How to Clean “Other Files” in Xiaomi Memory MIUI 12: A complete guide with hidden tricks

Why Other Files Take Gigabytes of Memory on Your Xiaomi – and What to Do About It

Have you ever looked into your Xiaomi storage and found that the Other Files section is 10, 20, or even 30 GB, and neither photos, nor videos, nor apps weigh that much, which is a typical problem for devices on the web. MIUI 12 (and newer versions) where the system hides cache, update remnants, logs and even fragments of remote applications under this category.+, Google has introduced more transparent memory management, MIUI It still “clogs” this section with garbage that is not cleaned by standard means.

In this article, we will not only show you how to delete Other Files without harming the system, but also explain why they appear (spoiler: not only you are to blame, but also the architecture). MIUI). You'll know:

• 🔍 What’s Really Hiding Under the Category of Other Files (and Why It’s Not Always Garbage).
• ⚙️ Hidden settings MIUI 12 that are not on the "Storage" menu».
• 🚀 Safe and dangerous cleaning methods – which ones can break the system.
• 📱 Why Memory Is Clogged Again After Cleaning (and How to Prevent It).

Warning: Some methods require root rights or work with the ADB. If you're a beginner, stick to the white-wash methods in the first sections. For advanced users, we've prepared a unique trick to clean the MediaProvider cache that is rarely mentioned in the guides.

What are the “Other Files” in MIUI 12: Dealing with the sources of garbage

V MIUI 12 (and older versions) The Others category is the system’s “junk box” that includes everything that can not be classified as standard sections (Apps, Photos, Videos, etc.). Unlike “pure” Android, where such files are at least partially visible to the user, Xiaomi hides them under a common label. That's what usually goes in:

⚠️ Note: Not all "Other Files" are garbage, Android/data It can contain game saves or app settings. By manually deleting them, you risk losing game progress or messenger data (for example, downloaded stickers in Telegram).

The biggest problem MIUI 12 — the system does not clean the MediaProvider cache automatically, and it's responsible for scanning media files (photos, videos, music) and creating thumbnails that accumulate over time!

Safe ways to clean “Other Files” without rooting and ADB

If you are not ready to experiment with ADB or TWRP, Start with these methods. They don't require special knowledge and they won't damage the system.

1. Built-in cleaning MIUI

The easiest, but least effective way to do this is:

1. Open the Settings → Memory.
2. Click “Clean” (usually prompts to release 100-500 MB).
3. Go to the Files» → «Categories» → «Others" and manually highlight unnecessary files.

🔹 Problem: MIUI It doesn't show all the files in the "Others" section, for example, the MediaProvider cache doesn't show up here.

2. Clean up via "Files by Google"

Google’s app is better at finding garbage:

• 📱 Install Files by Google from Play Market.
• 🔍 Start the scan in the section "Cleaning».
• 🗑️ Delete the proposed files (especially note "Unnecessary Files" and "Dublicates»).

✅ Plus: The app finds up to 2-3 GB of garbage that misses MIUI.

❌ Disadvantage: Does not clear the system cache (e.g. Dalvik or Dalvik) OTA-update).

3. Manual cleaning of app cache

Many "Other Files" are cache of system and user applications, to delete:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Show all applications.
2. Sort by size (click on the three dots in the upper right corner).
3. Select apps with large cache (e.g. YouTube, Telegram, Galery) and click Clear Cache.

Backup of important data|Check the space (at least 10% of the memory space is required)|Close all applications|Disable Auto-Update Apps in Play Market-->

4. Delete downloads and temporary files

Download folder and DCIM/.thumbnails often take up gigabytes:

• 📁 Open any file manager (e.g., Mi File Manager).
• 🔍 Move to the /storage/emulated/0/Download and delete unnecessary files.
• 🖼️ Remove the contents /storage/emulated/0/DCIM/.thumbnails (photo and video miniatures).

💡 Tip: If you download files often, install the application 1DM+ (IDM+) — It allows you to automatically clean the Download folder after downloading.

Advanced methods: ADB, TWRP and hidden teams MIUI

If the standard methods didn't work, it's time to move to "heavy artillery." ADB (Android Debug Bridge or custom recavator TWRP. Warning: Mistakes may result in data loss or system failure.

1. Clearing the MediaProvider cache through ADB

This is the most effective way to remove up to 5GB of hidden cache that is not visible in the standard menu.

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB-driver.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on Xiaomi (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times press to unlock the developer mode, then Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).

Next, execute commands in the terminal (command line):

adb shell


su




rm -rf /data/media/0/Android/data/com.android.providers.media/cache/*




rm -rf /data/media/0/Android/data/com.android.providers.media/files/*




exit




exit

⚠️ Warning: After this cleanup, Galery and other media apps will rebuild the cache, which can take 5-10 minutes!

Removal of residues OTA-update

MIUI Stores update files in a folder /cache, But it doesn't always remove them after installation:

• 🔧 If you have TWRP, Go to the Recavator and select Advanced → File Manager, then remove everything in the /cache.
• 🖥️ No TWRP use ADB: adb shell su -c "rm -rf /cache/*"

3. Cleaning up the Dalvik cache

This cache speeds up the launch of applications, but over time it grows to gigabytes. Cleanup is safe, but after that the system will run slower 1-2 days (until the cache recovers).

Ways:

• 🔄 Through TWRP: Advanced → Dalvik Cache → Swipe to Wipe.
• 🖥️ Through ADB: adb shell su -c "rm -rf /data/dalvik-cache/*"

4. Reset the "Security and Privacy" settings

Sometimes, “Other Files” grow due to malfunctions. MIUI Security (embedded antivirus and optimizer) to reset its settings:

1. Go to Settings. → Passwords & security → App security.
2. Click on three dots in the upper right corner → «Resetting settings».
3. Confirm the action.

This will remove scanned data and temporary antivirus files, which can take up to 1-2 GB.

💡

Cleaning through ADB and TWRP It gives the best results, but it takes care. Always back up before you delete system files!

Why Other Files Are Returning: How to Prevent Memory Filling

Even after a full clean-up in a month or two, you'll see that the Other Files took up a few gigabytes. Why is that happening?

1. Automatic creation of miniatures

Every time you open a photo or video, MIUI It creates a thumbnail in the.thumbnails folder to turn it off:

• 📱 Install an alternative gallery (e.g. Simple Gallery or Google Photos).
• 🔧 In the settings of the new gallery, turn off the option “Create miniatures».

2. Update cache and logs

MIUI It's constantly logging the system (.log,.dump) and downloading updates in the background to limit this:

• 📵 Turn off automatic updates in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system → Three points. → Settings → Auto-update (off).
• 🗑️ Regularly (once in) 2 weeks) clean the folder /data/log through ADB: adb shell su -c "rm -rf /data/log/*"

3. Remains of Remote Applications

When you delete the application, MIUI He doesn't always clean his data:

• 🧹 Before removing, go to Settings → Annexes → [Title of the annex] → Warehouse → Clear the data.
• 🔍 Use it. SD Maid or Files by Google to search for “orphan” files.

💡

If you install/remove apps frequently, turn on the Auto Clean option in Files by Google (Settings section). → Cleaning on schedule»).

What to do if nothing helps: radical measures

If after all the manipulations, the “Other Files” still take 10+ GB, there are two options left:

1. reset to factory settings (Hard Reset)

This is guaranteed to clear all unnecessary files, but delete all data from the device.

• 📤 Make a backup copy through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset → Local backup.
• 🔐 Write down or take photos of all passwords (Wi-Fi, accounts).
• 📱 Perform reset: Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset → Resetting settings.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (such as the Redmi Note 8 Pro) may require re-assignment of the Mi Account after reset!

2. Transition to custom firmware

If you are constantly annoyed by garbage in the MIUI 12, consider installing an alternative firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience:

• 🗜️ No hidden MediaProvider cache.
• 🔍 More transparent memory management.
• 🚀 Better performance on older devices.

🔹 Cons: Loss of branded features MIUI (Second Space or Game Turbo, possible camera bugs.

FAQ: Frequent questions about “Other Files” in MIUI 12