You open the memory settings on your Androidsmartphone and see a strange picture: gigabytes are occupied by the partition “Other”, while neither applications nor media files “weigh” that much. Where does this mysterious garbage come from? Why doesn't the system show what exactly is hidden under this label? And most importantly, how to clean “Other” without the risk of breaking the phone?

In fact, "Other" is not a bug or a virus, but system partitionin which Android resets data that does not fit standard categories (“Applications”, “Photos”, “Video”). This includes the cache of system processes, temporary update files, remnants of deleted apps, error logs and even fragments of APKfiles. The problem is that it is almost impossible to clear this section using standard means - the system simply does not allow the user to “get into” it. But there are workarounds.

In this article we will look at exact methods for clearing “Other” on Android 10–14 without root accessincluding hidden settings, commands ADB and secure applications. We’ll also explain why, after cleaning, the memory can fill up again - and how to avoid it.

What is “Other” in Android memory and why it grows

Section "Other" (or «Other» in English firmware) is a container for data that does not fall into standard storage categories. It includes:

  • 📁 Cache of system applications (for example, Google Play Services or Android System WebView), which is not cleared through the "Clear cache" menu.
  • 🔄 Temporary update files OS and applications (remains even after installing new versions).
  • 🗑️ Remains of deleted ones apps: folders /data/data, settings, databases.
  • 📜 Logs and error dumps (created when applications crash or system failures).
  • 🔗 Symbolic links and file system metadata (for example, ext4 or f2fs).
  • 📦 APK fragmentsthat were not completely deleted during uninstallation.

On Samsung, Xiaomi and other brands with custom shells (One UI, MIUI, ColorOS) in "Other" duplicate data often comes from cloud services (for example, Mi Cloud or Samsung CloudAnd on "clean" Android (for example, Pixel or Nokia) files may accumulate here ART/DALVIK-cache that the system cannot automatically clear.

Why does the partition grow over time? Reasons:

  1. Applications and the system create temporary files, but do not always delete them.
  2. OS and app updates leave “tails” in the form of old versions of libraries.
  3. Some games and instant messengers (for example, Telegram or WhatsApp) store the cache in protected folders that are not visible to the user.
  4. Failures in the file system (especially after sudden shutdowns of the phone).
📊 How often do you clear memory on Android?
Once a week
Once a month
Only when space runs out
I never clear

How to check what exactly is occupied by “Other”

Before clearing, you need to understand which files are taking up space. Standard tools Android (for example, Settings → Memory) show only the general volume, but do not detail the content. Here's how to get accurate information:

Method 1: Through the built-in analyzer (for Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo)

There are hidden tools on smartphones with proprietary skins analysis:

  • 📱 On Samsung: open Settings → Device care → Memory → Three dots (⋮) → Details.
  • 📱 On Xiaomi: Settings → About phone → Memory → Memory analysis (you may need to click on the graph several times).
  • 📱 On Oppo/Realme: Settings → Additional settings → Memory → Details.

Method 2: Through ADB (universal method)

If you have a “clean” Android or the brand does not provide detailed analysis, use commands ADB:

  1. Install Platform Tools on PC.
  2. Connect your phone via USB, turn on USB debugging (Settings → About phone → Build number - press 7 times, then Settings → System → For developers).
  3. Enter on the command line: 
    adb shell df -h /data

    This will show the occupied space in the section /data (where “Other” is stored).

  4. For detailed analysis, use: 
    adb shell du -sh /data/* | sort -rh | head -n 20

    Command will display the top 20 folders that take up the most space.

💡

If the command du doesn't work, try adb shell ls -la /data | grep -E '^[d-]' | awk '{print $9}' | xargs du -sh. This is a workaround for older versions of Android.

Method 3: Third party apps (with caution!)

Apps like Files by Google, SD Maid or DiskUsage can show the memory structure, but:

  • ⚠️ They do not see system folders without root access.
  • ⚠️ They may mistakenly mark important files as “garbage”.
  • 🔍 It is better to use them for analysis /sdcard (internal memory user), and not system partitions.
Why do memory analyzers show different data?

The fact is that Android uses different calculation methods: some applications take into account file system compression, others do not. In addition, the cache may dynamically change during scanning.

How to clear "Other" without root: 5 working methods

If you are not ready to get root access (which will void the warranty and increase the risk of crashes), use these methods. They are safe, but require care.

1. Clearing the system application cache

Many system processes (Google Play Services, Android System) accumulate a cache that is not visible in the standard cleaning menu. To delete it:

  1. Go to Settings → Applications → Three dots (⋮) → Show system ones.
  2. Find applications with a large amount of data (sort by size).
  3. Open the application card → Memory → Clear cache.

Pay special attention to:

  • 🔍 Google Play Services (can take up to 1-2 GB).
  • 🔍 Android System WebView (web view cache).
  • 🔍 Download Manager (stores temporary download files).

2. Deleting temporary update files

After updating the OS or applications, unnecessary files remain in the folder /cache . You can clear them like this:

  1. Open Files by Google or any file manager with access to root folders.
  2. Go to /cache (permission to access system files may be required).
  3. Delete all files with extensions .tmp, .bak, .old.

On Samsung Additionally, check the folder /fota —the remaining firmware is stored here.

☑️ Preparing to clear the cache

Done: 0 / 4

3. Resetting application settings (without data loss)

This method deletes settings and cache all applications, but does not affect personal files (photos, videos, documents). How to do:

  1. Go to Settings → System → Reset settings.
  2. Select Reset application settings (do not confuse with full reset!).
  3. Confirm the action.

After reboot:

  • 🔄 Applications will return to factory settings (you will have to log in to your accounts again).
  • 🗑️ Cache and temporary files will be deleted.
  • ⚠️ Some games may lose local progress (if not linked to an account).

4. Cleaning via Safe Mode

If “Other” is busy due to a failure of a third-party application, safe mode will help safe mode:

  1. Press the button Shutdown → hold Turn off power until the window appears Safe Mode.
  2. In safe mode, check the used memory in Settings → Memory.
  3. If the volume is “Other” decreased - the problem is in one of the installed applications. Remove suspicious apps.

5. ADB commands for deep cleaning

For advanced users: these commands will remove unnecessary files without root access.

adb shell pm trim-caches -d 1000000000 # Clears the cache of all applications

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


adb shell rm -rf /cache/* # Clears the cache folder (requires rights)

⚠️ Attention: Command rm -rf /cache/* may require superuser rights. If you get an error Permission denied, skip it.

💡

The most effective way without root is a combination of resetting application settings + clearing the system services cache. This frees up to 3-5 GB on loaded devices.

Cleaning “Other” with root access: risks and instructions

If you are willing to take the risk (root voids the warranty and can lead to brick - "bricking" the phone), here's what you can do:

1. Deleting junk folders manually

Using Root Explorer or Solid Explorer (with root access) check these folders:

  • 📂 /data/dalvik-cache — cache ART/DALVIK (can be cleared, but the system will restore it the next time you start applications).
  • 📂 /data/log — error logs (delete all files with the extension .log).
  • 📂 /data/tombstones — crash dumps.
  • 📂 /data/app-lib —remnants of libraries of deleted applications.

2. Using Magisk modules

Modules for Magisk (for example, Universal Storage Switch or SD Maid Pro) allow you to:

  • 🔧 Automatically clear the cache on reboot.
  • 🔧 Reassign system application folders to an external memory card.
  • 🔧 Block the creation of unnecessary temporary files.
💡

Before deleting folders with root access, always make a backup via TWRP or Orange Backup. One wrong one rm -rf can break the system!

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If you have custom recovery installed (TWRP), use it for deep cleaning:

  1. Boot into TWRP (usually Power + Volume Up).
  2. Select Advanced → File Manager.
  3. Go in /data and manually delete the folders:
    • dalvik-cache
    • log
    • tombstones
  • Reboot.

    • ⚠️ Attention: Deleting folders /data/data or /data/app will lead to the loss of all installed applications and their data!

    Why "Other" returns after cleaning

    Many users are faced with the fact that after a week or two "Other" takes up gigabytes again Reasons:

    Cause How it manifests itself Solution
    Automatic application update After the update, old versions APK and the cache remain. Disable auto-update in Google Play or clear the cache after each update.
    Failures in the file system Broken files appear that the system cannot delete. Check the file system through adb shell fsck /data.
    Active use of cloud services Google Drive, Mi Cloud synchronize data in the background. Limit background synchronization to account settings.
    Viruses or malicious applications Some apps create hidden files for mining or displaying advertising. Check your phone via Malwarebytes or Dr.Web.

    To minimize repeated filling "Other", follow these rules:

    • 🔄 Regularly (once a month) clear the cache of system applications.
    • 🚫 Do not install applications from unknown sources (risk of malware Software).
    • 📵 Disable auto-update for little-used apps.
    • 🔍 Check memory after major OS updates.

    What NOT to do when cleaning “Other”

    Some “tips” from the Internet may cause more harm than good. Avoid these mistakes:

    ⚠️ Attention: Never manually delete folders /data/data or /data/app without a backup copy. This will lead to the loss of all installed applications and their data (including game saves, messenger settings, etc.).
    • ❌ Format partition /data manually —this is equivalent to a complete reset of the phone.
    • ❌ Delete files from /system - this can break the OS.
    • ❌ Use "cleaners" like Clean Master or CCleaner —they often delete necessary files and show false warnings.
    • ❌ Disable system applications via ADB or Titanium Backup without understanding the consequences - this can disrupt the operation of the OS.

    Also not worth it:

    • 🔋 Clean "Other" on a phone with a battery charge of less than 30% - file system errors may occur if it is suddenly turned off.
    • 🔄 Interrupt cleaning processes (for example, resetting settings or commands ADB).
    • 📴 Use "magic" scripts from the Internet that promise to "free up 100% of memory" - most of them are either useless or dangerous.
    Why are Clean Master and similar applications harmful?

    They aggressively delete the cache, which leads to repeated downloads of data and increased traffic. In addition, many. “Cleaners” themselves collect your data and show annoying advertisements.

    Alternative ways to free up space

    If cleaning “Other” did not give enough effect, try these methods:

    1. Transferring applications to an SD card

    On some devices (for example, Samsung or Xiaomi) you can transfer some applications to an external memory card:

    1. Open Settings → Applications.
    2. Select an application → Memory → Change → SD card.

    ⚠️ Attention: Not all applications support transfer. In addition, after removing the memory card, they will stop working.

    2. Using cloud storage

    Transfer rarely used files (photos, videos, documents) to the cloud:

    • 📁 Google Photo — for media files (free up to 15 GB).
    • 📁 Mi Cloud (for Xiaomi) or Samsung Cloud —for backups.
    • 📁 Mega or pCloud —for large files (up to 50 GB free upon registration).

    3. Optimizing storage via Smart Manager (Samsung) or Security (Xiaomi)

    Branded utilities often offer tools for deep cleaning:

    • 📱 On Samsung: Settings → Device care → Memory → Clean now.
    • 📱 On Xiaomi: Security → Cleaner → Deep clean.
    • 📱 On Oppo/Realme: Settings → Additional settings → Memory clearing.

    4. Removing duplicate files

    Applications like Files by Google or Duplicate Files Fixer will help you find and delete duplicate photos, videos and documents.

    5. Compress media files

    Use Photo & Picture Resizer or Video Compressto reduce the weight of photos and videos without losing quality.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about “Other” in Android memory

    ❓ Why after cleaning “Other” takes up space again after a few days?

    This is normal behavior Android. The system and applications constantly create temporary files (cache, logs, updates). To slow down the growth “Other”, disable auto-updates of applications, limit background activity of apps and regularly clear the cache of system services (once every 1-2 weeks).

    ❓ Is it possible to completely remove “Other”?

    No, this is impossible. "Other" is an integral part of the file system Androidnecessary for the operation of the OS. However, you can reduce its size to 500 MB - 1 GB if you follow the instructions in the article.

    ❓ Is it safe to use root to clean?

    Root access provides more opportunities, but also increases risks. If you are an inexperienced user, it is better to do without root. An error when deleting system files can lead to:

    • 🔴 “Burning” of the phone (does not turn on).
    • 🔴 Loss of data.
    • 🔴 Interruption of the camera, communication or other functions.

    If everything Make up your mind, make a backup copy through TWRP before any changes.

    ❓ Why does “Other” take up different volume on different phones?

    Volume "Other" depends on:

    • 📱 Firmware: custom shells (MIUI, One UI) create more service files.
    • 📱 The number of installed applications: each of them leaves traces in /data.
    • 📱 Android versions: new OS versions better optimize storage.
    • 📱 User activities: frequent updates, games, messengers accumulate more garbage.
    ❓ What what to do if after cleaning the phone starts to slow down?

    This is a temporary phenomenon. After clearing the cache, the system is forced to restore it, which can slow down performance by 10–30 minutes. If the brakes persist longer:

    • 🔄 Restart the phone.
    • 🔧 Check the free space (should be at least 10-15% of the total volume).
    • 🛠️ Launch Settings → System → Optimization (if there is one item).

    If none of the methods helped, and "Other" still takes up too much space, consider reset to factory settings. This is a radical but effective way to return your phone to its original state. Don't forget to back up your important data before doing this!