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

The “Other” folder on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones is one of the most mysterious and annoying features of MIUI. It can take up from 5 to 20+ GB of memory, and the system does not show what is stored inside. Users often face a situation where free space is running out, and in the “Storage” section there is a huge block “Other” – without the ability to remove it by standard means.

In this article, we’ll break down 5 working ways to clean the Other folder on Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10/13 and other models, including hidden system methods and secure workarounds. You’ll learn exactly what’s stored in the Other, how to distinguish important files from junk, and why standard Security cleanup often doesn’t work.

⚠️ Important: Some methods require superuser rights (root) or work with system files. MIUI or loss of data – back up before any manipulation.

1.What is the “Other” folder on Xiaomi and why is it growing?

The MIUI Other folder is a container for files that the system cannot classify as photos, videos, applications or documents.

• 🗑️ Application cache (including hidden cache of system services)
• 📁 Temporary files from updates MIUI Google Play
• 🔄 Remains of Remote Applications (Incorrectly Erased Data)
• 📊 Logs and dumps of the system (debugging information for Xiaomi)
• 🔒 Encrypted files (e.g. from Mi Cloud or Google Drive)

The main problem is that MIUI doesn't show the contents of Other in the file manager. Even if you open Settings → Storage → Other, the system will only offer Clear without detail, and the actual size of the folder is often underestimated - for example, it can display 3 GB, but in fact it is 10+ GB.

Why is the file growing?

• 📱 Frequent updates MIUI — Each update leaves temporary files.
• 🎮 Games and heavy-duty applications (such as Genshin Impact or PUBG Mobile) generate gigabytes of cache.
• 🔄 Automatic optimization MIUI Sometimes you duplicate files instead of deleting them.
• 📱 Failures when removing applications - there are "tails" in the /data/data.

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If the Other folder has grown dramatically (e.g., 5+GB overnight), check Settings → Apps → App Management → Cash. Often the cache of Google Play Services or Mi Video is to blame.

2. Method 1: Clearing the cache through the Security menu (without root)

The safest method is standard cleaning through built-in MIUI tools. It won’t remove everything from the Other, but it will help free up 1-3 GB of garbage.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the Settings. → Security.
2. Select “Clean” (or “Accelerate” → “Deep Clean”).
3. Click on “Test” and wait for the analysis.
4. In the section "Junk files" tick all items, especially: 🗑️ «Cash app» 📁 «Temporary files» 🔄 «Remains of annexes»

"Clean it up."

⚠️ Note: If the size of the Other has not decreased after cleaning, then the garbage is stored in hidden system folders (see methods 3-5).

Check the cache manually through Settings → Applications|

Remove unnecessary APK-file from Download|

Restart your phone (sometimes MIUI updates memory after rebooting)|

Try the ADB method (Mode 4)

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Method 2: Manual cleaning through file manager (for advanced)

MIUI hides some folders from the user, but they can be opened through the sides of the file manager (for example, FX Explorer or Solid Explorer) with access to root or through ADB.

What folders are you cleaning?

How do you get access?

1. Install Solid Explorer from Google Play.
2. Enable “Root Access” in the manager settings (if there is root).
3. Go to /data and find the folders from the table above.
4. Remove the content (not the folders themselves!).
5. Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Note: Removing files from /data/data If you don't have root, you can crash your applications. ADB (method 4).

Method 3: Cleaning through ADB (without root but with PC)

If you don't have root but you have a computer, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB) to clean hidden folders, a method that is safer than manually deleting, as it doesn't affect critical files.

Instructions:

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ADB-commands do not require root, but only delete secure temporary files. /data/log) You need root anyway.

5. Method 4: Cache reset via TWRP (for power users)

If your Redmi has custom recaps installed (TWRP), you can clear Other without risking data through the Wipe Cache feature.

Step-by-step:

Swipe to confirm ("Swipe to Wipe").

Reboot the system ("Reboot System").

⚠️ Note: Don’t choose Data – it will erase all your files! TWRP It only cleans secure partitions, but if you accidentally format /system, phone will stop loading.

🔹 What does this method do?

6. Method 5: Complete reset (last resort)

If none of these methods worked, and the Other takes 10+GB, the last thing you can do is reset the factory settings, and it will delete all the data, but it's guaranteed to clean up the system debris.

How to do the reset correctly:

1. Create a backup through Settings → Additional → Backup or Mi Cloud.
2. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
3. Select “Erase all data”.
4. Confirm the action (a password may be required).
5. After the reset, don't restore data from the backup right away - first check if "Other" has returned.If so, the problem is in a particular application or file from the backup.

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi models (e.g. Note) 10 Pro) after reset, the “Other” may reappear due to an error in MIUI 13/14. In this case, only firmware through Fastboot will help (see official instructions Xiaomi).

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If the “Other” grows again after the reset, install AccuBattery or Files by Google to monitor disk space in real time.

7. How to prevent the growth of the “Other” folder in the future?

To “Other” does not take up gigabytes of memory, follow these rules:

• 📱 Clean the cache once a month through Settings → Warehouse → Cleanup.
• 🚫 Don’t use Google Play’s Optimizers – they often create more trash than they remove.
• 🔄 Update. MIUI Wi-Fi only – interrupted downloads leave temporary files.
• 🎮 Clean the cache of games (such as Call of Duty Mobile or Free Fire) manually through Settings → Annexes.
• 📁 Store files on SD-map (if supported).

🔹 Monitoring applications:

• Files by Google – shows hidden files.
• SD Maid (requires root) - Deep cleaning.
• AccuBattery tracks memory usage.

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