How to clear the "Other" section on Xiaomi smartphones: a complete guide

The “Other” section in memory Xiaomi is one of the most mysterious categories for users. It can occupy from several hundred megabytes to tens of gigabytes, but the system does not provide a clear explanation of what exactly is included there. Most often, “Other” grows after updates MIUI, installation/uninstallation of applications, or prolonged use of the smartphone. Unlike the cache or application garbage, this section is not cleared by standard means - it has to be “cleaned out” manually.

In this article we will look at why it is so fast in smartphones what exactly is hidden under “Other” in smartphones Redmi, POCO and Xiaomi fills up, and the main thing is how to reduce it without risk to the system. All methods have been tested for MIUI 14/15 and are relevant for devices with Android 12–14. If you see that “Other” is eating up 10+ GB of memory, do not rush to reset the phone to factory settings: in 90% of cases the problem can be solved without radical measures.

We warn you right away: some methods require developer rights or working with system files. If you have never used ADB or do not know what fastboot is, start with the simplest methods (sections 2–3) and only then move on to the advanced ones. Also remember that after clearing “Other”, some applications may require re-authorization (for example, banking or instant messengers).

What is “Other” in Xiaomi memory and why does it take up so much space

In the official documentation Xiaomi section "Other" (Other in the English version) is described as "system files, temporary data and residual information." In practice, it includes:

• 📁 Residual files of deleted applications — not completely erased data, configurations and cache (especially important for games like Genshin Impact or PUBG Mobile).
• 🔄 System logs and debugging information - files .log, .dump i .trace, which are created during failures or updates.
• 🗃️ MIUI cache and Google Services —temporary shell files that are not cleared through the standard “Cleanup” menu.
• 🔗 Symbolic links and duplicate files —artifacts that occur when transferring data between internal and external memory.
• 📱 OTA update files - downloaded but not installed update packages MIUI (can weigh 2-4 GB).

The most common reason for the growth of “Other” is incorrect removal of applications through the standard “Delete”, and not through “Clear data” + “Delete.” For example, if you delete TikTok or Instagram without first clearing the cache, their files will remain in the “Other” section and will take up space for years.

Another “culprit” is the "Memory optimization" v MIUIfunction. It automatically archives rarely used applications, but sometimes these archives are not deleted even after uninstalling the apps. As a result, you get “dead” garbage that is not visible in the file manager, but takes up space. gigabytes.

⚠️ Attention: On some models Xiaomi (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro+ or Xiaomi 13T) the "Other" section may be artificially inflated due to the nature of its operation file system F2FS. This is not a bug, but a “feature” of performance optimization. In this case, cleaning will have a temporary effect - after 1-2 weeks the volume will increase again.

Method 1: Cleaning through the built-in “Storage” menu (without root)

Let's start with the safest method, which does not require additional tools. It is suitable for users for whom “Other” takes up to 3–5 GB and is not associated with system failures.

Open Settings → Storage and follow these steps:

1. Tap on section "Other" (or Other).
2. The system will show a list of categories - select "Application files" or "System cache".
3. Press "Clear" (if the button is active). On some firmware this item may be called "Delete unnecessary files".
4. Restart your smartphone - this is necessary for the system recalculated the used space.

If the “Clean up” button is inactive or missing, try an alternative way:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Manage applications.
2. In the upper right corner, click on the three dots and select "Show system".
3. Find applications com.miui.cleanmaster (Cleaning) and com.android.providers.downloads (Downloads).
4. For each of them, click "Storage" → "Clear cache" and "Clear data".

Make a backup copy of important data|Close all background applications|Connect the charger (in case of a long operation)|Check free space (must be at least 10% of the total volume)-->

This method helps in 60-70% of cases, but has a limitation: it does not delete files protected by the system (for example, logs MIUI or cache Google Play ServicesIf, after cleaning, the volume of “Other” has not changed, proceed to the next method.

Method 2: Removing the cache and data of system applications

Many system services Xiaomi accumulate gigabytes of garbage that is not visible in the standard “Storage” menu. We are talking about:

• 🤖 Google Play Services (com.google.android.gms) - can take up to 1–2 GB of cache.
• 📊 MIUI Analytics (com.miui.analytics) - collects data about the use of the smartphone.
• 🔄 MIUI Optimization (com.miui.personalassistant) - is responsible for “smart” optimization.
• 📥 Download Manager (com.android.providers.downloads) - stores temporary download files.

To clear them:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Manage applications.
2. Turn on the display of system applications (three dots in the upper right corner).
3. Find applications from the list above by their batch names (for example, com.google.android.gms).
4. For each, click "Storage" → "Clear cache" and "Clear data" (if available).

⚠️ Attention: Clearing data com.google.android.gms may lead to temporary interruptions in the operation of Google Play, Gmail and other services. After the procedure, restart your smartphone and wait for the account to re-synchronize.

Pay special attention to the application "Downloads" (com.android.providers.downloads). It often stores "lost" files that do not appear in the folder Downloadbut take up space. After cleaning, check the “Other” section - it should decrease by 500 MB–1.5 GB.

Once a week|Once a month|Only when memory runs out|Never clear-->

Method 3: Deleting OTA update files (for experienced users)

One of the main memory “eaters” in the “Other” section is uninstalled update packages MIUI. Even if you installed the update, its files may remain on the system and occupy 2–4 GB. To find and delete them:

1. Connect your smartphone to the PC and turn on USB debugging (Settings → About phone → Version MIUI → Tap on the version 7 times, then return to Settings → Advanced → For developers → USB debugging).
2. On the PC, open the command line (Win + R → cmd) and enter:

   adb shell
   su
   rm -rf /cache/ota/*
   rm -rf /data/ota_package/*
   exit

3. If the commands were executed without errors, reboot smartphone.

If you do not have rights root, try an alternative method through the file manager:

1. Install FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer (they support access to system folders).
2. Go to /storage/emulated/0/Download/.thumbnails and /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/backup/AllBackup.
3. Delete all files with extensions .zip, .ota or .update.

Important: Do not delete files from folders /system or /vendor - this may lead to briku (inoperability) of the device. If you are not sure about the name of the folder, it is better to skip it.

Method 4: Resetting the cache via Recovery Mode (for all models)

If the previous methods did not help, and “Other” still takes up 5+ GB, try resetting the cache via recovery mode (Recovery Mode). This method does not delete user data, but requires care.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the smartphone.
2. Hold the button power and volume up simultaneously (on some models - power + volume down).
3. When the logo appears MI, release the buttons - you will be taken c Recovery Mode.
4. Use the volume buttons to navigate and the power button to select an item.
5. Select «Wipe & Reset» → «Wipe Cache».
6. Confirm the action and wait for completion (takes 1-3 minutes).
7. Reboot your smartphone via «Reboot» → «Reboot to System».

After the reboot, check the "Other" section in Settings → Storage. In most cases, it will decrease by 1-3 GB. If there are no changes, the problem lies deeper (for example, in damaged system files).

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI item Wipe Cache may be called Clear Cache or Advanced WipeDo not confuse it with Wipe Data (full reset), which will delete all your files!

Method 5: Advanced cleaning via ADB (for the technically savvy)

If you are ready to work with ADB, this method will allow you to delete even those files that are not visible through standard tools. It is suitable for users for whom “Other” takes up 10+ GB and is not cleared by other methods.

You will need:

• 🖥️ A computer with installed ADB drivers (you can download from official Android website).
• 📱 Enabled debugging USB on the smartphone.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).

Steps:

1. Connect your smartphone to the PC and open the command line in the folder with ADB.
2. Enter the command to check connections:

   adb devices

   Wait for the serial number of your device to appear.

3. Get rights root (requires an unlocked bootloader):

   adb shell
   su

   If the command su does not work, skip this step.

4. Delete temporary files and cache:

   rm -rf /data/local/tmp/*
   rm -rf /data/dalvik-cache/*
   rm -rf /data/system/package_cache/*
   rm -rf /data/misc/apexdata/com.android.art/*
   exit

5. Reboot your smartphone:

   adb reboot

This method deletes the Dalvik and ART cache, which can speed up the smartphone, but the first launch after reboot will take 5–10 minutes (the system will rebuild the cache). Don't be alarmed if the phone is stuck on the logo - this is normal.

If after cleaning the “Other” section is still large, check the log folders:

adb shell
su
rm -rf /data/anr/*
rm -rf /data/tombstones/*
rm -rf /data/log/*
exit

⚠️ Attention: Deleting files from /data/log/ may lead to malfunctions of some system services (for example, Google Play Protect). If errors appear after cleaning, reboot your smartphone again.

What to do if nothing helps: radical measures

If you have tried all the methods, but “Other” still takes 8-15 GB, there are two options left:

1. Reset to factory settings (Settings → Advanced → Backup and reset → Factory reset). This will delete all data, but is guaranteed to clear "Other". → Reset settings Be sure to make a backup through Settings → Google → Backup or Mi Cloud.
2. Flashing via Fastboot. This is an extreme measure that requires an unlocked bootloader and the ability to work with Mi Flash Tool. experienced users.

Before resetting, check whether the problem is caused by damage to the file system. To do this:

1. Connect the smartphone to PC.
2. In ADB execute the command:

   adb shell
   e2fsck -f /dev/block/by-name/userdata

3. If the command returns errors like superblock errors —the file system is damaged, and you cannot do without a reset.

Also pay attention to external SD card (if it is installed). Sometimes "Other" grows due to the fact that the system mistakenly transfers temporary files there. Try:

• 🔄 Remove the memory card and restart the smartphone.
• 🗃️ Format the card via Settings → Storage → SD card → Format Settings → Storage → SD card → Format.
• 🚫 Disable the function "Adaptive storage" in the SD card settings (if it is enabled).

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

adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.miui.videoplayer
adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.miui.player