Have you ever noticed that memory Is your Androidsmartphone mysteriously filling up, even though you haven’t installed new applications or downloaded heavy files for a long time? In the analysis of the repository, it is often clear that the lion's share is occupied by the mysterious "Other" section - sometimes up to 10–30 GB. This is not a system error, but real data that Android cannot be classified into standard categories (photos, videos, applications).

In this article we will look at why this section grows over time and how to safely clear it without the risk of damaging the system. You will learn about hidden caches, logs, temporary files, and even the remnants of deleted applications that continue to take up space. And most importantly, get what exactly is hidden under “Other”why this partition grows over time and how to safely clean it without the risk of damaging the system. You will learn about hidden caches, logs, temporary files, and even the remnants of deleted applications that continue to take up space. And most importantly - you will receive step-by-step guide for manual and automatic cleaning, including commands for experienced users.

What is the “Other” section in Android memory and why is it filled up

The “Other” section (or Other in English firmware) is the “trash can” of the operating system. This includes all files that do not fall into standard categories: application cache, system logs, temporary update files, remains of deleted apps and even data from debugging tools (if you have ever connected your smartphone to ADB).

The main reasons for the growth of “Other”:

  • 📱 Application cache: even after deleting a app, its cache can remain in the system for months.
  • 🔄 OS updates: firmware and patch files are often not deleted automatically.
  • 🗑️ Logs and dumps: Android keeps an error log that takes up gigabytes over time.
  • 👻 "Zombie files": remnants of deleted applications that were not cleared correct.
  • 🔍 Hidden folders: some apps (for example, instant messengers) store data in non-obvious directories.

For example, after a major update Android (say, from the 12th to the 13th version) in the "Other" section there may be up to 3–5 GB unnecessary files. And if you actively use Telegram or WhatsApp, their cache of media files will “move” here over time, although these files are no longer in the gallery. will be displayed.

📊 How often do you clear your smartphone memory?
Once a week
Once a month
Only when space runs out
Never cleared

How to check what exactly is taking up space in the “Other” section

Before cleaning, you need to understand which files there are several methods for this - from built-in tools to third-party utilities.

Method 1: Built-in storage analyzer

Most smartphones on Android 8.0+ have a built-in memory analysis tool:

  1. Open Settings → Storage.
  2. Click on the “Other” section (or Other).
  3. The system will show the distribution by category: cache, downloads, system data etc.

However, this method provides only superficial information. For a detailed analysis, third-party tools will be required.

Method 2: Deep scanning applications

Utilities like Files by Google, SD Maid or DiskUsage show exact composition of the "Other" section:

  • 🔍 Files by Google: scans folders for duplicates and large files.
  • 🧹 SD Maid: finds remnants of deleted applications and cleans system services cache.
  • 📊 DiskUsage: visualizes the occupied space in the form of a diagram.
💡

If you use SD Maid, enable the "Corpus" option (CorpseFinder) - it will find files from long-deleted applications that are usually not visible in the standard manager.

For example, DiskUsage can show what is in the folder /data/log , and in 2 GB of logs, and in /cache - temporary update files on 1.5 GB. data can be safely deleted.

Safe ways to clear the “Other” section without root access

If you do not have superuser rights (root), clear “Other” can be done using standard tools and third-party applications. The main rule: Do not delete files manuallyif you are not sure of their purpose!

Method 1: Clearing the application cache

The easiest way to free up a few gigabytes:

  1. Go to Settings → Applications.
  2. Select an application (for example, Chrome or YouTube).
  3. Click Storage → Clear cache.

For mass clearing:

  1. Open Settings → Storage → Free up space.
  2. Select the "Cached data" category and confirm clearing.

Method 2: Deleting temporary update files

After updating Android or applications from Google Play unnecessary files remain:

  • 📦 Folder /cache: temporary update data is stored here.
  • 📁 Folder /data/app-lib: remnants of old versions of applications.

To delete them:

  1. Use Files by Google (Cleaning section).
  2. Or manually go to Settings → Storage → Other → Temporary files and delete them.

Method 3: Reset application settings

If an application is unstable and takes up a lot of space in “Other”, try resetting it settings:

  1. Open Settings → Applications → [Application name].
  2. Click Storage → Reset settings (or Delete data, but this will also delete your files!).

Clear the cache of all applications|Delete temporary update files|Reset settings of problematic applications|Delete downloads from the browser|Clear history and Google Play cache-->

Advanced cleaning with root access: risks and opportunities

If you have rootaccess, you can delete deeply hidden filesthat are usually unavailable. However, this risky: incorrect removal can lead to system failure. Use this method only if you understand what you are doing!

What files can be deleted from root

Folder/file What is stored Is it possible to delete
/data/log System and application logs ✅ Yes (will free up 100 MB - 2 GB)
/cache Temporary update files ✅ Yes (up to 1-3 GB)
/data/dalvik-cache Virtual machine cache Dalvik ⚠️ Only if you are ready to reboot
/data/tombstones Error dumps (traces) ✅ Yes (can free up to 500 MB)
/data/app-lib Remains of libraries of deleted applications ✅ Yes

To remove, use Root Explorer or commands ADB:

adb shell

su


rm -rf /data/log/*


rm -rf /cache/*
What happens if you delete system files from root?

Deleting critical files (for example, from /system) can lead to bootloop (loop loading) or complete inoperability of the device. Always make a backup via TWRP or OrangeFox before cleaning!

Hidden folders that take up space in “Other”

Many applications create hidden folders that are not visible in the standard file manager. Here's where unnecessary files are most often hidden:

1. Messenger folders

Telegram, WhatsApp and Viber store media files in hidden directories:

  • 📁 /storage/emulated/0/Telegram/Telegram Images — image cache.
  • 🎵 /storage/emulated/0/WhatsApp/Media — audio and video from chats.
  • 🗃️ /Android/data/com.whatsapp/cache — temporary files.

To clear:

  1. Open the messenger settings.
  2. Find the “Storage” or “Data and Memory” section.
  3. Clear the cache and delete unnecessary media files.

2. Browser folders

Chrome, Firefox and Opera download files to hidden directories:

  • 🌐 /Android/data/com.android.chrome/app_chrome/Default/Cache
  • 📥 /Android/obb/com.opera.browser — cache Opera.

3. Game folders

Games like PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact leave gigabytes of cache:

  • 🎮 /Android/obb/com.tencent.ig - data PUBG.
  • 🗺️ /Android/data/com.miHoYo.GenshinImpact/files - cache Genshin Impact.
💡

Hidden folders often take up to 50% of the “Other” section. They can be safely cleared through a file manager with access to system directories (for example, Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer).

How to prevent the "Other" section from filling up in the future

To prevent "Other" from growing again, follow these tips:

1. Set up automatic cleaning

There is a function Android 10+ there is a function to automatically clear the cache:

  1. Go to Settings → Storage → Free up space.
  2. Enable the "Automatic cleaning" option (or Smart Storage on some firmware).

2. Limit the application cache

Some applications (for example, Google Play Services) may take up up to 1–2 GB of cache. Limit them:

  • 🛑 In the application settings, set the cache limit (if there is such an option).
  • 🔄 Clear the cache manually regularly (every 1-2 weeks).

3. Use cloud storage

Transfer some data to the cloud:

  • ☁️ Google Photos — for automatic uploading of photos and videos.
  • 📁 Google Drive — for backing up documents.

4. Disable unnecessary logs

If you are not a developer, disable log collection:

  1. Enable Mode Developer (click 7 times on Build number in the phone settings).
  2. Go to Settings → System → For Developers.
  3. Disable Error logging i USB debugging (if you don't use it).
📊 Which application most often clogs up memory on your smartphone?
Social networks
Messengers
Games
Browsers
Other

Common mistakes when cleaning “Other” and how to avoid them

Many users make critical mistakes when trying to free up space. Here's what you can't do:

⚠️ Attention: Never delete files from folders /system, /vendor or /boot - this will lead to device malfunction!

Error 1: Deleting files manually without a backup

If you delete files via Root Explorer or ADB, always:

  • 🔄 Create a backup via TWRP or OrangeFox.
  • 📋 Keep a list of deleted files so that you can restore them in case of failure.

Error 2: Using “cleaners” with aggressive algorithms

Applications like Clean Master or CCleaner are often deleted necessary fileswhich leads to:

  • 🚫 Application failures.
  • 🔄 Loss of saves in games.
  • 📱 System slowdown due to cache re-creation.

Use only proven utilities: SD Maid or Files by Google.

Error 3: Clearing the system application cache

Some system services (for example, Google Play Services) after clearing the cache automatically restore it, but this may cause:

  • 🔄 Slowdown Google Play.
  • 🚨 Account synchronization errors.
⚠️ Attention: If after clearing “Other” the smartphone starts to slow down or overheat, reboot. If the problem persists, restore the data from the backup.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions about the “Other” section

Is it possible to completely delete the “Other” section?

No, it is not possible. “Other” is not a separate section, but a category in which Android places all files that do not fall under standard types (photos, videos, applications). However, you can significantly reduce its sizeby deleting unnecessary data (cache, logs, temporary files).

Why does “Other” fill up again after cleaning?

This is normal system behavior. Android constantly creates new temporary files, logs and cache. To slow down this process:

  • 🔄 Clear the cache regularly (every 1-2 weeks).
  • ☁️ Transfer media files to the cloud.
  • 🚫 Limit background activity of applications.
Is it possible to clear “Other” without losing data?

Yes, if you delete only cache, temporary files i logs. However, clearing application data (for example Delete data in settings Chrome) will lead to the loss of saved passwords, bookmarks and other user data. Always make a backup!

What to do if “Other” takes up more than 20 GB?

If the partition has grown to such a size, most likely the problem is:

  • 📁 Remains of deleted applications (use SD Maid to find them).
  • 🔄 Failed OS updates (check the folder /cache).
  • 🎮 Cache of heavy games (for example, Call of Duty Mobile or Genshin Impact).

As a last resort, run reset to factory settings (don't forget to do backup!).

Is there a difference in clearing “Other” on Samsung, Xiaomi and other brands?

Yes, manufacturers modify Android, therefore:

  • 📱 Samsung: use the built-in tool Device Care (in the settings).
  • 📱 Xiaomi: cleaning can be done through Security → Cleaner.
  • 📱 Google Pixel: the standard one works here Storage Analyzer.

However, the general principles (clearing the cache, deleting logs) are the same for all devices.