How to completely remove the “Other” in the memory of Xiaomi Redmi 9: from cache to system files

The “Other” section in Xiaomi Redmi 9 memory is a real headache for smartphone owners. It can take anywhere from 5 to 20 GB for no apparent reason, even though you’ve long since deleted unnecessary photos, cleared the app cache, and even moved files to a memory card. Unlike the obvious categories (“Apps”, “Media”), “Other” hides system log files, remnants of MIUI updates, Google cache services, and temporary data that Android doesn’t automatically classify. Worse, standard cleaning methods through Settings → Memory often don’t work – the system shows that the space is growing again after a day.

In this article, we’ll look at 5 proven ways to actually reduce the size of the Other on Redmi 9 (including the Redmi 9A/9C/9T models) without resorting to a radical reset. You’ll learn which files can be manually deleted, how to disable unnecessary system processes, and why even after cleaning, memory can be re-clogged. All instructions tested on MIUI 12-14 and are relevant for 2026.

What is the Other in Xiaomi’s Memory and Why Does It Take So Much Space?

In the Android operating system (and its MIUI shell by Xiaomi), the Other section is a container for files that do not fall into the standard categories.

• 📁 Cache of system applications (e.g. com.android.systemui or com.miui.home) that is not cleared through the Memory menu».
• 🔄 Log files (.log,.tmp) – error logs, debugging information created by applications and the system itself.
• 📦 Updates: After installing the new version MIUI Old firmware files can remain in the folder /cache or /data/ota_package.
• 🤖 Google Services: Google Play Services cache, Android System WebView and other background processes.
• 🗑️ Remote App Garbage: Sometimes after uninstallation, the program files remain in folders /data/data or /sdcard/Android/obb.

On Redmi 9, two factors exacerbate the problem:

1. Small internal memory: the basic version of the smartphone has only 32 GB, of which the user is available about 22-25 GB (the rest is occupied by the system).
2. Aggressive MIUI optimization: The shell actively caches data to speed up work, but often forgets to clean it.

In our tests, on a Redmi 9 with MIUI 13, the Other section can take up to 15 GB after a year of use, provided you regularly clean the cache manually, and the reason lies in the log archives that the system creates for diagnosis, but does not delete automatically.

Method 1: Clearing the cache of system applications (without root)

The first and most secure method is to manually clear the cache of system applications that don’t appear in the standard Memory menu. On Redmi 9, you can do this through Settings → Applications → Application Management, but there’s a caveat: many services are hidden from the user.

To see all the processes:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select "Show System Processes".
3. Sort the list by cache size (click on “Cache size” in the table cap).

Note the following apps (they most often eat away at memory in the Other section):

• 🔍 Google Play Services – cache can reach 1-2 GB.
• 📱 MIUI System Launcher (or com.miui.home) – Responsible for desktop.
• 🌐 Android System WebView – used to display web content in applications.
• 📊 com.android.systemui - system interface (notification panels, curtain).

After cleaning the cache of these applications:

1. Reboot your smartphone (this is mandatory, otherwise the system can recover some files).
2. Check the “Other” section in Settings → Memory. Usually it decreases by 2-5 GB.

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If the cache fills up quickly after cleaning, turn off automatic app updates in Google Play. Go to Play Store Settings → Network Settings → Auto-Update apps → Never.

Method 2: Delete log files and temporary data via File Manager

System logs (.log,.tmp,.dump) are the main culprit behind the "Other" partitioning. On Redmi 9, they are stored in hidden folders that are not visible through standard Explorer, to delete them:

Use a root Explorer (such as MiXplorer or FX File Explorer) or enable the display of hidden files in the standard File Manager:

1. Open File Manager (pre-installed application from Xiaomi).
2. Slip on three dots in the top right corner → Settings → turn on “Show hidden files”.
3. Go to the root directory (/) and find the following folders:

⚠️ Note: Do not delete files in folders /system or /vendor — This can cause your smartphone to fail, and don't touch files with the.odex or.apk extension.

After removal:

1. Reset the device.
2. Check the space through Settings → Memory. Usually this method frees up 3-7 GB.

Method 3: Disabling unnecessary system services (without root)

Some MIUI and Google background processes actively write data into Other, even though you don't use them.

• 📡 Mi Cloud Sync (if you don’t use Xiaomi Cloud).
• 🎵 Music FX and com.android.musicfx (effects for music).
• 📍 Google Location History (Location History).
• 📊 MIUI Analytics (collection of usage statistics).

To turn them off:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the right app (e.g. com.miui.cloudservice for Mi Cloud).
3. Tap "Disable" (not "Delete", as it is system software).
4. Confirm the action and restart the smartphone.

⚠️ Note: Disabling some services (e.g. Google Play Services) may disrupt other applications:

• 🔑 Authorization through Google.
• 📍 Google Maps or Navigation.
• 📱 Synchronization of contacts/calendar.

If problems appear after disconnecting services, return them to their original state through the same menu.

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Disabling Mi Cloud and MIUI Analytics can free up to 1-2 GB in the Other section by stopping logs and temporary files from being written.

Method 4: Recovery Mode Cache Reset (Radical Method)

If previous methods didn’t help and the Other still takes 10+GB, try resetting the cache through Restore mode.This won’t delete your data, but will clear all temporary system files.

Instructions for Xiaomi Redmi 9:

1. Turn off your smartphone.
2. Press the Nutrition + Volume Up buttons at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the MI logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you will be taken to Recovery Mode (English menu).
4. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button to select the item.
5. Choose Wipe & Reset → Wipe Cache.
6. Confirm the action and wait for the completion (it will take 1-2 minutes).
7. Choose Reboot. → Reboot to System.

⚠️ Warning: Don't choose Wipe Data (full reset)! this will delete all your files, photos and apps. Wipe Cache is secure and doesn't affect user data.

After the reboot, check the “Other” section – it should decrease by 4-8 GB. If there are no changes, the cause lies in corrupted system files (see method 5).

Method 5: Check for viruses and corrupted files

Sometimes the "Other" section is inflated because of:

• 🦠 Viruses or malware that masquerade as system processes.
• 🔧 Damaged files after incorrect update MIUI.
• 📱 File system errors (for example, after abrupt power outage).

To check the smartphone:

1. Scan for viruses with Malwarebytes or Dr.Web Light (they do not require root rights).
2. Check system integrity through Settings → About Phone → System Update. If an update is available, install it.
3. Use ADB (for advanced users): connect your smartphone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell df -h It will show real memory usage. If the /data partition is 90%+ full, you need to reset.

If there are no viruses, but the Other continues to grow, try:

• 🔄 Reflash your smartphone via Mi Flash Tool (save data!).
• 📱 Reset to factory settings (last option if nothing helps).

How to prevent the “Other” from being refilled

To prevent the “Other” section from growing again:

• 🔄 Clean the cache once a month through Settings → Memory. → Clean up.
• 🚫 Turn off automatic update downloads in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system → Settings (⚙) → Auto-update.
• 📁 Use a memory card to store media files and applications (if supported).
• 📊 Install a memory monitoring app, such as Files by Google or SD Maid (requires root for full functionality).

It is also useful to limit the background activity of unnecessary applications:

1. Go to Settings → Battery and Performance → Battery Management.
2. Select an app (like Facebook or TikTok).
3. Set the limit "Background activity" → "Limit".

This will reduce the number of temporary files that apps create in the background.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the “Other” section on Xiaomi Redmi 9