Xiaomi Redmi 8 is one of the most popular budget smartphones, but its 32 or 64 GB of memory has an unpleasant feature: over time, they are “clogged” with the mysterious “Other” section. In the storage menu, it can take from 5 to 20 GB, with neither the file manager nor the standard MIUI tools to clean it. Why is this?
The fact is that the Other hides system caches, application logs, temporary update files, remnants of deleted programs and even duplicate media files that MIUI does not classify as “music”, “photos” or “documents.” In this article, we will discuss the unique methods for Redmi 8 that will help you return precious gigabytes – from simple (through settings) to advanced (using ADB).
What is the Other in Xiaomi’s Memory and Why is it Growing?
The Other section is the garbage bin of the MIUI operating system, which includes:
- 📁 Cache of applications (including social networks, instant messengers and games). For example, Telegram or VKontakte can store up to 1-2 GB of temporary files here.
- 🔄 Remains of updates after installing the new version MIUI The system does not always delete old packets (.zip files weighing 1-3 GB).
- 🗑️ Logs of the system (/data/log). They are needed for diagnosis, but rarely cleaned automatically.
- 🖼️ Duplicate media files. MIUI Sometimes creates miniatures for the gallery, which remain even after the originals are removed.
- 📦 Remote application files. When a program is uninstalled, its data can remain in folders. /data/data or /sdcard/Android.
On Redmi 8, the problem is compounded by the fact that the smartphone is equipped with eMMC memory (rather than faster UFS), which over time “degrades” – slows down when filled, so cleaning the “Other” not only frees up space, but also improves the performance of the device.
⚠️ Note: Do not confuse “Other” with “Other” /system (where the firmware files are stored. Its size is fixed (~3–4 GB) and not subject to change without root rights.
Method 1: Cleaning through built-in MIUI tools
Start with standard methods, they are safe and do not require additional software. MIUI 12-14 (current for Redmi 8) has hidden cleaning features:
- Open Settings → Memory and tap on the usage schedule.
- Select the category “Other” (may be called “Other” or “System Data”).
- Click Clear (if the button is active). Some versions of MIUI show subcategories here - clear them individually.
If the Clean button is inactive, try an alternative path:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Sort programs by size and manually clear the cache for the heaviest (e.g. Google Play Services, Mi Video, Galery).
☑️ What to clean up first
This method removes up to 1-3 GB of garbage, but often leaves untouchable files.
Method 2: Remove hidden folders through the file manager
Many files in the Other section are stored in hidden folders that are not displayed by default.
- Install a file manager with root access support (such as FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer).
- Enable the display of hidden files: in Solid Explorer, this is ☰ → Settings → Hidden files.
- Go to the root directory (/) and check the following folders:
| folder | What it keeps. | Can I remove it? |
|---|---|---|
| /data/log | Logs of system and applications | Yes (except for current logs) |
| /sdcard/Android/obb | Additional game files | Yes (if games are deleted) |
| /sdcard/DCIM/.thumbnails | Gallery miniatures | Yes (restore automatically) |
| /data/local/tmp | Temporary update files | Yes. |
| /sdcard/MIUI/backup | Backup copies of MIUI | Yes (if you don't need to) |
⚠️ Note: Do not delete files in folders /system, /vendor or /data/app — It's going to crash, and avoid folders called com.android. and com.xiaomi..
Once cleaned, restart your smartphone.If some folders are not deleted (e.g. /data/log), use Method 4 with ADB.
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Before deleting folders, back up your important data. Connect Redmi 8 to your PC and copy files from /sdcard/DCIM and /sdcard/Download to your computer.
Method 3: Using cleaning applications (without root)
If manual cleaning seems difficult, use specialized utilities.The best options for Redmi 8:
- 🧹 SD Maid can find duplicates, empty folders and remnants of deleted applications.
- 🗑️ Files by Google.The built-in Cleanup tool analyzes unnecessary files, including the messenger cache.Plus: Google's official app.
- 🔍 CCleaner helps delete cache and temporary files, but can skip deep system data.
Instructions for SD Maid:
- Download the app from Google Play and give access to memory.
- Run the scan in the "Basket" section (for application residues) and "Dublicates".
- Delete the files found and restart the device.
These programs will free up 2–5 GB, but will not replace full ADB cleaning (Method 4).
Why not use "cleaners" with aggressive advertising?
Method 4: Deep Cleaning through ADB (for experienced)
If previous methods didn’t work, use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a low-level smartphone management tool that’s the most efficient way to do it, but requires a PC connection.
What you need:
- 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
- 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
- 🛠️ Installed Xiaomi and ADB-tools drivers.
Step-by-step:
- Enable USB debugging on Redmi 8: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (Tap 7 times) Settings → Additional → For Developers → Debugging on USB
- Connect your smartphone to your PC and open the command line (terminal) in the folder with adb.exe.
- Follow the commands in turn: adb shell su (if there is root) pm clear com.android.providers.media (clearing media cache) rm -rf /data/log/* (deleting logs) rm -rf /data/local/tmp/* (temporary files) rm -rf /sdcard/Android/obb/* (game remnants)
⚠️ Attention: Command rm -rf It deletes files irrevocably. If you go wrong (e.g., type in rm). -rf /data/*), This will lead to system failure and the need to reflash.
After you execute the commands, restart your smartphone. This method frees up to 5-10 GB, but requires caution.
💡
ADB is the most powerful cleaning tool, but only use it if you're confident in commands.A single line error can make the phone inoperable.
Method 5: Reset to factory settings (extreme case)
If the Other takes up more than 15GB and no methods are working, then you have a hard reset, which is a complete reset of the phone, which will delete all data, including photos, messages and apps, but return the device to its "clean" state.
How to reset:
- Back up important files (via Mi Cloud or PC).
- Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
- Select “Delete all data” and confirm.
After discharge:
- 🔄 Do not restore data from backup MIUI — It may contain the same garbage.
- 📱 Install applications selectively, avoiding unnecessary ones.
- 🔧 Turn off automatic app updates on Google Play.
This method is guaranteed to cleanse the Other, but only use it if other methods have not worked.
How to prevent the “Other” from being refilled
To prevent the problem from returning in a month, follow the following simple rules:
- 📵 Limit your social media cache. In Telegram and VKontakte, set a cache limit in your settings (e.g. 500MB).
- 🔄 Clean the Download folder regularly. APK-file.
- 🎮 Use cloud saves for games. Games like this. PUBG Genshin Impact stores gigabytes of data in the /sdcard/Android/obb.
- 📱 Turn off automatic download of media in messengers (WhatsApp, Viber).
- 🔄 Update. MIUI Automatic updates often leave garbage in the back. /data/local/tmp.
It is also useful to check memory once a month through Settings → Memory and clean the cache manually.
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If you install/remove applications frequently, use App Cloner to create a sandbox that allows you to test programs without clogging the main system.