Why The Other Takes Gigabytes of Memory on Your Redmi – and How to Fix It
Have you ever looked into the Storage section of your Xiaomi Redmi and found in horror that the mysterious Other category is eating up 5 to 20 GB of precious memory? It's not a system bug -- it's a cluster of temporary files, app cache, logs and remnants of deleted programs that MIUI doesn't default to classify as junk. Unlike obvious categories like Photos or Video, the Other section is a black box where a smartphone dumps everything it can't categorize as "ject" to a particular type of data.
The problem is that standard cleaning tools (like the built-in Optimizer) often ignore these files, and meanwhile, they can take up to 30% of the total memory of the device, especially on the Redmi Note 10/11/12 or POCO X3/X4 models, where users actively install and remove applications. The good news is that most of this garbage can be removed manually — without resetting to factory settings and without root rights. Next, we will analyze 5 proven methods, including hidden MIUI functions and third-party tools.
⚠️ Attention: Some methods require caution, such as cleaning a folder. /data/log It can cause system logs to crash and deleting files from the system /android/obb — Always back up important data before you start.
Method 1: Clear cache and temporary files through hidden MIUI menu
The safest and fastest method is to use built-in MIUI tools that many Redmi users don't notice, which is a hidden "Memory" section that collects all the temporary data that the system can delete without risking stability.
How to get there:
- Open the Settings. → The phone.
- Tap 5 times on the MIUI version line (this will open the developer mode, but we don’t need it – just a step to unlock hidden menus).
- Return to the main settings menu and select Memory → Clean.
- Click on Deep Clean (not to be confused with the usual Clean button).
Here you will see a breakdown by category, including:
- 📁 Application cache – remnants from remote programs (may weigh up to a maximum of two years) 3-5 GB).
- 🗑️ Temporary files – downloads, thumbnails, previews.
- 📊 System logs – error logs and reports (/data/log).
- 🎮 Game remnants - files from /android/obb, Who didn't leave with the game.
🔹 Important: Not all files in this menu can be deleted safely, for example, the category "App Data" may contain important settings. Never clear the "System Data" section, this will cause a crash. MIUI.
Method 2: Manually remove garbage through file manager
If the internal cleanup didn’t work, it’s time to dig deeper. Many files from the Other section are stored in hidden folders that don’t show up in standard Explorer. We’ll need a file manager with root rights or access to system partitions (like FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer).
Where to look for garbage:
| folder | What it keeps. | Can I remove it? |
|---|---|---|
| /data/log | System and error logs | Yeah (except) last_kmsg) |
| /android/obb | Additional game files (e.g. Genshin Impact, Call of Duty) | Yes, if the game is deleted. |
| /data/local/tmp | Temporary installer files | Yes. |
| /sdcard/DCIM/.thumbnails | Photo and video miniatures | Yes (restore automatically) |
| /data/app-lib | Remnants of Remote Applications | Yeah, but be careful. |
🔹 Warning: Delete files from /data/data or /system If you don't have root rights, you can break the system.
☑️ What can be safely removed manually
Method 3: Using ADB for deep cleaning (no root)
If you're not afraid of command prompt, ADB (Android Debug Bridge) will help remove debris that isn't visible even through the file manager.This method works on all Redmis with MIUI 12/13/14 and doesn't require superuser rights.
What you need:
- 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB-driver.
- 📱 Included mode “Debugging by” USB» on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to tap → return to → For developers).
- 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
Cleanup commands:
adb shell pm clear com.miui.cleanmaster # Reset the built-in optimizer
adb shell rm -rf /data/local/tmp/* # Delete temporary files
adb shell rm -rf /data/log/* # Log Clearance (except last_kmsg)
adb shell pm trim-caches -1 # Cache cleanup of all user applications⚠️ Note: pm clear command will reset the settings of the built-in optimizer MIUI. After it is completed, you will have to reconfigure the automatic cleaning.
💡
If ADB does not recognize the device, try to enter the command adb kill-server, then turn off / connect the smartphone again.
Method 4: Third-Party Apps to Clean the “Other”
If manual methods seem complicated, you can use specialized utilities, but not all programs are equally useful — many (like Clean Master or CCleaner) just simulate cleaning, and in fact only remove surface debris. We tested 3 applications that really help with the Other section:
1. Files by Google
- ✅ Free, no advertising.
- ✅ Finds duplicates and large files.
- ❌ Does not clear the system cache.
2. SD Maid (requires root for full functionality)
- ✅ Remove Remnants of Remote Applications.
- ✅ Cleans databases and empty folders.
- ❌ Without root, it works in a limited way.
3. Storage Analyzer & Disk Usage
- ✅ Shows which files are in the “Other” section».
- ✅ Exporting reports to CSV.
- ❌ Does not delete files automatically.
🔹 Tip: Before using any cleaner, check the reviews on 4PDA or XDA Developers – some programs (for example, DU Speed Boosters may contain malicious code.
💡
SD Maid is the only app on the list that can clear the /data/app-lib folder without root, but you need to activate the Recycle Bin mode in the settings.
Method 5: Recovery Mode Cache Reset (Last Chance)
If all previous methods failed and the Other section is still gigabytes long, hard cache resets through recovery mode, which will not delete your data (photos, contacts, messages), but will clear all temporary system files, including those that are not visible to the user.
How to do this:
- Turn off your smartphone.
- Press the Power button + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.
- From the Recovery menu, select Wipe & Reset → Wipe Cache.
- Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.
⚠️ Note: Some Redmi models (e.g. Note 9 Pro or Note 9 Pro) K40) After this procedure, the encryption may go off. If you use a password or a pattern lock, back up in advance!
🔹 What does this method do:
- 🧹 Complete cleaning of dalvik cache (accelerates the system operation).
- 🗑️ Delete all temporary files, including those that are not visible through the ADB.
- 🔄 Recovery of “hang” updates MIUI.
What if after resetting the cache, the smartphone began to slow down?
How to prevent the “Other” section from being refilled
Cleaning up the memory is only half the battle, so that the Other section doesn't grow back, follow these rules:
1. Set up automatic cleaning in MIUI:
- Go to Settings → Memory → Autoclean.
- Turn on the option “Clear the cache when locking the screen”.
- Set a limit for “Delete unused files” (recommended 1-2 GB).
2. Control the installation of applications:
- 🚫 Avoid “junk” programs from unknown sources.
- 🔄 Update apps regularly – new versions often optimize memory usage.
- 🗑️ Remove games through Settings → Apps, not just dragging an icon into a shopping cart.
3. Use cloud storage:
- 🎵 For music and video, set up an automatic download to YouTube Music or Spotify.
🔹 Preventive tip: Check the “Other” section once a month through Settings → Memory. If it's larger than 3 GB, repeat cleaning as instructed above.