How to delete other data from Xiaomi and free up memory

Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphone owners often face a mysterious partition in the storage called “Others” that can take up tens of gigabytes, causing a lack of space to install apps or shoot videos. Understanding the nature of these files is the first step to effectively optimize the system.

In fact, other data is a collection of system files, application cache, time logs, and residual records after updates. The MIUI or HyperOS operating system doesn't always correctly display their distribution, creating the illusion of overflow. In this article, we'll look at safe cleanup methods without losing personal information.

Don't panic if the memory indicator is on red, and a smart cleaning approach will bring the device back to speed, and we'll look at both the standard tools and advanced methods for power users.

Analysis of the contents of the section Others

Before we start taking drastic measures, we need to understand what exactly takes up space: the Others section is dynamically generated, including the cache of messengers, streaming services and browsers, and users often do not even know how much space the videos viewed on Telegram or YouTube take up.

System logs and error reports also contribute: If you use your phone for work or games, the number of temporary files can grow exponentially, and memory analysis helps to identify the most “heavy” applications.

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Use the built-in Security app for initial evaluation: it will show which apps rank the most in the Others category.

It is important to distinguish between system cache and user data: the former is secure, the latter may contain important correspondence or settings, and always check the contents of folders before cleaning them, especially if you plan to use a file manager.

Modern versions of MIUI shells have become better at classifying files, but older algorithms can still classify large archives or documents of unknown format as "Other" and routinely checking the storage will prevent critical disk filling.

Cleaning with built-in MIUI and HyperOS tools

The safest way to free up space is to use the regular utilities. Go to the Security app and select Cleanup. The system will automatically scan the device for temporary files and prompt them to delete them.

For a deeper cleanup, use the Application Management feature. Every heavy app (e.g. social media) has a “Clear Cache” button in its settings, which will not affect your logins and passwords, but will delete temporary images and videos.

Remember the Downloads section. Often users download APK installation files or documents that are no longer needed. They move to the Others category automatically if the system cannot determine the file type. Manually checking the Download folder often yields unexpected results.

Using Deep Clean mode in a security application allows you to find duplicate photos and rarely used applications, a tool that is especially effective before backing up or updating firmware.

⚠️ Note: When you clean the application data (Erase Data button), you will lose all information inside it, including correspondence and authorization».

Manual deletion of files through Explorer

For advanced users, manual cleaning through built-in Explorer is available. Go to the root directory and notice the folders with the names of applications you no longer use. Deleting such directories frees up a significant amount of memory.

Special attention should be paid to the Android/obb and Android/data folder, which stores cached data from games and heavy applications, but you need to delete files from here with extreme care so as not to disrupt the operation of programs.

Way to check: Internal drive → Android → data

Often, folders from games or utilities that are long removed are left at the root of internal memory, and you can delete them if you're sure that the application is no longer installed.

Some system folders, such as MIUI or gallery, contain thumbnails and edited versions of photos. Cleaning up the.thumbnails folder (hidden) can instantly free up a few gigabytes, although the system will create them again over time.

Using Developer Mode and Debugging over USB

If standard methods don't work, you can use debugging tools. You need to activate developer mode. Go to Settings → About phone and quickly press 7 times on MIUI Version or OS Version.

Once activated, a new section will appear on the menu called “Developers” where you can find the option to reset the debugging settings or clear the cache of Google Play services, which often grow to giant sizes in the “Others” section.

Using ADB commands from a computer allows you to remove system debris that is not visible to the user. This requires connecting the cable and installing drivers, but gives you maximum control over the file system.

Be careful when typing commands into the console. An error can result in the deletion of critical system files, which will require flashing the device. Always double-check the syntax before starting.

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Developer mode gives you access to hidden cleaning functions, but it requires caution. Don't turn off unknown services unless you're sure they're there.

Resetting to factory settings as an extreme measure

When the Others section inflates to unexplained sizes and is not cleanable, the only solution is a complete reset, which will return the phone to the “out of the box” state by removing absolutely all data, including file system errors.

Before the procedure, be sure to back up contacts, photos and documents in the Mi Cloud or on your computer. Resetting via the settings menu (Advanced Settings → Reset → Erase All Data) is the safest method.

⚠️ Warning: After the reset, the phone will be completely clean.Make sure you remember the password from your Mi Account and Google account, or the device may be locked (FRP lock).

There is also a Recovery Mode reset method (clamping the volume and power button when the phone is off), which is recommended if the system is not booting or is unstable due to drive errors.

After returning to factory settings, the Others section usually takes up a minimum volume (less than 1 GB), which confirms that the problem was the accumulated software debris, not the hardware malfunction.

Prevention of memory overflow

To keep the problem from returning, you need to change your smartphone usage habits. Check your messaging settings regularly. WhatsApp and Telegram can automatically clean your cache or prevent you from autouploading your media files to your gallery.

Use cloud storage for photos and videos. Services like Google Photos or Yandex.Disk allow you to free up space on your device in one click, leaving copies in the cloud, which prevents the library from growing.

• 📱 Disable auto-update applications via mobile network.
• 🗑️ Once a month, you will review the “Downloads” folder».
• 📸 Use storage optimization in camera settings.
• 🔄 Update your system regularly, as newer versions often contain corrections for memory management errors.

Following these simple rules will help keep your smartphone’s performance high, and the device’s memory is a resource that requires management, especially on models with a small amount of built-in storage.

Remember, a nearly full drive is slower. Always leave it free at least. 10-15% Total memory for correct operation of the operating system.

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