Smartphone owners often encounter an annoying notification about lack of space, while an analysis of disk space shows that the lion's share is occupied by a mysterious partition "Other" or Other. This category acts as a black box where the system dumps all files that it cannot clearly identify as photos, music, applications or videos. Understanding the nature of this data is the first step to freeing up gigabytes of free space without deleting important documents.
System logic Android is designed to protect the integrity of the device, so it does not allow the user to simply delete the contents of system directories. However, the accumulation of temporary files, remnants of uninstalled apps and messenger caches can turn a fast-working gadget into a sluggish machine. In this guide, we'll look at safe methods for accessing hidden partitions and effective cleaning strategies.
Don't panic when you see a partition “Other” can take up to 20-30 GB on a full device, as much of this volume is often cached by social networks and streaming services. A competent approach to file system management will allow your smartphone to return to its former agility. Let's take a look at what exactly is hidden behind this name and how to work with it.
What is actually hidden in the Other section
Section Other (Other) is not a separate folder in the usual sense, but a collection of different types of data that a standard storage analyzer could not classify. This includes temporary files of system processes, error logs, application cache data, and operating system update files. Often, users do not even suspect that listening to music online or watching videos in high quality leaves behind gigabytes of “digital footprint” in this category.
Particular attention should be paid to messengers like Telegram or WhatsApp, which by default save all received media files in hidden directories. The system sees this data as part of the application's operation, but does not assign it to the gallery, so it ends up in the "Other"section. Also here may be stored the remains of deleted games that forgot to write a command to completely delete their resources.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to delete files with unknown extensions in system folders manually if you are not sure of their purpose, as this can lead to unstable operation of the interface or loss of settings data.
It is important to understand that the composition of the content in this category is dynamic. Today there may be a map cache there, and tomorrow there may be a temporary download file for a large update. Content analysis requires care and the use of the right tools, which will be discussed below.
Using the built-in storage analyzer
The safest and first step to putting things in order is to use standard tools Android. Modern shells from Samsung, Xiaomi or Google have built-in utilities for memory management that allow granular space. You do not need to be a system administrator to use these functions, just go to the corresponding settings menu.
First you need to go to the menu Settings → Storage (or Memory). Here the system will offer to carry out basic cleaning, but we are interested in detailed analysis. By clicking on a category "Other" or “System Files”, you can see a more detailed breakdown if the device manufacturer has provided this option. In some cases, the system itself will offer to delete large or rarely used files.
- 📱 Open the device settings and find the "About phone" or "Storage" item.
- 🔍 Click on the memory usage graph to switch to detailed view.
- 🗑️ Select the "Other" category to view available cleaning actions.
- 📂 Use the built-in file manager to sort files by size.
If you cannot get detailed information using standard means succeeds, you should use third-party but proven utilities that have special permissions for scanning deep directories. However, even built-in tools can show which applications take up the most space in this section, which is already valuable information for further actions.
Before starting mass cleaning, make a backup copy of important data to a cloud service or computer so as not to accidentally delete the necessary information.
Working with file managers with system access
For a deeper dive into Android file system, the standard Explorer may not be enough. You will need a file manager that can display hidden folders and work with system directories. The leaders in this niche are Files by Google, Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer, which provide a convenient interface and the necessary access rights.
After installing such an application, you must grant it permission to access all files on the device. In modern versions Android (11 and higher) this requires additional confirmation through the system window. After obtaining root access, you can follow the path /storage/emulated/0/Android/data, where heavy application caches are often hidden, assigned by the system to the section Other.
| Application | Access type | Complexity | Security | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Files by Google | Custom | Low | High | For beginners |
| Solid Explorer | Advanced | Medium | High | For advanced |
| Total Commander | ROOT plugin | High | Average | For experts |
| CX File Explorer | Network | Low | High | Universal |
Using advanced file managers, you can manually find folders with the names of instant messengers or games and clear their contents. However, remember that deleting files from the data folder of a specific application may reset its settings or require re-authorization. Be careful and delete only files with extensions .tmp, .cache or clearly temporary in nature.
☑️ Check before deleting files
Clearing the cache and data of heavy applications
The main source of partition growth Other are social networks and instant messengers. Apps like TikTok, Instagram i Telegram cache every video and image you watch to speed up downloading them again. Over time, this cache can reach tens of gigabytes, formally remaining part of “Other”, since these are not your personal photos, but technical garbage.
To clear, you need to go to Settings → Applications, select the desired application and click on the “Storage” item. Here you will see two buttons: “Clear cache” and “Clear data”. The first option is safe and deletes only temporary files, the second will reset the application to the state after installation, deleting logins and settings.
⚠️ Attention: The “Clear data” function in the application settings will delete all your correspondence and settings within this application, if they are not saved on the server or in cloud.
Particular attention should be paid Telegram, which has its own built-in cache cleaning system. By going to the settings of the messenger itself (Settings → Data and memory → Memory usage), you can configure automatic clearing of the cache, for example, once a week or when it reaches a certain size. This will prevent future partition bloat Other.
Regularly clearing the messenger cache through their internal settings is more effective and safer than deleting files through Explorer.
Analysis of download and temporary folders files
Folder Download (Downloads) is often ignored by users, although this is where installation files .apk, forgotten documents and saved images from the browser accumulate. The system also often classifies these files as Otherif they do not have a clear link to the media library. Regularly auditing this directory can free up a significant amount of space.
In addition, it is worth checking the folders created by browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Opera). They may contain files from interrupted downloads or autosaved pages. Go to the root directory through the file manager and pay attention to folders with the names of browsers or services that you have not used for a long time.
- 📂 Check the folder
Downloadfor old application installers. - 🌐 Clear the download history in the browsers you are using.
- 🗑️ Delete the folders of deleted applications remaining in the root memory.
- 📄 Find and delete files with the extension
.login user directories.
Do not forget about the folder Bluetoothif you use this function to transfer files. All documents received over the air that you have ever received and not deleted lie exactly there and take up space in the overall storage balance.
Advanced methods: ADB and access to system files
For users who are not afraid of the command line, there is a powerful tool ADB (Android Debug Bridge). It allows you to connect to the smartphone’s file system from a computer and gain access to sections hidden from the average user. This method requires enabling developer mode and USB debugging on the device itself.
After setting up the connection and running the command line on your PC, you can use commands to search for large files. For example, the command to search for files larger than 100 MB looks like this:
adb shell find /sdcard -size +100MUsing ADB allows you to safely delete files that cannot be touched through the phone interface, but requires caution. An error in the path or file name may result in the removal of a system component. This method is recommended only for experienced users who understand the structure of file systems Linux/Android.
⚠️ Attention: Interfaces and menu names may differ depending on the version of Android and the manufacturer's shell (MIUI, OneUI, ColorOS). Always check the current documentation for your device model, as the paths to system folders may change.
What to do if the Other partition does not shrink after cleaning?
If after clearing the cache and files, the size of the Other partition remains large, this may be a system display bug. Try restarting the device or clearing the cache of the system application “Storage” in the application settings (showing system processes).
Preventing storage overflow
To prevent the problem with the partition Other from returning regularly, you need to implement the habit of periodic maintenance of the device. Don't wait until the memory runs out completely. Once a month, take 5-10 minutes to check your storage and remove unnecessary debris. This will extend the life of the drive and maintain the high speed of the interface.
Use cloud storage to archive photos and documents, freeing up local space. Set up automatic synchronization of the gallery with Google Photos or Yandex.Disk with the “Free up space” function, which deletes local copies of pictures already uploaded to the cloud.
It is also worth reviewing the list of installed applications. If the app has not been used for more than six months, most likely it is not needed. Removing such applications not only frees up space for the apps themselves, but also removes their potential future cache from the partition Other.
Automating cache clearing and using cloud storage are the best ways to prevent the Other partition from growing in the future.
Is it possible to completely delete the Other partition?
No, completely delete this partition is not possible because it is part of the Android file system required for the operating system and applications to run. You can only minimize its size by deleting temporary files and cache.
Is it safe to use cleaner applications?
Most popular cleaners are safe, but many of them consume resources themselves and display ads. Often, the built-in Android tools are quite enough for effective cleaning without installing additional software.
Why does the Other section grow even after cleaning?
This is normal system behavior. Applications constantly create new temporary files for their work. If the growth occurs too quickly, check whether you have an application with a “leaky” cache or virus software.
Does Other overflow affect the speed of the phone?
Yes, if the free space on the drive runs out (less than 10-15%), the speed of writing and reading data drops, which leads to noticeable slowdowns in the operation of the interface and applications.