Why the Other Takes So Much Space on Xiaomi 9A and How to Fix It
Xiaomi Redmi 9A owners often encounter a mysterious “Other”** section in the storage menu that takes up 5 to 20 GB of storage — and it can’t be deleted in standard ways. This problem arises from the peculiarities of MIUI: the system includes app cache, temporary update files, remnants of deleted programs and even hidden messenger data. Unlike the visible DCIM or Downloads folders, the content of “Other” is not displayed in the file manager, but it often causes memory shortage.
In this article, we will discuss 5 proven methods for cleaning the Other section on Redmi 9A, from safe (cache reset via settings) to radical (manual removal of hidden folders via ADB). All methods are tested on MIUI 12-14 firmware and do not require root rights, except for one exception. Important: before starting work, check how much space the Other takes up - for this, go to Settings → Memory → Memory Analysis. If the volume is more than 10 GB, the problem is critical and requires a comprehensive approach.
⚠️ Warning: Some methods (such as cleaning through Recovery) can delete authorization data in applications. save backups of passwords from social networks and instant messengers (especially WhatsApp and Viber) in advance, as they store tokens in system folders related to the Other section».
Method 1: Clearing the cache of all applications through settings
The easiest and safest method is to cache all installed programs, which deletes temporary files (e.g., thumbnails of images, web browsing data) that the system classifies as “Other” on Redmi 9A without losing any personal data.
Instructions:
- 📱 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
- 🔍 In the upper right corner, click on three dots and select “Sort by size»**.
- 🧹 Scroll down the list and click Clear Cache** for each app with more than 100MB (special attention is paid to Google Play Services, Facebook and Google Play Services). MIUI System).
- 🔄 Restart the phone – it will apply changes and free up extra space.
📌 Efficiency: This method usually frees up 1 to 3 GB, but if the "Other" takes 15 GB+ GB, more drastic measures will be needed, such as Google Chrome cache can weigh up to 500MB, and MIUI Launcher - up to 1 GB.
Method 2: Removal of garbage through the built-in Optimizer
MIUI has an integrated Optimizer tool (formerly called Security) that can find and delete unnecessary files, including those in the Other section, which is less aggressive than manual cleaning, but often skips deep-hidden data.
How to use:
- Launch the Optimizer app** (Icon with shield).
- Click on “Cleaning” → “Deep Cleaning”.
- Wait for the analysis to be completed (it may take 2-5 minutes).
- Delete all found files, especially in the Residual Files and App Cache categories.
⚠️ Note: If the optimizer offers to remove files from the category “Downloads” or “Images”, manually check their contents – sometimes important documents or screenshots fall here.
Backup contacts |Save passwords from your browser |Check the volume of “Other” before cleaning |Close all background applications |Connect your phone to charge-->
Method 3: Manually remove hidden folders through file manager
Some files related to the Other are stored in hidden system folders that are not displayed by default. On Redmi 9A, these include:
- 📁 /data/.estrongs — temporary file managers ES Explorer.
- 📁 /data/.miui — cache of themes and wallpaper MIUI.
- 📁 /data/log — System error logs (can be deleted if the phone is stable).
- 📁 /data/system/usagestats — statistics on application use.
To access these folders:
- Install a file manager with root access support (such as FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer).
- Enable the display of hidden files in the manager settings.
- Go to the root directory (/) and manually delete the contents of the listed folders.
Do not delete /data/app or /data/data folders, which will result in deleting all installed applications and resetting the phone to factory settings.
What happens if you delete /data/local?
Method 4: Recovery Mode cache reset (without data loss)
If previous methods didn’t work, try resetting the partition cache through Recovery mode.This won’t delete your photos or apps, but will clear the system cache, which often refers to “Other.”
Step-by-step:
- Turn off Redmi 9A.
- Press the Power + Volume buttons up until the Mi logo appears.
- From the Recovery menu, select the language (if required), then go to “Wipe & Reset.”
- Select “Wipe Cache” (not to be confused with “Wipe All Data!”).
- Confirm the action and wait for the completion (it will take 1-2 minutes).
- Reboot your phone via Reboot.
⚠️ Warning: If the phone starts to brake or overheat after this procedure, it means that the cache of critical system processes has been removed, in which case only a complete reset to factory settings will help (but this is an extreme measure!).
| Cleaning method | Difficulty | Efficiency | Risks. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cleaning up the app cache | ⭐ (simple) | 1-3 GB | Minimum |
| Deep cleaning through the Optimizer | ⭐⭐ | 2–5 GB | Can delete the necessary files |
| Manual removal of hidden folders | ⭐⭐⭐ | 3-10 GB | High risk of damage to the system |
| Cache reset via Recovery | ⭐⭐ | 4-8GB | Possible malfunctions in the application |
Method 5: Using ADB for deep cleaning (for advanced)
If you’re familiar with the command prompt, you can delete unnecessary files via Android Debug Bridge (ADB).This method requires connecting your phone to your PC and enabling debugging over USB, but allows you to clear even data that isn’t visible through the file manager.
Instructions:
- Download and install ADB Tools on your computer (e.g. Google’s Platform Tools).
- On your phone, turn on Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times to activate Developer Mode), then go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers and turn on “Debugging by USB”**.
- Connect Redmi 9A to your PC and type in the command line:
adb shell
su
rm -rf /data/local/tmp/*
rm -rf /data/log/*
exit📌 Note: If the su command is not working, there are no root rights on the phone. In this case, use only the first line (rm). -rf /data/local/tmp/*), But the effect is less.
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Before using ADB, create a restore point in TWRP (if installed), which will allow you to roll back changes if something goes wrong.
What to do if the “Other” appears again
Even after cleaning, the Other section may grow again over time to avoid this:
- 🔄 Regularly (once every 1-2 weeks) clean the cache through the Optimizer.
- 🚫 Turn off the automatic download of media files in messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram).
- 📱 Install a lightweight shell (like Nova Launcher) instead of a standard launcher MIUI — It'll reduce his cache.
- 🔄 Update the firmware to the latest version MIUI — In new versions optimized work with memory.
If the problem comes back too quickly (e.g., the Other takes 5+GB per week), it may indicate:
- 🐛 Virus or malware – check your phone through Malwarebytes.
- 🔄 Google Play Services Failure – Try Updating or Reinstalling This App.
- 📱 Damage to the file system – only a complete reset or flashing will help.
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If the other takes up more than 20% of the total memory after all the manipulations, the hardware wear of the drive is likely to be a problem, in which case only replacing the internal memory (which is almost impossible without a specialist on the Redmi 9A) will help.