How to Clean the “Other” folder on Xiaomi Redmi: from cache to system garbage

The Other folder in Xiaomi Redmi's storage is a real black hole for free space, it can take up 5 to 30 GB, but users rarely understand what is stored there. System files, application cache, remnants of deleted programs, temporary data — all this accumulates for years, slowing down the smartphone. Unlike the Photos or Video folders, the content of the Other is not displayed in the gallery, and it is impossible to delete it with standard MIUI tools.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working ways to clean the Other folder on Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10/13 and other models with MIUI 12-14. You will learn how to safely delete unnecessary files without root rights, what tools to use for deep cleaning, and what to do if the system does not show the contents of the folder.

Important: Back up important data before cleaning, and some files in Other may be related to application settings or system logs, and deleting them will affect how your smartphone works.

What is the “Other” folder on Xiaomi and why is it growing?

The Other folder (or "Other" in the English version of MIUI) is a collection of files that the system cannot categorize as standard: Photos, Videos, Audio or Documents.

• 📁 Application cache – temporary files that are created to speed up the operation of programs (for example, Telegram cache, Instagram or games).
• 🗑️ Residual files – “tails” from remote applications that have not been completely cleaned.
• 📜 System Logs and Dumps – Error Reports, Android Logs and MIUI.
• 🔄 Temporary update files – firmware packages that have downloaded but not installed.
• 🎮 Game data – saves, texture packs, and other files that games store outside of standard folders.

The main reason for the growth of the Other is the malfunctioning of the cache cleaning mechanism. Many applications (especially social networks and instant messengers) do not delete temporary files after use. For example, TikTok can leave up to 1-2 GB of cache per month of active use, and WhatsApp can leave up to 500 MB of media files that you did not even save.

Another problem is memory fragmentation, where files break down into smaller pieces over time, and the system spends more space on storing them, especially on smartphones with eMMC memory (such as the Redmi 9A or Redmi 8), where the write speed is lower than on models with UFS 2.2 (Redmi Note 12 Pro+).

Method 1: Cleaning the application cache through settings

The safest method is to manually clean the cache for each application, which requires no root rights and is suitable for all Redmi models on MIUI 12-14.

How to do this:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Choose an app that takes up a lot of space (like Facebook, YouTube, or PUBG Mobile).
3. Press "Storage» → «Clear the cache».
4. For deep cleaning, tap "Delete data» (⚠️ Warning: This will reset the app settings and you will have to log in again).

To speed up the process, you can sort applications by size:

1. In Application Management, click on three dots (⋮) top-right.
2. Select "Sort by size."
3. Clear the cache for applications that are more than 100-200 MB.

What applications most often “clog” memory:

⚠️ Note: Do not clear cache for system applications like com.android.systemui or com.miui.home.This can lead to interface freezes or loss of widgets on the home screen.

Close all background applications

Check the space available (should be ≥1 GB)

Make a backup copy of important data

Do not clean system applications without need-->

Method 2: Using a built-in MIUI cleaner

MIUI has a built-in Cleanup tool that deletes unnecessary files, including some of the contents of the Other folder.However, it doesn't always handle deep cleaning, especially if files are protected.

How to start:

1. Open the Security app (shield icon).
2. Go to the "Cleaning" tab.
3. Click on “Deep Clean” (confirmation may be required).
4. Select file categories to delete: 🗑️ Unnecessary files APK — remnants of installed applications. 📁 Application cache - temporary data. 📄 Logs and reports - System logs.

"Clean it up."

If the Deep Clean option is missing, update the Security app via Google Play or MIUI App Store.

Limitations of the method:

• Does not remove the cache of system applications.
• Does not clean files protected by Android (e.g. Google Play Services data).
• It can skip large game files (such as Genshin Impact or Honkai: Star Rail).

💡

If the space doesn't vacate after cleaning, restart your smartphone. Sometimes MIUI doesn't immediately update the free space data.

Method 3: Manually delete files through file manager

For power users, there's a way to manually find and delete unnecessary files in the Other folder, which is risky, but effective if you know what you're deleting.

How to access:

1. Open any file manager (MI File Manager, Solid Explorer, or FX File Explorer).
2. Enable the display of hidden files: MI File Manager: ⋮ → Settings → Show hidden files in Solid Explorer: ☰ → Settings → Hidden files.

/storage/emulated/0/

• Android/data/ – cache and application data.
• Android/obb/ - Additional game files (can be deleted if the games are not in use)
• MIUI/ - Logic and temporary files of the system.
• Download/ – Uploaded files that are not opened.
• .thumbnails/ - miniatures of images (can be removed without consequences).

What files can be safely deleted:

• 📂 Folders called com.application name/cache (for example, com.facebook.katana/cache).
• 📄 Files with extension.log,.tmp,.bak.
• 🎮 Folders in Android/obb/, If you haven’t played the game in a long time.

⚠️ Note: Do not delete files with.db extensions (databases) or folders Android/data/com.name/files/ — It can break the app, and don't touch the files. /system/ or /vendor/, If you don't have root rights.

Method 4: Cleaning through ADB (for advanced users)

If standard methods don’t work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a tool to control your smartphone through your computer, which allows you to delete files that are not available through the file manager.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows, macOS or Linux.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 🛠️ Installed drivers ADB Fastboot (you can download from the official Android website).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on USB Debugging on your smartphone: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version. Click on MIUI Version 7 times until the notification “You’ve become a developer” appears. Go back to Settings, open Additional Settings → Developer Options. Activate USB Debugging.

Connect your smartphone to your computer and confirm your trust in the device.

cmd

Windows

Terminal

macOS/Linux

adb devices

(Your device name should appear, which means that the connection is established.)

1. To see the list of large files in the Other, do:

adb shell du -ah /sdcard/ | grep -P '^\d+M|\d+G' | sort -rh

This command will show files as small as 1 MB, sorted by descending.

1. To delete a specific file or folder, use:

adb shell rm -rf /sdcard/path/to/file

For example, to clear the Telegram cache:

adb shell rm -rf /sdcard/Android/data/org.telegram.messenger/cache/*

Do not use the rm-rf/ command without specifying a specific path – this will result in the complete deletion of all data on the device!

⚠️ Note: Delete files through ADB It can disrupt applications if you go wrong. Always check the command before executing. /sdcard/Android/data/com.xiaomi.midrop/ It can break the Mi Drop function (file transfer between Xiaomi devices).

💡

ADB is a powerful tool, but it requires caution: always back up before mass deletion of files.

Method 5: Reset to factory settings (last resort)

If the Other folder takes up more than 10GB and other methods have not worked, it leaves a complete reset, which will delete all data on the phone, including apps, photos and accounts, but return the device to a “clean” state.

How to reset:

1. Backup: Use Settings → Google → Backup to save contacts and settings. Copy photos and videos to your computer or cloud (Google Photos, Mi Cloud).

Settings → About the phone → Resetting settings

"Erase all data."

Enter the password (if set) and confirm the reset.

What will be removed:

• 📱 All installed applications and their data.
• 📸 Photos, videos and music (if not copied).
• 🔑 Google, Mi Accounts and others (you will need to log in again).
• ⚙️ All system settings (wallpaper, sounds, Wi-Fi networks).

What's left:

• 📱 Files on SD-map (if it is installed).
• 🔄 Data in cloud services (Google Drive, Mi Cloud).

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi Note 8 Pro or Redmi) 9T) You may need to re-activate the bootloader after the reset. If the phone doesn't turn on after the reset, connect it to the Mi Unlock Tool on your computer.

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

Cleaning up memory is good, but it’s even better to keep it from clogging. Here are some tips for Xiaomi Redmi users:

• 🔄 Clean the cache regularly (once every 1-2 weeks) through Settings → Warehouse → Clean up.
• 🚫 Limit the background activity of applications: Go to Settings → Annexes → Permits → Autostart and disable autostart for unnecessary programs. → Battery → Select “Strict” for social media and gaming.
• 📥 Set up automatic cleaning: C MI File Manager Open up ⋮ → Settings → Autoclean and enable the removal of unnecessary files.
• 🎮 Move the games to SD-Map (if supported): Use Settings → Annexes → Choose a game → Warehouse → Change. → SD-map.
• 🔍 Install an alternative file manager (e.g. Solid Explorer or Solid Explorer) FX File Explorer, which shows more hidden files than the standard file MI File Manager.

For models with a small storage capacity (32-64 GB), such as the Redmi 9A or Redmi 8, it is recommended:

• 📵 Turn off automatic app updates in Google Play.
• 📂 Use cloud services (Google Photos, Mi Cloud) to store photos and videos.
• 🔄 Regularly check the Download folder and delete unnecessary files.

💡

If you install and delete games frequently, use the SD Maid app (requires root) to automatically clean up residual files.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the folder “Other” on Xiaomi