How to Clean the Other folder on Xiaomi Redmi Note 7: A Complete Guide with Proven Methods

Why does the “Other” folder on the Redmi Note 7 take up so much space?

You opened the storage on your Xiaomi Redmi Note 7, and there are tens of gigabytes occupied by the mysterious folder "Other"? This is not a system error, but a cluster of temporary files, cache of applications, logs and remnants of deleted programs. Unlike photos or videos, the content of "Other" does not appear in the gallery, but can take up up to 30-50% of the device's memory.

The reason for this “garbage” lies in the peculiarities of MIUI. The operating shell from Xiaomi actively caches data to speed up work, but often does not clean it automatically. In addition, many applications (especially messengers and social networks) save temporary files in system folders that the user does not see in a standard file manager. If you have never cleaned memory manually, the volume of “Other” can reach 10-15 GB or more.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to clean the Other folder, from simple (via built-in MIUI tools) to advanced (using ADB and third-party utilities).

Method 1: Cleaning through the built-in Optimizer in MIUI

The safest and fastest method is to use Xiaomi's regular tool, which requires no additional software installation and is suitable even for beginners.

1. Open the settings → About the phone → Memory.
2. Slip the "Clean" button in the "Junk Files" section.
3. Wait for the analysis (may take 1-2 minutes).
4. Select all categories (cache, temporary files, empty folders) and click Clear.

This method removes up to 1-3 GB of garbage, but does not affect deep system files. If the volume of the Other has not decreased after cleaning, move to the next method.

💡

Before cleaning, close all applications through the multitasking menu – this will allow the system to remove the cache of active programs.

Method 2: Manual cleaning of the application cache

Many programs (e.g. Telegram, VK, TikTok) store gigabytes of cache in the "Other" folder to clear it:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Sort the list by size (slip to three dots in the upper right corner).
3. Select an app with a large cache (such as a gallery or YouTube).
4. Click Clear Cache (not to be confused with Clear Data – it will delete accounts!).

Pay particular attention to:

• 📱 Social media (Facebook, Instagram – cache can weigh up to 500 MB).
• 🎵 Music services (Spotify, Yandex Music – save covers and buffer).
• 📺 Video players (MX Player, VLC — temporary subtitles and thumbnail files).

After manual cleaning, restart the phone – this will help the system recalculate the occupied space.

Clear Gallery cache (miniatures and previews)|Delete bootloader data (APK residues)|Check DCIM/.thumbnails |Clear Google Play Services cache

-->

Method 3: Remove system logs and dumps (without root)

Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 (like other devices on MIUI) creates error logs and memory dumps that can take up to 5-7 GB. They can be removed without superuser rights through ADB (Android Debug Bridge).

You'll need:

• 🖥️ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB (In Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI Tap 7 times, then return to the additional → For developers).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original or quality).

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line (Win + R → cmd).
2. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices must appear serial number of the device.
3. Do the log cleanup: adb shell pm trim-caches 1000G adb shell rm -rf /data/log/* adb shell rm -rf /data/tombstones/*

These commands will remove the time logs and dumps that the system creates for diagnosis. Do not use them more than 1 time per month - this can make it difficult to debug real errors.

Method 4: Use a file manager with root rights

If you have superuser rights, you can manually delete hidden files that take up space in the Other, such as Root Explorer or FX File Manager.

Key folders for cleaning:

⚠️ Note: Do not delete files in folders /system or /vendor — This can lead to a device blink (completely inoperable). Also avoid folders with names com.android.* - they are critical for Android.

After cleaning, restart your phone and check the Other's capacity in your memory settings. If the changes don't show up right away, wait 10-15 minutes, the system may need time to recalculate.

Method 5: Reset to factory settings (last resort)

If none of the methods worked, and the Other folder still takes 10+GB, the last option is a full reset, which will delete all the data from the device, so first:

• 🔄 Make a backup copy through Settings → Additionally. → Backup.
• 📁 Save photos and videos on PC or in the cloud (Google Photos, Mi Cloud).
• 📋 Write down logins/passwords from accounts (they will be deleted!).

For discharge:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select “Erase all data”.
3. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot (it will take 5-10 minutes).

Once reset, the device will be as new as the "Other" folder will decrease to 500 MB - 1 GB (this is normal volume for a clean system), the disadvantage of the method is the loss of all data, so use it only as a last resort.

💡

Factory reset is the only way to completely clean up system debris, but it erases all user data. Always back up before reset!

How to prevent the “Other” folder from being refilled?

To prevent the problem from returning in a month, follow these tips:

• 🗑️ Clean the cache regularly through Settings → Memory (once every 2 weeks).
• 🚫 Limit the background activity of applications in Settings → Battery → Select mode (select "charge savings»).
• 📦 Remove unused apps – even uninstallation leaves up to 100MB of trash.
• 🔄 Update. MIUI — In new versions, the cleaning of the cache has been improved.

It is also necessary to disable the automatic saving of media files in messengers:

1. On WhatsApp: Settings → Storage → Autoupload Media → Disable for Mobile Data.
2. In Telegram: Settings → Data and Memory → Autoboot Media → Select “Never”.

If you install/remove games frequently, use the SD-Map as the main storage (c Settings) → Memory. → Default storage. This will reduce the load on internal memory.

FAQ: Frequent questions about cleaning up the "Other" on the Redmi Note 7

If neither method worked and the Other folder still takes up inadequate space (e.g., 20+GB), it could indicate file system damage, in which case only flashing through Fastboot or contacting Xiaomi’s service center will help.