The “Other” section in Xiaomi Redmi 9 memory is a real headache for many users. It can take up 10 to 30 GB of precious space, and the system insists that it “cannot be removed.” In fact, it is not: some of these files can be safely cleaned, and some even transferred to a memory card. In this article, we will discuss all the ways, including hidden MIUI functions, which are not shown in standard settings.
The problem is that under the category “Other” Xiaomi hides several types of data: cache system applications, temporary update files, error logs, remnants of deleted programs and even hidden backups that create MIUI Cloud without your knowledge. Just clicking “Clean” in the memory settings will not work here – you need to act point-by-point. We tested all methods on Redmi 9 with MIUI 12-14 and selected only those that actually vacate space.
Why The Other Takes So Much Space on Redmi 9
On the Redmi 9, which is 64 or 128GB of storage, the Other section often grows to illogical sizes, for three key reasons:
- 📱 Systemic debris MIUI: Temporary update files (.zip and.apk), Google Play Services cache and MIUI System Launcher that does not automatically clean.
- 🗑️ Remnants of Remote Applications: Even after uninstallation, programs leave files in folders /data/data/ and /Android/obb/.
- 🔄 Hidden backups: MIUI automatically creates backup settings, SMS and call logs in a folder MIUI/backup/, weighing 5–7 GB.
Another invisible memory eater is the dalvik-cache files, which take up to 1-2 GB and are recreated after rebooting, but can be forcibly cleaned through Recovery, which is more detailed in the Deep Cleanup section.
Safe Ways to Clean the Other Without Root Rights
If you don't have superuser rights, start with these methods, which don't require complicated manipulation and are suitable even for beginners:
- Cleaning the cache of system applications Go to Settings → Annexes → App management, click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Show System. Sort by size and clear the cache at: 📌 Google Play Services (can weigh up to 1-2 GB) 📌 MIUI System Launcher (cash icons and animations) 📌 Media Storage (Photo and Video Miniatures)
Delete temporary update files
folder /cache/ and /data/ota_package/ They store uploaded firmware to remove it:
1. Open the file manager (e.g. Files by Google).
2. Go to Internal Memory → Cache and delete all the contents.
3 Go back and find the ota_package folder — delete the files with the.zip extension.Do not delete the cache folders and ota_package The system will restore them automatically if necessary.
💡
If the app starts to slow down after cleaning the cache, restart the phone. MIUI reassembles the cache in 5-10 minutes.
Deep Cleaning with Recovery Mode
If standard methods don't work, use Recovery mode, which is safer than root, but requires caution:
- Enter Recovery Turn off Redmi 9, then press the Power button + Volume up until the MI logo appears. From the menu, select the language (if you have a choice) and go to Wipe & Reset.
- Select Wipe Cache (not to be confused with Wipe Data!) This will delete temporary files of the Android virtual machine, freeing up 1-2 GB.
- Resetting settings MIUI If the Other takes up more than 15GB, try Wipe All Data.Caution: This will delete all user data, but return the memory to its original state. If you press the buttons, the phone vibrates but does not load into Recovery, then the boot partition is damaged.
☑️ Preparation for cleaning through Recovery
Hidden folders and files that can be deleted
With a file manager with access to system folders (such as FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer), find and delete the following data:
| Folder/file | Way | What it keeps. | Is it safe to remove? |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIUI/backup/ | /sdcard/MIUI/backup/ | Backup copies of SMS, call logs, notes | Yes. |
| Android/obb/ | /sdcard/Android/obb/ | Additional game data (can weigh 5-10 GB) | Yes, if the games are not used |
| thumbnails/ | /sdcard/DCIM/.thumbnails/ | Photo and video miniatures (up to 1-2 GB) | Yes. |
| log/ and logs/ | /sdcard/log/, /sdcard/logs/ | System and application error logs | Yes. |
⚠️ Note: Do not delete Android folders, MIUI or DCIM Also avoid files with the extension.db (app database) and.odex (optimized code).
How to transfer a part of the “Other” to a memory card
If your Redmi 9 has a microSD slot, you can transfer some files from the Other section to an external drive.
- Format the card as internal memory Go to Settings → Memory → Memory Map and choose Format as internal.
- Transfer applications and their data to Settings → Applications select the program, click Storage and select Change → Memory Map. This will transfer.obb and.apk files.
- Manual folder transfer With the help of FX File Explorer Move the Folders Android/obb/, MIUI/backup/ and Download/ to a memory card, and then create symbolic links (root or ADB). 💡Formatting a card as an internal memory will reduce its speed by 10–15%, but will allow you to transfer applications.
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