How to clean the “Other” in memory Xiaomi Redmi Note 5: step-by-step instructions

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 (codenamed whyred) often face a problem: the phone’s memory is filled with unknown things. In the Storage section, the system shows that the bulk of the occupied by the mysterious “other” — sometimes up to 10-15 GB. These are not photos, videos and apps, but the place it occupies is quite real. Where does this garbage come from and how to safely remove it?

The reason lies in the features of MIUI and Android 8.1 Oreo, which originally shipped Redmi Note 5. The system creates temporary files, application cache, error logs and residual data of deleted programs, but does not always clean them correctly, and many users do not know that even after uninstallation of the application, its settings and cache can remain in memory under the guise of “system data”.

In this article, 7 proven ways to clean the Others section on the Redmi Note 5, from simple (MIUI built-in tools) to advanced (ADB manual cleaning). All methods are tested on current versions of the firmware and do not require root rights. And if you are afraid of breaking something, at the end there is an FAQ with answers to the most common questions.

1.What is the “Other” in Xiaomi’s memory and why it takes up so much space

The MIUI "Other" section is a container for all files that the system failed to categorize as standard (photo, video, audio, documents, applications).

• 📁 Application cache – temporary files that programs create to speed up work (for example, thumbnails of images in a gallery or map data in Google Maps).
• 🗑️ Residual data – “tails” from remote applications (settings, databases, configuration files).
• 📜 System logs – records of errors, application crashes, and user actions (e.g. logcat and dmesg).
• 🔄 Update files are firmware packages that have downloaded but have not been installed (especially relevant after the update is completed). OTA-updates).
• 🧹 Messenger garbage – Telegram, WhatsApp and Viber store media files in hidden folders that are not always visible in the gallery.

On the Redmi Note 5, the problem is compounded by the fact that the device originally shipped with Android 8.1 and MIUI 9/10, where the automatic cleanup mechanisms work worse than in newer versions. For example, the cache of Google Play Services can grow to 2-3 GB if not cleaned manually. And after upgrading to MIUI 12+, many users notice that the Other has suddenly grown by 3-5 GB - this is a consequence of the migration of data between the firmware versions.

⚠️ Warning: Don't confuse "Other" with "System"! the latter takes a fixed place (usually a fixed place) 5-8 GB) and contains OS files that can't be deleted without consequences, but "Other" is the garbage that can and should be cleaned.

2. Method 1: Clearing the cache through MIUI settings

The easiest and safest method is to use the built-in MIUI tools, which are suitable for beginners and do not require additional knowledge.

Instructions:

1. Open the Settings → Storage.
2. Tap on the “Other” section (or “Other Files” in newer versions of MIUI).
3. The system will analyze the files and prompt you to clear the cache. Click "Clean" (or "Delete").
4. Confirm the action.

Usually, this way you can release 1-3 GB, but not always. If you don't get the space out after cleaning, move on to the next method.

Make sure you have enough space on your device (minimum 500MB)

Restart your phone before cleaning.

Update MIUI to the latest version

Try to clean the cache manually for each application-->

You can also clear the cache for individual applications:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select an app (like Facebook or Google Chrome).
3. Slip "Storage" → "Clear the cache."

Method 2: Delete residual files through Security

The MIUI Security app (or Global Firmware Security) has a built-in tool for deep garbage cleaning. It finds and removes:

• 🗃️ Empty folders and unnecessary files.
• 📥 Undetermined APK-Files (remains after application installation).
• 🔍 Zero-size files.
• 📑 Duplicate photos and documents.

How to use:

1. Open the Security app (the shield icon).
2. Go to the “Cleaning” or “Deep Cleaning” section.
3. Click on “Scan” and wait for the check to be completed.
4. Select file categories to delete (it is recommended to mark all items in the "Other" section).
5. Slip "Clean" and confirm the action.

This method often helps to free up 500MB-1.5GB, especially if you haven’t cleaned your phone in a long time, but it doesn’t remove the cache of system applications (like Google Play Services), so it’s better to combine it with the former method.

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If you see residual APK files in the cleanup list, be sure to delete them – this will not only free up space, but also increase security (old APKs may contain vulnerabilities).

Method 3: Manually remove garbage through file manager

Some files related to the Other can be manually deleted through a file manager, such as the standard Files app or third-party managers like Solid Explorer.

Where to look for garbage:

How to delete:

1. Open the file manager and enable the display of hidden files (in the “Files” from Xiaomi: ⋮ → Settings → Show hidden files).
2. Go to the folders above.
3. Delete unnecessary files (e.g. old APKs in Download or cache of remote games in Android/obb).

⚠️ Note: Do not delete files in folders /system, /vendor or /data It could lead to a system crash and the need for a flashing.

5. Method 4: Cleaning through ADB (for advanced users)

If previous methods did not help, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB) – a debugging tool that allows you to delete the system cache and residual files without root rights.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB-driver.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB Redmi Note 5 (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times tap to unlock the developer mode, then Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).

Instructions:

1. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.
2. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
3. Run the command to clear the cache of all applications: adb shell pm trim-caches -f 100
4. Delete the residual files of the deleted applications: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.example.app (replace com.example.app with the remote application package).
5. Clear the cache of system services: adb shell su -c 'pm clear com.google.android.gms' (requires root or unlocked bootloader).

This method allows you to free up to 2-4 GB, but requires caution, for example, cleaning the cache of Google Play Services can lead to temporary disruptions in the operation of Google services.

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ADB is a powerful tool, but only use it if you are confident in your actions. A team error can lead to the deletion of important data or application failure.

6. Method 5: Resetting cache in Recovery Mode

If the Other takes more than 5GB and isn’t cleared by standard methods, it will help to reset the cache through Recovery mode.

How to do this:

1. Turn off the Redmi Note 5.
2. Press the Power + Volume buttons up at the same time and hold for 10 seconds until the MI logo appears.
3. In the Recovery menu, select a language (e.g. English).
4. Go to Wipe & Reset → Wipe Cache.
5. Confirm the action and wait for the completion.
6. Reboot the phone (Reboot) → Reboot to System).

This method helps if:

• 🔄 The phone stopped after the update. MIUI.
• 📱 Apps are constantly flying out with an error.
• 🗑️ The “Other” section does not decrease after standard cleaning.

⚠️ Warning: Don't confuse Wipe Cache with Wipe Data! The second option (factory reset) will delete all your data, including photos and contacts.

7. Method 6: Using third-party cleaning applications

If you don't want to go through the settings manually, you can use specialized utilities.

Recommendations for use:

• 🛡️ Before cleaning, back up important data.
• 🔍 Do not delete files that the program has marked as “unknown” – this may be application data.
• 📊 Check how much space is freed up after cleaning (in Settings) → Warehouse).

For example, SD Maid can find and delete up to 1-2 GB of invisible files that standard MIUI tools can’t see, but it needs root to work.

8. Method 7: Extreme measure - factory reset

If none of the methods worked, and the Other still takes more than 8-10 GB, the last option is a hard reset, which will remove all data from the phone, so you should use it only as a last resort.

How to reset:

1. Create a backup of important data (photos, contacts, messages).
2. Go to Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset → Reset settings.
3. Select “Reset All Settings” (or “Wipe All Data” in Recovery).
4. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.

After discharge:

• 📱 The phone will be like new, with stock firmware.
• 📁 The “Other” section will be reduced to 100-300 MB (norm for a clean system).
• 🔄 When you restore data from a backup, garbage can come back – watch what you restore.

⚠️ Note: On the Redmi Note 5 with the bootloader unlocked, the reset can result in an anti-rollback device lock.If you have changed the firmware, check the version before resetting. MIUI In Settings → The phone.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions