Xiaomi Redmi 9 is one of the most popular budget smartphones, but even its 64 or 128 GB of memory is eventually clogged with the mysterious category of “other files” that takes up gigabytes, but the system does not tell you what exactly it refers to: app cache, update residues, temporary files or fragments of deleted data. Unlike photos or videos, “other files” do not have a clear structure, which makes them difficult to clean.
Compounding the problem, standard MIUI tools (such as the built-in Cleaner) often ignore or delete only a small fraction of this data, resulting in users reporting memory shortages even though there are no visible “heavy” files on the device. This article will help you understand what “other files” are on Redmi 9, how to safely delete them without harming the system, and what tools are best used for this – from built-in features to third-party utilities.
What are the “Other Files” on Xiaomi Redmi 9 and Why Do They Take So Much Space?
The MIUI category of “other files” is the Android junk box, which includes data that does not fit into the standard categories (photos, videos, audio, documents).
- 🗑️ Application cache and system cache are temporary files that are created to speed up programs, but often are not deleted automatically.
- 🔄 Remains of updates - firmware files, APK-Application update packages that remain after installation.
- 📁 Fragmented data – “snippets” of deleted files that have not been completely erased from memory.
- 🤖 System Logs and Dumps – Debugging files that Android creates when crashes or for diagnostics.
- 🎮 Game data – saves, cache textures and other files that games store in non-obvious folders.
On the Redmi. 9 with its eMMC memory (as opposed to faster memory) UFS In flagships, the problem is exacerbated by the fact that cheap memory is slower to process write/delete operations, which makes temporary files more active. MIUI through OTA file /data/ota_package The archive may be weighing up to 2–3 GB that the system does not automatically remove.
⚠️ Note: Some "other files" are critical to the system's operation, such as deleting a folder /data/dalvik-cache It will crash Android and you'll need to flash it back. Always check what you delete!
Method 1: Cleaning through the built-in MIUI Cleaner
The safest, but also the most limited method, the built-in MIUI tool only removes some of the debris, but it is guaranteed not to harm the system.
- Open the Settings → Memory.
- Tap on "Clean" (or "Cleaner", depending on the version of MIUI).
- Wait for analysis. The system will show file categories, including garbage and cache.
- Click “Clear” and confirm the action.
This method will remove:
- 🧹 Cache of user applications (non-systemic!).
- 📥 Downloaded files from the browser or messengers (if they have not been opened for a long time).
- 🗃️ Empty folders and temporary files of some applications.
⚠️ Warning: Built-in cleaner doesn't touch the system cache and update files. If the space doesn't vacate after cleaning, move on to the following ways.
Method 2: Manual cleaning of the application cache
Many apps (especially social networks and instant messengers) accumulate gigabytes of cache, for example, Telegram can store up to 5 GB of media files, and TikTok can store a video cache, manual cleaning helps to free up space without removing the programs themselves.
Instructions:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Select the application (start with the most “heavy” – social networks, games, browsers).
- Tap the "Storage» → «Clear the cache».
- For a complete cleanup, click “Delete Data”, but note: this will reset the application settings!
| Annex | Typical cache size | Can you clean it without consequences? |
|---|---|---|
| 1-3 GB | Yes (but I'll have to log in again) | |
| Telegram | 2-10 GB | Yes (media files will remain in chat rooms but will be re-downloaded) |
| Google Chrome | 500 MB - 1 GB | Yes (history and bookmarks will persist) |
| PUBG Mobile | 1-2 GB | No (remove progress if not linked to your account) |
Make a backup copy of important application data
Check if your account is linked to the cloud (for gaming)
Close the application before cleaning
Reboot the smartphone after cleaning-->
Method 3: Delete update files and temporary data
MIUI often leaves behind update tails — firmware archives, log files, and temporary folders — that can be manually removed through a file manager (e.g., built-in Explore or Solid Explorer).
Folders that can be cleaned:
- 📦 /data/ota_package — Here are stored firmware archives after updating by air (OTA).
- 📂 /cache — System cache (root rights required for complete cleaning).
- 🗑️ /data/log — System logs (can be deleted, but they will recover after restarting).
- 🔄 /data/local/tmp — temporary files of the packet installer.
Critical information: The /data/dalvik-cache folder contains optimized files for fast application operation. Deleting it will lead to a cyclical reboot of the smartphone! Do not touch it unless absolutely necessary.
How to access system folders without root?
Method 4: Use of third-party utilities (SD Maid, Files by Google)
If the built-in tools don't work, third-party software will help. The best options for Redmi 9 are:
- SD Maid (requires root for full functionality): 🔍 Finds duplicate files. 🧹 Clears the cache of all applications (including system). 🗑️ Deletes empty folders and “orphan” files.
Files by Google
- 📁 Shows “unused files” (e.g. screenshots over 30 days).
- 🔄 Offers to clean the cache of messengers.
- 📱 It has built-in memory analysis.
After discharge:
- 📱 The smartphone will return to the state of “out of the box».
- 🔄 All updates MIUI I'll have to re-install.
- 📁 «Other files will disappear, but with them all your data will disappear.