Many smartphone users are faced with a mysterious situation: the device storage is full, but when analyzing the occupied space, the lion's share is occupied by an incomprehensible category “Other” or Other. This can be from 5 to 20 gigabytes, and sometimes more, which critically affects the speed of the system. This section hides cached application data, temporary update files, system logs and remnants of deleted apps.
Understanding what exactly forms this volume is the first step to solving the problem. Standard cleaning tools often do not see these files as “garbage”, considering them important for the operation of the software. However, over time they accumulate, turning into digital ballast. Further actions will help you safely identify and delete unnecessary data without disturbing the stability of your Androiddevice.
What is hidden in the “Other” section
Section Other is a technical container for all files that the system cannot classify into standard categories: photos, videos, music or installed applications. Most often it is stored here application cache, which speeds up the loading of content on social networks and instant messengers. For example, videos viewed in Telegram or YouTube are saved in memory so as not to download them again from the network.
Also, a significant part of the volume can be occupied by operating system update files. After installing a new version Android old installation packages are not always removed automatically. It also includes offline map data, downloaded podcasts, and temporary browser files. Sometimes messenger database files, which grow over time, also fall into this category.
Why does the system not show the exact composition?
Memory analysis algorithms in Android work on heuristics. If the file does not have a standard extension or is located in a closed application directory, the system marks it as “Other” for security so that the user does not accidentally delete a critical system file.
It is important to understand that not all the contents of this folder can be deleted thoughtlessly. Some files are necessary for apps to run correctly. However, most of the data is temporary and can be cleared without harming the device. Regular monitoring of this partition helps keep your smartphone in good shape.
Clearing the application cache manually
The most effective and safest way to reduce the size of a partition "Other" is to manually clear the cache of specific applications. Social networks and instant messengers are the main “pollutants” of memory. You need to go to the phone settings and find a list of all installed apps.
Go to the menu Settings → Applications → Manage applications. Here you will see a list of all apps. Sort them by memory size. Usually, messengers are also at the top of the list. Having entered information about a specific application, select VK, Instagram, TikTok and messengers. Once in the information about a specific application, select Storage.
In the menu that opens you will see two buttons: Clear data and Clear cache. To begin with, use only clearing the cache. This will delete temporary files, but will save your logins, passwords and correspondence. If you click “Clear data”, the application will return to the “as after installation” state, and you will have to log in to your account again.
☑️ Manual cleaning algorithm
After clearing the cache of several heavy applications, you may notice a significant freeing up of space. In some cases, the volume of a partition Other can be reduced by several gigabytes in one procedure. It is recommended to perform this action once a month to maintain optimal performance.
Using built-in cleaning tools
Modern shells Androidsuch as MIUI, OneUI or ColorOShave built-in utilities for optimizing memory. They go deeper than a standard file manager and can find duplicates, ad files, and remnants of uninstalled apps. Running such tools often helps to safely remove part of the data from the category "Other".
Usually such an application is called "Security", "Optimization" or "Phone Manager". Inside, find the section Cleaning or Junk Files. The system will scan the device and offer to delete unnecessary files. Pay attention to the “Deep cleaning” section - large files that the system does not consider critical are often hidden there.
Before using third-party cleaners like CCleaner, try the built-in tools first. They are better integrated into the system and are less likely to cause conflicts or accidental deletion of important data.
You should not abuse the “Acceleration” function or constantly reset the cache of all applications at once. This can cause your phone to run slower as the processor is forced to regenerate cached data for frequently used apps. Use these tools wisely, focusing on the real lack of space.
Storage analysis via computer
If the built-in methods do not give you an idea of what exactly is taking up space, connect your smartphone to your computer via a USB cable. In file transfer mode (MTP) you will have access to the file system. This will allow you to visually estimate the size of folders that are not visible through the phone interface.
Pay attention to folders Android/data i Android/obb. This is where the data of many applications and games is stored. Inside the folder data there may be gigabytes of messenger cache. Also check the root folders for forgotten downloads or archives.
| Folder | What it contains | Can I delete |
|---|---|---|
DCIM/.thumbnails |
Photo thumbnails | Yes, they will be created again |
Download |
Downloaded files from the browser | Yes, after checking |
Android/data |
Cache and application data | Partially (cache only) |
LOST.DIR |
Restored system files | Yes, if the system is working |
When deleting files through a computer, be extremely careful. Do not delete files with extensions .db or .xml from system folders if you are not sure of their purpose. This may cause applications to crash. Delete only obvious garbage: old APK files, logs, temporary error reports.
Resetting settings as a radical method
When none of the soft methods help and the partition Other continues to grow, there may be a software failure in file indexing in the system. In this case, the only working solution is a complete reset to factory settings (Factory Reset). This will delete absolutely all data from the device.
Before starting the procedure, it is critical to create a full backup. Save contacts, photos and important documents to the cloud or to your computer. Remember that after resetting your phone will look like you just took it out of the box. All installed applications will have to be downloaded again.
⚠️ Attention: Before resetting the settings, make sure that you remember the password for your Google account. After rebooting, the phone will require you to enter your account details to verify ownership (FRP protection). Without this, you will not be able to activate the device.
To reset, go to Settings → System → Reset settings → Delete all data. The process will take from 5 to 15 minutes. After turning on, the phone will work as quickly as possible, and the partition "Other" will occupy the minimum possible volume required for the system to operate.
Reset to factory settings is the only way to guarantee clearing of system indexing errors that cannot be corrected by manual cleaning.
Prevention of memory filling
To prevent the problem with the partition "Other" from returning too quickly, change your smartphone usage habits. In the settings of instant messengers, such as WhatsApp or Telegram, disable automatic downloading of media files. This will prevent the accumulation of thousands of unnecessary pictures and videos in the cache.
Regularly delete applications that you have not used for more than a month. Often, after deleting a app, its data folder remains in memory. Use file managers to search for empty folders or files with the extension .logthat can be safely deleted.
Also keep an eye on system updates. Smartphone manufacturers periodically release patches that optimize the file system and improve memory cleaning algorithms. The current version Android often manages space better than legacy builds.
⚠️ Attention: Settings interfaces may differ depending on the Android version and the manufacturer's shell (Samsung, Xiaomi, Pixel). If you do not find the specified option, use the search inside the settings menu using the keywords “Memory” or “Storage”.
Frequently asked questions
Can I delete the Android folder completely?
No, delete the entire folder Android impossible. This will cause most applications to not work. You can delete the contents of subfolders cache within specific application directories, but you should not touch the folder structure itself.
Why is the space not freed up after clearing the cache?
Perhaps the system has not yet updated the storage index. Try rebooting your phone. Also, some of the files could have been reclassified by the system into another category, rather than physically deleted.
Does the “Other” section affect the speed of the phone?
Yes, indirectly. If the free space on the drive is less than 10%, the speed of writing and reading data drops, which causes the interface to slow down and take a long time to launch applications. Freeing up space solves this problem.
Is it safe to use cleaner apps from the Play Market?
Most of them have limited access to system files due to Android security policies. They can remove the cache, but often show intrusive ads. Built-in tools are usually more effective and safer.