Previous articleThe ‘Other’ on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Eats Memory? Learning to Clean Right

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 often encounter a mysterious “Other” section in the memory settings that takes up gigabytes of space for no apparent reason. This section includes app cache, temporary system files, remnants of deleted programs and even hidden messenger data. The problem is that standard cleaning through the “Cleanup” menu often does not solve the problem – the system continues to show occupied space, although user files have long been deleted.

Why is that happening? It's about the file system. MIUI: It aggregates small files (logs, minidumps, backups) into the “Other” category without giving direct access to their removal, for example, after updating the firmware or resetting to factory settings, these files can “hang” in memory, occupying a new memory. 10–15 GB 64/128-Gigabyte models. We'll look at this article. 5 working methods to regain control of memory – from manual cleaning to hidden functions MIUI.

⚠️ Important: Some methods require superuser rights (root) If you are not willing to risk the system's warranty or stability, skip such methods and focus on secure options (sections 1-3).

Before you start, check how much space the Other takes up. Go to Settings → About Phone → Memory. If the volume is greater than 5 GB, it’s time to act.

1. Standard cleaning through MIUI: what removes and what does not

The first and most obvious way is to use the built-in Cleanup tool, which is in Settings → Memory → Cleanup or through a desktop widget.

• 🗑️ Application cache (temporary files that are created when programs work).
• 📁 Unnecessary APK-Files (remains after application installation).
• 🔍 Log files (system and application logs).

But there’s a catch: Clearup doesn’t touch hidden messenger data (like Telegram sticker cache or WhatsApp media), and system backups that MIUI creates automatically, and you’ll have to manually delete them to remove them.

⚠️ Attention: If the volume of the Other has not decreased after cleaning, do not repeat the procedure many times, this can lead to system failures.

For maximum effect before cleaning:

1. Close all applications through the multitasking menu.
2. Reboot the phone.
3. Start the "Cleanup" immediately after turning on.

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Standard cleaning removes only surface debris. Deep cleaning requires additional tools.

2. Manual cleaning of cache and application data

Many apps (especially social networks and instant messengers) accumulate gigabytes of unnecessary data, which MIUI classifies as “Other”: for example, Facebook can store up to 1-2 GB of cache, and VK can store up to 500 MB of temporary files, to delete them:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select an app (such as Telegram or YouTube).
3. Click on Storage → Clear Cache and Clear Data (Warning: This will delete all app settings!).

⚠️ Warning: Clearing Data (not cache!) will result in logging out and resetting all app settings, only for programs that don’t store important information (such as games or weather widgets).

Pay special attention to these applications - they most often "clog" memory:

• 📱 Social media: Facebook, Instagram, VK.
• 💬 Messengers: WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber (especially their media files).
• 🎮 Games: PUBG Mobile, Genshin Impact, Call of Duty (texture cache can weigh several gigabytes).

For convenience, use size sorting: in the Application Management menu, click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Sort by Size, so you quickly find the most voracious culprits.

Clear Facebook cache |Delete media files from Telegram |Check WhatsApp |Clear game data (if you're not playing) |Delete unused apps-->

3. Delete hidden files through the file manager

Some files related to the Other are hidden from the user, which may be:

• 📂 Backup copies MIUI (folder MIUI/backup).
• 🗃️ Logs of the system (log or bugreport folders).
• 🔄 Remains of updates (folder) Download/rom).

To remove them:

1. Open the file manager (for example, the built-in Files or Solid Explorer).
2. Enable the display of hidden files: in Files, click on three lines in the upper left corner → Settings → Show hidden files.
3. Go to the root folder of the storage and delete the following directories (if any): /MIUI/backup /LOG /bugreports /Download/rom /cache

⚠️ Note: Do not delete Android folders, DCIM Or Pictures, which will cause you to lose your personal files, and don't touch files with the.db or.odex extension, because they're critical to the system.

If the file manager doesn’t let you delete the folder, try using Root Explorer (requires root rights) or connect your phone to your PC via ADB and follow the command:

adb shell rm -rf /sdcard/MIUI/backup/*

4. reset partition cache (wipe cache partition)

If previous methods didn’t work, try resetting the recovery partition cache.This won’t delete your data, but will clear temporary system files that can take up to 1-3 GB.

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power and Volume buttons up at the same time until the MI logo appears.
3. In the Recovery menu, select a language (e.g. English).
4. Go to "Wipe & Reset» → «Wipe Cache».
5. Confirm the action and wait for the completion.
6. Restart your phone via Reboot.

This method is especially useful if the Other came after a MIUI update or reset.The partition cache may contain outdated data that the system cannot delete in normal mode.

⚠️ Warning: Don't confuse "Wipe Cache" with "Wipe Data"! The second option will delete all your files and apps.

After the procedure, check the Other in your memory settings, and if it has decreased but not completely disappeared, repeat the cleanup after 1-2 days (some files can be restored when the applications are first started).

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If the phone is faster after the cache is reset, it's the fragmented system files that are the problem, and repeat this procedure every 3 to 6 months.

5. Advanced methods: ADB and root access

If you're ready to experiment, these methods will help you remove even the most stubborn files from The Other, which require technical skills and can disrupt the system!

Method 1: Cleaning through ADB

Connect your phone to your PC, turn on “Debugging over USB” (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times click on the version, then go back to “Additional” → “Developers” → turn on debugging) and follow the commands:

adb shell


su




rm -rf /data/log/*




rm -rf /cache/*




rm -rf /data/tombstones/*




rm -rf /data/dalvik-cache/*

Method 2: Removing unnecessary system packets (requires root)

With Root Explorer or Titanium Backup, you can remove pre-installed Xiaomi apps that take up space but are not in use:

• 🎵 Music (if you use a different player).
• 📺 Mi Video.
• 📰 Mi Browser.
• 🎮 Game Turbo (if you don't play).

⚠️ Note: Removal of system applications may lead to errors in the work MIUI. Before that, create a backup copy through TWRP Or Orange Backup.

Do not delete packages called com.android, com.miui or com.qualcomm, which will lead to a build-up of the phone.

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ADB and root methods offer maximum control, but they are risky, and only use them if other methods have failed.

Table: Comparison of cleaning methods of the "Other"

Frequent Questions (FAQ)