Xiaomi Redmi 9C owners often encounter a mysterious "Other" section in their memory settings that takes up gigabytes of space - sometimes up to 10-15 GB! The system doesn't show what exactly is under this category, and standard cleaning methods (cache, junk files) don't help. What's the catch?
In fact, the Other is a hoard of system logs, application temporary files, update residues, MIUI cache, and even hidden messenger data. The Redmi 9C feature is that, due to its limited 64/128 GB of memory and weak Helio G35 processor, the system aggressively reserves space for these files, but does not always delete them correctly. In this article, we will discuss how to safely free up space without the risk of “bricking” the phone.
We warn you right away that not all files in Other can be deleted without consequences, for example, deleting /data/log logs can cause Google Services to crash, and cleaning up the Dalvik cache can cause applications to slow down, so proceed carefully, Step-by-step.
1.What's Hiding Under the Category "Other" on Xiaomi 9C
The Other section of MIUI is a black box for files that the system cannot categorize (photos, videos, applications) and includes:
- 📁 System Logs: Debugging files (.log,.trace) from folders /data/log and /data/anr. They're up. 1-3 GB, if you haven't cleaned it for a long time.
- 🗑️ Remains of updates: undeleted packages OTA (for example, update.zip) into /cache or /data/ota_package.
- 🤖 Cash. Dalvik/ART: optimized files to speed up application launches. MIUI There may be outdated versions.
- 📱 Telegram, WhatsApp, Viber store media in hidden folders (/Android/data/org.telegram.messenger/cache).
- 🔄 Temporary files: created when installing/deleting applications (.apk,.tmp).
The Redmi 9C is particularly littered due to two factors:
- Limited memory eMMC 5.1 (slower than UFS) that fragments when used actively.
- Memory Extension is a feature in MIUI 12+ that reserves up to 3 GB for system needs.
2. Safe Ways to Clean the Other Without Root
If you don't have root rights, we start with the safest methods, which don't require technical skills, and they don't risk the stability of the system.
2.1 Cleaning through built-in MIUI tools
Go to Settings → Memory → Cleanup. Here, MIUI shows junk files, but often skips hidden data. To see more:
- Click on “Deep Cleanup” (if there is one).
- Select “File Remains” and “Unnecessary APKs”.
- Delete the app cache (but not the data!).
🔹 Important: Don’t touch the System Data section – this could cause Google Play Services to crash.
2.2. Cache removal Dalvik/ART
This cache takes up to 500 MB-1 GB, but cleaning it is harmless (the system will restore it automatically).
- Go to Settings. → The phone.
- Click 7 times on the MIUI version to activate Developer Mode.
- Return to Settings → “Advanced” → “For Developers”.
- Find “Clear Dalvik/ART cache” and confirm the action.
💡
Once the Dalvik is cleaned, the phone can start longer than usual for the first time -- that's OK. Don't interrupt the process!
Manual cleaning of folders through the file manager
Use the built-in Explorer**(Files) or a third-party manager (such as Solid Explorer) to open the following folders and delete their contents:
- 📂 /storage/emulated/0/Android/data → Delete the folders of remote applications (for example, com.facebook.katana, if Facebook has been uninstalled for a long time).
- 📂 /storage/emulated/0/Download → Check for old.apk and.zip.
- 📂 /storage/emulated/0/DCIM/.thumbnails → photo/video miniatures.
☑️ Checklist before manual cleaning
3. Advanced cleaning with ADB (no root)
If standard methods do not help, connect to the phone via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which will remove system files that are not available through the interface.
3.1 Preparation for working with ADB
You'll need:
- 📱 Included “Developer Mode” and “Debugging by” USB» on the Redmi 9C.
Connect your phone to your PC and execute in the command line:
adb devicesIf the device is displayed, enter:
adb shell3.2. Commands for cleaning the "Other"
Follow one command carefully. Some of them can delete critical data.
| Team team. | What's removed | Risk |
|---|---|---|
| pm clear com.miui.cleanmaster | Cache of the standard MIUI cleaner | Low. |
| rm -rf /data/local/tmp/* | Temporary system files | Low. |
| rm -rf /cache/* | Cache updates and logs | Medium (may slow down the first launch after restart) |
| find /data/log -type f -delete | System logs (.log,.trace) | High (risk of data loss for debugging) |
What if the ADB can’t see the device?
⚠️ Attention: Command rm -rf /data/log/* It removes logs that you might need to diagnose a crash. If you do that, you start to brake, reboot.
4. Cleaning through TWRP (for advanced users)
If you are ready for more radical measures, install custom TWRP recaps. This will remove system files that are not available through MIUI.
Installation of TWRP on Redmi 9C
For Redmi 9C (codename angelica), TWRP 3.6.2 is suitable. Download it from the official website and run through fastboot:
fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.6.2-angelica.img
fastboot boot twrp-3.6.2-angelica.img4.2 What can be removed through TWRP
Go to “Advanced” → “File Manager” and delete:
- 🗃️ /data/ota_package — update-sheet.
- 🗃️ /data/app-lib — cache of application libraries.
- 🗃️ /data/dalvik-cache — Dalvik cache (analogue of a team from the ADB).
⚠️ Attention: Do not delete folders /data/data or /data/system — This will result in the phone being reset to factory settings!
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TWRP allows you to clean partitions that are not available through ADB, but it requires caution. Always backup before deleting files!
5. How to prevent the re-accumulation of the “Other”
To prevent the “Other” section from growing again, follow these tips:
- 🔄 Turn off automatic app updates on Google Play (or limit it to Wi-Fi only).
- 📵 Remove unnecessary system applications through ADB (for example, pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.miservice for MSA).
- 📊 Use lightweight alternatives to standard apps (e.g. Simple Gallery instead of Gallery) MIUI).
- 🔍 Check the Download folder regularly for old files.
It’s also helpful to disable Memory Extension in Settings → Memory if you’re not using microSD. This feature reserves up to 3GB for system needs, but in practice often results in fragmentation.
Alternative methods: from formatting to resetting
If nothing works, then radical measures remain. Remember, they will lead to data loss!
Reset to factory settings
It's an extreme method, but it's guaranteed to clean the Other before it's reset.
- Make a backup through Settings → System → Backup.
- Remember the logins/passwords from the accounts (they will disappear!).
- Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
6.2. Memory re-marking via fastboot
For power users, you can re-mark memory with a fastboot utility, but it's risky.
fastboot erase userdata
fastboot erase cacheIt will completely clear user data and cache, only use if you understand the consequences!