dalvik-cache will lead to a recompilation of all applications the next time you start it, which will take some time. time and resources.
☑️ Safe cleaning of “Other”
Method 1: Cleaning via standard means
Even without third-party applications you can free up space:
- Go to
Settings → Applications. - Select "All applications"** → sort by size.
- For each large application, click "Storage"** → "Clear cache".
- For system applications (for example, Google Play Services) use "Clear data"** (but this will reset the settings!).
Method 2: Removing application remnants
Applications often leave “tails” in folders:
- 📂
/sdcard/Android/data— application data is stored here (for example, game cache). - 📂
/sdcard/Android/obb— extension files for games (can be deleted if the game is uninstalled). - 📂
/data/data— system data (requires root or ADB).
To clean:
- Use a file manager (for example, Solid Explorer) with access to root folders.
- Delete folders with the names of deleted applications (for example,
com.tencent.igfor PUBG Mobile). - Restart the device.
If you often install and uninstall games, use function "Clean up space" in Google Play: open your profile → "Manage applications" → "Clear unused". This will automatically remove residual files.
Method 3: Reset the partition cache (without data loss)
On some devices (for example, Samsung or Xiaomi) there is an option to reset the partition cache /cache:
- Turn off phone.
- Hold
Power + Volume upto enter Recovery Mode. - Select "Wipe Cache Partition"** (not «Factory Reset»!).
- Reboot the device.
This will delete temporary update files and logs without losing personal data.
What will happen if you completely clear “Other”?
Completely clearing this section can lead to:
- ⚠️ Slowdown —the system will rebuild the cache dalvik and ART.
- ⚠️ Crashes in applications —some apps store settings in “Other.”
- ⚠️ Data loss —for example, saving games or settings widgets.
- ✅ Freeing up space —but only if you deleted truly unnecessary files (logs, old APKs).
For example, after cleaning /data/log you will not notice the difference in work, but deleting /data/system can lead to boot in Recovery Mode.
Example of a critical file in “Other”
In the folder /data/misc data is stored Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and VPN. Deleting them will reset all networks and passwords.
How to prevent the growth of “Other”?
To prevent “Other” from taking up gigabytes, follow these tips:
- 🔄 Clear the cache regularly via
Settings → Storage → Cache data(once a month). - 🗑️ Delete APK after installation —they remain in
/Downloador/sdcard. - 🛡️ Disable automatic log loading (for developers:
Settings → System → For developers → Disable logging magazine). - 📱 Use “light” firmware —for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience less trash in “Other” than MIUI or One UI.
- 🔍 Check the storage times in 3 months in Files by Google or SD Maid.
On Android 13+ Google has introduced the function "Automatic cleaning"** (Settings → Storage → Free up space), which automatically deletes unused files once a week. We recommend turning it on.
⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, Realme or Oppo) the automatic cleaning function can delete files from /Download without warning. Before activation, transfer important data to another location.
Myths about “Other” in Android memory
There is a lot of false information about this section on the Internet. Let's look at the most popular myths:
| Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
| “Other” can be completely deleted without consequences. | ❌ No - critical system files are stored there (for example, /data/misc/wifi with passwords from networks). |
| These are viruses that steal space. | ❌ In 99% of cases, these are system files, not malware. Viruses are usually disguised as regular applications. |
| Cleaning “Other” will speed up the phone. | ⚠️ Partially true, but only if you delete the application cache. Cleaning up system files can slow things down. |
| Google specifically hides these files. | ✅ Partially true - in new versions of Android, access to /data is limited for security, but this is not “conspiracy”, but protection from accidental deletion. |
If you suspect that viruses are really hiding in “Other”, check the phone through Malwarebytes or Dr.Web LightBut most often the problem is in the accumulated logs and cache.
“Other” is not. garbage, and system service files. You need to clean it selectively (selectively), and not everything in a row.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about “Other” in Android memory
Is it possible to delete “Other” through Recovery Mode?
A Recovery available option «Wipe Cache Partition», which clears temporary files from /cache, but does not touch /data. Full formatting /data (via «Factory Reset») will delete everything, including personal files.
Why does “Other” grow again after cleaning?
Android constantly creates new logs, caches and temporary files. This is normal - the system itself manages this data. If the partition grows too quickly (for example, by 1 GB per week), check applications for data leaks (for example, via Android Profiler v Android Studio).
How to find out which applications are trashing “Other”?
Use SD Maid (section «CorpseFinder») or Files by Google (tab "Storage analysis"These tools will show which apps). leave the most residual files.
Is it possible to transfer "Other" to a memory card?
No. System files from "Other" are tied to the internal storage and do not support transfer to SD-cardHowever, you can. transfer part of the user data (for example, game cache) via Settings → Applications → Storage → Edit (if supported).
Why is there no “Other” section on iPhone, but there is on Android?
iOS uses a different file system (APFS), where service files are hidden from the user and are automatically managed by the system. Android (based on ext4/F2FS) gives more freedom, but also requires manual control.