How to clear “Other” on Samsung Galaxy A71: a complete guide

Section “Other” in memory Samsung Galaxy A71 is a real “black hole” for many users. It takes up gigabytes of space, but does not contain any photos, applications, or downloads. Why is this happening? The fact is that under this category Android and the shell One UI hide system files, cache, temporary data and even the remains of deleted apps. Unlike visible folders, “Other” is not cleared using standard methods - it needs to be “cleaned out” purposefully.

If your Galaxy A71 shows that there is critically little memory left, and in the "Other" section it has accumulated from 5 to 20 GB of garbage, do not rush to reset the phone to factory settings. In 90% of cases, the problem can be solved without data loss - just know where to look. In this article we will look at all the working methods: from safely clearing the cache to deleting hidden system files that are not visible in standard Explorer.

What is “Other” in the memory of the Samsung Galaxy A71?

In the storage menu Samsung Galaxy A71 (path: Settings → Device care → Memory) you will see the distribution of memory into categories: “Applications”, “Images”, “Videos”, etc. The “Other” category is everything that does not fall into the other sections. It includes:

• 🗑️ Application and system cache —temporary files that are created to speed up apps. For example, the cache Google Play Services can weigh up to 1 GB.
• 📁 Residual files - "tails" from deleted applications, updates or even old versions of Android.
• 🔄 Logs and dumps - system logs errors that are created during failures (for example, logcat or tombstones).
• 📱 Android hidden folders —for example, /data/app-lib or /cachethat are not displayed in the standard explorer.
• 🔒 Encrypted data —files that the system cannot classify (for example, backups or encryption data).

On Galaxy A71 s One UI 2.5–5.1 (depending on version firmware) “Other” is often bloated due to the way it works Samsung Knox —a built-in security system that creates isolated containers for data. These containers can remain even after applications are uninstalled, taking up space in the “Other” section.

⚠️ Attention: If the volume of “Other” exceeds 10 GB, this may occur. indicate a failure in the storage system. In this case, cleaning may not help - a reset to factory settings or flashing will be required.

Method 1: Clearing the application and system cache

The safest and fastest method is to delete temporary files. The cache does not contain important data, so clearing it is not possible. will harm the operation of the phone. Galaxy A71 this can be done in two ways:

1.1. Clearing the cache of individual applications

Some apps (for example, Facebook, Instagram or Google Chrome) can accumulate gigabytes of cache. delete:

1. Open Settings → Applications.
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Sort by size.
3. Select an application with a large cache size (for example, YouTube or TikTok).
4. Go to Storage → Clear cache.

Pay attention to applications with cache more than 500 MB — clearing them will give the maximum effect. For example, the Google Play Market cache can reach 1-2 GB.

1.2 Clearing the system cache through Recovery Mode

If standard cleaning does not help, try deleting the partition cache /cache via recovery mode. This will not delete your data, but it may solve the problem with the “bloated” “Other” partition.

Charge the phone to at least 50%|Back up important data|Close all applications|Turn off software protection fingerprint/face

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1. Turn off Galaxy A71.
2. Press the buttons simultaneously Volume up + Power and hold them for 5-7 seconds until the logo appears Samsung.
3. In the menu Recovery Mode Use the volume buttons to select Wipe cache partition.
4. Confirm the action with the button Power.
5. After completion, select Reboot system now.

This method is especially effective if “Other” has grown after an update One UI or installation large applications (for example, games).

Method 2: Removing residual files and junk using My Files

Standard Explorer Samsung My Files allows you to find and delete some hidden files that belong to the "Other" category. Here's how to do it:

1. Open the application My files (folder icon on the main screen).
2. Go to section Storage analysis (graphic icon at the bottom of the screen).
3. Click on category Other.
4. View the list of files and folders. Pay attention to:

• 📂 Folders with names like com.sec.android.* or android.secure are the remains of system applications.
• 🗃️ Files with extension .tmp, .log, .bak —temporary or backup copies.
• 🔍 Folders Download or DCIM/.thumbnails —thumbnails of images that can weigh hundreds of megabytes.

Delete unnecessary files, but do not touch folders with names:

• Android (system application data),
• data (basic user data),
• system (firmware files).

If you are not sure whether you can delete a folder, it is better to leave it - an error can lead to a malfunction of the phone.

Method 3: Using third-party applications for deep cleaning

If the built-in tools fail, third-party software will help. The best applications for cleaning “Other” on Galaxy A71:

Application	What cleans	Pros	Cons
SD Maid	Residual files, cache, empty folders, duplicates	Deep analysis, works without root	Paid version for full functionality
Files by Google	Cache, duplicates, large files	Free, easy to use	Does not remove system garbage
CCleaner	Cache, history, temporary files	Quick cleaning	Aggressive advertising in the free version
1Tap Cleaner	Cache, call history, SMS	One-click cleaning	Does not delete deep system files

We recommend starting with SD Maid —it deals best with “junk” files. One UIAfter installation:

1. Run the application and provide access to memory.
2. Select the tab CorpseFinder (search for residual files).
3. Click Run and wait for the analysis to complete.
4. Delete the found files, except those marked as “System”.

If the application asks for root access, refuse - by Galaxy A71 obtaining it may disrupt operation Samsung Knox and void your warranty.

⚠️ Attention: Some "cleaners" (for example, Clean Master) may delete useful data or show false warnings about viruses. Use only proven applications from the table above.

Method 4: Cleaning via ADB (for advanced users)

If the previous methods did not help, and “Other” still takes up a lot of space, you can try removing junk via ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This is a debugging tool that allows you to control your phone from your computer. The method requires caution, but often saves in difficult cases.

You will need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux,
• 🔌 USB cable (original from Samsung),
• 📥 Installed drivers Samsung USB Driver i ADB Tools.

Instructions:

1. Enable on your phone Developer mode:
   • Go to Settings → About phone → Software information.
   • Click 7 times on Build numberuntil the notification “You have become a developer” appears.

Return to Settings → Developer options i enable USB debugging.

Connect Galaxy A71 to the computer and select mode File transfer.

Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and enter:

adb devices

If the phone is recognized (its serial number appears), enter the command to clear the cache of all user applications:

adb shell pm trim-caches 1G

To delete temporary system files, use:

adb shell rm -rf /data/local/tmp/*
adb shell rm -rf /cache/*

These commands are safe, but will not delete deep system files. More aggressive cleaning will require rights rootwhich is not recommended for Galaxy A71 due to the risk of loss Knox.

What to do if ADB does not see the device?

If the command adb devices is not shows your Galaxy A71, check:

1. Are the drivers installed Samsung USB Driver for Mobile Phones.

2. Is the mode USB debugging enabled in the developer settings.

3. Are you using the original cable (low-quality cables may not transfer data).

4. Try restarting the phone and computer.

If the problem persists, try another USB port or computer.

Method 5: Reset to factory settings (extreme option) method)

If “Other” takes up more than 15 GB, and no methods help, the last option remains - Hard ResetThis will completely clear the phone, including all user data, so first:

Create a backup to Google Drive or computer|Write down account logins/passwords|Save contacts to SIM or cloud|Make sure your phone is 100% charged

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Reset instructions:

1. Open Settings → General settings → Reset.
2. Select Reset data (or Reset to factory settings).
3. Enter PIN code or pattern.
4. Confirm the action by clicking Delete everything.

After the reset, the phone will reboot and will be like new. The “Other” section will be reduced to 1–3 GB (this is the normal volume for system files).

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware One UI after the reset, up to 5 GB may remain in the “Other” section. This is due to operation Samsung Knox and is not an error. Do not try to delete these files manually - they are needed for security.

How to prevent. re-filling “Other”?

To prevent the “Other” section from growing again, follow these tips:

• 🔄 Clear the cache regularly (once every 1-2 months) through Settings → Device care → Memory → Clean.
• 🚫 Avoid “cleaners” with aggressive advertising —they often create more garbage than they remove.
• 📱 Delete unused applications via Settings → Applicationsrather than just clicking on the icon (“Delete” → “Clear data” before deleting).
• 🔒 Disable automatic backup copying for unnecessary data (for example, game cache) in Settings → Accounts and archiving.
• 📥 Do not download files “for later” —clean the folder regularly Downloads.

It is also useful to disable background activity for unnecessary applications:

1. Go to Settings → Applications.
2. Select an application (for example, Facebook).
3. Click Mobile data → Background data and disable them.

This will reduce the number of temporary files created.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about clearing “Other” on Samsung A71

Can I delete “Other” completely, so that there is 0 MB there?

No, this is impossible. The “Other” section will always occupy at least 1–3 GB, since critical system files are stored there (for example, data Samsung Knox or Android configurations). Complete cleaning will lead to a system failure.

Why does “Other” grow again after cleaning?

This is normal Android behavior. The system and applications constantly create temporary files (cache, logs, thumbnails). To slow down the growth of “Other”, turn off the background activity of unnecessary apps and clear the cache regularly (once a month).

Is it safe to use applications like Clean Master?

No, such “cleaners” often delete useful data or show false warnings about viruses in order to sell the premium version. if after all the cleaning, “Other” still takes up 10+ GB? Galaxy A71 better use SD Maid or built-in tools One UI.

What should I do if, after all the clearing, “Other” still takes up 10+ GB?

This may indicate a file system failure or partition damage. In this case, only /data. In this case, it will only help reset to factory settings or flashing via Odinwill help. If the problem persists, contact the service center. center Samsung.

Is it possible to clear “Other” without losing data?

Yes, in 90% of cases the methods from this article help (clearing the cache, deleting residual files, ADB) Only in extreme cases (for example, if “Other” takes up 20+ GB) is required. reset. Always make a backup copy before serious manipulations!