Partition "Other"** in memory Xiaomi Redmi 9 is a real headache for many users. It takes up gigabytes of precious space, but does not make it clear what what exactly is stored inside. Logical questions: why does the system not show the contents of this section? Can it be cleaned safely? And most importantly, how to do this without risking the stability of the smartphone?

In this article we will look at 5 working methodswhich will help free up space in the "Other" section on your Redmi 9. From simple actions in the settings to advanced methods using ADB —you will find a solution for any level of training. We’ll also find out why after cleaning the memory can fill up again after a few days and how to avoid this.

What is the “Other” section and why does it take up so much space?

In MIUI (firmware Xiaomi) section "Other"** is a “dump” for files that the system cannot classify into standard categories: Applications, Media or Documents. This includes:

  • 📁 Application and system cache —temporary files that should be deleted automatically, but often remain “forgotten.”
  • 🔄 Residual data from remote apps (for example, settings or logs).
  • 📄 System logs (logs) —debug files that are created during failures or updates.
  • 🔗 Symbolic links and file metadata system.
  • 🤖 Update filesthat were not installed or were removed incorrectly.

On Redmi 9 (especially with 64 GB of memory), the “Other” section can grow up to 10–15 GB —and that's not the limit! The reason is the features MIUI:

  • 🔄 The firmware actively caches data to speed up work, but does not always clean it.
  • 📦 Many system applications (Mi Video, Mi Music) create hidden folders with metadata.
  • 🔄 After updates MIUI there are backup copies of old versions that are not deleted automatically.
⚠️ Attention: If the “Other” section occupies more than 20 GB, this may indicate a file system failure. In this case, it is better to make a backup copy and reset the smartphone to factory settings.

Method 1: Clearing the application and system cache

The safest and fastest method is deleting the cache. It does not affect personal data, but can free up 1–3 GB memory.

How to clear the cache of all applications:

  1. Open Settings → Applications → Management applications.
  2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Sort by size.
  3. Open applications with a large cache one by one (for example, YouTube, Telegram, Mi Video) and click Clear cache.

How to clear the system cache:

  1. Go to Settings → Memory → Clear.
  2. Click Deep cleaning and wait for the process to complete.
  3. Return to the section Memory and select Clear cache (button at the bottom of the screen).

If standard cleaning does not help, try manual method via Recovery settings:

  1. Turn off the smartphone.
  2. Hold Power button + Volume upto enter Recovery Mode.
  3. Select Wipe & Reset → Wipe Cache (volume key control, confirmation - power button).
  4. Reboot the device.

Close all applications

Connect the charger (the process may take 5-10 minutes)

Check the free space before and after cleaning

Do not interrupt the process until it is completed-->

Method 2: Uninstall residual files and garbage through File Manager

In MIUI there is a built-in File Manager (File Manager) that can find and delete unnecessary files. Here's how to use it:

Step 1. Search for large files:

  1. Open File Manager (folder icon on the desktop).
  2. Go to section Memory analysis (tab below).
  3. Click Unnecessary files —the system will show a list of garbage that can be safely deleted.

Step 2. Manual cleaning of hidden folders:

Some folders are not displayed by default. To see them:

  1. In File Manager click on the three dots → Settings → enable Show hidden files.
  2. Go to the root directory (/storage/emulated/0/) and delete the following folders (if any):
    • .thumbnails — thumbnails of images and videos.
    • .cache — cache of various applications.
    • Android/data/ i Android/obb/ — residual files of deleted games.
⚠️ Attention: Do not delete folders Android, MIUI or DCIM entirely - this may lead to system malfunctions. Delete only them contentsif you are sure that the files are not needed.

Step 3. Clearing downloads:

The folder Download is often clogged with unnecessary files. To clear it:

  1. Open File Manager → Downloads.
  2. Click on the three dots → Sort by size.
  3. Delete old files (especially .apk, .zip, .tmp).
    4. 💡

    If File Manager does not find garbage, try third-party applications like SD Maid or Files by Google. They can analyze memory deeper, but require rights Storage

    Method 3: Using ADB for deep cleaning

    If standard methods did not help, you will have to connect to the smartphone via ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This method requires a computer, but allows you to remove system junk that is not accessible through the normal interface.

    What you will need:

    • 💻 Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
    • 🔌 USB cable (preferably original).
    • 📥 Installed drivers Xiaomi i ADB.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Enable USB debugging on the smartphone:
    • Go to Settings → About phone → MIUI version (press 7 times to activate developer mode).
    • Go back to Settings → Advanced → For developers i enable USB debugging.
  • Connect the smartphone to the PC and confirm trust in the computer on the screen Redmi 9.
  • Open the command line (Win + R → cmd) and enter: 
    adb devices

    Make sure that the device is detected (its serial number should appear).

  • Run commands to clean: 
    adb shell pm clear com.android.providers.media
    adb shell pm trim-caches 1000000000
    adb shell rm -rf /data/local/tmp/*
  • Reboot your smartphone.

    • What files are being deleted these commands?

    Command What clears Potential effect
    pm clear com.android.providers.media Media provider cache (thumbnails, metadata) Frees up 500 MB - 1.5 GB, but can reset albums in the gallery
    pm trim-caches Cache of all applications Safe for the system, but applications will take longer to load when first launched
    rm -rf /data/local/tmp/* Temporary system files Removes junk from updates and installers
    ⚠️ Attention: Commands ADB can damage the system if entered incorrectly. Do not change paths or parameters yourself - use only the examples above.
    What to do if ADB does not see the device?

    1. Check if USB debugging is enabled on your smartphone.

    2. Install drivers Xiaomi from the official website.

    3. Try another USB cable (preferably the original one).

    4. Restart your computer and smartphone.

    5. If you use Windows, run the command line as an administrator.

    Method 4: Resetting the partition cache (Wipe Cache Partition)

    If the “Other” partition is clogged due to malfunctions MIUI, resetting the cache will help section via Recovery Mode. This method does not delete personal data, but resets system settings.

    How to reset:

    1. Turn off Redmi 9.
    2. Press Power button + Volume upuntil the logo appears Mi.
    3. In the menu Recovery select a language (if required).
    4. Go to Wipe & Reset → Wipe Cache.
    5. Confirm the action and wait for completion.
    6. Select Reboot → Reboot to System.

      7. What gives this method?

      • 🧹 Removes temporary files of updates and crashes.
      • 🔄 Fixes file system errors.
      • 📉 Can reduce the "Other" partition by 2–5 GB.

    After reboot, check the "Other" section in Settings → Memory. If the volume has not changed, try the following method.

    Once a week

    Once a month

    Only when space runs out

    Never clear-->

    Method 5: Full reset to factory settings (last resort)

    If nothing helps, and the “Other” section occupies more than 10 GB, the last resort remains - hard reset. This method deletes all data on the phone, including applications, photos and settings, so be sure to make a backup copy!

    How to reset Redmi 9 to factory settings:

    1. Go to Settings → About phone → Backup and reset.
    2. Select Reset settings.
    3. Check Clear internal memory (optional if you want to delete everything, including multimedia).
    4. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.

    What to do after the reset?

    • 🔄 Restore data from backup (via Mi Cloud or Google Account).
    • 📥 Install applications selectively - many of them can clog up memory again.
    • 🔧 Disable automatic application updates in Google Play.
    ⚠️ Attention: After the reset, the “Other” section may begin to grow again if you do not change your smartphone usage habits. Regularly clear the cache and monitor installed applications.
    💡

    Resetting to factory settings is the most radical, but also the most effective method. Use it only if other methods did not work. irreversible.

    Why does the “Other” section fill up again?

    Many users are faced with the fact that a few days after cleaning, the “Other” section grows again. What is the reason?

    The main culprits:

    • 🔄 Automatic updates — MIUI and applications constantly download new versions, leaving old files.
    • 📁 Social network cache — Telegram, VK, TikTok actively cache media.
    • 🤖 System processes — MIUI creates error logs and debugging files.
    • 📥 Hidden downloads —some applications (for example, instant messengers) save files in hidden folders.

    How to prevent re-filling?

    • 🔧 Disable automatic application updates in Google Play.
    • 📵 Limit background activity of applications in Settings → Battery → Energy management.
    • 🗑 Clear the cache regularly (every 1-2 weeks) through Settings → Memory.
    • 🚫 Remove unnecessary applications, especially those that actively use the cache (Facebook, Instagram, games).

    If the problem persists, check your smartphone for viruses (for example, through Malwarebytes) - some malware disguises itself as system files and clogs memory.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the "Other" section on Redmi 9

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

    No, this is a system partition and it will always take up some space, however, it can be significantly reduced (up to 1-3 GB) using the methods described in. article.

    Why does the memory fill up again within a few days after cleaning?

    This happens due to active use of the smartphone: application cache, system updates, temporary messenger files. To slow down the process, disable automatic updating and limit background activity of applications.

    Is it safe to use cleaning applications (for example, Clean) Master)?

    Most of these applications are ineffective or even harmful - they can delete useful files or show false warnings. It is better to use built-in tools MIUI or ADB.

    What to do if after all the manipulations the “Other” section does not shrink?

    Perhaps the problem is file corruption. system. Try:

    1. Reset the partition cache (Wipe Cache Partition).
    2. Update MIUI to the latest version.
    3. If all else fails, do a full reset to factory settings.
    Is it possible to transfer some of the files? from “Other” to an SD card?

    No, the “Other” section contains system files that cannot be transferred. However, you can transfer multimedia, documents and some applications to an SD card via Settings → Memory → Data transfer.