What is hidden folder “Other” on Xiaomi and how to clean it without harming the system

Xiaomi’s Other folder is a real black hole for free space, which can take anywhere from 5GB to 30GB+, but the system insists that there is “nothing important” in it, while in practice it accumulates remnants of deleted applications, cache system processes, temporary update files, and even fragments of long-erased photos. The problem is complicated by the fact that standard MIUI tools do not allow you to view the content of the Other – only show its size and suggest “optimize” (which often does not have any effect).

In this article, we will discuss 7 proven ways to clean the Other folder on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones, from secure embedded tools to advanced ADB and manual file deletion methods. All instructions are adapted to the latest versions of MIUI 14 (including HyperOS) and tested on models from Redmi Note 10 to Xiaomi 13 Ultra. Importantly, some methods require root or unlocked bootloader permission - we will separately specify where this is necessary.

1.What is the "Other" folder and why does it grow

In MIUI, the Other folder (or Other in English) is a container for files that the system cannot categorize as standard: Apps, Images, Videos, etc.

• 📁 System application cache (com.android.systemui, com.miui.home, etc.) – temporary data that is not cleared during standard cleaning.
• 🔄 Update remnants – firmware files (.zip) that have been downloaded but not installed.
• 🗑️ Deleted files are pieces of data that have not been completely erased (especially relevant for the purpose of F2FS-section).
• 🔧 Logs and dumps - error reports (/data/tombstones, /data/anr), which are created when applications fail.
• 📱 Migration files – data left over from another device via Mi Mover.

The main reason for the growth of the Other is the MIUI file system architecture. Unlike pure Android, where temporary files are stored in /cache, in Xiaomi they are distributed across several folders, including /data/media/0 (internal memory) and /data/data (app data).

• 🔄 Updates MIUI through OTA.
• 📱 Removing “heavy” applications (games, social networks).
• 🔧 Resetting settings without formatting internal storage.

⚠️ Note: If the Other folder takes up more than 10 GB on a new device (up to 3 months of use), this may indicate a file system defect or virus software. Check the phone with antivirus (Malwarebytes or Dr.Web) and consider contacting the service center.

2 Safe cleaning methods without root rights

If you don't have an unlocked bootloader or root access, start with these methods. They don't require technical skills and are suitable for 90% of users.

Integrated storage optimization

The easiest way is to use the cleaning tool in MIUI:

1. Open the Settings → Memory.
2. Slip on Cleanup (or Optimize in new versions).
3. Choose Deep Cleanup and confirm the action.

This method removes the app cache and some temporary files, but often leaves system data intact.Efficiency: 1-3GB of vacant space.

2.2. Cleaning through "Files" (Mi File Manager)

Xiaomi’s standard file manager can find large, unnecessary files:

1. Open the Files app (folder icon).
2. Go to the Cleanup tab.
3. Select Unnecessary Files → Systemic debris.
4. Mark all the items and click Clear.

Important: Don’t manually delete files from /Android/data or /data folders – this can break apps!

2.3 Delete the Google Play Services cache

Google Play services often accumulate gigabytes of cache that fall into the Other:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find Google Play Services (or Google Play Services).
3. Slip the vault. → Clear the cache.

After cleaning, restart the phone.This can free up to 500MB - 2GB.

3. Advanced methods (with root or ADB)

If the safe ways haven’t worked and the Other folder still takes 10GB+, it’s time to move to manual cleaning, which requires technical skills and can lead to data loss or system instability if used improperly.

Cleaning through ADB (without root)

The Android Debug Bridge (ADB) tool allows you to remove system debris without obtaining root permissions.

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB-driver.
• 📱 Included Debugging by USB on the phone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times, then return to the additional → For developers).

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and open Command Prompt (or Terminal on Mac/Linux).
2. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
3. Remove the cache of all user applications: adb shell pm trim-caches -f 1000000000 (the value of 1000000000 is 1 GB, you can increase to 5000000000 for 5 GB).
4. Clear the cache of system applications (requires confirmation on the phone): adb shell "su -c 'pm trim-caches -f 1000000000'"

Result: Frees up 2-5 GB, but does not affect deep system files.

⚠️ Attention: Su commands require root permission on the phone. If it's not available, use only the first two commands. ADB It can cause data loss or cyclical restart of the device.

3.2 Manual deletion of files through root-conductor

If you have root access, you can manually remove debris from key folders. Use a root-enabled explorer like Root Explorer or Mixplorer:

How to delete:

1. Open the root guide and go to /data.
2. Find the folders from the table above (except dalvik-cache).
3. Remove the contents (not the folders themselves!).
4. Reboot the phone.

💡

Before you delete your files through root, back up your /data folder with TWRP or OrangeFox Recovery, which will help you recover your system if something goes wrong.

4. Cleaning through Recovery (TWRP)

If your Xiaomi has custom Recovery installed (TWRP, OrangeFox), you can clean the Other without risking user data.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone and press Volume Up + Power to enter Recovery.
2. In TWRP, select Advanced → File Manager.
3. Move to the /data/media/0 and delete the folders: MIUI → backup (backups). download → old-fashioned APK-.thumbdata (image miniatures).

Wipe → Advanced Wipe

Dalvik / ART Cache

Cache

Reboot the phone.

Efficiency: Frees up 3-10 GB, depending on the level of contamination, and this method does not affect user files (photos, videos, documents), but resets the cache of all applications.

⚠️ Note: Do not use the Format Data option in the TWRP — It will completely erase the internal memory, including photos and documents.

💡

Cleaning through TWRP is the most effective way to remove system debris without root, but requires custom Recovery installed. If not, use ADB methods or manual root conductor cleaning.

5. Reset to factory settings (last chance)

If none of the methods worked, and the Other folder still takes 15 GB+, it's a radical solution, but it's guaranteed to clean up all system files, including hidden debris.

How to do the reset correctly:

1. Save all data to your PC or cloud (Google Drive, Mi Cloud).
2. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
3. Select Erase All Data (not Reset!).
4. Check to clear internal memory (if available).
5. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.

Warning: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 9 Pro) may experience a "No OS installed" error after reset, due to the memory markup features, to avoid a problem before resetting:

1. Make sure the MIUI version is stable (not beta).
2. Don't interrupt the reset process.
3. After reset, immediately update the system through Settings → Software Update.

6 How to prevent the “Other” from being refilled

Cleaning the Other folder is a temporary solution, so that the problem does not return in a month, follow these recommendations:

• 📵 Limit the cache for applications: In Settings → Apps select "gluttonous" app (like Facebook or TikTok). → Limit cache (if available).
• 🔄 Turn off automatic update: Go to Settings on Google Play → Auto-Update Applications. Choose Not to Auto-Update.
• 🗑️ Clean the cache regularly: Use SD Maid (requires root) or Files by Google for automatic cleaning.
• 📱 Avoid junk apps: Remove memory cleaners (such as Clean Master) — they accumulate cache. APK unverified.

Useful Lifehack: If you install/remove applications frequently, use the clone apps feature in MIUI. Cloned apps store the cache separately and are easier to selectively clean.

7. Frequent Questions (FAQ)