“Other” in memory Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro: full parsing + cleaning instructions

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro is still one of the most popular smartphones among users who value balance of price and performance. However, over time, many owners are faced with the mysterious “Other” section of the storage menu, which takes up gigabytes of memory — sometimes up to 10-15 GB! — but does not tell what exactly it goes into. Unlike explicit categories like “Photos”, “Video” or “Apps”, this section does not disclose its content, which raises questions: can it be cleaned, will not harm the system, and why does it appear?

In this article, we will discuss in detail what is “Other” in the memory of the Redmi Note 8 Pro, what files it consists of, how to reduce its volume without risking the operation of the phone, and what hidden nuances of MIUI 12/13/14 affect its size, and you will learn what actions are strictly forbidden – their performance can lead to failures or even “bricking” the device.

What is “Other” in the memory of a smartphone?

The Other section (or Other in the English version of MIUI) is a prefabricated category where the operating system resets all files that do not fall into the standard categories: photos, videos, audio, documents or applications.

On the Redmi Note 8 Pro (as on other Xiaomi devices), the Other is usually:

• 📁 Application cache and systems – residual data after updates, deleted programs or web pages.
• 📜 Logs and memory dumps are debugging files that create MIUI fault-diagnosing.
• 🔄 Temporary files – for example, underloaded updates or image previews.
• 🗄️ Remnants of Remote Applications – Folders and Program Settings that have not been completely erased.
• 🔐 Encrypted data – for example, partition encryption files /data key DRM.

It is important to understand that some of these files are necessary for the stable operation of the smartphone. For example, the cache of some system applications (such as com.android.systemui) when cleaned can cause lags or reboots.

Why does the other take up so much space?

On the Redmi Note 8 Pro, the Other section often grows to inadequate sizes (5–15 GB) due to MIUI features and the smartphone’s memory architecture.

1. Aggressive MIUI caching: The operating system actively caches data to speed up application launches, such as Galery or Music, which can leave behind gigabytes of thumbnails and metadata.
2. Residual files after updates. When you upgrade MIUI via OTA, the system doesn't always completely clear old versions of files, leaving them in "Other."
3. Logs and debugging dumps: If the phone ever connected to the ADB or unlocked the bootloader, MIUI begins to actively collect diagnostic information.
4. Memory fragmentation: Over time, the ext4 file system (or f2fs on some firmware) accumulates junk blocks that are not automatically released.

In addition, Redmi Note 8 Pro often encounters a bug in which system applications (such as com.miui.analytics) create gigabytes of logs without clearing them, especially for devices with firmware based on Android 9-11.

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If the Other section suddenly grew by 2-3 GB in a day, check if system updates or background optimization of MIUI were running at that time.

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

Unfortunately, the standard storage menu in MIUI (Settings → Memory) does not show the detailed composition of the Other section, but there are several ways to get more information:

Method 1: Through the built-in memory analyzer

Go to Settings → Memory → Memory Analysis. You can see the categorization here, but you can't get the other detail. However, if you notice that System Data or Cache takes up a lot of space, it's indirectly indicative of a littered partition.

Method 2: Using a File Manager

Install Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer (with root permissions, if any) and check the following folders:

• 📂 /data/log/ — Logs of system and applications.
• 📂 /data/system/ — settings and cache MIUI.
• 📂 /data/dalvik-cache/ — Dalvik cache (can weigh up to) 1–2 GB).
• 📂 /data/media/0/MIUI/ — firmware.

Without root rights, you won’t be able to view most system folders, but even a cursory analysis will show which apps leave a lot of trash behind.

Method 3: Through ADB (for Advanced)

Connect your phone to your PC, turn on USB Debugging and execute the command:

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

It'll show the top.-20 file /data, They're sorted by size. They usually become leaders. /data/log, /data/dalvik-cache and /data/app (remnants of remote applications).

How to Safely Clean the Other on the Redmi Note 8 Pro

Cleaning the Other section requires caution: deleting critical files can cause MIUI crashes or data loss. Below are safe methods that won't harm the system.

Method 1: Cleaning the cache through recovery

The most reliable way to erase unnecessary cache without risk:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Power + Volume Up to Enter Recovery.
3. Choose Wipe & Reset → Wipe Cache.
4. Confirm the action and restart.

This will delete the dalvik cache and temporary files, but will not affect user data.

Method 2: Manual cleaning through settings

Go to:

1. Settings → Memory → Clean (button at the bottom).
2. Settings → Applications → Application Management → Size filter → Remove the cache from the most “heavy” programs.
3. Settings → Additional → Privacy → Special permissions → File Storage → Check which applications take up a lot of space.

Method 3: Delete logs (ADB required)

If you are confident in your actions, you can erase the logs of the system:

adb shell su


rm -rf /data/log/*




rm -rf /data/tombstones/*




rm -rf /data/anr/*

⚠️ Note: Do not delete files in /data/system/ or /data/data/ — It'll cause a breakdown. MIUI!

Remove the app cache through Settings|Erase the dalvik cache in Recovery|Clear the file. /data/log/ (through ADB)|Remove the old ones OTA-file /data/MIUI/ota|Virus testing (some Trojans disguised as system files)-->

What should I do when cleaning the “other”?

Some actions can permanently disable your phone or cause data loss, and this is strictly forbidden.

⚠️ Note: Never manually delete folders /data/data/ or /data/system/ — This will lead to complete incapacity. MIUI And it's going to require you to flash it through Fastboot, and even if you see gigabyte-sized files there, they're critical to the system.

Also avoid:

• 🚫 Deleting files with the.odex or.vdex extension are optimized application libraries.
• 🚫 Cleaning the folder. /data/app-lib/ — Here are stored dependencies for installed programs.
• 🚫 Using cleaners like Clean Master or CCleaner – they often delete important files MIUI.
• 🚫 Formatting a section /data through TWRP Without backup, it will erase all user data.

If you are not sure about the purpose of the file, do not touch it. Better leave an extra 1-2 GB than risk the phone working.

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The safest way to free up space in The Other is by combining cleaning the cache through Recovery and removing unnecessary applications. All other methods require technical training.

Table: What can and cannot be removed in the "Other"

Frequent questions about the “Other” in memory of the Redmi Note 8 Pro