How to completely clean the folder “Other” on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T: a step-by-step guide

Why the Other folder takes up gigabytes of memory on the Redmi Note 8T and how to fix it

The Other folder in Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T is a real black hole for free space, and even after removing photos, videos and apps, it continues to take anywhere from 5 to 20 GB or more. What's the catch? The fact is that under this section, MIUI hides the system cache, residual application files, log files, temporary update data, and even fragments of deleted programs. The manufacturer does not provide direct access to this folder, but there are workarounds.

The main problem is that Redmi Note 8T (codename willow) runs on MIUI, which aggressively caches data to speed up work. Over time, this cache grows into uncontrollable sizes. For example, after a year of use, "Other" can eat up to 30% of the total memory, even if you regularly clean the gallery. Worse, standard cleaning tools like Settings → Memory → Cleanup removes only the tip of the iceberg.

In this article, we’ll look at 5 proven ways to clean the Other folder, from secure (via embedded tools) to radical (using ADB). Importantly, some methods require unlocking the bootloader or root rights, which can void the warranty. But most users will have the first three ways to free up 3-10 GB of storage.

Method 1: Cleaning up cache and debris through built-in MIUI tools

Start with the simplest, standard MIUI features, which won't remove all the Other, but they will help you get rid of 20 to 40 percent of the garbage without risk.

• 🧹 Cleaning the app cache: Go to Settings → Annexes → App management, select the "All" tab and sort by size. Click on each major app (e.g. YouTube, Facebook, MIUI Gallery) and select Clear cache, pay special attention to system applications like com.miui.gallery or com.android.providers.media, which can weigh several gigabytes.
• 🗑️ Delete Unnecessary Files: Open Files → Categories → There's garbage. MIUI It collects temporary files, thumbnails, empty folders and remnants of deleted applications. Click Clean - this will free up to 1-3 GB.
• 🔄 Memory optimization: In Settings → Click Clean in the Garbage section. then go to Deep Clean and remove unnecessary ones. APK-files, log files and update data.

⚠️ Warning: Do not cache system applications like com.android.phone or com.miui.home, which can cause interface failures. Also avoid the Security App Acceleration Cleanup feature (it often deletes the necessary data).

Make a backup copy of important data|Check the free space in the settings → Memory.|Close all applications before cleaning|Do not interrupt the cleaning process-->

If the Other folder still takes up a lot of space after this manipulation, move on to the next way, and often the problem lies in hidden update files that MIUI doesn't automatically delete.

Method 2: Delete update files and logs via File Manager

Xiaomi likes to download updates in advance and store them in hidden folders, and over time, these files accumulate and take up to 5-7 GB.

1. Open File Manager (or any other file manager with hidden folder access, such as Solid Explorer).
2. Enable the display of hidden files: click on three dots in the upper right corner → Settings → Show hidden files.
3. Go to the root catalogue (/storage/emulated/0/) and find the folders:.OTA — Here are the downloaded firmwares. MIUI → debug_log — Log files of the system. Android → data → com.miui.updater - update cache. Download → Rom - backup copies of firmware.

miui_WILLOWGlobal_V12.5.1.0.RCXMIXM_...

⚠️ Attention: Do not delete folders MIUI Or Android in its entirety, it'll crash the system. /system or /vendor, If you don't have root rights.

Once cleaned, restart your phone. If the Other folder has shrunk slightly, the problem may be in fragmented data or the remnants of deleted applications, and you'll need ADB to delete them.

Method 3: Deep cleaning through ADB (without root)

If standard methods don't work, use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which doesn't require root rights, but allows you to remove system debris that is not available through the GUI.

1. Download and install ADB Tools on PC.
2. On your phone, turn on Developer Mode: go to Settings → About Phone and 7 times click on the MIUI Version. Then go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers and activate Debugging over USB.
3. Connect the Redmi Note 8T to your PC and type in the command line: adb devices If the device is displayed, execute: adb shell pm trim-caches 1000G This command compulsorily clears the cache of all applications.
4. To delete temporary update files, type adb shell rm -rf /data/local/tmp/*
5. Reboot your phone: adb reboot

These commands are safe, but if you’ve never worked with ADB, it’s best to test them on an unnecessary device first. After rebooting, check the “Other” section in Settings → Memory – it should decrease by 1-4 GB.

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If Adb Devices Team Can't Find Your Redmi Note 8T, Try to reinstall Xiaomi drivers USB Drivers or using other drivers USB-cable (preferably original).

Method 4: Reset the partition cache (wipe cache partition) via Recovery

If the Other folder still takes up too much space, try resetting the partition cache via Recovery Mode.This method doesn't delete user data, but clears the system cache, which can weigh several gigabytes.

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.
3. In the Recovery menu, select the language (if required: 🔧 Go to Wipe & Reset (or Wipe Data in older versions). 🗃️ Select the Wipe Cache Partition. ✅ Confirm the action and wait for the completion.

Reboot

⚠️ Note: Do not confuse Wipe Cache Partition with Wipe Data/Factory Reset: The last one will erase all your data, and don't interrupt the cleanup process, even if it's been delayed. 5–10 minute.

Once a week.|Once a month|Only when memory ends|Never cleaned.-->

This method is especially effective if you have not updated your firmware for a long time or install / remove applications often. After resetting the Redmi Note 8T partition cache, it can work faster, and the Other folder will decrease by 2-5 GB.

Method 5: Radical cleansing with root rights (for experienced ones)

If all previous methods failed, the last option is to get root rights and manually clean the system folders, which is risky (may lead to brick, i.e. “bricking” the phone), but allows you to remove all 100% of the garbage from the “Other”.

This will require:

• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (instructions on the official Xiaomi website).
• 📱 Established custom recovery (TWRP).
• 🛠️ Root Explorer app or app or FX File Manager.

After obtaining root, follow the following steps:

1. Open Root Explorer and go to /data.
2. Delete folders: log - log files of the system. local/tmp — time-file. system_dropbox — dalvik-cache (only if you are ready for possible failures!).

/cache

Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Warning: Deleting dalvik-cache can cause a cyclical reboot of the phone. If it does, you'll have to reflash the device via Fastboot. Also remember that root disqualifies warranties and increases the risk of hacking the phone.

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Before you get root rights, make sure to make a full backup through TWRP or Mi PC Suite. Without a backup, you risk losing all data in a crash.

How to prevent the growth of the “Other” folder in the future

To prevent the “Other” folder from taking up gigabytes of memory again, follow these tips:

• 📵 Turn off automatic updates MIUI: Go to Settings. → The phone. → Update the system and deactivate Auto Download over Wi-Fi. Install updates manually, removing old files from the Wi-Fi.OTA post-installation.
• 🧹 Clean the cache regularly: Use the app SD Maid (requires root) or built-in Security utility → Cleaner (no root) Optimal frequency - once every 2 weeks.
• 🚫 Avoid heavy launchers: launchers like Nova Launcher or POCO Launcher creates its own cache that goes into "Other." If you use them, clear the cache once a month.
• 🔄 Reboot your phone once every 3 days: This clears RAM and temporary files that don’t accumulate in the Other».

Also, limit the background activity of applications. Go to Settings → Battery → Select battery mode and activate Energy Saving. This will reduce the number of log files and temporary data.

FAQ: Frequent questions about cleaning the "Other" folder on the Redmi Note 8T