"Other" in Android memory: what is it, why does it take up space and how to clear it safely

The section "Other" in Android storage is one of the most mysterious categories for users. It can occupy from several hundred megabytes to tens of gigabytes, but the system stubbornly does not show which files go there. Unlike photos, videos or applications, the contents of this partition do not have obvious marks, and attempts to clear it through standard settings often end in nothing.

The problem is complicated by the fact that Android (especially versions 10+) actively uses this partition to cache system processes, temporary update files and application data, that do not fall into other categories. For example, residual files after uninstalling apps, web browsing cache from little-known browsers, or even fragments of downloaded but not installed APKcan be stored here. This section cannot be ignored: when overfilled, it leads to slow operation of the smartphone, errors when installing updates, and even sudden reboots.

In this article we will not only analyze, what exactly is hidden under the “Other” label, but we will also show 7 proven ways to clear it - from safe (through built-in tools) to radical (using ADB and manual deletion of files). All methods have been tested on devices with Android 8–14 and do not require root access, unless otherwise stated.

What is the “Other” section in Android memory and why is it growing

In the official documentation Google section "Other" is defined as miscellaneous files - “miscellaneous files” that do not fall under standard categories (Apps, Images, Videos etc.). In practice, this includes:

• 📁 System application cache (for example, Google Play Services or Android System WebView), which is not cleared automatically.
• 🔄 Residual data after uninstalling apps (including settings and temporary files).
• 📥 Incomplete downloads from browsers, instant messengers or file managers.
• 🔧 Logs and error dumpsthat the system creates in case of failures (files with the extension .log, .dmp).
• 📦 APK filesdownloaded for updates, but not deleted after installation.
• 🌐 Offline cache maps (Google Maps), music (Spotify, Yandex Music) or video (YouTube Premium).

The main reason for the growth of this section is lack of automatic cleaning. Unlike the application cache, which can be deleted in the settings, files from “Other” often go unnoticed. For example, after an update. WhatsApp through APK the old installer may remain in the folder /Download, but the system will put it in “Other” and not in “Downloads”.

Another nuance: on devices c Android 11+ part of this section can be reserved for virtual memory (function RAM Expansion on some Xiaomi, Samsung i Realme) In this case, cleaning using standard methods will not help - you will need to disable the function in the settings. developer.

Method 1: Clearing the system application cache

The most secure method that does not affect user data. The system application cache (for example, Google Play Market, Services or Android System) often takes up hundreds of megabytes, but is not displayed in standard file manager.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications.
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Show system ones (on some firmware - All applications).
3. Find applications with names:
   • 🔍 Google Play Services
   • 🔍 Android System WebView
   • 🔍 Download Manager
   • 🔍 Media Storage

For each, select Storage → Clear cache.

💡 Important: Not press Clear data for system applications - this can lead to malfunctions of the smartphone (for example, apps from Play Market).

Method 2: Removing residual files via Storage Sense (Android 9+)

Function Storage Sense (or Auto Cleanup on some firmware) automatically deletes unnecessary files, including the contents of the “Other” section. It is available on most devices with Android 9 i. newer, but often disabled by default.

How to enable:

1. Go to Settings → Storage.
2. Click on the three dots in top corner and select Storage Sense (or Free up space).
3. Activate the slider Automatic cleaning.
4. Select frequency: Daily, Weekly or If there is not enough space.
5. In the section File types check:
   • 🗑️ Temporary files and cache
   • 📁 Downloads (files older than 30 days)
   • 📥 Unused applications

🔹 Operating features:

• 📱 On Samsung this function is called Device Care → Storage → Clean Now.
• 📱 On Xiaomi — Cleaning → Deep cleaning.
• 📱 On Pixel and stock Android - Settings → Storage → Free up space.

Method 3: Manually deleting files through the file manager

Some files from the “Other” section can be deleted manually if you know where they are stored Below is the list. folders that are worth checking. Be careful: deleting system files can lead to unstable operation of the device.

Folder	What it stores	Can it be deleted
/storage/emulated/0/Download	Downloaded APK, archives, documents	Yes (except for the necessary files)
/storage/emulated/0/Android/data	Cache and application data	Partially (only folders of deleted apps)
/storage/emulated/0/Android/obb	Additional game files (cache, levels)	Yes, if the game is deleted
/storage/emulated/0/DCIM/.thumbnails	Thumbnails of photos and videos	Yes (will be restored automatically)
/data/log (requires root)	System error logs	Yes, but only if you have root

🛠️ How to access hidden folders:

1. Use a file manager with support root (for example, Root Explorer or FX File Explorer) or a standard manager with the display of hidden files mode is enabled.
2. For folders in /data/ you will need root access.
3. Before deleting, check the modification date of the files - if they are older than 6 months, they can be safely deleted.

What happens if you delete the Android/obb folder?

If you delete files from this folder for installed a game (for example, Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile), the game will stop starting until the data is downloaded again (may take several gigabytes traffic).

Method 4: Cleaning via ADB (without root)

If standard methods do not help, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB) a debugging tool that allows you to delete the system cache and temporary files without superuser rights. The method works on all versions of Android, but requires a connection to a PC.

📌 Step-by-step guide:

1. Download Platform Tools from the official website Google and unzip the archive.
2. On a smartphone enable USB Debugging (Settings → About phone → Build number - press 7 times, then return to Settings → System → For Developers).
3. Connect your phone to the PC and in the command line (in the folder with ADB) do:

   adb devices

   If the device is displayed, enter:

   adb shell pm trim-caches -a

   This command clears the cache all applications, including system ones.

4. To delete temporary update files, run:

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

⚠️ Attention: Command trim-caches does not delete user data, but may reset the settings of some applications (for example, Google Chrome will lose history).

Method 5: Wipe Cache Partition

If the “Other” partition takes up several gigabytes and is not cleared by other methods, resetting the partition cache through recoverywill help. This method does not delete user data, but requires rebooting into a special mode.

🔧 Instructions for most devices:

1. Turn off the smartphone.
2. Hold the combination of buttons to enter Recovery Mode (depending on the model):
   • 📱 Samsung: Power + Volume Up + Bixby
   • 📱 Xiaomi/Redmi: Power + Volume Up
   • 📱 Google Pixel: Power + Volume Down, then select Recovery Mode

In the recovery menu, select Wipe cache partition (control is carried out by the volume and power buttons).

Confirm the action and wait for completion.

Reboot the device (Reboot system now).

🔹 What does this do:

• 🧹 Deletes temporary update files OS.
• 🧹 Clears the cache of system services, which is not visible in normal mode.
• 🧹 Resets error logs accumulated during operation.

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, OnePlus or Oppo) resetting the partition cache may lead to resetting the network settings (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth). Write down passwords in advance.

Method 6: Using specialized applications

If manual methods seem complicated, you can use third-party utilities. They analyze the "Other" section and offer to clean unnecessary files. It is important to choose trusted apps so as not to run into malware.

📊 Top 3 cleaning applications:

Application	Functions	Features
Files by Google	Storage analysis, cache clearing, removing duplicates	Official from Google, no ads
CCleaner	Deep cache cleaning, startup management	There is a paid version with advanced features
SD Maid	Search for junk files, clean databases	Requires root for full functionality

🔍 How to use Files by Google:

1. Install the application from Play Market.
2. Open it and go to the tab Cleaning.
3. Click Free up space and wait for analysis.
4. In the section Other files mark unnecessary elements (for example, Old APK or Temporary files) and click Clear.

⚠️ Attention: Some applications (for example, Clean Master) may show false warnings about “critical errors” to force you to buy a premium version. Use only proven utilities.

Method 7: Radical measures (factory reset). settings)

If the “Other” section occupies 10+ GB and is not cleared by any of the above methods, the last option remains - reset to factory settingsThis will delete all data from the device, including applications, photos and settings, so this method should be used only as a last resort.

🔄 How to reset settings:

1. Create a backup copy of important data (photos, contacts, messages).
2. Go to Settings → System → Reset settings.
3. Select Delete all data (factory reset).
4. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.

📌 What to do after the reset:

• 🔧 Restore data from a backup (for example, via Google Drive or Mi Cloud).
• 🔧 Do not install all applications at once - check how the “Other” section changes after installing each one.
• 🔧 Disable automatic downloading of updates for applications c Play Market (this will reduce the number of temporary files).

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, Samsung s One UI), resetting the settings does not clear the folder /data/media/0, where old files may remain. After resetting, check this location manually via. file manager.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the "Other" section on Android

🔹 Why does the "Other" section fill up again after cleaning?

This is normal system behavior that Android constantly creates temporary files to speed up work. (for example, cache Google Play Services or data for Android System WebView). To slow down the growth of the partition:

• Disable the background activity of unnecessary applications in Settings → Applications → Permissions → Autorun.
• Regularly clear the cache via Storage Sense (once a week).
• Use lightweight versions of applications (for example, Facebook Lite instead of the main client).

🔹 Is it possible to delete the “Other” section completely?

No, this is not possible. The “Other” section is an integral part of the Android file system, where files that do not fit into other categories go. However, it can minimize up to 100-300 MB using the methods described above.

🔹 Why on Samsung is the “Other” section called “Other Files” and takes up so much space?

On devices Samsung with a shell One UI the “Other Files” additionally includes:

• Cache Samsung Cloud and Samsung Pass.
• Data for function DeX (desktop mode).
• Update files via Smart Switch.

To clear them, use the built-in utility Device Care (Settings → Device maintenance).

🔹 Is it safe to use ADB for cleaning?

Yes, if you follow the instructions and do not delete files manually without understanding their purpose. The command adb shell pm trim-caches -a is safe - it only clears the cache. without affecting user data. However, commands like rm -rf /data/* (if you see them in dubious guides) will destroy all data on the device!

🔹 Why did the “Other” section grow by several gigabytes after updating Android?

When updating the system a backup copy of the old version is created (folder /data/ota_package), as well as temporary files for installation. They should be deleted automatically, but sometimes they remain. To clear them:

1. Go to Settings → Storage → Free up space Settings → Storage → Free up space.
2. Select Temporary update files (if such an item exists).
3. Or manually delete the contents of the folder /data/ota_package via ADB or Root Explorer.