Xiaomi Redmi memory clogged with 'Others'? find out what it is and how to clean

Have you ever looked into your Xiaomi Redmi memory settings and found that the mysterious 30GB, 50GB, 70GB section is taking the lion's share of it, and it's not clear where they went. The system claims that these are "other files," but what exactly is behind this formulation? Why does the Other still go down after all the photos, videos and apps are deleted? And most importantly, can it be safely cleaned without turning the smartphone into a brick?

This problem is familiar to most owners of Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4 and other MIUI-based models. The fact is that Xiaomi’s operating system classifies as “Other” anything that doesn’t fall into the standard categories (“Apps”, “Media”, “Cash”). This includes temporary update files, system logs, remnants of deleted programs, and sometimes hidden messenger data. But not everything is so simple – some of these files are critical to the phone’s operation, and their deletion can lead to failures.

In this article, we will not only look at what is included in the Other, but also show 3 proven methods of cleaning, from manual methods to hidden MIUI functions that are not described in the official documentation, and you will learn why memory can be “returned” after cleaning and how to avoid this.

What is the “Other” item in Xiaomi Redmi’s memory?

To start with, the other is not garbage, but a mixed category of files that the system cannot uniquely categorize as apps, media, or cache.

• 📁 Residual application files are “tails” left over from uninstallation of programs (sets, databases, temporary files). For example, after deleting Telegram or TikTok, gigabytes of downloaded stickers or video cache may remain in memory.
• 🔄 Update files MIUI — Firmware packets (.zip) that are downloaded before installation, but not always deleted after installation. One such file can weigh 1.5-3 GB.
• 📜 Logs and dumps of the system - error logs, failure reports (/data/anr/, /data/tombstones/). They are needed for diagnosis, but are rarely used by users.
• 🔒 Hidden data messengers – WhatsApp, Viber and even Sberbank Online store backup copies of messages and media in secure folders that are not visible in the gallery.
• 🎮 Cash games, such as Genshin Impact or PUBG Mobile can leave behind dozens of gigabytes of “invisible” files with textures and updates.

Fun fact: Redmi with MIUI 13/14 often gets virtual memory files (if RAM Expansion is enabled) and the system reserves space for "additional RAM" on the drive, but after the function is disabled, these gigabytes are not always automatically released.

Why does the Other grow over time? 3 key factors are at play.

1. Automatic backups (e.g. Google Photos or Mi Cloud duplicate media).
2. Incorrect removal of applications (especially if ADB or root access was used)
3. File system errors (for example, after an interrupted update or crash)

How do you check what is in the “Other”?

Before you clean, you need to understand which files eat up your memory. There are 4 tools for this, from built-in MIUI to third-party utilities.

1. built-in MIUI memory analyzer

The easiest way is to use a standard tool:

1. Open the Settings → Memory.
2. Slip on the "Other" chart.
3. The system will show the distribution by categories: “System Files”, “Downloads”, “Documents”, etc.

Method Limitation: MIUI does not show hidden folders and root files.

2.Conductor with superuser rights (for advanced)

If you have root access, use Root Explorer or FX File Explorer to search by system folders:

/data/app/ – Remnants of Remote Applications


/data/data/ – cache and databases




/data/log/ - Logic of the system




/cache/ - Temporary update files

Note: Deleting files from /system/ or /vendor/ can lead to a phone breeze!

Third-party analyzers (without root)

Applications like Files by Google or SD Maid (in no-root mode) will help you find:

• 🗑️ Duplicate files (especially relevant for photos).
• 📂 Large folders (.thumbnails,.cache).
• 🔍 Residual APK-files after updates.

4. ADB-deep-analysis teams

For those who are friends with the command line, the following command is useful:

adb shell du -h -d 1 /data | sort -h

It will display a folder list in /data, sorted by size. Be careful: changing these files without understanding the consequences is dangerous!

💡

If the Other is more than 10GB, first check the /data/app-lib/ folder – there are often libraries of remote applications.

Method 1: Cleaning the Other without root rights (safe for beginners)

If you’re not ready to risk the stability of your system, start with these 5 steps:

1. Delete the MIUI update cache: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Update, click on the three dots at the top → “Delete downloaded package.” This will free up 1.5-3 GB.
2. Clear Downloads and Recycle Bin: Open Files (Standard App) → Downloads. Delete unnecessary files. Remember the Recycle Bin - it can store data for up to 30 days!
3. Reset the app cache: In Settings → Apps → App management, select the “heaviest” app (like Facebook or Instagram) → Storage → Clear the cache.
4. Disable MIUI backup: Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud → Backup and disable automatic copy creation. This will prevent duplicate data.
5. Use Memory Optimization: In Settings → Memory, tap on Optimize. The system will find unnecessary files (but not touch critical data).

What if, after cleaning, the Other came back? That's okay! The system is constantly creating new temporary files to reduce their volume:

• 📵 Limit the background activity of applications in Settings → Battery → Choice of battery mode.
• 🔄 Regularly reboot your phone (every 2-3 days) – this resets the temporary cache.

💡

Cleaning the Other without rooting is safe, but it frees up no more than 30-40% of the space, and deep cleaning requires additional tools.

Method 2: Deep cleaning with ADB (for power users)

If standard methods did not help, and the “Other” takes more than 10 GB, it’s time to connect. ADB (Android Debug Bridge requires a computer and USB-cable, but allows you to delete files that are not available through the interface.

Step 1: Preparation

1. Turn on Developer Mode on your phone: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (shap 7 times).
2. Activate USB Debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Download ADB Tools on PC and unpack it into the C:\adb folder.

Step 2: Connect and Commands

Open the command line (Win + R → cmd) and type:

cd C:\adb


adb devices

If the phone appears in the list, follow the instructions to clean:

⚠️ Note: Do not use the rm command. -rf /data/* — This will delete all user data and result in a phone reset!

Step 3: Reboot

After completing the commands, restart the phone:

adb reboot

The system will restore critical files and delete unnecessary data.

Method 3: Manual cleaning with TWRP (maximum efficiency)

If you are willing to take the risk of complete cleanup, use the custom TWRP recavator. This method allows you to delete even those files that are not visible through ADB, but require an unlocked bootloader and data backup.

Pre-launch warning

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect actions in TWRP This can cause data loss or device blinking. If you're not sure about your skills, skip this section!

Step 1: Installation of TWRP

1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (requires a wait of 7-15 days).
2. Download the official TWRP for your Redmi model from twrp.me.
3. Fastboot: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img

Step 2: Cleaning up through TWRP

TWRP interface:

1. Go to Advanced → File Manager.
2. Delete folders: /data/app-lib/ – library residues; /data/dalvik-cache/ – Dalvik cache (to be restored automatically); /data/tombstones/ – crash logs; /cache/ – temporary files.

Wipe → Advanced Wipe

• 🗃️ Dalvik / ART Cache
• 🧹 Cache
• Confirm the swipe.

How to minimize the return of the “Other”?

• 📴 Install. SD Maid or Files by Google and set up a weekly automatic cleanup.
• 🔋 Regularly reboot your phone (every 2-3 days) – this resets the temporary cache.
• 🚫 Remove Google Play’s “memory optimizers” – they often create more trash than they remove.

What should I do when cleaning the “other”?

In pursuit of free space, users often make critical mistakes that lead to:

• 🐢 Slowing down the phone;
• 🔄 Cyclical reboots;
• 💀 Total loss of data.