The folder “Other” in memory Xiaomi Redmi Note 9: what it is, why it takes up space and how to clean it without harming the system

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 will sooner or later encounter the mysterious “Other” folder in the “Storage” section of smartphone settings, which can take from several hundred megabytes to tens of gigabytes, and the system does not offer obvious tools to clean it. What is hidden under this label? Why does the volume of “Other” grow over time, even if you do not install new applications? And most importantly, can it be safely reduced in size without disrupting the phone?

In this article, we will take a closer look at what the Other is in the memory of the Redmi Note 9, what system and user data are getting there, and provide step-by-step instructions for cleaning – from standard methods to advanced ones (including working with the system). ADB). Particular attention will be paid to the risks: what exactly can not be removed, so as not to break the firmware MIUI. At the end, you will find answers to frequent questions and tips for preventing memory filling with garbage.

What is the “Other” in memory Xiaomi Redmi Note 9?

The term "Other" (Other in the English version of MIUI) is a general category for files that the system cannot assign to the standard sections: "Applications", "Images", "Video" or "Audio" and falls into:

• 📁 Application cache and systems: temporary files that are created to speed up programs but often are not automatically deleted.
• 🔄 Logs and dumps: records of system operation, errors (logcat, dmesg), as well as memory dumps when failures.
• 📦 Residual files: Tails from deleted applications, updates, or media files (such as thumbnails left over after cleaning the gallery).
• 🔐 Hidden system data: firmware files, backups of settings, data MIUI post-reset.
• 🌐 Offline cache of browsers and instant messengers: web pages, stickers, gifs that are saved to save traffic.

It’s important to understand that “Other” is not a virus or a bug. This is a normal part of Android, but in MIUI (especially on the Redmi Note 9 with firmware up to MIUI 13), the automatic cleaning mechanisms work worse than on “bare” Android. For example, after updating the firmware through OTA, old files can remain in memory for months, taking up to 3-5 GB.

According to the analysis of user reports, on the Redmi Note 9 (model M2003J15SC/M2003J15SS) «The other one is on average from 1,5 before 8 GB, depending on the duration of use and the number of applications installed, while the system may show inaccurate data: for example, the sum of all categories in the "Storage" does not coincide with the actual vacant space.

Why does the Other grow with time?

The main reasons for the growth of the folder “Other” on Redmi Note 9 are related to the features of MIUI and user habits:

1. Automatic Updates: MIUI downloads Service Packs (OTA) in the background, but after installation doesn't always delete installation files.For example, a 2GB update may stay in the /cache folder.
2. Telegram, WhatsApp and Viber store media files (even if you haven’t downloaded them explicitly) in hidden folders. Telegram alone can take up to 1-2 GB of cache.
3. Cleanup errors: When you delete applications through Settings, their data remains in /data/data and /sdcard/Android/data folders.
4. Logs and debugging: If you’ve ever connected your phone to ADB or enabled Developer Mode, the system can save advanced logs (/data/log).

Another hidden memory eater is the Dalvik-cache files, which are optimized versions of apps to speed up their launch. 9 s 4 GB of RAM and 64/128 GB ROM can be used up to 1–1,5 GB, but the system does not show them in the standard interface "Storage».

⚠️ Note: If the volume of the "Other" has increased dramatically in a few days (for example, with the 2 GB 8 GB), this may indicate a malfunction of the application or system. /sdcard/Download — Sometimes large files are downloaded without notifications.

How to Safely Clean the Other Without Root

Back up important data before you start cleaning, and even standard methods can result in the deletion of files (such as saved passwords or game progress).

Cleaning methods without root rights:

• 🧹 Standard cleaning in MIUI: Go to Settings. → Warehouse → Clean. Click on Clean (the system will delete the app cache and temporary files). Under Deep Clean, select unnecessary files (such as Downloads or Music»).

Efficiency

Removing the cache of individual applications

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select an app (such as Facebook or Telegram).
3. Click on Clear Cache and Clear Data (Warning: This will reset the app settings!).
4. 📂 Manual folder cleaning: Use a file manager (such as Mi File Manager or Solid Explorer) to delete: Download folders (downloads from the browser)..thumbdata folders (image miniatures). folders Android/data and Android/obb (residual files of remote games).
5. 🗃️ Removal of old OTA-packages: folder /cache It contains update files, delete all of its contents (except the recovery folder).
6. 📜 Cleaning Logs: Remove the Contents of Folders: /data/log /data/tombstones (dumping) /sdcard/log

To automate the process, use the script in Termux (requires root):

su


rm -rf /data/dalvik-cache/*




rm -rf /cache/*




rm -rf /data/log/*




rm -rf /data/tombstones/*




reboot

⚠️ Warning: If the root phone stops loading after cleaning, try Recovery Mode (press Power) + Vol Up) and run Wipe Cache Partition. This won't delete user data, but it will restore functionality.

💡

Cleaning with root is very effective, but it requires care. Always back up before you delete system files, especially if you're not sure what they're supposed to do.

How can we prevent the growth of the Other in the future?

To prevent the “Other” folder from growing again, follow these recommendations:

• 🔄 Regularly clean the cache: Use the built-in tool MIUI (Settings → Warehouse → Cleaning) every 1-2 weeks.
• 🚫 Limiting the cache of messengers: in Telegram: Settings → Data and memory → Clear the cache. On WhatsApp: Settings → Warehouse → Management. 📥 Download control: Configure browsers (such as Chrome or Mi Browser) to automatically clear your history and cache when you exit. 🔧 Disabling Unnecessary Logs: Activate Developer Mode (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Press 7 times. In the For Developers section, disable "Error logging" and "Debugging by" USB» (if you don't use).
• 📦 Use lighter versions of apps: Replace heavy apps with Lite versions (e.g. Facebook Lite, Messenger Lite).

It’s also helpful to disable automatic app updates in Google Play and update them manually when Wi-Fi is available.This will prevent large update packs from downloading in the background.

💡

Install SD Maid (requires root) – it automatically finds and deletes residual files, duplicates, and empty folders that MIUI does not see.

Frequent mistakes in cleaning the “Other”

Many Redmi Note 9 users make critical mistakes when trying to free up memory.

• 🚫 Delete the Android folder completely: This will cause all applications to crash. Only remove subfolders with the names of remote programs.
• 🚫 Format a section /data Backup free: That's equivalent to a complete phone reset.
• 🚫 Use cleaners like Clean Master: They often delete files and show false virus warnings».
• 🚫 Delete files with the.odex or.oat extension: They are needed for the application to work.