Previous articleOther files on Xiaomi Redmi 7: a complete guide to cleaning memory without risk

Have you ever looked into the storage of your Xiaomi Redmi 7 and wondered why the Other Files section takes up gigabytes of memory when you haven't downloaded anything? This is one of the most common problems for MIUI smartphone owners, where it hides dozens of types of data under this category, from app cache to temporary update files. Unlike the obvious Photos or Videos, Other Files don't have a clear structure, making it difficult to delete them.

In this article, we will not only explain what Other Files are on Redmi 7, but also show you how to clean them safely – from manual methods to hidden MIUI features. You will learn which files can be deleted without risk to the system and which are not worth touching, even if they take up a lot of space. We will also break down myths (for example, that Other Files are viruses) and give a checklist for regular memory optimization. If your smartphone constantly shows a notification “Memory is full”**, but you can’t find the source of the problem – this guide is for you.

What are the “Other Files” on Xiaomi Redmi 7 and why do they take up so much space?

In MIUI, the Other Files category is the garbage bin of the operating system, and it includes anything that doesn't fit into standard sections like Images, Audio, or Documents.

• 🗑️ App cache – temporary data that programs save for fast work (for example, miniature videos on YouTube or preview articles in Chrome).
• 📥 Downloads from messengers – stickers, GIFs, voice messages from WhatsApp, Telegram or Viber, which are saved in hidden folders.

On Redmi 7, the problem is compounded by the fact that the smartphone was released with 16/32 GB of memory, of which only 10-25 GB is available to the user (the rest is occupied by the system). When used actively, “Other files” can grow to 5-10 GB, which is critical for a budget device.

On the Redmi. 7 «Other files" often include firmware residues MIUI, which the system does not delete after the updates. /cache can weigh up 1 GB, and a folder. /data/ota_package — before 2 GB: These files are not visible through the standard file manager, but take up precious space.

Which “Other Files” Can Be Deleted and Which Can’t

Not all files in the Other category are equally secure to delete.

• ✅ Can be removed without risk:
• ⚠️ Remove carefully (may affect the operation of applications):
• ❌ You can't remove it:

⚠️ Attention: Delete files from folders /system or /data/app If you don't have root rights, you can get a device knocked out (completely inoperable). If you're not sure what the file is, you better not touch it.

Especially careful should be treated to files with extensions:

• .db – Application databases (remove – lose settings).
• .odex or.oat is an optimized code for system applications.
• .bak – Backups (may be important for recovery)

💡

Before mass cleaning of Other Files, back up your important data via Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset. This will save your contacts, SMS and settings if something goes wrong.

How to see what exactly ranks in the “Other Files” on Redmi 7

The standard MIUI Storage Analysis does not show the detailed structure of Other Files, and you will need third-party tools to see their composition:

Method 1: Through a file manager (without root)

Use applications like Files by Google or Solid Explorer:

1. Install Files by Google from the Play Market.
2. Open the app and go to the Cleanup section.
3. Click on Other Files and the system will show the folders that take up the most space (e.g. Download, DCIM/.thumbnails).

Method 2: ADB (for advanced users)

If you want to see hidden system files:

adb shell


su




du -sh /data/* | sort -rh | head -n 20

This team will show the top-20 file /data, Sorted by size. Root rights required!

Method 3: Analysis through DiskUsage

The DiskUsage app visualizes the occupied space in the form of a diagram:

• 📊 Shows folders and files that occupy >10MB.
• 🔍 Allows you to sort by size or date of change.
• ⚠️ It does not require root, but will not show all system data.

Redmi 7 is especially worth paying attention to folders:

• /data/app – installed applications (can be cleaned cache).
• /data/data – Application data (clean only for unnecessary programs).
• /cache – temporary system files (you can clean them completely).

Step-by-step: How to delete “Other Files” on Redmi 7

Before cleaning, perform preparation:

Battery charge >50%|Created a backup copy of important data|All applications closed.|A stable Internet connection is connected (for cloud backup)-->

Method 1: Cleaning through built-in MIUI tools

1. Go to Settings. → Warehouse.
2. Click “Clean” next to the “Other Files” category.
3. Select “App Cache” and “Unnecessary Files” → “Clean Up”.
4. For deep cleaning, click “Deep cleaning” (confirmation required).

This method removes up to 1-3 GB of garbage, but does not affect hidden system files.

Method 2: Manual Deletion through File Manager

Use Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer:

1. Enable the display of hidden files in the manager settings.
2. Go to /storage/emulated/0/Download - delete unnecessary APKs and media files. /storage/emulated/0/DCIM/.thumbnails - photo thumbnails (can be cleaned). /storage/emulated/0/Android/data/*/cache - application cache.

.tmp

.log

.bak

Method 3: Cleaning with Recovery Mode

This method removes the system cache and update residues:

1. Turn off Redmi 7.
2. Press Power + Volume Up to Enter Recovery.
3. Select "Wipe Cache Partition» → «Yes».
4. Reset the device.

⚠️ Note: If after cleaning the Other Files, the phone started to slow down or restart, it was likely that important system data was deleted, in which case only a factory reset will help (but you will lose all data!).

If you are not sure about your actions, use a safe method:

1. Make a backup through Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset.
2. Clear the cache only for unnecessary applications.
3. Remove obvious garbage (APK, old downloads, duplicate photos).
4. Restart your phone and check the stability of the work.

Alternative ways to free up memory on Redmi 7

If even after cleaning the Other Files, there is not enough space, try these methods:

• 📱 Transfer of applications to SD-Map: Insert microSD (up to 256GB supported). Go to Settings → Annexes → Application management. Select the application. → «Warehouse» → «Change» → «SD-map».

⚠️ Not all applications support portability (especially system applications).

Use of cloud services:

Move photos and videos to Google Photos (up to 15 GB free), and documents to Mi Cloud (gives 5 GB free).

Disabling unnecessary system applications:

Some pre-installed programs (Mi Video, Mi Music) can be disabled:

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.videoplayer

A list of disable packages can be found on the 4PDA or XDA Developers forums.

Installation of lightweight versions of applications:

Replace the “heavy” programs with the Lite version:

• Facebook Lite instead of Facebook.
• Messenger Lite instead of Messenger.
• Spotify Lite instead of the full version.

If none of the methods helped, consider hardware solutions:

• 🔄 Replace microSD with a larger card (up to 256 GB).
• 📱 Purchase a smartphone with a large amount of memory (for example, Redmi Note 10 with 128 GB).

⚠️ Don't delete Android folders, MIUI Or Alarm, it's going to crash.