How to Free Memory in the Other folder on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro: The Complete Guide

The Other folder on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro is a real black hole for free space, it can take anywhere from 5 to 20 GB, but users rarely understand what is stored there. System files, app cache, remnants of deleted programs, log files — all this accumulates for years, slowing down the smartphone. Unlike the Images or Video folders, the content of the Other is not visible in the standard file manager, which makes cleaning difficult.

Many Redmi Note 9 Pro owners face a situation where memory is running out and a huge amount of storage is displayed in the Storage section under the words “Other.” Attempting to delete this data manually often leads to errors or system failures. In this article, we will discuss 5 proven methods of safe cleaning, including hidden MIUI settings, using ADB and third-party utilities.

⚠️ Important: Not all methods are suitable for inexperienced users. MIUI If you're not sure, back up before you clean up!

What is the “Other” folder and why does it take up so much space?

The MIUI Other folder is a collection section for files that the system cannot categorize as standard (photo, video, audio, documents).

• 🗑️ Application cache and systems – temporary files that should be deleted automatically but often remain.
• 📁 Remnants of Remote Programs – snippets of data from applications you have long uninstalled.
• 📜 Log files and memory dumps – records of system operation, errors and crashes (can weigh up to a maximum of 3-5 GB on old firmware).
• 🔄 Update files - packages MIUI, which were not removed after installation.
• 🧩 Data data Dalvik/ART — optimized cache to speed up application launches.

On the Redmi Note 9 Pro with MIUI 12-14 firmware, the Other folder often grows due to the F2FS file system that Xiaomi uses to optimize performance. Unlike ext4, F2FS caches data more actively, but cleans garbage less. In addition, some applications (such as Facebook, TikTok, WhatsApp) create hidden folders with backups that also fall into the Other.

🔍 How to check folder size?

Go to Settings → About Phone → Storage. Here you will see a diagram of occupied space. Click on “Other” and the system will show an approximate volume (but not content!).

Method 1: Cleaning through built-in MIUI tools

The safest method is to use standard MIUI features, which do not require root rights and do not risk damaging system files.

1. Clean App Cache Go to Settings → Apps → App Management. Select any app (like Chrome or YouTube) and click Clear Cache. For bulk cleaning, use the Clean All button in the top right corner.
2. Open the Security app (the shield icon), then go to Cleaner. Click Deep Clean, the system will scan the trash, including the residues in Other. Delete everything except System Logs (not recommended).
3. Delete downloaded update files In Settings → About Phone → System Update Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select “Delete downloaded package.” This will free up to 1-2 GB if you haven’t updated in a long time.

⚠️ Note: Do not use the garbage cleanup function in third-party boosters (such as Clean Master or CCleaner). MIUI, Which leads to lags or drop-offs of applications.

Remnants of Remote Applications|Cache of browsers and social networks|Temporary download files| Mini-dumps (if their size) < 500MB)-->

Method 2: Manual garbage removal via Files by Google

The standard MIUI file manager doesn't show hidden folders, but the Files by Google app (formerly Files Go) can find some of the trash. Download it from the Play Market and follow the instructions:

1. Open Files by Google and go to the Cleanup tab.
2. Click “Free space” – the application will scan the cache, duplicates and unnecessary files.
3. In the Other Files section, select: -.log,.tmp,.bak files (this is log files and temporary data). - com.miui. or com.xiaomi folders. - This often contains outdated MIUI data.

💡 Tip: If you see the folder MIUI_DCC — This is the cache of Xiaomi's diagnostic center, which weighs up to 1-2 GB.

Method 3: Cleaning through ADB (for advanced users)

If the built-in techniques didn’t work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires connecting your phone to a PC and basic command line knowledge.

📌 Preparation:

1. Download Platform Tools from the Android Developers website.
2. Turn on USB Debugging on your phone: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times to activate Developer Mode), then go back to Settings → Additional → Developers → Debugging on USB.
3. Connect the Redmi Note 9 Pro to your PC and confirm the debugging permission.

🖥️ Cleanup commands:

adb shell pm clear com.miui.cleanmaster # Cache cleaner


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




adb shell rm -rf /cache/* # Cleaning system cache (requires a reboot)




adb shell pm trim-caches 1000000000 # Forced cache clearing of all applications

⚠️ Attention: Rm teams -rf If you don't specify the right path, you can delete critical system files!

Method 4: Resetting cache in Recovery Mode

If the Other folder takes up more than 10GB and standard methods don't help, try resetting the cache through Recovery Mode.This won't delete your data, but will clear up system debris.

🔧 Step-by-step instruction:

1. Turn off the Redmi Note 9 Pro.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up until the MI logo appears.
3. From the Recovery menu, select the language (English / Chinese), then: Wipe & Reset → Wipe Cache.
4. Confirm the action and wait for the completion.
5. Reboot the phone (Reboot) → Reboot to System).

✅ Result: This method removes:

- MIUI update cache;

- Temporary system files;

- Residues from the application installation.

❌ What he's not doing:

- Does not touch user data (photos, videos, contacts);

Does not delete application files (such as WhatsApp or Instagram cache).

💡

Recovery cache resetting is the most effective way to remove system debris WITHOUT data loss.

Method 5: Using TWRP for deep cleaning (root only)

If you have custom TWRP reclaimers installed and have root rights, you can manually remove unnecessary files from the /data partition.This method is risky, but allows you to clean up to 5-10GB of garbage.

🛠️ Instructions:

1. Boot to TWRP (Put Power + Volume Up when the phone is off).

«Delete»

Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Note: Removing files from /data/data (folders of specific applications) can lead to the loss of data of these programs (for example, saves in games or chats in messengers).

💡

Before working in TWRP, back up /data through Backup → Select Partitions → Data, which will save your data if something goes wrong.

How to prevent the “Other” folder from being refilled?

Cleaning up the trash is a temporary solution, so that the Other folder doesn't grow again, follow these tips:

• 📱 Use the “Lite” versions of apps (e.g. Facebook Lite, Messenger Lite) that create less cache.

📊 Statistics: According to the data XDA Developers, on Redmi Note 9 Pro MIUI 13 The “Other” folder takes on average 8-12 GB through 1.5 After deep cleaning, this volume is reduced to 2-4 GB.

FAQ: Frequent Questions About the “Other” Folder on Redmi Note 9 Pro