How to delete “other files” on Xiaomi: a complete guide to cleaning up memory

On Xiaomi smartphones running MIUI or HyperOS, users often face the problem of mysterious “other files” that take up gigabytes of memory but are not identified by the system as photos, videos or apps. These files can include remnants of deleted programs, cache system processes, temporary update data or even hidden backups. Their accumulation not only reduces free space, but can also slow down the device — especially on models with limited internal memory, such as the Redmi Note 10 or POCO X3 Pro.

Unlike obvious categories like Images or Audio, other files don’t have a single source, making it difficult to delete them. For example, on the Xiaomi 13T with HyperOS 1.0, these files can take up to 15-20 GB, with the standard Cleaner in Settings → Memory often ignores them. In this article, we’ll look at 7 proven ways – from embedded tools to manually cleaning through ADB – and explain which files can be deleted safely and which shouldn’t be touched.

1.What are “Other Files” on Xiaomi and Why Do They Take So Much Space

The term “other files” (in the English version of MIUI) is the “junk bin” of the operating system, which gets everything that could not be classified automatically.

• 🗑️ Cache of system applications (e.g. com.miui.home or com.android.systemui) that is not cleaned by standard means.
• 📁 Residual data of remote programs - folders in /data/data/ or /Android/obb/, which remain after the uninstallation.
• 🔄 Temporary update files (MIUI or HyperOS) that are downloaded in the background and are not removed.
• 📄 Logs and dumps of the system – debugging files created when failures (for example, /data/tombstones/).
• 🔒 Encrypted backups from Mi Cloud or third-party applications like Titanium Backup.

On Xiaomi MIUI 12–14 HyperOS and these files are often “hidden” in folders like /data/media/0/MIUI/ or /Android/data/. For example, after updating the firmware through OTA, a folder may remain in memory. downloaded_rom weight 2–4 GB: Another common case is the Google Play Services cache, which is growing to 1 GB+ and is not cleared through the settings.

⚠️ Note: Some "other files" are critical to the system's operation, such as deleting a folder /data/dalvik-cache/ This will cause the phone to reboot cyclically, and before you manually clean, back up through Settings. → Additionally. → Backup.

2. Method 1: Cleaning through the built-in MIUI/HyperOS Cleaner

The safest, but least effective method is to use Xiaomi’s standard tool, which only removes surface debris, but is suitable for beginners.

1. Open the Settings → Memory.
2. Slip on the "Clean" item (or "Free space" in HyperOS).
3. Select the category “Other Files” (if available) or click “Deep Cleanup”.
4. Confirm the removal, wait for the process to be completed.

Redmi and POCO with MIUI 13+ may have a “Big File Cleanup” option on this menu, which finds archives, APKs and other dimensional data, but system “Other Files” are not usually displayed here.

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If there is no "Clean" button in the Memory menu, try restarting your phone. Sometimes the feature is blocked due to active background processes.

Method 2: Manual cleaning through File Manager

Xiaomi’s built-in file manager allows you to manually find and delete unnecessary data, a method that requires caution but gives you more control.

• 📂 Open the Files app (Folder icon).
• 🔍 Go to the "Category" section» → «Others».
• 🗃️ Sort files by size (tap by three points) → «Sort by» → «Size»).
• ❌ Delete unnecessary files with extensions.tmp,.log,.bak, and old ones APK (.apk) from the Download folder.

Pay special attention to the following folders (access to them may require root rights or a PC connection):

⚠️ Note: Do not delete folders called com.android. or com.miui. these are system components. Also avoid.odex or.vdex files that are associated with app optimization.

Method 3: Removing the cache of system applications

Cache applications like Google Play Services, Mi Video or Mi Browser can take up gigabytes, but it doesn't show up in a standard cleaner.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on three points → “Show all the processes”.
3. Find applications with a large cache volume (e.g. Google Play Services, Miui System).
4. Select "Storage» → «Clear the cache».

Critical information: On some models (for example, Xiaomi 12 Pro) cache com.google.android.gms can take up to 3-5 GB. Its cleaning is safe, but after it you will have to re-enter your Google account and wait for data synchronization.

Find apps with cache >500MB| Check if the application is critical (e.g. Launcher)| Clear cache only for selected applications |Reboot the phone after cleaning-->

5. Method 4: Using ADB for deep cleaning

If previous methods failed, you can connect to your phone via ADB (Android Debug Bridge) and delete files that are not available through the GUI, which requires a computer and basic command line knowledge.

Instructions:

1. Put the debugging on. USB on the phone: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Use 7 times to become a developer) → Go back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Turn on "Debugging by" USB».
2. Connect your phone to your PC, install it. ADB-Drivers and open the command line in the folder with adb.exe.
3. Follow the commands: adb devices (should display your device) adb shell su (if there are root rights)
4. To remove the cache of all user applications: pm clear --user 0 com.android.vending (clean Google Play Market) rm -rf /data/local/tmp/* (delete temporary files)

More aggressive cleaning (only for power users!):

find /data/data/ -name "cache" -exec rm -rf {} \;

⚠️ Attention: Rm teams -rf Without specifying a specific folder, they can delete critical system files. Always check the path before executing. -rf /data/ This will cause a complete reset of the phone.

Method 5: Third-Party Cleaning Applications

Applications like CCleaner, Files by Google or SD Maid can find and delete files that a standard cleaner misses MIUI. However, their effectiveness depends on the Android versions and MIUI/HyperOS.

• 📱 Files by Google: automatically finds duplicates, old ones APK It's good for beginners.
• 🧹 SD Maid (requires root): cleans databases, empty folders, and residual files.
• 🔍 Storage Analyzer: Visualizes occupied space by folder (useful for finding “heavy” files).

For example, SD Maid on POCO F3 with MIUI 13 can find up to 1-2 GB of garbage in /data/app-lib/ or /cache/ folders that are not visible in the standard file manager. However, beware: some applications (such as Clean Master) aggressively delete files, which can lead to crashes.

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Third-party cleaners aren’t always better than built-in ones, for example, CCleaner on Android 12+ is losing some functionality due to system limitations.

7. Method 6: Reset to factory settings (extreme case)

If the "other files" take up more than 10-15 GB and are not deleted by any means, there is a complete reset. It is a radical solution, but it is guaranteed to clean up all unnecessary data.

How to reset:

1. Back up important data (photos, contacts, messages) through Settings → Additional → Backup or Mi Cloud.
2. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
3. Select “Erase all data” and confirm the action.
4. After restarting, set your phone as new.

Xiaomi HyperOS takes 5-10 minutes to reset, and then the “other files” are usually reduced to 1-3 GB (normal for system processes), but keep in mind that the garbage will be removed along with:

• 📸 All photos and videos (unless backup is made).
• 📱 Installed applications and their data.
• 🔑 Saved Wi-Fi passwords and accounts (except Google).

Method 7: Preventing the accumulation of “other files”

To avoid the problem recurring, follow simple rules:

• 🔄 Regularly (every 1-2 months) clean the cache through Settings → Memory.
• 🚫 Avoid installing apps from unknown sources – they often leave debris behind.
• 📥 Delete. APK-files after installation (they remain in Download or in Download) /Android/obb/).
• 🔄 Turn off automatic updates MIUI/HyperOS, If you do not plan to install the firmware immediately (update files take up space).
• 📁 Use cloud services (Google Photos, Mi Cloud) to store media files.

On Xiaomi 14 and other flagships with HyperOS, you can enable Auto Cleanup in your memory settings, which automatically deletes unused files once a week, but does not work on all models.

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On HyperOS devices, “other files” are stored more slowly thanks to optimized memory management, but even here, manual cleaning is required every 3-6 months.

FAQ: Frequent questions about “other files” on Xiaomi