How to Clean the “Other” Section on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro: The Complete Guide

Why is the Other taking up so much space on the Redmi Note 8 Pro?

If you notice that your Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro is suddenly out of space, even though there are few photos, videos and apps, the Other section is to blame for the memory analysis. This mysterious item can take anywhere from 5 GB to 20 GB, even after being reset to factory settings.

The fact that under the “Other” MIUI hides: cache of system applications (including updates to Google Play Services), residual files of deleted programs, error logs, temporary data of messengers (for example, Telegram cache or WhatsApp), as well as dalvik-cache files that are created when updating the firmware. This is especially true for the Redmi Note 8 Pro on MIUI 12/13, where the system actively reserves space for background processes.

Worst of all, standard cleaning tools (like the built-in Cleaner) don’t do the trick, but there are proven ways to do it, from safe (hand-cache removal) to radical (fastboot reset) to the Mediatek Helio G90T (like the Note 8 Pro) models, it’s especially important not to delete files from the /vendor folder, which can lead to a device’s “brick.”

Method 1: Cleaning the cache of system applications

Start with the safest method, which is to remove the cache of embedded services, and many users don't know that even standard apps like Mi Browser or Mi Video can accumulate gigabytes of unnecessary data.

How to do this:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select "Show all processes"**.
3. Sort the list by cache size (click on "Cache size"** in the table cap).
4. Select apps with a cache > 500MB (e.g. Google Play Services, Miui Daemon) and click Clear Cache**.

Clear the Google Play Services cache | Delete the Mi Browser | Check Download Manager | Clear Android System WebView-->

⚠️ Note: Do not clear data (“Delete data”**) from system applications such as Miui Home or Security – this can reset the launcher settings or disable device protection. Also avoid clearing the cache from the Google Play Store, otherwise you will have to re-enter your account.

Method 2: Delete the residual files through MIUI Hidden Settings

The Redmi Note 8 Pro has a hidden menu for working with junk files, which does not appear in the standard settings.

1. Open the Phone app and enter the code: ##4636###
2. In the menu that appears, select "Storage"**.
3. Click on “Clear Data” in the “Other Apps” section.

This method removes temporary files that are not visible through the normal MIUI interface, for example:

• 📁 Remains of updates MIUI (folder /cache/ota)
• 🗑️ System failure logs (files with.log and.dumpstate extensions)
• 🔄 ARCore Cash (if you have used augmented reality apps)

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If the Other section fills up quickly after cleaning, check the background activity in Settings → Battery → Charge Consumption. Apps like Facebook or TikTok can create up to 1 GB of cache per day.

Method 3: Manually delete files through file manager (for experienced)

If previous methods didn’t work, you’ll have to manually search and delete unnecessary files, and any file manager with access to root folders (such as MiXplorer or Solid Explorer) will do.

Where to look for garbage:

⚠️ Note: Do not delete files from folders under any circumstances:

• /system – this will result in loss of OS performance.
• /vendor – This is where the drivers for the Mediatek Helio G90T are stored.
• /persist - contains data on the serial number and IMEI.

If in doubt, skip the file - the error can cost the phone to flash.

Once a month |Only when I run out of memory |Never cleaned |I use automatic cleaners-->

Method 4: Resetting cache via Recovery Mode

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

Instructions:

1. Turn off the Redmi Note 8 Pro.
2. Press Power + 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 (it will take 2-5 minutes).
5. Restart your phone through Reboot → System.

This is especially effective if you've recently updated your firmware through OTA. During the upgrade, MIUI backs up your system files, which are not automatically deleted, and Recovery cache reset removes them without a trace.

Method 5: Radical cleaning - reset to factory settings

If all previous methods failed, the last option is hard reset, which will remove all data from the phone, including photos, contacts and installed apps, but return the Other partition to its original state (~1-2 GB).

How to do the reset correctly:

• 📱 Save important data on your PC or in the cloud (Mi Cloud, Google Drive).
• 🔋 Charge your phone to at least 50% (reset with low charge may be interrupted).
• 🔄 Select in the About Phone settings → Resetting settings → Delete all data.
• 🔐 After reset, do not restore data from the backup – this will bring the garbage back.

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Resetting to factory settings is the only way to completely clear the /data/dalvik-cache folder, which can take up to 3-4 GB on the Redmi Note 8 Pro after several MIUI updates.

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI 12.5 Enhanced) You may need to re-assign your Mi Account after reset. If you forget your password, your phone will turn into a brick – make sure you remember the login details!

How to prevent the “Other” section from clogging again

To prevent the problem from returning, follow these tips:

• 🚫 Turn off automatic app updates in Google Play – many updates bring unnecessary cache.
• 🗃️ Clean the messenger cache (Telegram, Viber) regularly – they can accumulate up to 1 GB per month.
• 🔄 Use lightweight alternatives to system applications (e.g. Simple Gallery instead of Mi Gallery).
• 📵 Limit background social media activity through Settings → Battery → Background restriction.

It is also worth turning off the automatic MIUI diagnostics, which creates error logs:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Click on MIUI Version 7 times to activate Developer Mode.
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
4. Turn off the option of “Automatic Reporting”**.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi's "Other" section