How to remove the “Other” from Xiaomi Redmi 8T memory: the full guide 2026

Xiaomi Redmi 8T owners often face a mysterious problem: the phone’s memory is filled with unknowns. In the Storage section, the system shows that the lion’s share is taken by the Other item – sometimes up to 10-20 GB! With no photos, videos, or apps explaining where the gigabytes went. What’s the catch and how to regain control of memory?

In fact, "Other" is a collection category for system files, cache, temporary data and garbage that MIUI cannot categorize as part of. In this article, we'll look at all the cleaning methods, from standard tools to hidden features and third-party utilities. Importantly, not all methods are equally safe, so we'll show you which ones can be used without risk to data.

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What is the “Other” in the memory of Xiaomi Redmi 8T and why it grows

The Other item in the storage settings is the MIUI black box, which includes files that do not fit into the standard categories (applications, media, documents).

• 🗑️ Application cache – temporary files that programs create to speed up work, but often do not delete.
• 📁 Residual data after uninstallation of applications (for example, folders) Android/obb or Android/data).
• 🔄 System Logs and Error Dumps That MIUI collect.
• 📱 Update files (including failed packages) OTA).
• 🔍 Hidden files from system processes (e.g. thumbnails).

On the Redmi. 8T With its modest 32-64 GB of memory (of which it is actually available) ~25-55 GB) even 5-10 GB of junk can become critical, especially if you actively use messengers, social networks or games, for example, Telegram and WhatsApp can accumulate cache of media files for years, and games like this can be used for a long time. PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact leaves behind gigabytes of unnecessary data.

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Note: If the Other is more than 15GB, it may indicate MIUI malfunction or viral activity, in which case cleaning with standard methods may not help - deep diagnosis or reset will be required.

Method 1: Clear cache and unnecessary files through settings

Let's start with the safest method, the built-in MIUI tools, which don't require root rights or risk erasing sensitive data.

Step 1. Cleaning the app cache

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the top right corner and select "Sort by size."
3. View the list: Cache apps >500MB are the top candidates for cleaning. Click on the app → Storage → Clear cache.

Step 2: Delete Unnecessary Files through Cleanup

1. Go to Settings → Memory → Clean (or use the Security widget on your desktop).
2. Click on “Deep Clean” and wait for analysis.
3. Check all items (especially “Residual Files” and “Cash”) and tap “Clean”.

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Note: Do not clear the cache of system applications (such as Settings or Phone) – this can cause MIUI to malfunction.

Method 2: Manually delete hidden files (without root)

Some files related to the Other can be manually deleted through the file manager, such as the standard Files app or third-party utilities like Solid Explorer (with hidden file mode enabled).

What folders to clean:

• 📂 /storage/emulated/0/Android/data — This is where the application data is stored. Delete the folders that have already been deleted.
• 📂 /storage/emulated/0/Android/obb — Game files and heavy applications. If the game is deleted, the.obb folder can remain.
• 📂 /storage/emulated/0/Download — Browser downloads that you have long forgotten.
• 📂 /storage/emulated/0/DCIM/.thumbnails — Miniatures of images that the system automatically creates.

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Before deleting folders, back up important data, such as copying DCIM content to a PC, which sometimes stores photos that are not displayed in the gallery.

How to enable the display of hidden files:

1. Open Files → triple dot at the top → Settings.
2. Activate the option “Show hidden files”.

Method 3: Using third-party utilities for deep cleaning

If the built-in MIUI tools fail, specialized applications will come to the rescue, and they can find and remove garbage that is not available with standard methods.

Top.-3 Applications for cleaning “Other»:

How to use SD Maid (Step-by-step):

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Note: Some applications (such as SD Maid) may offer to delete files associated with system updates when deep cleaned.This is dangerous - without them, the Redmi 8T will not be able to update by air (OTA).

Method 4: Reset the partition cache (without data loss)

If the Other takes up more than 10 GB and does not shrink after cleaning, resetting the cache will help.This method does not affect user data, but requires rebooting to Recovery Mode.

Instructions:

1. Turn off Redmi 8T.
2. Press the Nutrition + Volume Up buttons at the same time and hold for ~10 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. From the Recovery menu (manage volume buttons, choose the power button) select "Wipe & Reset" → "Wipe Cache".
4. Confirm the action and wait for the completion.
5. Reboot the phone ("Reboot» → «Reboot to System»).

🔹 Result: After the procedure, the “Other” should be reduced by 2-5 GB, and the phone – work faster.

Method 5: Radical measures - reset to factory settings

If neither method worked, and the Other still takes up a critical amount of space, the last option is a hard reset, which will delete all data, including apps, photos and settings, so back up first.

How to reset Redmi 8T:

1. Save important data on your PC or in the cloud (Mi Cloud, Google Drive).
2. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
3. Select “Erase all data”.
4. Enter your password (if installed) and confirm.

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Factory reset is the only way to completely remove system debris if other methods have not worked, but after the procedure, the phone will become clean, as after purchase, and all data will have to be restored again.

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Note: On Redmi 8T with bootloader unlocked, a reset may result in the device being locked (re-authorized Mi Account required). Make sure to remember the username and password!

How to Prevent the Re-Accumulation of the Other

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

• 🔄 Regularly clean the cache of messengers and social networks (especially Telegram, VK, TikTok).
• 🚫 Do not install apps from unknown sources – they often leave garbage behind.
• 📥 Use cloud storage for photos and videos (e.g. Google Photos with automatic download).
• 🔍 Periodically check the storage through Settings → Memory.

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Enable the option “Auto-Update only over Wi-Fi” (in your account settings) in Google Play, which will prevent heavy updates from downloading in the background, which are difficult to remove.

FAQ: Frequent Questions About “The Other” on Xiaomi Redmi 8T