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

The Other folder in Xiaomi’s smartphone storage is a real black hole for free space, which can take anywhere from 5 to 30 GB, but users rarely understand what is stored there. System caches, remnants of deleted applications, log files, temporary update data — all this accumulates for years, slowing down the phone, and a particularly pressing problem for devices with MIUI 12/13/14, where memory optimization leaves much to be desired.

Many people try to clean this folder through standard settings, but they find that the system either doesn’t show its contents or only offers to delete a small part of the files. In this article, we will analyze 5 proven methods, including hidden MIUI functions, third-party utilities and manual methods for power users, you will learn which files can be deleted without risk and which should not be touched – even if they take several gigabytes.

⚠️ Important: Some methods require root rights or debugging USB. If you are a beginner, start with safe ways (sections 1-3) and then move on to advanced ways.

1. Standard cleaning through the "Storage" in MIUI

The easiest way to do this is to use the built-in MIUI tools, which require no additional software and is suitable for users who don't want to risk data, but the effectiveness of this method is often less than 10-15% of the total size of the Other folder.

Open Settings → Storage. Here you'll see a diagram of occupied space. Click on "Other" to scan the files and suggest cleanup options.

• 🗑️ Application cache – temporary files that can be deleted without consequences.
• 📁 Downloads – Old files from the Download folder that you have long forgotten.
• 🔄 Remains of updates – firmware packages that remained after updates MIUI.

Click "Clean" and confirm the action. If the system suggests removing less than 1GB, move on to the next method - the standard tool often "doesn't see" deep system files.

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Once cleaned, restart the phone, which will help the system recalculate the space occupied and free up additional megabytes.

2. Cleaning through “Security” and built-in antivirus

The Security app (or Global Firmware Security) has advanced tools for dealing with junk files. It can find what the Storage section misses.

Instructions:

1. Open the Security app (the shield icon).
2. Go to the “Boost Speed” or “Clean Up” section.
3. Click on “Deep Clean” (Deep Clean).
4. Wait for the scan and tick all categories except Important Data.
5. Press "Clear."

This method often finds:

• 🧹 Remains of uninstalled applications (folders) /data/app-lib).
• 📱 Photo and video duplicates (if media scanning is enabled).
• 🔍 Log files of the system (for example, /data/log).

⚠️ Warning: If your phone is running slower after cleaning, go back to Security and click Optimize.

3. Manual cleaning through file manager (no root)

Some files from the Other folder can be manually deleted if you know where to look, and any file manager with access to system folders, such as Mi File Manager or Solid Explorer, can do this.

Where to look for garbage:

⚠️ Note: Do not delete folders of current applications (e.g. com.android.chrome if you use Chrome) and this will cause malfunctions in the programs.

Check the Download folder for old files|Remove sketches from DCIM/.thumbnails|Clear the browser cache in Android/data|Check the folders of remote applications-->

4. Advanced cleaning with ADB (no root)

If standard methods don’t work, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), an Android debugging tool that allows you to delete system files that are not available through a regular interface.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB-driver.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on Xiaomi (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Press 7 times, then return to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).

Cleaning commands (enter the command line after connecting the phone):

adb shell pm clear com.miui.cleanmaster # Clearing the cache of the Security app


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




adb shell rm -rf /cache/* # Cleaning the system cache (safe!)

Do not use the command rm -rf /data/* - this will completely erase user data, including photos and applications.

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5. Cleaning with root rights (for experienced)

If you have root access, you can delete deep system files that are not normally available, but this method is risky: wrong actions can lead to a phone "brick".

What can be cleaned:

Instructions:

1. Install Root Explorer or FX File Manager.
2. Go to /data and find the folders from the list above.
3. Remove the contents (but not the folders themselves!).
4. Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone does not turn on or hovers on the logo after cleaning MI, Try to enter the Recovery (Food) + Volume up and select "Wipe Cache Partition».

How to prevent the “Other” folder from clogging again

Cleaning is good, but it's even better to keep the garbage out. Here's some advice:

• 🔄 Update regularly MIUI — New versions optimize work with cache.
• 🚫 Do not install apps from unknown sources – they often leave debris behind.
• 📱 Use cloud storage (Google Photos, Mi Cloud) to automatically clean local files.
• 🔍 Check the "Storage" periodically** (every 1-2 months).

You can also configure autocleaning in the “Safety” app:

1. Open "Security» → «Cleanup».
2. Turn on the Auto Clean option and set a schedule (e.g. once a week).

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The Other folder will clog up again if you don't keep track of the app cache and temporary files, and autocleaning and cloud backups will reduce the storage load.

FAQ: Frequent questions about cleaning the “Other” folder on Xiaomi