How to Clean the Other folder on Xiaomi Redmi Note 7: The Complete Guide 2026

The Other folder on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 is a real headache for many users. It can take up 5 to 20 GB of memory, and the system insists that it can not be deleted. In fact, it is not: The Other is a hoard of cache applications, temporary MIUI files, update residues and debris from deleted programs. Unlike regular folders, its contents do not appear in the conductor, but this does not mean that it can not be cleaned.

In this article, we'll look at 5 working ways to free up space, from standard MIUI tools to hidden features and third-party utilities. Importantly, not all methods are equally safe. For example, manual cleaning through ADB can cause failures if you delete critical files. We'll explain in detail what you can touch and what you can't touch, and we'll give checklists for each step.

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Note: Instructions are valid for Redmi Note 7 (codename lavender) on MIUI 12–14 and Android 9–11. On newer versions (e.g. HyperOS), some menu items may differ, but the logic remains the same.

1. What is the “Other” folder and why is it growing?

The Other (or “Other”) folder is a hidden memory partition where MIUI resets files that don’t fall into the standard categories (Photos, Videos, Audio, etc.) and includes:

• 🗑️ Application cache – temporary data that programs save for fast operation (for example, thumbnails in a gallery or history in instant messengers).
• 🔄 Update residues – firmware files that have not been deleted after installation.
• 📁 Service files MIUI — system logs, error dumps, backups of settings.
• 🧹 Remote applications: “tails” that remain after uninstallation.
• 🔒 Encrypted data – files that the system cannot classify (e.g. cache of some games).

The main problem is that MIUI does not show the contents of this folder in the standard Explorer (Files), and even after resetting to factory settings, “Other” can take 3-7 GB – this is normal, since the system restore files get there.

On Redmi Note 7, the Other folder is often inflated by a bug in MIUI 10-12 when the system does not clear the update cache.

2 Safe cleaning methods without root rights

If you don't have any experience with ADB or root, start with these methods. They don't require technical knowledge and won't damage the system.

Method 1: Built-in utility "Cleaning"

MIUI has a built-in garbage removal tool, but it often skips deep files to use it effectively:

1. Open the settings → About the phone → Memory.
2. Slip on "Cleaning" (or "Freeing Place").
3. Select “Deep Clean” and wait for analysis.
4. Mark all items, especially “App Cache” and “Unnecessary Files”.
5. Press "Clear."

Method 2: Removing the cache manually

Some apps (e.g. YouTube, Facebook, Telegram) can accumulate gigabytes of cache to clear it:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select an application (such as Gallery or Browser).
3. Tap the "Storage» → «Clear the cache».
4. For complete cleaning, click "Delete data» (⚠️ This will reset the application settings!).

Backup important data | Check free space before and after |Do not clear the cache of system applications (e.g., "Settings") |Reboot the phone after cleaning-->

Method 3: Remove update residues

On Redmi Note 7 after updating MIUI files are often 1-3 GB. They can be deleted through a hidden menu:

1. Open Files → Categories → System Files
2. Find the file. Downloaded_rom (or MIUI).
3. Delete all files with the.zip extension or names like update.zip.

⚠️ Note: Do not delete files from folders /system or /vendor — This can lead to the inability to load the phone.

3. Advanced cleaning with ADB (no root)

If standard methods didn’t work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a debugging tool that allows you to delete hidden files, which does not require root rights, but requires accuracy.

Step 1: Preparation

• 📱 Turn on "Debugging by" USB» on the phone: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Tap 7 times to unlock the developer menu, then Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB.
• 💻 Install. ADB-computer-driver (Windows/macOS/Linux).
• 🔌 Connect the Redmi Note 7 to the PC via USB-cable (preferably original).

Step 2: Cleaning commands

Open the command prompt (or Terminal on macOS/Linux) and type:

adb shell


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




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




rm -rf /cache/* # Clearing the cache system (requires a reboot)

Step 3: Removing garbage from updates

To delete old firmware files, do:

adb shell


rm -rf /data/ota_package/* # Update folder MIUI




rm -rf /data/app-lib/* # Remnants of Remote Applications

⚠️ Attention: Rm teams -rf They delete files irreversibly. If the phone stops booting after it's done, you'll need to flash it over Fastboot.

4. Cleaning through TWRP (for advanced users)

If your Redmi Note 7 has a custom TWRP recap, you can remove debris directly from the file system.This method is more effective than ADB, but requires an unlocked bootloader.

Instructions:

1. Boot to TWRP (Put Power + Volume Up when the phone is off).
2. Go to Advanced → File Manager.
3. Find and delete the following folders: /data/local/tmp — time-file; /data/ota_package — update-sheet; /data/app-lib — garbage from remote applications; /data/system/package_cache — packet-cache.

Reboot the phone.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ Delete files that are not available through ADB;
• ✅ It allows you to see the real size of folders;
• ✅ You can create a backup copy before cleaning.

Risks:

• ❌ If you do not take care of critical files, you can delete them;
• ❌ Requires unlocking the bootloader (data reset!).

💡

Before working in TWRP, back up /data through Backup → Select Partitions → Data, which will save your data if something goes wrong.

5. Third-party cleaning applications

If you don't want to mess with ADB or TWRP, you can use specialized utilities, but not all of them are safe — some delete important files or show false scan results.

Top.-3 tested applications:

How to use SD Maid:

⚠️ Note: Do not use the "Database Optimization" function in SD Maid on Redmi Note 7 – this can lead to slowdown due to the features of the file system f2fs.

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

Cleaning is good, but it's even better to keep the garbage from accumulating. Here are some tips:

• 🔒 Turn off automatic app updates on Google Play (or limit Wi-Fi).

Automatic cleaning in MIUI:

1. Go to Settings → Memory → Cleanup.
2. Turn on "Car Cleaner."
3. Set a schedule (for example, once a week).

💡

On the Redmi Note 7, the Other folder will always take at least 3 to 5GB, which is normal, as long as it doesn't grow uncontrollably.

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