The “Other” section of Xiaomi Redmi 9’s storage is a real headache for many users, it can take up tens of gigabytes, but it doesn’t show which files fill it. Unlike photos, videos or apps, the contents of this section are hidden from view, which makes it difficult to clean it. If your smartphone constantly gives notifications about memory shortages, and in the “Other” section there is 10-30 GB of “junk” – this article will help to understand the reasons and return free space.
The problem is not new: owners of Redmi 9 (including Redmi 9A, 9C, 9T) often face the fact that the system opaquely distributes memory, dumping in the “Other” cache of applications, temporary files, update remnants and even data from remote programs. In this article, we will not only show how to clean the “Other” on the Xiaomi Redmi 9, but also explain why this partition grows by leaps and how to prevent it from being refilled.
What is the “Other” section in Xiaomi Redmi 9 and why is it filled?
The Other section (or “Other” in the English version of MIUI) is a hidden storage area where the system resets files that do not fall into the standard categories (Apps, Images, Videos, etc.) and can include:
- 📁 App cache including Google Play Services cache, MIUI System and social media).
- 🔄 Update residues (download folders with firmware, temporary files) OTA).
- 🗑️ Deleted files that have not been completely erased (for example, after cleaning the gallery).
- 📱 User profile data (if you use multiple accounts).
- 🔧 System Logs and Memory Dumps (Created When Failed or Debugged).
On Redmi 9 with MIUI 12-14, the problem is compounded by the system aggressively caches data to speed up work, but it doesn’t always properly clear the cache after closing applications, for example, after watching videos on YouTube or TikTok, temporary files can remain in memory for weeks, taking up hundreds of megabytes.
Another reason is file system errors: If the smartphone is not properly disconnected during the recording of data (for example, the battery is dead), some files can be lost and get into the Other.
Method 1: Cleaning the application cache manually
The most obvious source of garbage in the Other section is the application cache, which can be cleaned for individual programs and globally in MIUI, starting with the first option:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Choose an app that takes up a lot of space (like Facebook, Telegram, or Google Chrome).
- Press "Storage» → «Clear the cache».
For mass cleaning of cache of all applications:
- Go to Settings → Memory → Cleanup.
- Click on “Deep Clean” (confirmation may be required).
- Select "Cash" and confirm the action.
⚠️ Caution: Clearing the cache does not delete personal data (logins, messages), but can slow down applications when they first run after cleaning. VK They'll take longer to load the tape.
☑️ What to clean up first?
Method 2: Delete temporary files and update residues
MIUI often leaves behind tails from system and application updates, which can weigh anywhere from 500MB to several gigabytes and are hidden in Download, MIUI or cached folders to find them:
- Connect your smartphone to your PC and open it as a flash drive (or use a file manager on your phone, such as Mi File Manager).
- Go to the root folder of the storage and find the following directories: /sdcard/Download/ota_update — here's the firmware. /sdcard/MIUI/backup/AllBackup — backup. /sdcard/Android/data — cache.
.zip
.apk
2023-10-15
🔹 Tip: If you're afraid to delete something important, transfer suspicious files to your PC, and then check to see if the space on your smartphone has disappeared.
| folder | What it keeps. | Can I remove it? |
|---|---|---|
| /Download/ota_update | Firmware OTA-update | Yes, if the update has already been installed |
| /MIUI/backup | Backup copies of settings | Yes, unless you plan to restore. |
| /Android/data/com.xiaomi.market | Cash Mi App Store | Yeah, clears up without consequences. |
| /DCIM/.thumbnails | Photo miniatures | Yes, they will be recreated. |
💡
Before deleting folders, back up important data, such as copying the DCIM folder to your computer or cloud.
Method 3: Using the built-in MIUI tools
MIUI has a few built-in memory cleanup utilities, but they're not always effective against the Other, but they're worth trying out:
- Memory Cleanup in Security: Open the Security app (shield icon). Select Cleanup → Deep Cleanup. Mark Residual Files, Cache, and Unnecessary APKs.
Storage optimization:
- Go to Settings. → Memory.
- Click “Optimize” (the system will prompt you to delete duplicate files and unnecessary data).
This method is especially useful if the Other grew after a failed MIUI update or a system failure, for example, if the smartphone suddenly restarted while installing the firmware, the cache could remain uncleaned.
What if the “Other” section has not decreased after the wipe cache?
Method 5: Complete resetting of settings (last resort)
If none of the methods worked, and the Other still takes 10+GB, the last resort is a hard reset, which will delete all the data on the device, so first:
- 📲 Backup your contacts, photos, and important files (for example, via Mi Cloud or Google Drive).
- 🔐 Write down logins and passwords from accounts (they will be deleted).
- 📥 Save it. SMS and call history (using apps like this) SMS Backup & Restore).