How to Delete Other Files on Xiaomi Redmi 4X: 7 Ways to Work

Xiaomi Redmi 4X

"Other files"

Many people mistakenly think that Others is just cache or junk. In fact, this includes update remnants, MIUI log files, application temporary data, and hidden folders from Xiaomi services (such as Mi Cloud or Mi Video). Incorrect cleaning can lead to failures, from camera errors to complete loss of communication. So we collected only proven methods, sorted by risk level, from safe to advanced.

In this article you will find:

• 🔍 Analysis of the structure of the folder “Other files” on Redmi 4X — what exactly is.
• 🧹 Built-in tools MIUI root-free.
• 🛠️ Manual cleaning through the file manager and ADB (skilled).
• ⚠️ List of dangerous folders that can not be deleted under any circumstances.

1.What are the “Other Files” on Xiaomi Redmi 4X and why do they take up so much space

Category “Others” in the storage menu MIUI — It's a garbage bin for data that the system can't categorize as standard (photos, videos, apps). 4X They usually come in:

• 📁 Cash updates (OTA): Firmware files that have been downloaded but have not been installed can weigh up to 1-2 GB.
• 📄 Log files (.log,.txt): System and application error logs that accumulate over the years.
• 🎬 Media remnants: video miniatures, music covers, temporary gallery files.
• 🔄 Synchronization data: duplicate contacts, notes and backups from Mi Account.

On Redmi 4X with MIUI 8-11 (the most common versions on this device), the problem is compounded by the fact that the system does not clear the cache automatically after updates. For example, after installing the firmware through Updater, the /cache folder can remain clogged with files for 500-800 MB. In addition, applications like Mi Video or Mi Music create hidden folders with downloads that are not visible in the standard file manager.

To understand the scale of the problem, check the memory distribution:

1. Open Settings → Memory of the device.
2. Click on the chart and select “Other Files”.
3. The system will show the details – usually here you can see that 30-50% is occupied by “System Data”.

2.Safe cleaning through built-in MIUI tools

Before you go into system folders, try standard methods. They don't require root rights and are suitable even for beginners.

Clearing the application cache

• 📱 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
• 🔍 Sort by size (click on three dots in the upper right corner).
• 🧹 Select apps with large cache (e.g. YouTube, Facebook, Mi Video) and click Clear Cache».

Important: Do not clear your data from system applications (such as Settings or Phone) – this can reset your settings!

2.2.Use of “Memory Cleansing”

MIUI has a built-in garbage disposal tool:

1. Open the Security app (shield icon).
2. Select “Cleaning” → “Deep Cleaning”.
3. Check the boxes opposite “Residual Files”, “Update Cache” and “Log Files”.
4. Press "Clear."

This method removes up to 1-1.5 GB of unnecessary data, but does not touch hidden folders from Xiaomi services.

Removal of downloads and duplicates

Download folder and duplicate photos/video often take up hundreds of megabytes:

• 📁 Open the Files (Standard Manager) MIUI).
• 🔍 Go to Categories → Download and delete unnecessary files.
• 🖼️ In the Images section, select Duplicates (if the feature is available).

Make a backup copy of important data|Check the battery charge (minimum 50%)|Close all applications|Connect to Wi-Fi (if you need to download the tools)-->

3. Manual cleaning through file manager (no root)

If the built-in tools don't work, you'll have to dig deeper, and any file manager with access to system folders, like FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer, will do.

Note: Delete only the folders listed below: Mistake of system files can result in loss of communication, camera errors, or even a device blink (completely inoperable).

3.1. folders that can be deleted

Files that cannot be deleted

⚠️ Attention: The following folders are critical to the system, and deleting them will cause malfunctions: /sdcard/MIUI (other than backup subfolder - shell configuration files. /sdcard/Android/obb — Game data (deletion erases progress). /sdcard/DCIM/.thumbnails — Gallery cache (will only be deleted after rebooting).

After cleaning, restart the device. If you notice lags or errors (for example, the theme of the registration is missing), restore the deleted files from the manager's basket.

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Before you delete the folders, take a screenshot of the contents, and if something goes wrong after cleaning, you can restore the structure.

4. Advanced cleaning through ADB (for power users)

If Other Files take up more than 3GB and standard methods don’t help, try cleaning through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires a connection to a computer but allows you to remove system debris without root rights.

Preparation

1. Download ADB Tools for Windows/macOS/Linux.
2. Turn it on on Redmi. 4X «Debugging by USB» (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Press 7 times, then return to Settings → Additionally. → For developers).
3. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.

Cleaning commands

Open the command prompt (or Terminal) in the ADB folder and type:

adb shell


pm clear com.miui.cleanmaster # Clearing the Security cache




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




rm -rf /cache/* # Clearing the system cache (requires a reboot)

Warning: The command rm -rf /cache/* removes the cache of the kernel. Once it is executed, be sure to restart the device, otherwise you may freeze.

Clearing log files

Logs take hundreds of megabytes, but they can be safely deleted:

adb shell


su




rm -rf /data/log/*




rm -rf /data/anr/*




rm -rf /data/tombstones/*

If the su command is not working, then the device has no root rights, in which case use only the first two lines (without su).

5.Reset to factory settings: Last chance

If none of the methods worked, and the Other Files take more than 4 to 5 GB, then the only thing left is hard reset, which erases all the data, but returns the device to its original state.

5.1 How to do the reset correctly

1. Create a backup through Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset.
2. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
3. Select “Erase all data”.
4. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot (it will take 5-10 minutes).

5.2 What to do after discharge

• 🔄 Don’t restore data from a backup right away – first check how much “Other Files” take up on a clean system.
• 📥 Install applications gradually, keeping track of occupied space.
• 🚫 Avoid automatic syncing with Mi Cloud in the early days.

⚠️ Attention: On Redmi 4X Mi Account activation error may occur after reset. If the phone asks for an old account and you don't remember it, use access restoration or contact Xiaomi support.

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Resetting to factory settings is the only way to remove system debris that is not cleaned by other methods, but after the procedure, the device will become "like new", and all settings will have to configuring again.

6 How to prevent the accumulation of “Other Files” in the future

To prevent the problem from returning in a month, follow these rules:

• 🔄 Clean the cache regularly through “Security” (once every 2 weeks).
• 🚫 Turn off automatic update downloads in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system → Three points. → Settings.
• 📁 Use cloud services (like Google Photos) to store media, not internal memory.
• 🛑 Uninstall unnecessary system applications (e.g. Mi Video, Mi Music) ADB: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.xiaomi.video

You should also disable automatic sync in Mi Cloud if you are not using it. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud and deactivate unnecessary options (for example, “Sync Notes” or “Backup”).

7.Alternative solutions: memory card and root access

If internal memory is sorely lacking, consider these options:

Transfer of annexes to SD-map

On Redmi 4X, you can use the memory card as an internal storage:

1. Insert microSD (class 10 or UHS-I is recommended).
2. When a notification appears, select “Use as internal memory”.
3. Confirm the formatting (all data from the map will be erased!).
4. Go to Settings. → Apps, select the program and click "Move to" SD-map».

Limitations:

• Not all apps support portability.
• The speed of the card may decrease (depending on the class of the card).
• After the map is removed, the applications will stop working.

7.2 Root access for deep cleaning

With root rights, you can delete all unnecessary system files, but it is risky.

• 🔓 Use Magisk to get root (instructions are available on the root). XDA Developers).
• 🧹 Install. SD Maid or Root Explorer for cleaning.
• ⚠️ Do not delete files in /system or /vendor — This will lead to a Brick».

⚠️ Attention: On Redmi 4X Root rights stop working Mi Pay, Netflix HD And some banking applications because of a breach of SafetyNet, and the ability to receive OTA-update.

FAQ: Frequent questions about cleaning Xiaomi Redmi 4X