How to Clean the Other folder on Xiaomi Redmi 9C: The Complete 2026 Guide

The “Other” folder on the Xiaomi Redmi 9C smartphone is a real black hole for free space, it can take up 5 to 20 GB of memory, and the system insists that there are “system files” that can not be deleted. In practice, this folder accumulates the remnants of deleted applications, cache, log files and debris from updates. If your Redmi 9C began to slow down and memory ends in the same place, the problem is in “Other”.

In this article, we’ll look at 5 proven ways to clean the Other folder, from standard MIUI tools to hidden features and third-party utilities, which files can be deleted without risk to the system and which should not be touched, and explain why The Other fills up so quickly on Redmi 9C and how to prevent re-clogging. All instructions are adapted to MIUI 12/13/14 and do not require root rights.

⚠️ Important: Back up your important data before cleaning up. Some methods may affect user files if you make the wrong folder selection.

What is the “Other” folder on Xiaomi Redmi 9C and why it is filled

The Other folder (or Other in the English version of MIUI) is a collection category for files that the system cannot classify as standard partitions (Photos, Videos, Audio, etc.) and includes:

• 🗑️ App caches are temporary files that programs create to speed things up, such as YouTube or TikTok caches that can weigh a few gigabytes.
• 📄 Log files – records of system and application operation. MIUI Actively conducts logs for diagnosis, but rarely cleans them.
• 🔄 Remnants of Remote Applications – Not all programs are deleted completely, leaving folders in the folder behind. /data/data.
• 📦 Update archives – firmware and update files MIUI, which the system does not always remove after installation.
• 🎮 Game files – saves, additional resources (e.g. textures in Genshin Impact or PUBG Mobile).

On the Redmi 9C, the problem is exacerbated by the small amount of internal memory (32 or 64 GB) and the aggressive policy of MIUI caching. The system actively reserves space for its needs, and the user remains crumbs. For example, after upgrading to MIUI 14, many owners of Redmi 9C noticed that the folder “Other” was inflated by 3-7 GB due to duplicate firmware files.

Another reason is a file manager error, where MIUI sometimes misclassifies files by sending them to Other instead of the appropriate categories, such as downloaded.pdf or.apk documents that might end up there instead of Downloads.

Method 1: Cleaning through the built-in Optimization tool

The safest method is to use MIUI's regular utility, called Optimization (formerly Security), which can find and delete junk files, including some of the contents of the Other folder.

1. Open the Optimization app** (icon with shield and wrench).
2. Go to the Cleanup tab** (or Storage in newer versions of MIUI).

“Clear” and confirm the action.

🔹 What this method will remove: up to 1-3 GB of cache and temporary files. However, deep system files from The Other will remain intact.

⚠️ Warning: Do not clear the Downloads section** through Optimization, there may be important files.

Method 2: Manually cleansing through file manager

If the internal cleanup didn't work, you can manually delete some files from the Other folder, which is a standard MI File Manager or a third-party manager like Solid Explorer, and it's important to be careful not to damage the system.

📌 What folders can be cleaned:

🚫 What folders can't be touched:

• 🛑 /system, /vendor — system partitions, damage will lead to a device blink.
• 🛑 /data/app — here are stored installed applications.
• 🛑 MIUI/backup — backup.

⚠️ Note: If you delete the folder of the current application (for example, com.whatsapp), it will stop working!

💡

Before removing folders from Android/data, check if the app is in use, for example, if you haven't played Free Fire in a long time, but the com.dts.freefireth folder is still there, you can delete it.

Method 3: Cleaning through Recovery and Fastboot modes

If the Other folder has grown to 10+GB and standard methods don't work, you can use Recovery Modes, which are more radical measures, but they allow you to remove system debris that is not available through MIUI.

🔧 Method 1: Cleaning the cache through Recovery

1. Turn off the Redmi 9C.
2. Press Volume Up + Power and hold until the MI logo appears.
3. From the Recovery menu, select “Wipe & Reset” → “Wipe Cache”** (use volume buttons for navigation, power for confirmation).
4. Confirm the action and wait for the completion.
5. Reboot the phone ("Reboot» → «Reboot to System»**).

🔹 What it will do: Delete the update cache, temporary system files and firmware residues. 1-5 GB free.

🔧 Method 2: Fastboot Reset (for experienced users)

This is a good way to do this if you're sure that the problem is with corrupted system files, and it will reset the phone to factory settings, but it will keep the Other folder intact (it will have to be cleaned separately).

fastboot -w

⚠️ Attention: Fastboot Team -w erases all user data, including photos and apps, and only use it if other methods fail.

Method 4: Using ADB for deep cleaning

If you’re ready to work with Android Debug Bridge (ADB), you can delete junk files that aren’t visible through the standard interface, which requires a computer connection, but allows you to clear up to 5-10 GB of “Other.”

🖥️ Instructions:

1. Install ADB and Fastboot Tools on PC.
2. Enable USB Debugging** on Redmi 9C (Settings → More → Developer).

adb shell


pm clear com.miui.cleanmaster # Cleaning the cache "Optimization"




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




rm -rf /sdcard/MIUI/debug_log/* # Deletion of logs




rm -rf /sdcard/Download/*.apk # Remove old APKs

🔹 Which teams are safe:

• 📌 rm -rf /sdcard/MIUI/debug_log/* — log out MIUI.

⚠️ Note: Do not use commands like rm. -rf /data/* — This will delete all user data and will lead to the need to flash the flashing!

💡

ADB allows you to delete files that are not visible through the file manager, but requires caution. Always check the paths before executing commands.

Method 5: Third-party cleaning applications

If you don't want to go through the settings, you can use specialized utilities that automatically find and remove garbage, including some files from "Other." The best options for Redmi 9C:

📌 How to use it SD Maid:

1. In the "System Files" section, clear the "Logs" and "Update Cache"**.

⚠️ Note: Some applications (such as Clean Master) aggressively delete files, which can cause crashes. MIUI better SD Maid or Files by Google.

How to prevent the clogging of the “Other” folder in the future

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

🔹 Useful Lifehack: If you install/delete games frequently, create a separate folder on your memory card (such as Games) and transfer.obb files from your memory card to it. /Android/obb. This way they will not clog up the internal memory.

FAQ: Frequent questions about cleaning up "The Other" on Redmi 9C