The Other section in Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphone storage is a real black hole for users. It can take up 5 to 30 GB of storage, but it doesn't show specific files that can be manually deleted. Why is this happening? The fact is that under this category hides the app cache, temporary system files, error logs, dalvik-cache data, and fragmented remnants of remote programs. MIUI (the Xiaomi shell) does not provide tools for detailed analysis of this section, which raises a lot of questions: can it be cleaned, will not harm the phone, and what files are safe to delete.
In this article, we’ll look at all the ways to clean the Other, from standard MIUI features to hidden commands via ADB and third-party utilities, which files can be deleted without risk, and which ones can’t be touched, and we’ll also explain why the Other is refilled over time and how to minimize this process. If your Xiaomi constantly shows “Memory is full,” but you don’t understand where the gigabytes went, this is the guide for you.
What is the “Other” section on Xiaomi and why it takes up so much space
On Xiaomi smartphones, the “Other” section in the storage menu (Settings → Memory) is a generalized category for files that the system cannot classify as photos, videos, audio or documents.
- 🗑️ Application cache and systems are temporary files that are created to speed up programs, such as YouTube or Telegram caches that can weigh several gigabytes.
- 📜 Logs and error dumps – files that the system records when crashes (/data/log, /data/anr). They are needed for diagnosis, but are rarely used by users.
- 🧩 Dalvik-cache files – optimized versions of applications for the Android virtual machine (/data/dalvik-cache). You can delete them, but they will recover the next application launch.
- 🔄 Remnants of Remote Applications – Incorrectly deleted programs leave folders in their wake /data/data or /data/app.
- 📁 Hidden folders MIUI — for example, /MIUI/sspace (wallpaper data) or /MIUI/backup (backup).
The main problem is that MIUI does not show the detailed composition of the Other, and the standard cleaning through Settings → Memory → Clean only removes surface debris. Moreover, some files (such as dalvik-cache) are restored automatically after rebooting, which creates the illusion of useless cleaning.
According to tests on Xiaomi 12T and Redmi Note 11 Pro+, the “Other” partition can take up to 20-25% of the total memory, with 70% of them being cache and logs that can be safely deleted, but 30% are critical system files, deleting which will lead to failures.
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Don’t try to delete the Other completely, it will cause the system to crash, but only clear the safe categories: cache, logs, and application residues.
Method 1: Standard cleaning through MIUI (the safest method)
Before you resort to radical measures, try the built-in MIUI tools. They will not delete all the Other, but will help you free up 1-5 GB of memory without risk.
- Hand-cleaning of garbage:
- Removal of the cache of individual applications:
This method will not delete hidden system files, but will help to get rid of unnecessary cache. for example, on the POCO X3 Pro, after such a cleanup, 2-3 GB of memory is released.
Clear the app cache|Remove unnecessary APK-file|Remove temporary download files|Clean the gallery basket-->
⚠️ Note: Do not use the Clear Data feature for system applications (e.g, MIUI System or Google Services Framework.This can cause errors in the smartphone.
Method 2: Cleaning with Safe Mode (to remove malicious files)
If the Other takes up more than 10 GB and the phone is slowing down, it may be viruses or malfunctioning apps that are to blame, in which case Safe Mode, which only runs system processes, will help.
How to start:
- 🔄 Press the power button until the off menu appears.
- 👆 Press and hold “Switch Off” (or “Reset” on some models).
- ✅ Confirm the transition to Safe Mode (at the bottom of the screen will appear the inscription).
In this mode:
- 🛡️ Check if the size of the Other has decreased – if so, the problem is in third-party apps.
- 🔍 Remove suspicious programs through Settings → Annexes.
- 🧹 Repeat the deep memory cleanup (see Method 1).
On Redmi 9A, after removing the virus through Safe Mode, users freed up to 8GB of storage in the Other section.
How do I get out of Safe Mode?
Method 3: Using ADB for deep cleaning (for advanced users)
If standard methods don’t work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a debugging tool that allows you to delete system files without root permissions, which requires caution, since the wrong commands can damage the system.
What you need:
- 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Tools.
- 📱 Included debugging by USB on Xiaomi (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to tap → Return to the Extra → For developers → Debugging by USB).
- 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
Cleaning commands (enter cmd or terminal):
adb shell pm clear --user 0 com.miui.cleanmaster # Cleaning the built-in cleaner
adb shell rm -rf /data/local/tmp/* # Delete temporary files
adb shell rm -rf /data/log/* # Clearing Logs (Secure)
adb shell rm -rf /data/dalvik-cache/* # Cleanup dalvik-cache (restored automatically)Critically, do not delete files in /system, /vendor or /data/app folders without understanding the consequences.
| ADB Team Team | What's removed | Safe? |
|---|---|---|
| rm -rf /data/log/* | Logs and error dumps | ✅ Yes. |
| rm -rf /data/local/tmp/* | Temporary files | ✅ Yes. |
| pm clear --user 0 [package] | Cache and application-specific data | ✅ Yes (but the settings will reset) |
| rm -rf /data/dalvik-cache/* | Cash Dalvik (to be restored) | ⚠️ Yeah, but the phone will brake until it reboots. |
| rm -rf /data/app/* | All user applications | ❌ No (remove all programs) |
⚠️ Warning: If the phone stops turning on after the commands are executed, try to go to Recovery Mode (power button) + Volume up) and select Wipe Cache Partition. This often solves problems after improper cleaning.
Method 4: Third-Party Applications for Analysis of the “Other”
If you don't want to work with ADB, you can use third-party fileymi managers that show hidden folders.
- 📂 Files by Google is a simple garbage cleaner that shows large files, but not all hidden folders.
Example of working with SD Maid:
- 📥 Install the app from Google Play.
- 🔍 Run scanning (CorpseFinder for application residues, SystemCleaner for logs).
- 🗑️ Delete the files found (do not touch the system folders!).
On the Xiaomi Mi 11, after scanning SD Maid, users found up to 4 GB of garbage in /data/log and /data/tombstones folders (error dumps).
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Before using SD Maid or similar utilities, back up important data. Some applications may delete files necessary for programs to run.
Why the Other is Filling Again and How to Prevent It
Even after cleaning it completely, the Other section grows again over time.
- 📱 App cache – Facebook, Instagram and instant messengers are constantly creating new temporary files.
- 🤖 Background processes MIUI — The system keeps logs for diagnosis, even if you don't use them.
- 🗑️ Remains of updates - after update MIUI The old files remain in the /cache.
- 📦 Auto-Save Media – Some apps (like WhatsApp) save photos and videos to hidden folders.
How to slow down the growth of the Other:
- 🔄 Turn off auto-update apps on Google Play.
- 📵 Limit background activity for unnecessary programs (Settings) → Battery → Optimizing the battery).
- 🗃️ Move heavy applications to SD-card (if supported).
- 🧹 Clean the cache regularly (once in a row) 1-2 weekdays).
On POCO F3, after disabling auto updates and limiting the application background, the growth of the Other slowed from 500 MB per week to 100-150 MB.
What to do if nothing helps: extreme measures
If the “Other” takes more than 15 GB and the standard methods do not work, radical ways remain:
- 🔄 Reset to factory settings (Settings) → The phone. → Resetting! Deletes everything, including photos and apps, but returns the phone to a "clean" state.
- 📥 Fastboot flashing — if the smartphone is slowing down due to corrupted system files. Requires a computer and knowledge of Fastboot commands.
- 🛠️ Getting root-rights – gives full access to system folders, but deprives of guarantees and can disrupt the work MIUI.
Warning: Resetting settings will remove:
- 📸 All photos and videos (unless saved to the cloud).
- 📱 Installed applications and their data.
- 🔑 Passwords from Wi-Fi and accounts.
On Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro after the reset, the “Other” section was reduced from 22 GB to 3-4 GB.
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Resetting is the last option. Before you do that, be sure to save the data to the Mi Cloud or your computer.