Xiaomi Poco X3 (including the NFC and Pro versions) is one of the most popular smartphones in the budget segment, but many users are faced with the mysterious item “Other” in the “Storage” section. This section can take up from 5 to 20 GB of memory, and the system does not give an obvious opportunity to clean it. Unlike the cache of applications or downloads, “Other” is a hoard of system files, logs, temporary data and garbage, which MIUI does not classify as “useful”.
In this article, we'll look at what's underneath the Other, why it grows over time, and how to safely shrink it without losing important data. Spoiler: standard cache resetting through settings only helps in 30% of cases - deeper methods are needed. We tested all the methods on Poco X3 with MIUI 12-14 (including global and Chinese firmware) and selected only those that actually work.
What is the Other in Xiaomi’s Memory and Why Does It Take So Much Space?
The “Other” section of MIUI is unlabeled files that the system cannot categorize as standard (photos, videos, apps, etc.).
- 📁 System Logs and Dumps – Error Report Files (/data/anr/, /data/tombstones/), which are created when applications or kernel fail.
- 🔄 Remains of updates - undeleted firmware packages (/cache/), Especially if you are using fastboot.
- 🗑️ Cash. Dalvik/ART — Optimized files to speed up application launches (/data/dalvik-cache/).
- 📱 Remote application data – some programs leave “tails” in the /data/data/ even after the installation.
- 🔒 Encrypted files – for example, Mi Account or Google Play Services data, which the system cannot read without keys.
On the Poco X3 with 64/128GB of memory, the Other is often swelling for two reasons:
- Active multitasking – MIUI aggressively caches background processes, but doesn’t always clean them properly.
- Frequent updates via OTA – each update leaves temporary files that should be deleted automatically, but often remain.
🔍 How to check the size of "Other"? Go to Settings → Warehouse → Storage analysis: If the Other takes up more than 8-10 GB on a clean device (no root rights or custom firmware), this is a reason to clean up.
Method 1: Clear cache and temporary files through standard settings
The first and most secure method is to use built-in MIUI tools, which are suitable for users who do not want to risk data or gain root access.
Steps:
- Open the Settings → Storage.
- Click on “Clean” in the “Junk Files” section (the system will scan cache, thumbnails, temporary files).
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Sort apps by size and manually clear the cache for the most voracious (e.g. Facebook, Telegram, Google Play Services).
⚠️ Note: Do not clear data (no cache!) for system applications (e.g. com.miui.home or com.android.settings) – this can cause malfunctions MIUI.
Make a backup copy of important data|Check the vacant space (should be available) ≥1 GB)|Close all background applications|Connect the charger (if the charge is charged) <30%)-->
📌 What does this do? It frees up 1 to 3 GB on average, but it doesn't affect deep system files. If the Other takes more than 10 GB, go to the following ways.
Method 2: Removing Dumps and Logs via ADB (without root)
If standard cleaning doesn’t work, you can manually delete unnecessary system logs via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a method that doesn’t require root rights, but requires a computer and enabled USB debugging.
Preparation:
- Download Google’s Platform Tools and unpack them.
- On your smartphone, activate Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times to turn on Developer Mode).
- Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB Debugging.
Cleaning commands: Connect your phone to your PC and type in the command line (in the adb folder):
adb shell
su -c "rm -rf /data/anr/*"
su -c "rm -rf /data/tombstones/*"
su -c "rm -rf /cache/*"
su -c "rm -rf /data/local/tmp/*"⚠️ Note: The su command may not work without root, but even a regular adb shell will allow you to delete some temporary files. -rf /data/* — This will delete all user data!
What if the ADB can’t see the device?
📊 Efficiency: This method frees up 2–5 GB if a device has accumulated a lot of logs (for example, after frequent use of Game Turbo or app crashes).
Method 3: Reset cache in Recovery Mode (without data loss)
If previous methods didn’t work, try resetting the cache through Restore Mode.This won’t delete your files or apps, but will clear the system cache, which can take up gigabytes.
Instructions:
- Turn off the Poco X3.
- Press the Power button + Volume up until the MI logo appears.
- From the Recovery menu, select “Wipe & Reset” → “Wipe Cache” (use volume buttons for navigation, power button for confirmation).
- After cleaning, restart the phone (“Reboot” → “Reboot to System”).
| Action. | What's removed | What's left? |
|---|---|---|
| Wipe Cache | System cache (/cache), temporary update files | Applications, photos, settings |
| Wipe Data (Factory Reset) | Everything, including apps and files | Just firmware. |
| Format Data | All + Formatting /data partition | Just the loader. |
⚠️ Warning: Do not confuse "Wipe Cache" with "Wipe Data" - the second option will erase all your data! If after resetting the cache, "Other" still takes up a lot of space, the problem may be in the corrupted firmware files (see Method 5).
💡
If the phone takes longer to boot (more than 10 minutes) after the cache is reset, don’t panic – the system recovers the optimized application data.
Method 4: Manually remove garbage through file manager (with root)
If you have root access (like through Magisk), you can manually scan system folders and delete unnecessary files, the most effective method, but also the riskiest – an error can lead to a bootloop.
What folders to clean:
- 🗃️ /data/log/ — Logs of system and applications.
- 📦 /data/local/tmp/ — installer-file.
- 🔧 /data/dalvik-cache/ — Dalvik cache (can be cleared, but it will recover the next application launch).
- 📁 /data/app-lib/ — Remnants of Remote Application Libraries.
How to safely remove:
- Use Root Explorer or Mixplorer (with root access enabled).
- Before deleting, back up the folder (for example, by copying it to a PC).
- Do not delete files in /system/ or /vendor/, this can break the firmware.
📌 How much space will be freed up? With a thorough cleaning, up to 10-15 GB, but the risk of damage to the system is high. If you are not sure about your actions, you better use Method 5.
💡
Root access gives you maximum freedom, but also maximum risk. If you are not a power user, limit yourself to methods without root (Methods 1-3, 5).
Method 5: Flashing the phone (last resort)
If the Other takes up more than 15 GB and does not shrink after all the manipulations, the problem may be a corrupted file system or an incorrectly installed firmware, in which case only a complete firmware reflash will help.
Flash-flashing options:
- Download the official firmware for Poco X3 (codename surya or karna) from Xiaomi’s website and run through the Mi Flash Tool.
- Recovery: If you have a custom recovery (TWRP), squirt ZIP-Firmware archive without data loss (select the option "Wipe" Dalvik/Cache»** before-fixing).
⚠️ Warning: Flashing through fastboot with the "clean all" option** will delete all data, including photos and apps. pre-backup via Mi Cloud or Google Drive.
🔧 Step-by-step instructions for Fastboot:
- Download the Mi Flash Tool and the latest stable firmware for your model.
- Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
- Connect your phone to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
- Select the downloaded firmware file and click "Flash".
- Once completed, the phone will restart (the first launch can take up to 10 minutes).
📊 Results: Flashing completely resets the Other section, but it takes time and preparation. Use this method only if other methods have not helped.
How to Prevent the Spread of the Other in the Future
To prevent the Other from taking up gigabytes of memory again, follow these tips:
- 🔄 Clean the cache regularly (once every 1-2 months) through Settings → Warehouse.
- 🚫 Do not install applications from unknown sources – they often leave garbage in system folders.
- 📱 Update your firmware only through official channels (OTA Mi Flash, avoid “raw” custom firmware.
- 🔍 Use lightweight file managers (such as Files by Google) to find large, unnecessary files.
💡 Useful Lifehack: If you install/remove applications frequently, turn on the Auto Clean option** in Settings → Warehouse → The system will automatically remove the cache once a week.