How to Clean the Other section on Xiaomi Redmi 9A: A Complete Guide with Proven Methods

Why the Other takes up gigabytes of memory on Xiaomi 9A and how to fix it

You open your storage settings on your Xiaomi Redmi 9A, and there's a nasty surprise: the Other section takes 5 to 15 GB, even though you haven't installed new apps in a long time. What's the point? The fact is, under this mysterious category, there's a cache of system applications, temporary update files, remnants of deleted programs, and even duplicate media files. The manufacturer doesn't disclose details, but we figured out how it works.

On the Redmi 9A (M2006C3LG model with MediaTek Helio G25 processor), the problem is exacerbated by limited memory — only 32 or 64 GB, of which even less is available to the user. MIUI actively caches data to speed up work, but often forgets to clean it. The result: after a few months of use of free space remains critically small, and in the “Other” section — tens of gigabytes of “invisible” files.

In this article, you will find 5 proven ways to clean up the Other without losing important data, including hidden methods through the use of the Internet. ADB We're also going to explain which files can be deleted without risk and which ones shouldn't be touched. MIUI.

Method 1: Cleaning through the built-in utility "Optimization"

The safest method is to use the standard Security app (or Optimization in newer versions of MIUI), which can find and delete temporary files, cache and debris that are classified as Other.

1. Open the Security app (the shield icon on your desktop).
2. Go to the Optimization tab (or Cleanup, depending on the MIUI version).
3. Click on “Deep Cleaning” and wait for the scan to be completed.
4. In the results, select “Junk Files” and “App Cache”, then click “Clean”.

Note that this method only removes surface debris, and if the Other partition takes more than 3 to 5 GB, more radical measures will be needed, such as manually cleaning folders through a file manager.

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After cleaning, restart the smartphone - this will help the system correctly recalculate the occupied space in the "Storage" section.

Method 2: Manually Delete Cache and Temporary Files

Some files in the Other section are stored in hidden folders that are not visible through standard Explorer, and you'll need a file manager with access to root directories like MiXplorer or Solid Explorer to delete them.

/data/local/tmp|/cache/|/data/log/|/data/dalvik-cache/|/data/system/package_cache/

-->

How to clean:

1. Install MiXplorer from the Mi App Store or 4PDA.
2. Open the manager, enable the display of hidden files (in the settings).
3. Go to /data/local/tmp and delete all the contents of the folder.
4. Repeat for /cache/, /data/log/ and /data/dalvik-cache/.

Important: Do not delete files from /data/app/ or /system/ folders, which can cause a system failure. If your smartphone is slower after cleaning, restart it.

Once a month |Only when the place runs out |Never cleaned |Use automatic cleaning-->

Method 3: Cleaning through ADB (for power users)

If previous methods didn’t work, try removing garbage through Android Debug Bridge (ADB).This requires connecting your smartphone to your computer, but allows you to clean files that are not available through standard means.

• 🖥️ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Press 7 times, then return to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).

Instructions:

1. Connect Redmi 9A to your PC and confirm debugging permission.
2. Open the command line (Win + R → cmd) and type:

adb shell


pm clear com.miui.securitycenter #Cleaning the cache of the Security app




rm -rf /data/local/tmp/*




rm -rf /cache/*




exit

Critically, do not use the command rm -rf / without specifying a specific folder - this will delete ALL the contents of the smartphone memory without the possibility of recovery.

Method 4: Resetting cache via Recovery Mode

If the Other takes up more than 10 GB and is not cleared in other ways, it will help to reset the cache through Recovery mode.

1. Turn off your smartphone.
2. Press the Power + Volume buttons up until the Mi logo appears.
3. In the Recovery menu, select the language (volume buttons) and the option “Wipe Cache”.
4. Confirm the action and wait for the completion.
5. Restart the device ("Reboot").

This method is especially effective if the Other appeared after the MIUI update – often old firmware files remain in memory and take up space.

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Recovery cache reset is the only way to remove remnants of old MIUI updates that are not visible in the conductor.

Method 5: Removing duplicate media files

Part of the Other section can take up duplicate photos and videos that are created when editing in a gallery or backing up. Use apps like Files by Google or CCleaner to find and remove them:

• 📸 Open Files by Google → «Cleaning» → «Duplicate».
• 🔍 The application scans memory and shows repeated files.
• 🗑️ Select unnecessary duplicates and click “Delete».

Also check the folders:

• DCIM/.thumbnails – Photo miniatures (can be removed)
• Pictures/Screenshots are old screenshots.
• Download – Download files that have not been used for a long time.

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Before mass deletion, copy important files to your PC or cloud. Some duplicates may be associated with Mi Cloud backups.

What NOT to remove from the “Other” section

Not all files in the Other category are safe to delete.

⚠️ Note: If you delete files from /system/ If you don't have the phone, you don't need to flash it on the Fastboot, and if you don't have the skills, you can get a "brick" of the device.

FAQ: Frequent questions about cleaning up the “Other” on Xiaomi 9A