“Other files” on Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X: what is it and how to clean them without harming the system

Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X (codenamed mido) is still one of the most popular budget smartphones, but its main problem is fast-filling memory. Users often find that in the Storage section there is a mysterious category “Other files”, which takes up from 5 to 20 GB of space, while the system does not offer obvious ways to delete them, and standard cache cleaning does not help.

In this article, we’ll look at what’s hidden under the term “Other Files”** on Redmi Note 4X, why they accumulate and how to safely delete them without damaging Android. It’s important to understand that these files are not always garbage — these may include important application data, temporary update files or even hidden backups. We’ll look at the unique MIUI 8-12 cleaning methods that you won’t find in the standard instructions for new Xiaomi models.

What are the “Other Files” on the Redmi Note 4X and why do they take up so much space?

In MIUI, the category “Other Files”** includes everything that the system cannot uniquely attribute to photos, videos, music or documents.

• 📁 Application cache (including system) that is not cleared through the standard menu.

On the Redmi Note 4X, the problem is compounded by the fact that the smartphone is often used as a “second” device with reduced memory (16/32 GB), and MIUI 8-11 (current for this model) are not optimized for automatic cleaning. For example, after updating through Updater, old firmware files can remain in the /cache folder for years, taking up to 3-4 GB.

⚠️ Note: Do not attempt to delete files manually through Root Explorer unless you know their purpose. /data/dalvik-cache This will lead to a cyclical reboot of the smartphone.

Method 1: Clean through the built-in “Storage” menu (without Root)

The safest method, but it only removes some of the debris. Instructions for MIUI 8-12:

1. Open the Settings → Storage.
2. Slip on “Other Files”** (usually the gray section at the bottom of the chart).
3. The system will offer to clear the cache of applications - confirm the action.
4. Reboot your smartphone (this is a must, as some files are blocked by the mediaserver process).

This method removes up to 1-2 GB of garbage, but often leaves intact:

• 📦 Remnants of Remote Applications (Folders in the /data/data).
• 🔄 Update files MIUI (lie down /cache/ota).
• 🎨 Cash theme and wallpaper (MIUI keep them in /data/system/theme).

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If the Other Files section is back up after a day, check out apps like Facebook or TikTok, which create hidden cache folders up to 500MB each.

Method 2: Remove the cache of system applications (for advanced)

Many “other files” are accumulated due to MIUI system services that are not cleared through the standard menu, such as com.miui.gallery or com.android.providers.downloads, which can store gigabytes of temporary data.

To clean them up:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → All applications.
2. Slip on three points in the upper right corner → Show system.
3. Find applications with a large amount of data (sorting by size).
4. For each, click Storage → Clear cache and Clear data (if you are not afraid of resetting settings).

⚠️ Note: Do not clear your data from com.android.phone or com.android.settings – this may result in loss of network settings or reset of the lock screen password.

Method 3: Manual cleaning via TWRP (for users with unlocked bootloader)

If your Redmi Note 4X has custom recovery (TWRP) installed, you can remove debris directly from the /cache and /data partition.This method is risky but effective for removing:

• 🗑️ Residual files after firmware (/cache/ota).
• 📦 Cash Dalvik (/data/dalvik-cache — It can be removed, it will recover).
• 🔄 Logos of the system (/data/log and /data/tombstones).

Step-by-step:

1. Download to TWRP (Press Power + Volume Up).
2. Go to Advanced → File Manager.
3. Delete the contents of folders: /cache/ota /data/log /data/tombstones /data/dalvik-cache
4. Go back to the main menu and select Wipe → Advanced Wipe → tick Cache and Dalvik Cache.
5. Restart (the first launch can take up to 10 minutes).

Method 4: Using ADB for deep cleaning (without Root)

If you don't have TWRP, but you have a computer, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge) to delete hidden files, which doesn't require superuser rights, but you need to debug over USB.

Instructions:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (tap 7 times).
2. Enable USB debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Connect your smartphone to your PC and execute commands: adb shell pm clear com.miui.gallery pm clear com.android.providers.media rm -rf /data/local/tmp/* rm -rf /cache/*

These teams:

• 🧹 Cache clearing Galleries and Media Storage.
• 🗑️ Delete temporary files from /data/local/tmp (There are often leftover installers. APK).
• 🔄 Clear the file. /cache (Wipe Cache in Recovery).

Install Xiaomi drivers on PC

Enable debugging by USB on a smartphone

Download ADB Tools (e.g. Minimal ADB and Fastboot)

Backup important data

Charge your phone at least 50 times%-->

Method 5: Cleaning applications (which actually work on MIUI)

Most of the Play Market cleaners are useless or even harmful, but there are a few tools that can help with the “other files” on the Redmi Note 4X:

For the Redmi Note 4X, we recommend SD Maid (if there is a Root) or a combination of Files by Google + manual cleaning via ADB. Avoid cleaners like Clean Master or CCleaner - they often leave behind even more debris.

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On the Redmi Note 4X with MIUI 8-11, the most effective combination is: cleaning through ADB + manually deleting the cache of system applications, which allows you to delete up to 70% of “other files” without risking damage to the system.

How to Prevent the Accumulation of Other Files in the Future

To prevent the problem from returning, follow these rules:

• 🔄 Turn off automatic app updates in the Play Market (they download) APK into /data/app-lib, never-deleted).
• 📁 Clean the gallery cache regularly (MIUI Creates miniatures even for deleted photos).
• 🚫 Don’t use memory “optimizers” from third-party developers – they often create their own cache files.
• 🔍 Check the Download folder for old ones. APK and archives (MIUI They don’t count them in “downloads,” but they take up space).

It is also useful to reset the cache once every 2-3 months through recovery:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Power + Volume Up to enter Recovery.
3. Choose Wipe & Reset → Wipe Cache.
4. Reboot.

FAQ: Frequent questions about “other files” on Redmi Note 4X