Have you opened your smartphone storage and discovered that a mysterious folder “Other files” occupies 5, 10, or even 20 GB of precious memory? This is not a virus or a system error - this is how Android classifies data that could not be classified into standard categories (photos, videos, applications). Hidden inside are messenger caches, temporary game files, remnants of uninstalled apps, or even duplicate media.

The problem is that standard cleaning tools (for example, in Settings → Storage) often cannot cope with these files. In the worst cases, the folder grows to such a size that the phone begins to slow down, and there is not enough free space even to install updates. In this article, we'll look at why “Other files” can weigh more than all your photos and videos combinedand how to safely reduce them - from manual sorting to using hidden functions Android.

What is a folder “Other files” and why it takes up so much space

In the official documentation Google folder "Other files" (Other files in the English version) is defined as a container for data that the system could not identify automatically. This includes:

  • 📁 Application cachewhich was not deleted after uninstallation (for example, the remains of games like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile).
  • 🔄 Temporary files from instant messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp), which are downloaded when viewing media, but are not cleared.
  • 🗑️ Remaining updates of the system or applications (files with the extension .apk.old or .odex).
  • 📄 Logs and dumpsthat are created when failures (for example, files .log or .dumpstate in the folder /data/anr).
  • 🎮 Saves games in non-standard formats (for example, files Unity or Unreal Engine).

On some firmware (for example, MIUI from Xiaomi or ColorOS from Oppo) "Other files" also include encrypted data applications that the system cannot read without special keys. This is normal, but such “garbage” can take up to 30% of the total memory.

⚠️ Attention: If the “Other files” folder suddenly grew to 10+ GB in a few days, check your phone for viruses (for example, Android.Triada) disguise their data as system data. files.
File type Approximate size Can I delete
Messenger cache From 500 MB to 3 GB Yes, without risk
Remains of deleted applications From 100 MB to 5 GB Yes, but better through ADB
System logs From 50 MB to 1 GB Yes, but may be needed for diagnostics
Game saves From 10 MB to 2 GB No, if game achievements are important

How to see what exactly is stored in “Others” files"

Before emptying a folder, you need to understand what data is in it. A standard file manager (for example, Files by Google) will only show the total size, but not the contents. Here's how to get detailed information:

  1. Use DiskUsage or Storage Analyzer.

    These applications scan the memory and show the size of each folder in the form of an interactive chart. For example, you will see that 2 GB is occupied by the folder /Android/data/com.tencent.ig (remaining PUBG Mobile).

  2. Connect your phone to the PC.

    Through the wired MTP-protocol (in file transfer mode), open the internal memory in Explorer Windows or macOS. Folders with unusual names (for example, com.android.providers.media) often contain unnecessary data.

  3. Check hidden folders.

    Enable the display of hidden files in the file manager settings (in Files by Google: ⋮ → Settings → Show hidden files). Look for folders with a dot at the beginning (for example, .thumbnails —thumbnails of images are stored here).

If you use Android 12+, some of the data may not be available without root access due to policy Scoped StorageIn this case, only ADB will help. below).

📊 How often do you clear the memory on your smartphone?
Once a week
Once a month
Only when space runs out
Never

Method 1: Clearing the application cache (the safest method)

Up to 60% of the contents of the “Other files” folder is the application cache, which was not deleted during standard cleaning. Unlike these applications, the cache can be safely cleared: it will be restored the next time you start it. app.

How to do it:

  1. Open Settings → Applications → All applications.
  2. Sort the list by size (click on the three dots in the upper right corner).
  3. Select applications with a large cache (for example, YouTube, Telegram, Google Play Services).
  4. Click Storage → Clear cache.

To speed up the process, use automatic cleaning:

  • 🤖 B Android 11+: Settings → Storage → Free up space → Cached data.
  • 📱 On Samsung: Settings → Device care → Memory → Clear.
  • 🍎 On Xiaomi/Redmi: Security → Cleaning → Deep cleaning.
⚠️ Attention: Do not confuse cache and application data. Clearing data will reset the app settings (for example, in WhatsApp chats will be deleted).

Remains of deleted applications in the folder /Android/obb|

Messenger cache (Telegram, Viber, WhatsApp)|

The .thumbnails folder with thumbnails|

The .apk.old files in the /data/app folder|

System logs in /data/anr (required root access)-->

Method 2: Removing remnants of deleted applications

When you delete an application through Google Play or settings, the system often leaves its data in the /Android/data and /Android/obbfolders. can weigh gigabytes, especially if you played heavy games (Genshin Impact, Honor of Kings).

How to find and delete them:

  1. Open any file manager (for example, Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer).
  2. Go to the folder /Android/data i sort the contents by date modified.
  3. Folders with the names of deleted applications (for example, com.miHoYo.GenshinImpact) can be safely deleted.
  4. Check the folder in the same way /Android/obb —additional game files are stored here (usually weighing 1–3 GB each).

If the folders are not deleted (an error is displayed "Insufficient rights"), use ADB:

adb shell

su


rm -rf /sdcard/Android/data/com.package name


rm -rf /sdcard/Android/obb/com.package name

On some firmwares (for example, EMUI from Huawei) these folders can be protected. In this case, only reset to factory settings (but). this is an extreme case).

💡

Before deleting folders with games, check if cloud saves are linked to them. For example, in Genshin Impact progress is synchronized with your account miHoYo, and in Clash of Clans — with Google Play Games.

Method 3: Cleaning via ADB (for advanced users)

ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is a tool for low-level smartphone management. It can be used to delete files that are not visible through the standard interface, including protected system data.

Instructions:

  1. Install Platform Tools from the official website Google (or via Android Studio).
  2. Enable USB debugging on your phone: Settings → About phone → Build number (press 7 times), then Settings → System → For Developers → USB Debugging.
  3. Connect your phone to the PC and run the commands:
adb devices

adb shell


pm list packages -f | grep "package_name" # find the application package


pm clear com.package.name # clear data and cache


rm -rf /data/data/com.package.name # remove leftovers (requires root access)

For mass clearing of all caches applications:

adb shell "su -c 'find /data/data -name 'cache' -exec rm -rf {} +'"
⚠️ Attention: Commands with rm -rf without root access may cause applications to crash. Always make a backup before mass wiping.
What to do if ADB does not see the device?

1. Check if the drivers for your model are installed (for example, for Samsung need Samsung USB Driver).

2. Try a different USB cable (some cables are only for charging).

3. Turn on the mode PTP instead MTP in the connection settings.

4. Restart your phone and PC.

Method 4: Using specialized applications

If manual cleaning seems difficult, use applications that automatically find and delete unnecessary files from the “Other files” folder. options:

  • 🧹 SD Maid — scans the system for garbage, including application remnants and duplicate files. There is a function CorpseFinder to search for “dead” folders.
  • 🔍 Files by Google —in the section Cleanup shows large and unnecessary files, including cache and duplicates.
  • 🛡️ CCleaner — clears the cache, history and temporary files, but be careful with the settings (some options may delete important data).
  • 📊 DiskUsage —visualizes occupied space and helps you find the heaviest folders.

Example of working with SD Maid:

  1. Run a scan in the section CorpseFinder.
  2. Check the list of found remains of deleted applications.
  3. Click Run now to clean.

On Android 10+ some functions SD Maid may not work due to limitations Scoped Storage. In this case, use ADB or manual cleaning.

💡

Applications like SD Maid or CCleaner not will delete files protected by the system. For deep cleaning, you will still need ADB or root access.

Method 5: Reset to factory settings (as a last resort)

If the “Other files” folder takes up more than 10 GB, and all previous methods did not help, remains full reset. This will delete all data from the phone, including system junk, but will also be erased:

  • 📸 Photos and videos (if not saved to the cloud).
  • 📱 Contacts (if not synchronized with Google).
  • 🎮 Game saves (if not linked to an account).
  • 🔑 Wi-Fi passwords.

How to reset correctly:

  1. Create a backup copy of important data (for example, via Google Drive or Samsung Cloud).
  2. Open Settings → System → Reset settings → Delete all data.
  3. Confirm the action (you may need to enter a PIN code).
  4. After reboot set up the phone as new.
⚠️ Attention: On some phones (for example, Xiaomi or Realme), the reset does not clear the folder /sdcard completely. After resetting, check it manually.

How to prevent the "Other Files" folder from growing in the future

To prevent the folder from filling up with garbage again, follow these rules:

  • 🗑️ Clear the cache regularly. Set up automatic cleaning in Settings → Storage → Free up space (available on Android 9+).
  • 📲 Delete games through the settings. Do not just click “Delete” in Google Play, but go to Settings → Applications → Game → Delete (this will clear both the data and the cache).
  • 🔄 Use cloud saves. In games like Genshin Impact or Clash Royale link progress to your account so that you can delete local files.
  • 🚫 Disable automatic downloading of media in messengers. B Telegram: Settings → Data and memory → Automatic media download (select “Never”).
  • 🔍 Check the storage once every month. Use DiskUsage or built-in tools (Settings → Storage).

If you often install and uninstall applications, consider the option with memory sharing (on some phones, for example Samsung Galaxy, you can allocate part of the memory for “expandable storage” for temporary files).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the "Other Files" folder

Is it possible to completely delete the "Other Files" folder?

No, this is a system folder, and completely deleting it will cause a failure. Android. You can clear only its contents - cache, application remnants and temporary files.

Why does the folder fill up again after cleaning?

This is normal: applications constantly create new cache and temporary files. To slow down the process, turn off the background activity of unnecessary apps in Settings. → Applications → Permissions → Autorun.

Is it safe to use CCleaner or Clean Master?

Yes, but with caution. These applications can delete useful data if you enable aggressive settings. It is better to use them only for clearing the cache, and not for “deep optimization.”

What to do if the folder weighs 20+ GB and nothing helps?

Most likely the problem is damaged file system. Try:

  1. Reset to factory defaults settings.
  2. Flash the phone via Fastboot (if you have experience).
  3. Contact the service center (the memory may be damaged eMMC).
Can I transfer “Other files” to an SD card?

Partially. Some files (for example, application cache) can be transferred if:

  • SD card is formatted as internal storage (Adoptable Storage).
  • The application supports transfer to the card (checked in Settings → Applications → Storage → Edit).

However, system files and data of most games cannot be transferred.