How to clear the "Other" folder on Xiaomi Redmi: a complete guide with proven methods

Folder "Other" on smartphones Xiaomi Redmi is one of the most mysterious and annoying features of MIUI. It can take up a 5 to 30 GB memory, while the system stubbornly does not show what exactly is stored inside. Users often encounter a situation where free space is running out, and in the section "Storage" there is a huge block "Other"that cannot be removed using standard means.

In this article we will look at 5 proven methods cleaning folders "Other" on Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10, POCO X3/X4 and other models with MIUI 12/13/14. You will learn what files are hidden under this section, how to safely delete them, and what to do if the memory is still not freed. We will also reveal myths about “Other” and explain why some “tips” from the Internet can harm your phone.

What is the “Other” folder on Xiaomi Redmi and why is it growing?

Folder "Other" (or «Other») is collection section, where MIUI drops files that do not fit into standard categories (“Photos”, “Video”, “Audio”, “Applications”). It includes:

• 📁 Application cache (including system ones)
• 🔄 Residual files after uninstalling apps
• 📄 System logs and dumps (error reports)
• 🎮 Game data (saves, temporary files)
• 🔒 Encrypted files (for example, from Mi Cloud)
• 📱 Update files (remains of firmware)

The main problem is MIUI does not provide tools for a detailed analysis of this section, the user sees only the total volume, but cannot understand what exactly is taking up space. Moreover, some of the files. in "For others" locked for deletion without root access, since they are related to the operation of the system.

Why is the folder growing?

• 🔄 Automatic backup (for example, Mi Cloud creates hidden copies)
• 🎮 Games with large caches (Genshin Impact, PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty)
• 📱 MIUI updates (packages remain .zip weighing 1–3 GB)
• 🗑️ Incorrect removal of applications ("tails" remain in /data/data)

Method 1: Clearing the application cache (without root)

The most safe and fast method is deletion cache of user and system applications. This will not damage the data, but may free up from 1 to 5 GB memory.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Manage applications.
2. Tap on the three dots in the upper right corner and select "Sort by size" (to see the heaviest apps).
3. Select an application (for example YouTube, Facebook, Mi Video) and click Clear cache.
4. System applications (for example com.miui.gallerymay require confirmation.

Special attention pay attention to:

• 🎵 Music players (Mi Music, Spotify)
• 📺 Video players (MX Player, VLC)
• 🎮 Games (Genshin Impact caches up to 10 GB!)
• 📱 Social networks (TikTok, Instagram)

⚠️ Attention: Do not clear the application cache com.android.systemui, com.miui.home and android.process.media - this may lead to interface freezing or resetting the wallpaper.

Method 2: Removing junk files through “Cleaning” (built-in tool)

MIUI has a built-in a tool "Cleaning"that finds and deletes unnecessary files, including part of the content "Other". However, it does not always work effectively - sometimes it requires forced launch.

How to start deep cleaning:

1. Open "Security" (shield icon in the application menu).
2. Go to "Cleaning" → "Deep cleaning".
3. Wait for scanning (may take 1-3 minutes).
4. Check all the boxes, especially "Residual files", "Mini app cache" i "Unnecessary APK".
5. Click "Clear".

If standard cleaning did not help:

• 🔄 Restart the phone and repeat the procedure.
• 📱 Check the section "Files" → "Categories" → "Other" —sometimes hidden folders appear there after cleaning.

⚠️ Attention: If after cleaning the folder "Other" grows quickly again, check Auto-updating applications in Google Play —some games (for example, Genshin Impact) automatically download updates weighing up to 2 GB.

Method 3: Manually deleting hidden folders (via the file manager)

Some of the files in "Other" are stored in hidden foldersthat are not displayed by default. They can be found. through Mi File Explorer or third-party managers (for example, Solid Explorer).

Instructions:

1. Install Solid Explorer (or enable the display of hidden files in Mi File Explorer: Settings → Show hidden files).
2. Go to the root directory (/storage/emulated/0/).
3. Look for folders with names:
   • .thumbnails (thumbnail images)
   • .cache (cache of various applications)
   • Android/data and Android/obb (residual game files)
   • MIUI → debug_log (system logs)
   • Download → old APK files

Important: Do not delete folders Android, MIUI or DCIM entirely - this will lead to a system crash.

Method 4: Resetting the partition cache (via Recovery Mode)

If the previous methods did not help, you can try reset the partition cache via Recovery Mode. This will delete your databut will clear the system cache, which can take up to 1–2 GB in "Other".

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Hold Power button + Volume up until logo Mi.
3. Select a language (if required).
4. Go to Wipe & Reset → Wipe Cache.
5. Confirm the action and wait for completion.
6. Restart the phone (Reboot → System).

This method is especially useful if:

• 📱 The phone became slow after the update MIUI.
• 🔄 Folder "Other" increased sharply (for example, after installing a major update).
• 🎮 Games started fly or long load.

⚠️ Attention: Do not confuse Wipe Cache with Wipe Data! The second option (Factory Reset) will delete all your data (photos, contacts, messages).

Method 5: Using ADB for deep cleaning (for advanced)

If you are ready for more complex manipulations, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge) to remove hidden files. This method requires connecting to a PC and basic knowledge of the command line.

Instructions:

1. Enable "USB debugging" on your phone:
   • Go to Settings → About phone.
   • Tap 7 times by "MIUI Version"to activate "Developer Mode".
   • Return to "Settings", open "Advanced" → "For Developers" and turn on "USB Debugging".

adb devices

adb shell

su

cd /data

du -sh * | sort -n

rm -rf /data/folder_to_be_deleted

What can be deleted via ADB:

• 📂 /data/local/tmp (temporary files)
• 📂 /data/log (system logs)
• 📂 Residual files in /data/data (from remote applications)

What to do if nothing helps?

If after all the manipulations the folder "Other" still takes up a lot of space, the following are possible reasons:

1. Virus or malware:
   • Check your phone via Malwarebytes or Dr.Web Light.
   • Remove suspicious applications (especially from unknown sources).
2. File system failure:
   • Make a backup and perform factory reset.
   • Use Recovery Mode → Wipe Data (will delete everything!).