The “Other” section of Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO is a real black hole for most users, and can take anywhere from 5 to 30 GB for no apparent reason, and standard cleaning methods through settings often don’t help. In this article, we’ll look at what’s hidden under the term “Other,” why the system doesn’t show these files in the Explorer, and how to safely delete them without risking damage to the OS.
The problem is compounded by the fact that MIUI (Xiaomi firmware) actively caches application data, creates backups and temporary files that are not always deleted correctly, for example, after updating the system or resetting to factory settings, some of the garbage remains in the /data section, but does not appear in the Storage menu. We tested all methods on Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi Note 12 and POCO F5 models, the results are summarized in the table below.
What is the Other in Xiaomi’s Memory and Why Does It Grow?
The term “Other” in MIUI hides four types of files that the system does not classify as “Applications”, “Media” or “Documents”:
- 📁 Application cache and systems – temporary files that should be deleted automatically, but often remain due to crashes.
- 🔄 Residual data from remote programs (for example, settings or databases that have not been cleaned).
- 📦 Backups and logs – update files, error dumps (.dmp), system logs (.log).
- 🔒 Secure files MIUI — encryption data, license keys, configurations for Xiaomi services.
For example, after updating the firmware through the phone → Update MIUI file /data/ota_package The archive may still be weighty 1–3 GB, which the system doesn't automatically delete, and apps like Facebook or TikTok can accumulate up to 500 MB cache for a month of active use, even if you regularly clean your memory through settings.
Method 1: Cleaning cache and debris through built-in MIUI tools
Start with the standard methods, they're secure and they don't require root rights. In MIUI 14 and later, the cleaning algorithm has been improved, but it still doesn't delete deep temporary files.
- Open the Settings → Storage.
- Slip on "Clean" (or "Free space" in older versions).
- Select the “Junk” tab and click Clean.
- Go to the Cash tab and delete the data for all applications (or selectively).
🔹 Important: If the volume of Others hasn't decreased after cleaning, it means that the garbage has accumulated in system folders that don't appear in this menu. /data/log can weigh up 1 GB due to error logs.
Make a backup copy of important data|Check the space available (at least 10% of the memory space is required)|Close all applications|Connect the charger (the process can take 10-20 minutes)-->
Method 2: Manually clean through file manager (no root)
Hidden files can be found through standard MIUI Explorer or third-party managers like Solid Explorer (with the option “Show hidden files” enabled), the main thing is not to delete folders with unknown extensions, so as not to break the system.
📌 What folders can be manually cleaned:
- 🗑️ /storage/emulated/0/Android/data — cache of games and applications (for example, com.tencent.ig for PUBG Mobile).
- 📂 /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/backup — backups.
- 📄 /storage/emulated/0/Download/.thumbnails — picture miniatures and video.
- 🔄 /storage/emulated/0/Android/obb — Game add-ons files (can be deleted if the games are not used).
What happens if you delete the Android folder?
⚠️ Note: Do not touch folders called com.android, com.xiaomi or miui, which are critical system data. Also avoid files with extensions.odex,.apk or.so.
Method 3: Using ADB for deep cleaning (for advanced)
If standard methods didn’t work and Other takes more than 10GB, try cleaning through Android Debug Bridge (ADB).This method requires a PC connection, but doesn’t need root rights.
🔧 Instructions:
- Download ADB Tools and unpack it into a folder on your PC.
- Turn on Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (tap 7 times to activate the developer mode).
- Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable “Debugging by USB”.
- Connect the phone to the PC and type in the command line:
adb shell pm trim-caches -f 1000
adb shell cmd package bg-dexopt-jobThese commands will force the cache of all applications to be cleared and optimize the Dalvik cache (temporary files created by the Android virtual machine) and then restart the device.
💡
If ADB does not recognize the device, update the drivers via Google USB Driver or use the Mi PC Suite.
Method 4: Reset to factory settings (last resort)
If the Other takes up more than 15-20 GB and is not cleaned by other methods, only a complete reset remains.This method will delete all data, including photos, messages and applications, so pre-backup through Settings → About Phone → Backup.
🔄 Step-by-step instruction:
- Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
- Select “Delete all data”.
- Enter the password (if installed) and confirm the action.
- After restarting, set your phone as new.
⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro) may have 1-3 GB of garbage left in the “Other” section after dumping. MIUI. In this case, only the flashing through Fastboot will help.
Method 5: Fastboot Flashing (for power users)
This is the most radical method that completely reinstalls the system, removing all hidden files.
- 📉 «Others" takes up more than 20 GB.
- 🔄 The phone brakes, overheats or discharges quickly.
- 🔧 Standard cleaning methods do not work.
🛠️ What's the matter:
- 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux.
- 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original......>
- 📥 Fastboot firmware for your model (download from the official Xiaomi website).
- 🛡️ Mi Flash Tool Tool.
⚠️ Warning: Don't ask for your phone through Fastboot if you're not sure what you're doing. An error can lead to a "brick" (completely inoperable) of the device. If you're a beginner, you'd better contact the service center.
💡
Fastboot Flashing removes ALL data, including debris in the Other section, but requires strict adherence to instructions. Use only official firmware for your model!
Comparison of Cleaning Techniques for “Other” on Xiaomi
| Method | Efficiency | Difficulty | Risks. | PC required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cleaning through settings | Low (1-3 GB) | Just | No. | No. |
| Manual file cleaning | Medium (3-7 GB) | Middle-Average | Delete important files | No. |
| ADB-team | High (5-10 GB) | Hardly. | Resetting application settings | Yes. |
| Reset to factory | Very high (10-15 GB) | Just | Loss of all data | No. |
| Fastboot reflashing | Maximum (20+ GB) | Very difficult. | Brick of the device | Yes. |