Have you ever looked into your Xiaomi Redmi Note’s memory settings and found the lion’s share of the mysterious “Other” section, 10GB, 20GB, or even 30GB, and it’s unclear what those files are, can they be deleted, and why the system is so actively hiding them, a problem familiar to owners of all generations of Redmi Note — from the Redmi Note 4X to the fresh Redmi Note 13 Pro+.
In this article, we will not only explain what the Other is in Xiaomi’s memory, but also show you how to find and delete up to 70% of unnecessary files from this section without rooting and resetting, you will learn what system processes form this garbage, why standard cleaners (like Security or Cleaner) do not see it, and how to prevent it from being re-accumulated, and also – analyze myths (for example, that the Other is an application cache) and give a checklist for safe cleaning.
What is hidden under the “Other” in the memory of Xiaomi Redmi Note: technical analysis
To start with, the “Other” in MIUI storage analytics is not a separate folder, but a collection category for files that the system cannot uniquely classify as standard partitions (“Applications”, “Media”, “Documents”, etc.) that fall into:
- 📁 System caches (not to be confused with app cache!): temporary update files MIUI, Logs of errors, memory dumps when failures.
- 🔄 Residual data from remote applications (for example, folders) /data/data/com.*.Apps that have not been fully cleaned).
- 📊 System service databases (e.g. com.android.providers.media or com.miui.analytics).
- 🔒 Encrypted files (e.g. Mi Account or Google Play Services data).
- 🗑️ «Garbage from updates: old versions of firmware (OTA-packages) which remain in /cache.
Fun fact: The Redmi Note 10/11/12 with MIUI 13+ has an average 15-20% higher share of the Other than the older models (Redmi Note 8/9), which is due to the active use of dynamic memory allocation (RAM Expansion) and background optimization of MIUI, which create additional temporary files.
To understand the scale of the problem, look at real data from users’ devices (average values for Redmi Note with 128 GB of memory):
| Model | MIUI version | The average size of "The Other" | Maximum recorded size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 9 Pro | 12.5–13 | 8-12 GB | 22GB |
| Redmi Note 10 Pro | 13–14 | 12–18 GB | 28GB |
| Redmi Note 11 Pro+ | 13–14 | 15-22 GB | 35GB |
| Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | 14 | 18-25 GB | 40GB |
As you can see, on new models, the Other is growing exponentially, and the reason is because of the increased analytics (data collection for Xiaomi Cloud) and the increased cache for preloading applications (app vault function).
Why the Other Takes So Much Space: 5 Top Reasons
If you think that "Other" is just undeleted photos or Telegram cache, you're wrong.
- Logs and dumps. Each application crash or reboot creates a report file in /data/anr or /data/tombstones. On a Redmi Note with 6+GB of RAM, such files can weigh 500-800MB each.
- Residues OTA-After installing firmware, packets (.zip) should be removed, but often remain in the /cache or /data/ota_package. One such file — 1.5–2.5 GB.
- Kesh. MIUI Optimization. Memory Extension (in Settings) → Special facilities → System Acceleration: Creates Temporary Files to Overclock» RAM. They are not visible to the user, but take up to 3-5 GB.
- Media scanner databases: com.android.providers.media indexes all files on your device, and its database (media.db) can grow to 1-2 GB, especially if you have a lot of photos/video.
- Encryption files: If you use Mi Account or Google Smart Lock, the system creates encrypted containers in /data/system/locksettings.db. They cannot be deleted without being reset.
adb shell du -sh /data/anr /data/tombstonesIf the amount exceeds 1 GB, they can be safely removed (see How to Clean Up»).-->
Another hidden eater is the Google Play Services cache, which doesn't appear in the standard cleaning menu, but can take up to 2-3 GB.
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Hit three points up there. → Show all the processes.
- Find Google Play Services and open the Store.
Why Xiaomi’s Cleaner doesn’t clean up the Other?
How to safely clean the “Other” in memory Xiaomi Redmi Note: step-by-step instructions
We warn you right away that not all files in Other can be deleted. Some are critical to the system. We've compiled 4 proven methods that do not require root rights and will not disrupt the stability of MIUI.
Backup important data | Battery charge > 50% | Turn off automatic app updates |Close all background apps-->
Method 1: Cleaning through hidden MIUI menu (no PC)
This method works on all Redmi Notes with MIUI 12-14:
- Open the Settings. → The phone.
- Tap 5 times on the MIUI version to activate the developer mode.
- Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
- Activate Debugging over USB and Allow location simulation.
- Now open Settings → Storage → Cleanup and tap on Deep Cleanup (will appear after activation of the developer mode).
This method removes:
- 🗑️ Failure logs (/data/anr, /data/tombstones).
- 📦 Residual update files (/cache/ota).
- 🔄 Cash media scanner.
Method 2: Removal via ADB (for advanced)
If the first method didn’t work, connect your phone to your PC and use ADB. Download Google’s Platform Tools and do:
adb shell
su
rm -rf /data/anr/*
rm -rf /data/tombstones/*
rm -rf /cache/ota/*
rm -rf /data/local/tmp/*
exit
exit⚠️ Note: Do not delete files in /data/data/ or /system/ — It's going to crash the system!
Method 3: Resetting media cache and databases
This trick will work if the "Other" is inflated due to photo/video:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Find the Multimedia Warehouse (com.android.providers.media).
- Slip the vault. → Clear the data.
- Reboot the phone.
After that, the system will re-index media files, and the media.db base will decrease from 1-2 GB to 50-100 MB.
Method 4: Disabling unnecessary system services
Some MIUI features are actively written in "The Other":
- 📊 Xiaomi Analytics: Turn off in Settings → Confidentiality → Diagnostics and feedback.
- 🔍 Device search: Settings → Google → Security → Find the device (unplug if you are not using it).
- 🎮 Game turbo mode: Settings → Special facilities → Playing space.
💡
The safest method is a combination of Deep Cleaning (Method 1) + Resetting the Media Cache (Method 3) that will free up 30-50% of the space in the Other without risk to the system.
What NOT to delete from “Other”: Critical Files
Some users, in pursuit of a free space, delete everything in a row and then wonder why the phone doesn't turn on. Here's a list of files and folders that you can't touch:
| Path/file | What is responsible for? | Effects of removal |
|---|---|---|
| /data/system/ | System settings, accounts | Reset to factory settings |
| /data/dalvik-cache/ | Cache of application optimization | Slowdown, errors when launching applications |
| /data/misc/ | Configurations of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, VPN | Loss of networks, inability to connect to the Internet |
| locksettings.db | Passwords, fingerprints, unlocking | The phone will be locked forever. |
⚠️ Warning: If you see files in the Other with.db,.odex or.vdex extensions, don't delete them! These are system or application components. /data/anr/ and /data/tombstones/ (they can be cleaned).
Also, don't touch:
- 📂 folder /data/app/ — here are stored installed applications.
- 🔑 Name files. settings_* or secure_* — It's a security setting.
- 📱 Persistent files* – they contain data about the iron (IMEI, MAC-address).
How to Prevent the Re-Accumulation of the Other: Prevention
Cleaning is a half-measure. So that the Other doesn't grow back, follow these rules.
- Turn off automatic update download: Go to Settings → The phone. → Updating the system → Settings (⚙️) → Download and select "Off." This will prevent accumulation. OTA-packet /cache.
- Limit background activity: In Settings → Battery → Select the mode setting “Saving Charge” will reduce the number of temporary files created by the system.
- Use easy alternatives to standard apps: Replace MIUI Gallery with Google Photos, and Music with VLC. Xiaomi system applications actively write logs to "Other".
- Clean Google Play Services cache regularly: Once a month, go to Settings → Apps → Google Play Services → Storage → Clear cache.
- Don’t use Smart Cleanup in MIUI: Security’s Auto Cleanup feature often removes the wrong thing and instead of freeing up space, creates new error logs.
💡 Useful tip: If you install/remove apps frequently, use SD Maid (from F-Droid) to clean up residual files. The app can find "junk" in the /data/data/, which standard cleaners skip.
Xiaomi’s “Other” Myths: What Doesn’t Really Work
The Internet is full of "advice" that not only doesn't help, but also hurts.
- 🚫 Myth 1: “The Other” is an app cache ❌ Reality: App cache is displayed separately under the Apps section. "Other" are system files that are not related to user data.
- 🚫 Myth 2: You need to format your phone ❌ Reality: Formatting will delete everything, including your files, but “Other” will return in a week if the cause is not eliminated (e.g., disable analytics).
- 🚫 Myth 3: Apps like CCleaner help. ❌ Reality: These programs don't have access to system folders (/data/, /cache/) They only clean surface debris.
- 🚫 Myth 4: The other can be removed through TWRP ❌ Reality: Yes, TWRP gives access to system partitions, but manually deleting files without knowing their purpose will lead to bootloop ( loop loading).
- 🚫 Myth 5: It's a virus ❌ Reality: The Other is not a virus, but a feature MIUI. Viruses cannot write to system partitions without root rights.
⚠️ Note: If you have met the advice to “delete the folder” /data/log/», Ignore it! This folder stores critical boot logs, and deleting them could cause the phone to stop turning on.
What to do if the “Other” takes > 30 GB: emergency measures
If, after all the manipulations, the Other still takes up inadequately much space (for example, 30-50 GB on the 128-gigabyte Redmi Note), there may be three reasons:
- Faulty file system: This happens after an incorrect update or power outage during file writing. Check the integrity of the /data partition via ADB: adb shell e2fsck -f /dev/block/by-name/userdata If the command returns errors, flashing is required.
- Custom firmware residuals: If you previously put Custom ROM (like LineageOS), /data may have left files weighing several gigabytes. Find them through ADB: adb shell ls -la /data | grep -i "custom"
- Hidden backups: MIUI sometimes backs up settings in /data/backup/. Check the size of this folder: adb shell du -sh /data/backup If it weighs >1GB, it can be deleted (but the settings will reset).
If none of these methods worked, there are two options:
- Reset to factory settings (with loss of data).
- Fastboot flashing (saves data but requires a PC)
📌 Important: Before resetting or firmware, make sure to check if the Data Protection function is activated in Settings. → Accounts. → Mi Account → Cloud. → Data protection: If it's on, after resetting, the phone will require you to enter the old password from Mi Account, even if you don't remember it!