Xiaomi Redmi’s “Other Files” folder: what it is and how to clean it without harming the system

The Other Files folder (or Other in the English version of MIUI) is one of the most mysterious and annoying features of Xiaomi Redmi smartphones. It can take up from 5 to 30 GB of memory, but the system does not show what exactly is stored there. Users often face a situation where free space on the device is running out, and it is these “other files” that are to blame for the memory analysis.

Unlike obvious categories like Photos, Videos, or Applications, the Other folder collects everything that MIUI cannot automatically classify: system process cache, temporary update files, remnants of deleted applications, error logs, and even fragments of downloaded but uninstalled APKs. Standard cleaning tools (such as the built-in Cleaner) often ignore this data, leaving the user confused.

In this article, we will explain what is stored in Other Files**, why they accumulate so quickly, and most importantly, how to remove them safely without risking damage to the system. The instructions are relevant for all Redmi models (including Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10/13C and others) on MIUI 12, 13 and 14.

What is the “Other Files” folder and why is it growing?

The Other folder (or “Others” in Russian firmware) is a dumping ground for files that MIUI cannot categorize as standard.

• 🗑️ Cache of system applications (e.g. com.miui.system or com.android.phone) that is not automatically cleaned.
• 📦 Remnants of Remote Applications: Folders /data/data/ and /data/app-lib/ data-snippet.
• 🔄 Temporary update files (OTA), which remain after the installation of new versions MIUI.
• 📝 Error logs and system dumps (e.g. files with.log or.dumpstate extension).
• 🎮 Cache games, especially if you play heavy projects like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile.
• 📥 Uncompleted downloads from browsers or instant messengers (for example, Telegram or WhatsApp).

The main problem is that MIUI doesn’t always delete these files correctly after you use them, for example, after you update the system, the /cache folder may remain clogged with installation packages weighing 1-3 GB. Or the game you deleted long ago will leave behind 500 MB of cache in hidden directories.

Another caveat: some files in Other can't be deleted without root rights, because they belong to system processes, but most of the garbage can be manually cleaned -- more on that.

Method 1: Cleaning through the built-in “cleaner” (without root)

The easiest way is to use the built-in Cleaner app (com.miui.cleanmaster), which is on all Redmis by default and can find some of the garbage from the Other folder.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the Cleaner app (icon with broomstick).
2. Click on Deep Clean (or Deep Clean in English).
3. Wait for the scan and select categories: 🧹 Application cache (the safest point). 🗑️ Garbage files (includes temporary data). 📁 Large files (check manually before deleting!).

"Clean it up"

⚠️ Note: Do not delete files from the section «APK-* files, unless you're sure they're not needed, it could be backups of applications or undeleted updates.

This method will remove up to 1-3 GB of debris, but will not affect deep system files.

Method 2: Manual cleaning through Files (for power users)

If the built-in Cleaner fails, you can manually check folders where garbage usually accumulates. Use the standard Files app** (com.mi.android.globalFileexplorer).

What folders to check:

How to clean:

1. Open the files. → Internal memory.
2. Turn on the hidden folder display (three dots in the upper right corner → “Show hidden files”**).
3. Go to the folders from the table above and delete unnecessary files.

⚠️ Note: Do not delete folders with the names com.android. or com.miui. - this can cause system failures. /system or /vendor rootless.

💡

If you can't delete a folder, check if it's being used by an app, such as Telegram or WhatsApp cache, which can be blocked while the messenger is running in the background.

Method 3: Clear the cache of all applications (without data loss)

App cache is one of the main culprits of inflating the Other folder, and it can be cleaned en masse without removing the apps themselves or their settings.

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select “Sort by size”**.
3. Open each major app (e.g. Facebook, Instagram, games) and click Clear Cache.
4. To speed up the process, use the “Clear Cache of All Applications” button** (available in some versions of MIUI).

Clearing the cache of Google Play Services and MIUI System can temporarily slow down your phone, but after 10-15 minutes, everything will return to normal.

Method 4: Delete Temporary Update Files (OTA)

After each MIUI update, 1-3GB installation files remain in the /cache folder, and can be safely deleted if the update is already installed.

How to find and delete:

1. Open the files. → Internal memory. → cache.
2. Find files with names like this: update.zip miui_HMNote10_V13.0.1.0...zip (name depends on the model bluetooth, recovery (unless you plan to reflash your phone)

Remove them (if the update is successful).

⚠️ Note: If you haven’t completed the upgrade (for example, your phone turned off during installation), don’t delete these files – they may be needed to restore your system.

Method 5: Resetting cache via Recovery (advanced method)

If previous methods didn’t work, you can reset the cache through Recovery mode.This won’t delete your data, but will clear the system cache, which is usually not available.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.
3. From the Recovery menu, select “Wipe Cache Partition”** (Manage volume buttons, confirm – power button).
4. After cleaning, select “Reboot”** to reboot.