The “Other” folder in Xiaomi’s smartphone storage is one of the most mysterious to users, which can take anywhere from 500 MB to 10+ GB, but does not display specific content in the file manager. Many people mistakenly believe that it is just “junk” that can be removed without consequences. In fact, the “Other” stores app cache, temporary system files, MIUI update data, log files and even fragments of deleted programs.
Complicating the problem is that standard cleaning methods (via Settings → Storage) often don’t work: the folder either doesn’t shrink or grows back over time. In this article, we’ll look at 5 proven ways to clean Other on Xiaomi (including models on MIUI 12/13/14) without damaging the system.
Why does the “Other” folder take up so much space?
The Other folder is a collection of service data that is not related to user files (photos, videos, music).
- 📁 Application cache – temporary files that programs create to speed up work (for example, thumbnails of images in a gallery or messenger data).
- 🔄 Residual files after deleting applications (not all programs clear tails behind them»).
- 📱 Log files (.log,.dump) – records of errors, failures and operation of components MIUI.
- 🔄 Update files – firmware packages that have downloaded but not installed.
- 🗑️ Garbage from Google and Xiaomi services (e.g. Mi Cloud or Google Play Services data).
On the Redmi Note 10 Pro or POCO X3 Pro, the Other folder can grow to 5-7 GB in six months of active use. On flagships like Xiaomi 13 Ultra, up to 10+ GB, since there are more system processes and background tasks. The main danger is that if you do not clean the Other on time, the phone will start to slow down, and the free space will “melt” in front of your eyes.
⚠️ Warning: Don't try to delete the Other folder completely through Root rights or file manager! this can lead to a system crash or a reboot cycle.
Method 1: Cleaning through built-in MIUI tools
The safest method is to use built-in MIUI utilities, which do not require superuser rights and do not risk damaging system files.
Step 1: Cleaning the app cache
Go to Settings → Applications → App Management. Sort programs by size and select the ones that take up the most space (usually YouTube, Facebook, Telegram). Click on the application → Storage → Clear cache.
Step 2: Using Optimization
In Settings → About Phone → Memory (or Settings → Storage) tap on “Clean” or “Optimize.” The system will scan the garbage and prompt you to delete:
- 🗑️ Temporary application files
- 📥 Unused. APK-file
- 🔄 Residual data of remote programs
This method removes up to 1-2 GB of garbage, but does not affect deep system files.
Backup important data |Close all background applications |Connect phone to charge (if charge < 30%) |Control free space before and after cleaning-->
Method 2: Delete log files and dumps via ADB
If the built-in tools didn't help, you can delete log files and memory dumps via ADB (Android Debug Bridge).This is a deeper cleanup, but requires connecting the phone to your computer.
Instructions:
1. Install ADB on your PC (download Google’s Platform Tools).
2. Enable USB debugging on your phone: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (tap 7 times to activate Developer Mode). Then go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers and turn on “Debugging on USB”.
3. Connect the phone to the PC and type in the command line:
```bash
adb shell
su
rm -rf /data/log/*
rm -rf /data/tombstones/*
rm -rf /data/anr/*
```
4. Reset the device.
This command removes:
- 📜 Log files of the system (/data/log/)
- 💀 Dumps of error (/data/tombstones/)
- ⚠️ Records of hangings (/data/anr/)
⚠️ Note: Do not delete files in /data/data/ or /system/ — This will cause data loss or phone blink!
What is ADB and why is it needed?
Method 3: Cleaning through Safe Mode
If your phone is slowing down because of Others, try booting into Safe Mode, which disables all third-party apps, and you can remove the debris they created.
How to log in to Safe Mode:
1. Press the power button before the turn off menu appears.
2. Press and hold the “Switch off” button (or “Reboot” on some models).
3. Confirm the transition to Safe Mode.
In this mode:
- 🔍 Check the “Other” folder through the Files → Categories → Others.
- 🧹 Remove unnecessary APK-files (installer residues).
- 📦 Clear the cache through Settings → Warehouse.
After cleaning, restart the phone as normal.
💡
If the Other folder was significantly reduced in Safe Mode, the problem was with third-party apps. Uninstall newly installed programs — they could create hidden debris.
Method 4: Use of third-party utilities (with caution!)
There are apps that promise to clear "Other" in one click: CCleaner, Files by Google, SD Maid. However, not all of them are safe for MIUI!
Recommended utilities:
| Appendix | What cleanses | Risks |
|------------------|--------------------------------------|--------------------------------|
| Files by Google | Cash, duplicates, temporary files | Safe |
| SD Maid | Log files, empty folders, residues APK | Requires Root for deep cleaning |
| MIUI Optimizer | System garbage, MIUI cache | Only for MIUI-based firmware |
Warning: Do not use programs like Clean Master or 360 Security, which often delete files or display false virus warnings.
💡
The best work is built-in MIUI tools. Use third-party utilities only if other methods do not help.
Method 5: Reset to factory settings (last resort)
If the Other folder is more than 10GB and doesn't clear, the last option is Hard Reset, which will delete all data, including system debris, but also delete:
- 📸 Photos and videos
- 📱 Contacts (if not synced with Google)
- 🎮 Keeping in games
- 🔑 Wi-Fi passwords
How to make a Hard Reset:
1. Create a backup through Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset.
2. Go to Settings → About Phone → Resetting.
3. Select "Erase all data."
4. After reset, do not restore data from the backup - it can return garbage!
⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi) 9A, POCO M3) After resetting, the Other folder can grow again if you restore data from Mi Cloud.
How to prevent the “Other” folder from being refilled
To prevent the “Other” folder from growing again, follow these tips:
- 🔄 Clean the cache regularly (once every 1-2 weeks).
- 🚫 Do not install apps from unknown sources – they often leave debris behind.
- 📥 Turn off automatic download of updates (if not needed): Settings → The phone. → Updating the system → ⚙️ → Downloading.
- 🗑️ Use cloud services (Google Photos, Mi Cloud) to store media files.
- 🔍 Check the storage through Settings → Warehouse → Monthly analysis.
On models with MIUI 14 and later, the Other folder can automatically clear when space is scarce (Smart Clean function), however, this does not work on all devices – check in Settings → Battery and Performance → Optimization.