How to Clean the “Other” folder on Xiaomi Redmi 9: 7 Proven Ways

The Other folder on Xiaomi Redmi 9 is a real black hole for internal memory, it can take 10 to 30 GB, but it doesn't show up in a standard file manager, and unlike photos or videos, the contents of this folder are not visible to the user, but it is the one that most often causes the message "Not enough memory." Why is this happening?

The fact is that MIUI (Xiaomi firmware) automatically hides system files, application cache, temporary data and remnants of deleted programs. Even after cleaning through Settings → The memory of the “Other” folder can remain crowded. In this article, we will discuss 7 working ways to clean it, from simple to advanced, including methods without root rights.

It is important to understand that not all contents of the Other folder can be deleted without consequences, for example, system update files or data from some applications may cause failures during forced cleaning, so we will act selectively to avoid harming Redmi 9.

If you’ve tried standard methods (cache cleaning, uninstall applications) and nothing has worked, this is the guide for you. We’ll also show you how to prevent folder refilling and optimize memory on a long-term basis.

1.What is the "Other" folder and why is it filled

The Other folder (or "Other" in the English version of MIUI) is a hidden partition of internal memory where the system resets files that do not fit into the standard categories (photos, videos, audio, documents).

• 🗑️ Application cache – temporary files that programs create to speed up work (for example, thumbnails in the gallery, data messengers).
• 🔄 Remnant applications – not all programs are completely deleted, leaving “tails” in the form of configuration files.
• 📦 Update files – firmware packages that are downloaded but not always deleted after installation.
• 📝 System logs – error journals, crash reports (.log,.dump files).
• 🎭 Hidden data of messengers – stickers, animations, media files from Telegram, WhatsApp, Viber, which are not displayed in the gallery.

On the Redmi 9 (model M2004J19C), this folder is often extended due to the features of MIUI 12/13:

⚠️ Attention: Firmware based on Android 10/11 (like Redmi. 9) They cache data aggressively to save battery life, for example, Google Play Services can take up to a few hours. 2–3 GB in the folder “Other” only due to background activity.

To understand what exactly takes up space, you can use third-party file managers (like Files by Google or Solid Explorer) to show hidden files and sort them by size, but more radical methods will be needed to clean them deep.

2. Method 1: Clearing the cache of all applications

The safest and fastest method is to clean the cache mass, and it doesn't delete important data, but it frees up 1 to 5 GB of memory.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select "Sort by size."
3. Turn to the apps that take up the most space (usually Facebook, Instagram, Google, MIUI System).
4. In each application, click Clear Cache (not to be confused with Clear Data – this will delete accounts and settings!).

Automatic cleaning can be used to speed up the process:

• 🤖 Go to Settings. → Memory. → Cleanup.
• Click on “Deep Clean” and wait for analysis.
• Check all items (cache, unnecessary files, duplicates) and confirm the cleanup.

Important: Some applications (like Google Play Store) may be slower when the cache is cleaned, which is normal, and the data will be automatically recovered.

Method 2: Removing Remnants of Remote Applications

When you delete a program through Settings or Google Play, it often leaves behind residual files in folders:

• /data/data/ (system data)
• /Android/obb/ (additional game files)
• /Android/data/ (cache and settings)

To remove them:

1. Install a file manager with access to root folders (such as Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer).
2. Enable the display of hidden files in the manager settings.
3. Go to /storage/emulated/0/Android/data/ and /storage/emulated/0/Android/obb/.
4. Delete folders with names of remote applications (for example, com.facebook.katana for Facebook).

⚠️ Note: Do not delete the folders of current applications, this will lead to their inoperability. Also do not touch files with the extension.odex or.vdex - they are critical to the system.

For games (especially heavy ones like PUBG or Genshin Impact), cleaning the obb folder can free up to 10 GB.

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Before deleting folders, back up important data, for example, saving games can be transferred to a PC via a USB cable.

Method 3: Cleaning up MIUI update files

Xiaomi regularly releases firmware updates that are downloaded in the background.These files (.zip weight) 1.5–2.5 GB) stored in a folder /cache or /data/ota_package and are not automatically removed.

To clean them up:

1. Open a file manager with superuser rights (like Root Explorer if you have root).
2. Move to the /cache and delete all files with names like: update.zip miui_HM9Global_V12.0.1.0.QJCMIXM_... bluetooth_firmware_...
3. Also check the folder. /data/ota_package — There may be some old update packages.

If you do not have root rights, use an alternative method:

• 📱 Go to Settings. → The phone. → Updating the system.
• Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select “Delete downloaded package” (if the option is active).

Note: If you plan to update in the future, don’t remove the current service pack – it may come in handy for re-installation.

5. Method 4: Using ADB for deep cleaning

If standard methods don't work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a low-level phone management tool that doesn't require root, but requires a PC connection.

Instructions:

1. Download and install ADB Tools on your computer.
2. On Redmi 9, turn on "Debugging by" USB»: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Press 7 times to activate the developer mode) → Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB.
3. Connect the phone to the PC and in the command line (terminal) enter: adb devices (the device should appear).
4. Run a command to clear the cache of all user applications: adb shell pm trim-caches -f 1000000000 (where 1000000000 is the size in bytes, about 1 GB).

To delete unnecessary update files, use:

adb shell rm -rf /cache/*


adb shell rm -rf /data/ota_package/*

⚠️ Attention: Rm teams -rf They delete files permanently. Don't use them for folders. /system or /vendor — This will cause the phone to break down.

Once you execute the commands, restart Redmi 9.This method can free up to 5GB of memory that you can't see in a standard manager.

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ADB is the most powerful root-free cleaning tool, but it requires caution. Always check folder paths before deleting.

6. Method 5: Reset to factory settings (last chance)

If the Other folder takes up more than 15 to 20 GB and other methods have not worked, it is a hard reset, a radical way, but it is guaranteed to clean up all hidden files.

How to do the reset correctly:

• 🔄 Save important data: contacts (export to Google Account), photos/videos (copy to PC), messages (use) SMS Backup & Restore).
• 📱 Go to Settings. → The phone. → Resetting settings.
• 🔐 Select “Erase all data” and confirm the action.
• ⏳ Wait until it's finished (it takes 5-15 minutes). Once it's restarted, it'll be like new.

Important: After discharge:

• Do not restore data from a MIUI backup – it may contain the same unnecessary files.
• Install only the necessary applications and clean the cache regularly.

⚠️ Attention: Redmi 9s MIUI 12+ The reset can block the bootloader if you previously unlocked it for root. In this case, you will need to re-unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool.

7.How to prevent the “Other” folder from being refilled

To prevent the “Other” folder from growing again, follow these rules:

• 📵 Limit background activity: In Settings → Battery → Power Saving Mode Turn off Background Synchronization for Unnecessary Applications.
• 🗑️ Set up automatic cleaning: In Settings → Memory. → Autoclean: Enable the option and set a schedule (e.g. once a week).
• 🚫 Avoid heavy messengers: Telegram and Viber actively caches media files. In the settings of these applications, turn off “Space Media».
• 🔄 Check your folders regularly: Once a month, visit the folders. /Android/data/ and /Android/obb/ File Manager and delete unnecessary files.

For games (especially Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile) use an external memory card:

• In the game settings, select "Install on" SD-card” (if supported).
• Transfer files from /Android/obb/ to a memory card manually (you will need a file manager with root or ADB).

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If you install/delete games frequently, create a separate folder on your memory card and transfer.obb files manually to it, which will save space in your internal memory.

FAQ: Frequent questions about cleaning the "Other" folder