How to Clean Up the Other on Xiaomi Redmi Note 7: A Complete Guide with Proven Methods

The “Other” section in Xiaomi’s Redmi Note 7 memory is one of the most mysterious folders for users. It can take up from 5 to 30 GB for no apparent reason, and standard cleaning methods through Settings → Storage often do not help. In this article, we will discuss what exactly is hidden under “Other”, why this partition is growing and how to reduce it without risk to the system.

The problem is particularly relevant for the Redmi Note 7 (lavender model) due to the features of MIUI firmware and limited internal memory (32/64 GB). Unlike the new models, there is no separate memory card slot, so every megabyte counts. We tested all methods on current versions of MIUI 12.5-14 and selected only those that actually work.

What is the Other in Xiaomi’s Memory and Why Does It Take So Much Space?

The Other section is a container for system files that MIUI cannot automatically classify.

• 📁 App cache and systems (including hidden data from Google Play Services) MIUI System Launcher)
• 🔄 Temporary update files (remains after installing firmware) OTA)
• 🗃️ Logs and memory dumps (created when failures or diagnosis are made)
• 🔒 Encrypted data (e.g. from Mi Account or banking applications)
• 🎮 Game data (save, cache) Unity/Unreal Engine)

On the Redmi Note 7, this section is often expanded due to:

1. The architecture of the Snapdragon 660 processor, which actively uses cache to speed up work.
2. An outdated version of Android 9/10 (new firmware optimized cache cleaning).

It is important to understand that not everything from the Other can be safely deleted, for example, deleting files from the /data/system folder can lead to network loss or sensor failure, so we recommend starting with the safest methods.

Method 1: Clearing the cache of applications and systems through settings

The easiest and safest method is to manually remove the cache, and on the Redmi Note 7, there are two ways to do this:

Clearing the cache of individual applications:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Sort by size.
3. Select an app with a large cache (e.g. YouTube, Facebook, Mi Video) and click Clear Cache.

Cleaning the system cache:

• 🔧 Go to Settings. → Warehouse → Cleanup.
• 🔍 Press Deep Cleanup and wait for analysis.
• 🗑️ Select the “App Cache” and “Junk Files” options, then click Clear.

⚠️ Warning: Do not clear the cache of system applications like MiuiDaemon or SecurityCenter – this can disrupt your fingerprint or face unlock.

Method 2: Delete temporary MIUI update files

Xiaomi often leaves junk in the form of old firmware and logs after updates, which can take up to 5-7 GB, but do not appear in standard storage analysis.

How to delete:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and enable File Transfer Mode (MTP).
2. Open the Internal Storage folder → MIUI → download.
3. Delete files with the.zip extension (these are old firmware) and folder update_log.
4. Go to Internal Storage → Downloaded_rom and remove all contents.

💡 Useful advice: If you are updating through MIUI Updater, before downloading a new firmware always delete the old one from the download folder - this will save space.

Method 3: Using a file manager with root rights (for advanced ones)

If standard methods don’t work, you can try to clean hidden folders through a superuser file manager, which is risky—missteps can lead to data loss or system failure.

Instructions:

1. Install Root Explorer or Solid Explorer (with root support).
2. Grant superuser rights (if you have an unlocked bootloader and Magisk installed).
3. Go to the root directory and open the folders: /data/log /data/tombstones /data/system/package_cache /data/dalvik-cache
4. Delete all content (except for the lost+found folders).

⚠️ Attention: On the Redmi Note 7 with MIUI 12+ Some folders are protected by SELinux. If you see a "Permission denied" error, don't try to bypass the security, which can compromise system security.

Method 4: Resetting cache via Recovery Mode

If the phone is slowing down a lot and the Other takes more than 10GB, it will help to reset the cache through recovery mode, which does not delete personal data, but requires caution.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.
3. From the Recovery menu, select Wipe & Reset → Wipe Cache.
4. Confirm the action and wait for the completion.
5. Reboot the device (Reboot → System)

🔹 What does it mean:

• 🧹 Cleans dalvik-cache (accelerates application launches).
• 🗑️ Deletes temporary Linux kernel files.
• 🔄 Cache-dropping. ART (Android virtual machine).

💡

Recovery cache resetting is the only way to clean up system debris that is not visible even with root rights.

Method 5: Complete resetting of settings (last measure)

If nothing works, and the Other takes 20+GB, then you have to do hard reset, which deletes all data, including photos, messages and apps, so back up first.

How to reset:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset.
2. Select Resetting → Delete all data.
3. Enter your password (if installed) and confirm.

⚠️ Note: Redmi Note 7 may disappear after reset IMEI It's a firmware bug, or a network clutter. MIUI Snapdragon 660 to avoid problems:

• Before reset, write down the IMEI (type *#06#).
• Don't interrupt the reset process.
• After restart, check the network in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks.

How to Prevent the Spread of the Other in the Future

To prevent the “Other” section from occupying gigabytes again, follow these rules:

1. Set up automatic cleaning:

• 🤖 Turn on the settings. → Warehouse → Autoclean (remove cache once a week).
• 📱 Turn off background activity for unnecessary apps in Settings → Battery → Choice of applications.

2. Monitor updates:

• 🔄 Remove old firmware after updating (folder) /MIUI/download).
• 🚫 Turn off automatic update downloads in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

3. Use light alternatives:

• 🎵 Replace Mi Music with VLC or Poweramp (they don't clog the cache).
• 📷 Use Google Photos with Cloud Storage.

💡

Check /Android/data regularly – some games (such as Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile) store gigabytes of cache there that is not cleared by standard means.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the "Other" section on the Redmi Note 7