Xiaomi’s Other folder: What are these files and how to clean Redmi Note 7 without risk

Have you ever looked into your Redmi Note 7’s memory settings and wondered why the Other partition takes up gigabytes of space when you didn’t save anything? It’s one of the most mysterious folders in Xiaomi smartphones that can eat up to 30% of internal memory — and it’s impossible to open with standard means. In this article, we’ll not only reveal what’s hidden under the Other label, but also show you how to clean it without risking damage to the system or losing important data.

The Redmi Note 7 (and other MIUI devices) feature is that the operating system automatically categorizes files into categories — photos, videos, apps, cache. But anything that doesn't fall into those categories falls into the Other section. It can store temporary update files, system logs, remnants of deleted applications, and even hidden messenger data. The main problem is that the system doesn't allow direct access to these files, so you can't clean them with standard methods. Next, you'll find out what tools will help you get back precious gigabytes from embedded MIUI functions to third parties.

What is the Other in Xiaomi’s Memory and Why Does It Take So Much Space?

The Other section of Redmi Note 7 is a kind of MIUI garbage box, which includes files that are not in the main categories (photos, videos, music, documents) and cannot be classified automatically. Unlike the application cache, which can be manually cleaned, the content of the Other often remains invisible to the user.

Here is what is usually hidden under this label:

• 📁 Temporary update files – Firmware residues that the system downloaded but did not install (for example, if the update was interrupted).
• 📜 Log files – error logs, reports on the operation of the system and applications (especially a lot of them accumulate with frequent failures).
• 🗑️ Remnants of Remote Applications – Not all programs are deleted completely, some leave configuration files behind.
• 🔍 Hidden data messengers – Telegram, WhatsApp and Viber can store encrypted backups or media files here.
• 🖼️ Miniatures and previews – the system creates reduced copies of images for quick download in the gallery.

On the Redmi Note 7 with 64GB of storage, the Other can take up 5GB to 15GB — which is normal if you’re actively using a smartphone. However, if it’s more than 20GB, it’s a signal that the system isn’t optimizing memory properly. For example, after a major MIUI update (12th to 13th version), many users noticed that the Other suddenly grew by 3-7GB.

How to Check How Much Space Does The Other Take Up on Redmi Note 7

Before you start cleaning, you need to know exactly how much memory the "Other" partition takes up.

1. Open the settings → About the phone → Memory.
2. Wait for the system to analyze memory usage (it can take 10 to 30 seconds).
3. Scroll down to the memory allocation graph, and here you'll see the "Other" category (usually gray or dark blue).

If the partition is more than 10 GB, you should consider cleaning, but be careful: not all files in the Other can be deleted, for example, deleting the system log files can cause MIUI to malfunction.

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On the Redmi Note 7 with MIUI 12.5+ firmware, you can see a detailed memory report by clicking on the graph in the Memory section, which shows even hidden files, but without the ability to delete them.

How to clean the “Other” in memory Redmi Note 7

There are several ways to make room in the "Other" section, and we'll go from the safest to the more radical, which require caution.

1. Built-in cleaning MIUI

The easiest way is to use the built-in cleaning utility:

1. Go to Settings → Memory → Cleanup.
2. Click “Clean” (the system will automatically delete unnecessary temporary files).
3. Then select Deep Clean – this will remove the app cache and some files from Other.

This is a safe method, but it only cleans surface data, and more serious cleaning will require other tools.

2. Cleaning through Safe Mode (Safe Mode)

Some files in Other may belong to third-party applications that are not deleted completely.

1. Press the power button, then hold your finger on the “Switch off” option until a prompt appears to go to Safe Mode.
2. In this mode, remove suspicious apps (those you haven’t used in a long time).
3. Restart your phone – some of the junk files will be deleted.

3. Use of a file manager (with root rights)

If you have root rights, you can manually delete unnecessary files.

• Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
• Go to the folders: /data/log/ – here are stored log files; /data/local/tmp/ – temporary files; /sdcard/Android/obb/ – cache of games and applications.
• Delete unnecessary files, but do not touch folders with the names com.android or miui – this can damage the system.

4. Reset to factory settings (last resort)

If the Other takes more than 20 GB and no methods help, you just have to reset it completely.

• Make a backup copy of important data (photos, contacts, messages).
• Remember or record your Mi Account information (you will need it after the reset).
• Go to Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset → Resetting.

After the reset, the Other will decrease to 1-3 GB, but all your data will be erased.

What files in the “Other” can be deleted and which can not

Not all files in the Other section are safe to delete, and here is a table with data that is allowed and forbidden to delete:

⚠️ Warning: Never delete files with.odex or.apk extensions from system folders. These are components of applications, and deleting them will lead to system failure.

Reasons Why The Other Is Fast Filling Again

Even after cleaning, the Other section can grow back in a short time.

• 🔄 Frequent updates MIUI — Each new firmware leaves temporary files.
• 📱 Lots of installed/remote apps – especially games with large cache.

To slow down the growth of the Other, watch out for:

• Regularly clean the cache in Settings → Applications.
• Disable automatic download of media files in messengers.
• Remove unnecessary applications through Settings → Apps → Remove (not just from the desktop).

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If the Other is growing too fast (over 1 GB per week), check your phone for viruses using Google Play Protect or Malwarebytes.

Third-party applications for cleaning the “Other”

If the built-in MIUI tools don't work, you can use third-party utilities. Here are the proven options:

Before using any cleaners:

1. Create a backup copy of the data.
2. Do not give the application access to system folders unless you are sure of its security.
3. After cleaning, restart the phone.

⚠️ Warning: Some cleaning apps (like Clean Master) may show false "critical error" warnings to force you to buy a premium version.Redmi Note 7 has enough built-in tools MIUI or SD Maid.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the “Other” in the memory of Xiaomi