Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T folder: what it is, why it grows and how to clean

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T owners often encounter the mysterious “Other” folder in the “Storage” section of smartphone settings, which can take anywhere from 5 to 20 GB — or more — but it does not give a clear explanation of what files are stored there. Why does the system not show the contents of this folder? Can it be cleaned without risk to the phone? And most importantly, why does it grow constantly, even if you do not download anything?

In fact, “Other” is not a separate folder, but a generalized category for service and hidden files that do not fall into the standard sections (“Applications”, “Images”, “Video”, etc.) This includes cache system processes, temporary update files, data from the virtual machine. ART/Dalvik, Remnants of remote applications and even fragments of downloaded but not installed APK. At Redmi Note. 8T base MIUI This category is especially noticeable due to the features of the shell and background processes Xiaomi.

If you notice that the Other is eating up the lion's share of memory, don't panic — in most cases, it's not critical for the device to work. But you shouldn't ignore the problem either: when there's a shortage of space, the phone starts to slow down, and some functions (such as installing updates or shooting high-resolution videos) can be blocked. Next, we'll look at what exactly is hidden under the Other, how to safely reduce it and what tools MIUI itself provided for this.

What's in the "Other" category on the Redmi Note 8T

The MIUI Other category is a collection box for files that the system cannot classify as standard (photo, video, audio, etc.) and these are the main components that it consists of:

• 📁 App cache and systems: temporary files that are created to speed up the operation of programs, such as the cache of Google Play Services or the cache of the Google Play Services. MIUI Launcher.
• 🔄 Remnants of remote applications: not all files are erased when uninstalled. Often configuration data is left in folders /data/data.
• 📦 Update files: Updated but not installed service packs MIUI They can weigh up to 1-2 GB each.
• 🤖 Virtual machine data ART/Dalvik: Optimized files to run applications, only cleared when completely reset.
• 📄 Logs and dumps of the system: error report files (/data/tombstones), clutter-producing.
• 🔗 Symbolic links and metadata: file system service information that takes up space but is not visible to the user.

The Redmi Note 8T features aggressive caching due to optimization for MIUI 11/12. For example, the system can save thumbnails for the gallery even after deleting the original photos, and some applications (for example, Xiaomi Cloud or Mi Video) create duplicate cache files.

Another caveat: The other can be inflated by file system errors, and if the phone is not properly turned off (e.g., the battery is dead), some files are labeled "damaged" but are not deleted, but moved to this category.

Why the Other Takes So Much Space

On the Redmi Note 8T with 64 or 128 GB of memory, the “Other” folder can grow to 10-15 GB, and there are several reasons for this:

1. Automatic MIUI Update: The system downloads service packs in the background, but doesn't always install them immediately. Files remain in memory under the "Other" category.

There is a bug on the Redmi Note 8T with MIUI 12.5+ firmware: the system miscalculates the volume of the Other by showing inflated numbers. To check the real size, use a file manager with root rights (such as Root Explorer) or connect the phone to a PC.

Also, the Other may increase due to Xiaomi’s background processes, such as:

• 📊 Security App (Virus Scanning and Optimization).

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To reduce the size of the Other, disable automatic updates. MIUI in settings: Settings → The phone. → Updating the system → ⚙️ → Auto-update.

How to Safely Clean the Other Without Root Rights

If you don't have superuser rights, you can clean Other with standard MIUI and third-party tools, and the rule of thumb is, don't delete files manually unless you're sure they're there!

Method 1: Cleaning the application cache

Method 2: Remove downloaded updates

• 📥 Go to Settings. → Warehouse → Other files.
• 🔍 Find the file. Downloaded_rom (Here are the update packages. MIUI).
• 🗑️ Delete all files with the.zip extension.

Method 3: Using a built-in cleaner

1. Open the Security app (Security).
2. Go to the "Cleaning" section.
3. Click on “Deep Cleanup” and select “System garbage”.
4. Confirm removal.

Method 4: Resetting cache via Recovery

⚠️ Note: This method does not delete personal data, but resets the settings of some applications.

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 the phone.

Make a backup copy of important data|Check the vacant space in the vault|Close all background applications|Disable automatic updates MIUI-->

Cleaning the “Other” with root rights: risks and instructions

If standard methods didn't work, and the Other still takes gigabytes, you can try manual root cleaning, but it's risky: wrong actions can cause a system crash or a phone blink.

What can be manually removed:

How to get root on Redmi Note 8T:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi website.
2. Install custom recovery (such as TWRP).
3. Please use Magisk to obtain root rights.

⚠️ Attention: Unlocking the bootloader resets the phone to factory settings! Xiaomi may also refuse warranty service after receiving root.

Use Root Explorer or the command in ADB to clean:

adb shell


su




rm -rf /data/dalvik-cache/*




rm -rf /data/log/*




rm -rf /data/tombstones/*

How to Prevent the Spread of the Other in the Future

To “Other” does not take up gigabytes of memory, follow these recommendations:

• 🔄 Clean the cache regularly (once every 1-2 weeks) through Settings → Warehouse → Clean up.
• 🚫 Turn off automatic updates MIUI, If you do not plan to install updates immediately.
• 📱 Use lightweight versions of apps (e.g. Facebook Lite, Messenger Lite).

You should also disable unnecessary system services:

If you’re actively using Second Space or guest mode, remember that they duplicate many system files, which increases “Other.” Turn off unnecessary profiles in Settings → Second Space.

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The most effective way to reduce the Other is by combining cache cleaning, removing old updates, and disabling unnecessary system processes. Root rights give more options, but require caution.

Frequent Mistakes in Cleaning the Other and How to Avoid Them

Many Redmi Note 8T users make mistakes trying to make room.

How to clean properly:

1. Always backup before mass deletion of files.

If the Other grows quickly again after cleaning, check your phone for viruses (for example, through Malwarebytes) or reset the cache to Recovery.

Alternative ways to free up memory on the Redmi Note 8T

If the “Other” still takes up too much space, consider these methods:

• 🔗 Transfer of applications to SD-card (if supported).
• ☁️ Using Google Drive (Mi Cloud) for photos and videos.
• 📁 Archiving of rarely used files in ZIP portable.
• 🛠️ Install custom firmware (for example, LineageOS), where there are no “junk” processes MIUI.

To transfer applications to SD:

1. Insert a memory card (preferably class 10 or UHS-I).
2. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
3. Select the application and click “Move to” SD-card (if the option is active).

Warning: Not all applications support porting to SD. System programs and some games (such as PUBG Mobile) cannot run from an external drive.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About The Other in Redmi Note 8T