Section “Other” in smartphone storage Xiaomi Redmi is one of the most mysterious categories for users. It can occupy from several gigabytes to dozens, but the system does not show which files go there. Many people mistakenly believe that this is garbage or a cache, but in fact, system data, logs, temporary application files, and even remnants of deleted apps are stored here. If your Redmi Note 10/11/12 or another model starts to slow down, and the memory is filled with unknown things, it’s time to deal with this section.

In this article we will not just list cleaning methods, but also explain why "Other" is growingwhich files can be deleted without risk, and which ones to touch not worth it. You will learn about hidden tools MIUI, third-party utilities and manual methods that will help you get back your precious gigabytes. Important: Some actions require superuser rights (root), but we also provide safe alternatives for users without them.

Before you begin, check exactly how much space "Other" is taking up on your device. To do this, go to Settings → About phone → Storage. If the figure exceeds 5–10 GB on a device with 64–128 GB of memory, this is already a reason for action. On models Redmi with 32 GB, even 3-4 GB in this section can critically affect performance.

What is the “Other” section in MIUI and why does it grow

In the operating room system Android (and its shell MIUI ot Xiaomi) section "Other" is a kind of “basket” for files that do not fall into standard categories: applications, photo, video or audio. This includes:

  • 📁 System application cache (for example, com.android.systemui or com.miui.home)
  • 📜 Error logs and reports (generated during failures or for diagnostics)
  • 🗑️ Remains of deleted applications (incorrectly uninstalled APK or their data)
  • 🔄 Temporary update files (remains after installing patches MIUI)
  • 📱 Dalvik cache data (optimized code to speed up applications)

The main reason for the growth of this section is ineffective operation of the built-in cleaner. For example, after updating MIUI via OTA (over the air), old firmware files can remain in the system for months. The same thing happens with the cache Google Play Services or Mi Cloud, which is not always correct. is cleaned automatically.

On devices Redmi s MIUI 12/13/14 the problem is aggravated by the function "Smart cleaning"which often skips system files for fear of compromising stability. As a result, users see how. free space is melting before our eyes, although there are no obvious “junk” files in the gallery or downloads.

⚠️ Attention: Do not confuse the "Other" section with /data/app-lib or /systemDeleting files from these folders without rights root may lead to system crash or a reboot cycle (bootloop).

Method 1: Built-in MIUI cleaning tools

Let's start with the most safe methods that do not require additional apps or superuser rights. Xiaomi has built in MIUI several utilities that can reduce the size of “Other”, but their effectiveness depends on the firmware version and smartphone model.

Step 1. Use “Storage Cleanup”

  1. Open Settings → Storage data-i="99">"Free up space" Settings → Storage.
  2. Tap on an item "Cleaning" (or "Make room" in new versions).
  3. Wait for analysis and select a category "System cache" or "Unnecessary files".
  4. Click "Clear".

Step 2. Delete application cache manually

  • 🔧 Go to Settings → Applications → Manage applications.
  • 📊 Sort apps by cache size (tap on the three dots in the upper right corner).
  • 🧹 Select applications with a large cache (for example, YouTube, Facebook, Mi Video) and click "Clear cache".

Step 3. Clear the “Downloads” and “Trash” data

Often files from the folder Download or deleted photos that are in "Basket" (in MIUI it) end up in “Other” it is not cleared immediately, but after 30 days). clear the cache of system applications (for example, Phone or Settings)|Reboot the phone after cleaning--> "Files" from Xiaomi.

Backup important data|Check free space before and after|Do not clear cache of system apps (such as Phone or Settings)|Reboot phone after cleaning-->

Method 2: Cleaning through Safe Mode

If the standard methods did not help, try booting the smartphone into Safe Mode (Safe Mode This mode disables everything). third-party applications, and you can delete files that are usually blocked.

How to enter Safe Mode on Redmi:

  1. Hold down the power button until the shutdown menu appears.
  2. Press the item with your finger "Turn off" and hold for 3-5 seconds.
  3. Confirm switching to safe mode (the message will appear «Safe Mode» at the bottom of the screen).

In this mode:

  • 🔍 Check the folders /storage/emulated/0/Android/data and /storage/emulated/0/Android/obb for the presence of large files from deleted games or apps.
  • 🗑️ Delete application folders that you uninstalled a long time ago (their names usually start with com.).
  • 🔄 Reboot the phone in normal mode and check if the size has decreased “Other.”
⚠️ Attention: Do not delete folders of running applications - this may lead to their crash. Also, do not touch files with the extension Safe Mode Do not delete folders of running applications - this may cause them to crash. Also, do not touch files with the extension .odex or .vdex - they are critical for the operation of the system.

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

Method 3: Manual cleaning through a file manager (for experienced)

This method requires caution, but allows you to remove up to 2-5 GB of unnecessary files. We will use the built-in file manager MIUI or a third-party one (for example, Solid Explorer or FX File Manager).

What folders can be cleaned:

Folder/path What is stored Is it possible to delete
/storage/emulated/0/Android/data Application data (cache, settings) Only folders of deleted apps
/storage/emulated/0/Android/obb Additional game files (graphics, levels) Yes, if the game is deleted
/storage/emulated/0/MIUI/debug_log System error logs Yes (frees up to 1-2 GB)
/storage/emulated/0/Download Downloaded files (including APK) Yes, if the files are not needed
/storage/emulated/0/.thumbnails Thumbnails of photos and videos Yes (will be restored automatically)

Instructions:

  1. Open the file manager and turn on the display of hidden files (in settings).
  2. Follow one of the paths from the table above.
  3. Delete unnecessary files or folders (for example, old APKs in Download or logs in debug_log).
  4. Reboot your phone.

Critical! Do not delete files from folders /system, /vendor or /data/app without rights root. This can lead to irreversible damage to the system.

💡

Before deleting folders from Android/data check their size. If the folder weighs more than 500 MB, but belongs to a remote application, you can safely do so. clean.

Method 4: Using ADB for deep cleaning (without root)

If the previous methods did not work, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge) a debugging tool that allows you to delete the system cache and temporary files without superuser rights. This method is suitable for users who are ready to work with the command line.

What you will need:

  • 🖥️ Computer with installed drivers ADB (you can download from the website Android Developers).
  • 📱 USB debugging enabled on Redmi (Settings → About phone → MIUI version — tap 7 times, then return to Advanced → For developers → USB debugging).
  • 🔌 USB cable (preferably original).

Commands for cleaning:

adb shell pm clear com.miui.cleanmaster # Clearing the cache of the built-in cleaner

adb shell rm -rf /data/local/tmp/* # Deleting temporary files


adb shell rm -rf /cache/* # Clear system cache (requires reboot)

After executing the commands, reboot your phone. This method helps remove up to 1-3 GB of unnecessary data, especially if you previously updated frequently MIUI.

⚠️ Attention: Command rm -rf without specifying the correct path can delete critical files. Always double check the path before execution.
What to do if ADB does not see the device?

1. Check if USB debugging is enabled in the developer settings.

2. Install drivers for your model Redmi (for example, Mi PC Suite).

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

4. Restart your phone and computer.

Method 5: Cleaning via TWRP (for users with root)

If you have custom recovery installed TWRP and have superuser rights, you can manually delete unnecessary files from partitions /data i /cache. This method is the most effective, but also the most risky.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Load into TWRP (press Power + Volume up on).
  2. Select «Advanced» → «File Manager».
  3. Go to the folders:
    • /data/log — system logs;
    • /data/tombstones — crash reports;
    • /data/dalvik-cache — Dalvik cache (delete only if you are ready to reboot with application optimization).
  • Select unnecessary files and click «Delete».
  • Reboot into the system.

    • After such cleaning, the size of “Other” may decrease by 3-7 GB, but the first boot will take longer (the system will restore the application cache).

    What CANNOT be deleted in TWRP:

    • 🚫 The entire folder /data/data (this will reset the phone).
    • 🚫 Files in /system or /vendor (risk brick).
    • 🚫 Folder /data/misc (contains critical system settings).
    💡

    Cleaning via TWRP is the most powerful method, but requires knowledge and a backup. If you are not sure, use more secure ones methods.

    Method 6: Factory reset (last resort)

    If all the previous methods did not help, and “Other” takes up more than 10 GB, perhaps the only solution will be full reset of the phoneThis will delete all user data, but return the device to a “clean” state.

    How to reset Redmi without losing important data:

    1. Make a backup via Settings → Advanced → Backup and reset → Local backup.
    2. Copy photos, videos and documents to your computer or cloud.
    3. Go to Settings → About phone → Reset settings.
    4. Select "Erase everything" data" and confirm.

    After the reset, “Other” will be reduced to 1-2 GB (this is the normal size for system files). However, please note that you will have to re-configure the phone and install applications.

    ⚠️ Attention: On some models Redmi (for example, Redmi Note 8 Pro or Redmi 9Aafter resetting, you may need to re-link your account Mi. Make sure you remember your login and password!

    How to prevent the growth of “Other” in the future

    To prevent the "Other" section from filling up too quickly, follow these recommendations:

    • 🔄 Clear application cache regularly (once every 1-2 weeks).
    • 📱 Remove unused apps through Settings → Applications, and not just by dragging and dropping icon in “Delete”.
    • 🔧 Disable automatic downloading of updates for applications in Google Play (if memory is low).
    • 📁 Use cloud services (Google Photos, Mi Cloud) for storing media files.
    • 🛡️ Install an antivirus (for example, Malwarebytes) to search for hidden garbage.

    It is also worth disabling unnecessary system services that generate logs. For example, on Redmi you can deactivate "Error reporting" and "MIUI diagnostics" in the developer settings.

    Useful applications for monitoring:

    • 📊 Storage Analyzer —shows which files take up the most space.
    • 🧹 SD Maid —cleanses remnants of deleted applications (required root for full functionality).
    • 🔍 Files by Google —finds duplicates and unnecessary ones files.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about clearing “Other” on Redmi

    ❓ Why does “Other” grow again after a week after cleaning?

    This is normal behavior AndroidThe system and applications constantly create temporary files (cache, logs, etc.) thumbnails). To slow down the process, disable automatic application updates and regularly clear the cache manually. Also check if any specific application (for example, games or instant messengers) is generating too many logs.

    ❓ Is it possible to delete “Other” completely?

    No, this is impossible and dangerous. The “Other” section stores critical system files, without which the phone cannot function. will work. The normal size for this partition is 1–3 GB. If it takes up more than 5 GB, this is a reason for cleaning, but not for complete deletion.

    ❓ Why does “Other” take up 15 GB on Redmi Note 10, but only 3 GB on Redmi 9?

    The size of “Other” depends on several factors:

    • Versions MIUI (new versions can store more logs).
    • Number of installed and uninstalled applications.
    • Availability of firmware updates (remnants of old versions).
    • User activities (for example, frequent reboots generate more logs).

    On Redmi Note 10 s MIUI 13 partition may be larger due to advanced diagnostics and additional shell functions.

    ❓ Is it possible to clear “Other” without a computer?

    Yes, most of the methods from this article can be used directly on your phone:

    • Built-in cleaning in MIUI.
    • Manual cleaning through the file manager.
    • Safe Mode.

    Only methods with ADB i TWRP require connection to a PC.

    ❓ After clearing “Other”, the phone began to slow down. What should I do?

    This is normal if you deleted dalvik-cache or the cache of system applications. Reboot the phone and wait 10-15 minutes - the system will restore the necessary files. remained, check if you have deleted something critical (for example, files from /data/data). In extreme cases, resetting to factory settings will help.