How to Clean the Other folder on Xiaomi Redmi: A Complete Guide to Safe Techniques

Why does the “Other” folder on Xiaomi Redmi take up so much space?

If you own a Xiaomi Redmi smartphone (whether it's the Note 10 Pro, Redmi 9A or the flagship model), sooner or later you'll find the mysterious "Other" folder in the Storage section, which can take anywhere from 5 to 30 GB — and this is despite the fact that you haven't installed new apps in a long time. Where does this garbage come from? 80% of the time are to blame:

App cache (especially Google Play Services, Mi Video, Browser) that is not automatically cleared

Residual files after deleting programs (e.g.,.apk,.obb, or temporary game data).

System logs and dumps (/data/tombstones, /data/anr) that MIUI creates when it fails.

Hidden MIUI updates that download in the background but are not installed.

Worst of all, the standard Cleanup function in Settings → Storage often ignores these files, resulting in users manually deleting photos or apps, unaware that up to 40% of the memory is occupied by the Other folder - and it can be safely cleaned without losing data.

This article has 5 proven methods (from simple to advanced), a table with analysis of the space occupied, and answers to frequent questions. Let's start with the safest method.

Method 1: Cleaning the application cache through MIUI settings

It’s a basic method that doesn’t require root rights and is suitable for all Redmi models (including the Redmi Note 11, Redmi 10C, POCO X3, etc.) that removes temporary files that apps create to speed up work, but over time they grow to gigabytes.

How to clean:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the top right corner and select "Sort by size."
3. Check out the list: usually the leaders are: 📱 Google Play Services (can take up to 1-2 GB) 🎬 Mi Video or Gallery (cash miniatures) 🌐 Browser or Chrome (up to 500MB) 🎮 Games (PUBG Mobile, Genshin Impact, Call of Duty)

"Storage"

"Clear the cache."

⚠️ Warning: Do not click Clear Data - this will delete all application settings (for example, logins in messengers or progress in games.

How much space will you get? On average, 500MB to 3GB, depending on how many programs you have installed, if you get the cache back quickly after cleaning, move on to the next method.

Find cache apps > 200MB| Clear Google Play Services cache | Check games (especially heavy graphics) |Delete Mi Video and Gallery cache-->

Method 2: Removal of garbage through the built-in Optimizer

MIUI has a hidden security tool that scans the system deeper than standard cleaning.

• 🗑️ Residual files (.apk,.tmp)
• 📁 Empty folders
• 🔄 Duplicate files (e.g. screenshots with the same content)
• 📥 Undetermined APK-file

Instructions:

1. Open the Security app (the shield icon) and if it's not available, download it from Google Play (the official one from Xiaomi).
2. Go to the "Cleaning" tab.
3. Click on “Deep Clean” and wait for analysis (may take 1-2 minutes).
4. Mark all the items and tap "Clear".

Importantly, this method doesn't delete system files, so it's safe, but it doesn't touch logs and dumps, it needs to be done in the next way.

Once a week.|Once a month|Only when memory ends|Never cleaned.-->

Method 3: Manual cleaning of system logs (without root)

MIUI maintains error logs that take up gigabytes over time, stored in hidden folders, not visible to the user without special tools, and fortunately, can be deleted without superuser rights using a file manager with access to system partitions.

You'll need:

• 📱 Files by Google or the application FX File Explorer from Google Play).
• 🔧 The enabled mode “Show hidden files” in the file manager settings.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the file manager and go to the root folder (/).
2. Open the /data folder (if not, skip the step).
3. Delete the contents of the following folders (if they exist): /data/tombstones — application failure logs /data/anr — hang-up» (ANR-mistake) /data/system/dropbox — system-dam
4. Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Note: Do not delete files in folders /data/app or /data/data — This will cause applications to crash. Also, don't touch files with the.db extension).

How much space will be available? 100MB to 2GB, depending on the number of crashes in the system. If there are no folders on the list, then your Redmi is not creating them (or they are already cleaned).

Method 4: Removing Misfitting MIUI Updates

Xiaomi regularly releases updates, but not all of them are installed successfully. Uninstalled service packs remain in memory and take up space in the Other section.

Where to look:

1. Open the file manager and go to /data/ota_package or /cache.
2. Delete all files with the.zip extension and the name of the view miui_*.zip.
3. Also check the /sdcard/Download folder – there may be manually downloaded firmware.

If you do not plan to update soon, you can turn off automatic download updates:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Slip on three points → “Settings” → turn off “Automatic boot”.

💡

If after removing the updates, the phone began to offer to install them again – just ignore the notification or download the latest version manually.

Method 5: Reset the cache partition (for advanced)

This is the most radical method that cleans all temporary system files, including the kernel cache and dalvik cache.It doesn't delete user data, but requires a reboot to Recovery mode.

Suitable for:

• 📉 Situations when the folder “Other” takes >10GB.
• 🐢 Slowing down the phone due to fragmented cache.
• 🔄 Preparations for the update MIUI.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.
3. From the Recovery menu, select: Wipe & Reset → Wipe Cache
4. Confirm the action and wait for the completion.
5. Reboot your phone (Reboot → System)

⚠️ Warning: Don't choose Wipe Data - it's a full factory reset! cache is only cleared via Wipe Cache.

Effect: 1 to 5 GB is released, and lags caused by overflowing cache are eliminated.The method is safe, but requires 5 to 10 minutes of time.

💡

Resetting the partition cache does not remove photos, apps or settings - only system debris.

Table: What occupies space in the “Other” folder and how to clean

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many Redmi users try to clear the Other incorrectly, resulting in data loss or crashes.

1. Delete files in /data/data folder

This folder contains settings and application data, and if you delete the contents, the programs will stop working. Solution: Clear the cache only through Settings → Applications.

2.Using "cleaners" from Google Play

Applications like Clean Master or CCleaner often delete useful files or show false "optimizations." Solution: only use built-in MIUI tools.

3. reset to factory settings without backup

Some "advisers" recommend a complete reset in overcrowded memory. This is the last resort! Solution: try all the methods in this article first.

4. Delete the folder /Android/obb

It stores additional game data (e.g., textures for Genshin Impact), and deletes it, and you have to download it again, solution: just clear the game cache through the settings.

💡

Before any manipulation of system files, back up important data (photos, contacts) through Settings → Additional → Backup.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions