How to Clean Up the “Other” in Xiaomi Redmi 9C Memory: The Complete 2026 Guide

Why The Other Takes Gigabytes of Memory on Redmi 9C and How to Fix It

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi 9C often encounter the mysterious “Other” section in the storage settings, which takes up 5 to 20 GB of storage - despite the fact that user files (photos, videos, apps) weigh much less. This “junk” not only eats up precious space, but also slows down the smartphone, causing hangovers when opening applications or switching between tasks.

The reason is the MIUI architecture and the way Android works on budget devices. The Other section includes:

• 🗑️ System cache of applications and services (including Google Play Services cache, which can weigh up to 1-2 GB).
• 📁 Residual files after deleting programs (incorrectly cleaned data) APK, time-file).
• 🔄 Logs and dumps of the system (created when crashes or updates) MIUI).
• 📊 Database files of messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp) and social networks that are not displayed in the standard file manager.

On the Redmi 9C, the problem is exacerbated by the small amount of internal memory (32/64 GB) and the lack of a microSD slot in some versions. Even after transferring applications to the memory card, the Other section continues to grow. In this article, 5 working cleaning methods tested on MIUI 12-14, including hidden functions and commands for power users.

Method 1: Clearing the cache of all applications (without root)

The safest method is that it doesn't require super-user rights. App cache is a temporary file that is created to speed up programs, but eventually turns into digital garbage. On Redmi 9C, the cache can take up to 3-5 GB, especially if you are actively using social networks, messengers or streaming services.

To clean it up:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on three dots in the top right corner and select "Sort by size."
3. Turn to large cache apps (e.g. YouTube, Facebook, Google Chrome) and click Clear Cache.
4. For mass cleaning, use the "Clear all applications cache" option (available in some versions of MIUI).

Close all active applications

Connect the charger (the process can take 5-10 minutes)

Check the vacant space before and after cleaning

Reboot your smartphone to apply changes-->

Important: Don’t confuse Clear Cache with Clear Data. The second option will delete all of the app’s settings (such as Instagram logins or saved games in PUBG Mobile).

⚠️ Note: After clearing the cache of the Google Play Store or YouTube, the first launches of applications can be slower – this is normal, since cache files are created anew.

Method 2: Delete residual files through “Storage”

MIUI has a built-in tool to find and delete unnecessary files, but it often skips hidden folders to clear "Other" through standard settings:

1. Go to Settings. → Warehouse.
2. Slip on "Clean" (or "Free space" depending on the version of MIUI).
3. Wait for the analysis to be completed and tick the boxes: 🧹 Unnecessary APK (residues after appendice updates). 📂 Large files (check manually so you don’t delete important files). 🗃️ Empty folders and temporary files.

"Clean it up."

If the Other section still takes up a lot of space, try deep cleaning through Settings → Additional → Special Features → Storage → Deep Cleaning (not available on all firmware).

💡

After cleaning, restart your smartphone in Safe Mode (hold the power button → “Reboot Safe Mode”). This will help identify apps that create debris in the background.

Method 3: Manually clean hidden folders (for advanced ones)

Some files related to the Other are stored in hidden system folders, and you will need a file manager with root access to delete them (such as Root Explorer or Root Explorer). FX File Explorer or ADB-If you don't have root rights, skip this section.

Dangerous folders that can be cleaned (with caution!):

For cleaning through ADB (without root):

adb shell pm clear com.android.providers.media


adb shell pm clear com.google.android.gms

These commands will reset Google Services cache and media storage, which often helps reduce the Other by 1-3 GB.

⚠️ Note: Delete files from the folder /system or /vendor Do not clean folders whose purpose you do not know!

Method 4: Reset to factory settings (last resort)

If previous methods didn't work, and the Other takes over 10GB, it's a complete reset, which will delete all data, including apps, photos and accounts, but return the smartphone to a "clean" state, and on the Redmi 9C, the reset is done like this:

1. Back up important data through Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset.
2. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
3. Select “Erase all data” and confirm the action.
4. After the reboot, set up your smartphone as new.

Example of working with SD Maid:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Run the analysis in the "CorpseFinder" section (search for remnants of remote applications).
3. Delete the files found and restart the smartphone.

How to prevent the “Other” from being refilled

To prevent the “Other” section from growing again, follow simple rules:

• 🔄 Clean the cache regularly (once every 1-2 weeks).
• 🚫 Avoid cleaners with aggressive algorithms (like Clean Master – they can delete useful files).
• 📱 Update. MIUI — In new versions optimized work with memory.
• 📵 Remove unused apps, especially system apps (such as Mi Video or Mi Music if you don’t use them).

Also disable auto-update apps in Google Play (or limit it to Wi-Fi only) and check the size of the Download folder - there are often unnecessary accumulates. APK-file.

FAQ: Frequent questions about cleaning up 'Other' on Redmi 9C