How to Clean the Other section on Xiaomi Redmi 9A: The Complete 2026 Guide

Xiaomi Redmi 9A is one of the most popular budget smartphones, but its main problem is known to many: over time, memory is clogged with the mysterious “Other” section, which can take up to 10-15 GB for no apparent reason. Users are faced with a notification “Memory is full”, although there are almost no photos, videos and apps on the device.

The Other section of MIUI is a hoard of cache, temporary files, logs, remnants of deleted apps and service data. Unlike Android on other smartphones, it is often inflated here because of the features of Xiaomi's shell. The good news is that most of this garbage can be removed without root rights and loss of personal data. In this article, 5 proven cleanup methods, including hidden MIUI settings and third-party tools.

So let's get to the bottom line. I'm going to say, some of the methods require you to connect to a PC or install additional applications, which we've noted separately. If you're a beginner, start with the first three: they're the safest.

1.Cache and garbage cleanup through built-in MIUI tools

The first step is to use MIUI’s regular tools. They won’t remove all of the Other, but they’ll reduce it by 1-3 GB in 5 minutes. Redmi 9A has two key cleanup sections: Optimization and Storage.

Open Settings → Storage. Here you'll see a diagram of occupied space. Tap on the "Other" section, the system will show you details.

• 📁 Application cache – temporary files that can be deleted without risk.
• 🗑️ Garbage files – residues after uninstallation of programs.
• 📊 Logs and reports are data on failures that MIUI collect.

Click “Clean” next to each item. If the button is inactive, go to Settings → Applications → Application Management, select any system application (e.g., “Browser”) and click “Clear Cache.” Repeat for the 5-6 heaviest applications from memory.

⚠️ Note: Do not clear the data (Clear data) of system applications (for example, “Settings” or “Phone”) – this can lead to malfunctions in the smartphone.

Clear the cache in the "Storage" section"|Delete junk files through "Optimization"|Check the cache of system applications (Browser, Gallery)|Reboot the smartphone after cleaning-->

2. Removal of unnecessary APKs and application residues

One of the reasons for the Other's inflating is the remnants of the deleted applications. MIUI Often there are configuration files, cache and even APK-To find the files:

1. Install a file manager with access to system folders, such as Files by Google or FX Explorer (requires permissions to access memory).
2. Go to /data/app-lib/ (may be hidden – turn on the hidden files in the manager settings).
3. Delete the folders with the names of the apps you have deleted (e.g., com.facebook.katana for Facebook).

Also check the folders:

• 📂 /sdcard/Android/obb/ — It stores heavy game files (can be deleted if games are deleted).
• 📂 /sdcard/Android/data/ — file.
• 📂 /sdcard/MIUI/ — Temporary shell files (remove everything except the theme folder if you use custom themes).

⚠️ Note: Do not delete files from folders /system/ or /vendor/ — This will cause the system to collapse and require reflashing.

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If you're not sure if you can delete the folder, transfer it to your PC before cleaning it. If your smartphone starts to glittle after you delete it, return the files back.

3. Disconnecting unnecessary system processes

MIUI is famous for background processes that consume memory even when you are not using them, such as Mi Video, Music, Game Turbo or Second Space can take up to 500MB in the Other section through cache and logs.

To turn them off:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the top corner and select “Show all processes”.
3. Find apps you don’t use (such as “Mi Pay”, “Mi Credit”, “Cleaner”) and click “Disable”.

This won’t remove them completely, but it will stop background activity and clear the associated cache.Root rights will be required to completely remove system applications (see Section 5).

Mi Video|Music|Game Turbo|Mi Credit|Nothing off-->

4. reset partition cache (Wipe Cache Partition)

If previous methods didn’t work, try resetting the recovery partition cache, which won’t delete your data, but will clear temporary system files that can take up to 1-2 GB in the Other section.

Instructions:

1. Turn off Redmi 9A.
2. Press the Power and Volume buttons up simultaneously until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons – you will be taken to the Recovery menu (management is carried out by the volume and power buttons).
4. Select the Wipe & Reset option → Wipe Cache.
5. Confirm the action and restart the smartphone.

After you restart, check the "Other" section in the storage settings. If the volume has decreased slightly, move on to the next method.

5. Advanced methods: ADB and root access

If the Other takes more than 5GB and the standard methods don't work, you'll have to use ADB (Android Debug Bridge) or root rights, which are risky but effective.

Method 1: Cleaning through ADB (without root)

Get Redmi on board. 9A PC, set it up. ADB-drivers and execute commands:

adb shell


pm clear com.miui.cleanmaster # Cleaning the built-in cleaner




pm clear com.android.providers.media #Reset media cache




rm -rf /data/local/tmp/* # Delete temporary files

Method 2: Remove system applications from root

If you have root access, use Root Explorer or Titanium Backup to remove unnecessary system applications.

• 🚫 com.xiaomi.midrop - Mi Drop (not working in Russia).
• 🚫 com.miui.analytics – Xiaomi statistics collection.
• 🚫 com.miui.hybrid – components of hybrid applications.

⚠️ Note: Removing system applications may cause individual functions (e.g., cameras or calls) to fail. TWRP.

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ADB and root methods are effective, but they require technical skills, so if you're not sure, consult a specialist or use safer methods.

6.Alternative solutions: flashing and memory replacement

If none of the methods worked, and the Other still takes 8-10 GB, radical measures remain:

1. Fastboot Flash: Install a clean version of MIUI or custom firmware (like Pixel Experience).This will completely reset the system, but requires unlocking the bootloader.
2. Replacement of memory module: Redmi 9A soldered eMMC-drive, but in service centers it can be soldered to a more capacious (for example, from 32 GB to 64 GB: ~3,000 rubles.

Flashing is an extreme method, but it is guaranteed to solve the problem, the main thing is to choose the right version of MIUI for your model (dandelion for Redmi 9A).

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Before flashing, save the IMEI of the smartphone (you can use the MTK Engineering Mode app for MediaTek) so as not to lose the network after a reset.

FAQ: Frequent questions about cleaning up "The Other" on Redmi 9A