Xiaomi Redmi 9 folder: how to make room without risk to the system

The “Other” folder on Xiaomi Redmi 9 smartphones is a real black hole for internal memory, which can take up from 5 to 20 GB, but users rarely understand what is stored there. Unlike photos or applications, the contents of this folder do not appear in the standard file manager, and the system insists that the space is occupied by “undefined data”.

In practice, the Other is a collection of remnants of deleted applications, cache of system processes, temporary MIUI update files, and garbage from messengers and social networks. The main problem is the inability to delete everything: some files are critical for Android, and their cleaning can lead to failures. In this article, we will discuss how to safely reduce the size of the Other folder on Redmi 9 without risking the stability of the system.

Spoiler: There's no one-size-fits-all solution. You'll have to combine built-in MIUI tools, third-party utilities, and even manual cleaning through ADB. But the result is worth the effort -- after cleaning it properly, you'll free up to 15GB of storage without losing data.

What is the “Other” folder and why does it grow?

In MIUI, the Other folder is a collective name for files that the system cannot categorize as standard (photos, videos, audio, documents).

• 📁 Application and system process cache – temporary files that should be automatically deleted but often remain “hang” after updates or crashes.
• 🔄 Remnants of Remote Programs – folders with settings, databases, and logs that are not cleared when uninstallation.
• 📥 Update files – downloaded firmware packages (.zip) that are not deleted after installation.
• 🤖 System Logs and Dumps – Reports of Errors Android Creates When Apps Crash.
• 📊 Messaging garbage – cache of stickers, thumbnails and media files from Telegram, WhatsApp or VK.

On Redmi 9, two factors exacerbate the problem:

1. The eMMC 5.1 memory architecture is slower and less efficient at managing files than the UFS flagships, which keeps temporary files stuck for longer.
2. MIUI 12/13 features: The shell actively caches data to speed up work, but does not always delete it correctly.

In our tests, Redmi 9 with 64GB of storage, the Other folder takes up an average of 8 to 12GB after a year of use, and the standard Cleaner in MIUI only removes 10 to 15 percent of that garbage.

Preparation for cleaning: what to do before you start

Before you start cleaning, follow the mandatory steps to avoid data loss or failures:

Create a backup copy of important data|Check the free space on the device|Disable automatic update of applications|Charge your phone at least 50 times%|Remember the current folder size “Other»-->

Backup is critical if you plan to use ADB or manual cleaning.

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → Backup.
2. Select Local Backup and save the data to a memory card or to the Mi Cloud.
3. Make sure that contacts, SMS and application settings are copied.

Also check the current size of the “Other” folder:

1. Open the Settings → Memory.
2. Click on the memory usage schedule.
3. Remember or take a picture of the meaning next to the “Other” sign.

If the space is less than 1 GB, it may take longer to clean due to memory fragmentation, in which case we recommend connecting the phone to the PC and transferring some of the files to the computer.

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Use Files by Google to visualize the space you're occupied, and it shows you which files are in the Other category, as opposed to the standard MIUI manager.

Method 1: Cleaning through built-in MIUI tools

Start with standard tools – they are the safest, although not as effective.

1. Memory cleaner

MIUI has a built-in garbage disposal tool:

1. Open Security. → Cleaner.
2. Press Deep Clean and wait for analysis.
3. Select all items except "Journals" and "Download" (it is better to check them manually).
4. Press Clear.

This method removes application cache, temporary files and update residues, but does not touch system data. Usually 1-3 GB is released.

2. Cleaning up the app cache

Some programs (such as Facebook, Instagram, or Telegram) can take up gigabytes of cache:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Sort the list by size (click on the three dots in the upper right corner).
3. Select an app with a large cache (like Google Play Services or MIUI Launcher).
4. Click Clear Cache (not to be confused with Clear Data!).

For instant messengers (WhatsApp, VK), it is also useful to manually delete folders with media:

• 📂 Move to the /storage/emulated/0/WhatsApp/Media (or similar path for another messenger).
• 🗑️ Delete.Statuses,.Thumbnails and old files from WhatsApp Images.

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Do not clear the cache of system applications (such as MIUI System or Android System) – this can cause interface failures.

3. Delete downloaded update files

MIUI often leaves behind firmware files weighing 1-2 GB. To delete them:

1. Open Files → Categories → Downloads.
2. Find files with names like this. miui_HM9Global_V12.0.1.0.QJCMIXM_... (zip extension).
3. Remove them manually.

If the files are not in the Downloads, check the hidden folder:

/storage/emulated/0/Download/rom

Method 2: Manually cleansing through the file manager

For advanced users, a deep cleaning method via Root Explorer or Solid Explorer (root rights are not required).

Warning: Do not delete files unless you are sure of their purpose! an error can result in data loss or the need to reset the phone to factory settings.

1. Folders that can be cleaned

2. How to find and delete hidden files

Many files in "The Other" are hidden to be seen:

1. Install Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer.
2. Enable the display of hidden files in the application settings.
3. Go to the root directory (/storage/emulated/0/).
4. Look for folders with a dot at the beginning of the name (e.g..data,.cache).

Pay particular attention to:

• 🗃️ /storage/emulated/0/.estrongs/ — file manager ES Explorer.
• 📱 /storage/emulated/0/.MIUI/ — shell-file.
• 🔄 /storage/emulated/0/tencent/MicroMsg/ — WeChat cache (if not used).

Method 3: Cleaning through ADB (for advanced)

If standard methods don't work, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge) to remove system debris, which requires connecting your phone to a PC.

1. Preparation

Download and install:

• 🖥️ Platform Tools (includes adb).
• 🔌 Turn on Debugging. USB on the phone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Press 7 times, then return to Additional → For developers).

Cleaning commands

Connect Redmi 9 to your PC and execute:

adb shell


su




pm clear com.miui.home #Cleaning up launcher cache




rm -rf /data/local/tmp/* # Delete temporary files




rm -rf /data/log/* # Clearing Logs (requires root)




exit

Warning: the rm-rf command without root permissions will only delete a portion of the files, and you need an unlocked bootloader and superuser rights to clean the files completely.

3. Alternative - a script for automatic cleaning

If you do not want to enter commands manually, use the ready-made script:

1. Download the MIUI Debloat Tool.
2. Connect your phone and start the cleanup.bat script.
3. Select the Clean Cache & Junk option.

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After cleaning through ADB, restart the phone. The first launch can take up to 5 minutes - that's fine.

Method 4: Reset to factory settings (extreme case)

If the Other folder takes up more than 15GB and other methods have failed, it's a radical way to reset, but it's guaranteed to clean up all the trash.

1. How to do the reset correctly

1. Create a backup copy (see the Preparation section).
2. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
3. Choose to erase all data.
4. Confirm the action and wait for the completion (it will take 10-15 minutes).

2. What to do after discharge

• 🔧 Do not restore data from the backup immediately – first check if the garbage will return.
• 📱 Install only the necessary applications (avoid junk programs like memory cleaners).
• 🔄 Turn off automatic app updates on Google Play.

Important: Once reset, the Other folder will weigh 1-2GB, which is normal. It will grow back over time, but now you know how to control it.

How to prevent re-clogging of memory

To prevent the “Other” folder from growing again, follow these rules:

• 🗑️ Clean the cache regularly - run the cleaner once a month MIUI.
• 📱 Remove unused apps – especially games and instant messengers.
• 🔄 Turn off automatic media downloading in WhatsApp/Telegram (Settings → Data and memory).
• 📁 Transfer files to a memory card – photos, videos and music are better stored on the computer SD.
• 🔧 Update. MIUI timely - in new versions, garbage bugs are often corrected.

It is also useful to monitor “problem” applications:

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If the Other folder grows fast again after cleaning, check your phone for viruses with Malwarebytes or Dr.Web Light.

FAQ: Frequent questions about cleaning the "Other" folder