How to completely remove the “Other” from the memory of Xiaomi Redmi 9: from cache to system garbage

Why The Other Takes Gigabytes of Memory on Redmi 9 – and How to Fix It

Have you ever looked into the storage of your Xiaomi Redmi 9 and wondered where the free gigabytes went? The system stubbornly shows that the Other partition is 10, 20 or even 30 GB — even though you deleted unnecessary photos, cleared the app cache and transferred files to the memory card long ago.

In fact, the Other is not just garbage, but hidden system files that MIUI (Xiaomi firmware) does not classify as standard categories (applications, media, documents).

  • 🗑️ Residual data of remote applications (incomplete uninstallation)
  • 🔄 System process cache (including Android System WebView and Google Play Services)
  • 📁 Hidden folders from MIUI (logs, dumps, temporary update files)
  • 🎮 Game saves and cloud services data (e.g. Xiaomi Cloud or Google Drive)

The problem is compounded by the fact that the Redmi 9 (M2003J15SC/M2003J15SS models) has only 32-64 GB of memory, of which up to 12-15 GB is eaten by the system itself. If you don't clean the Other regularly, the phone starts to slow down, the apps fly out, and the camera refuses to save photos. Next, 5 proven ways to regain control of the storage.

📊 How often do you clean your memory on your smartphone?
Once a week.
Only when the place ends.
Never cleaned.
I'm using automatic cleaning.

Method 1: Deep cleaning of the cache of system applications

The safest method is to remove the cache of system services that accumulate gigabytes of garbage, which, unlike custom applications, is not visible in the standard Storage menu.

  1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
  2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select “Show System Processes”.
  3. Sort the list by cache size (stick to the column "Storage").
  4. Pay attention to these apps (they are most often guilty of filling out "Other»): 📱 Android System WebView (cache of web views) 🔄 Google Play Services (Google Background Processes) 📊 MIUI System and MIUI Daemon (service data firmware) 🎵 Media Storage (media scanner, often fails)

"Clear the cache."

Warning: If after cleaning Media Storage gallery stopped showing photos, restart the phone – the system will re-index media files automatically.

Close all apps (especially instant messengers and games)

Connect your phone to charge (the process can take 5-10 minutes)

Check the free space before and after cleaning.

Do not interrupt the process (may cause disruptions) MIUI)-->

Method 2: Removing Residual Files from Remote Applications

When you delete an app through Settings or Google Play, MIUI often leaves behind tails — folders with settings, cache, and temporary files — that take up space in the Other section, but don’t show up in the standard file manager.

To find them:

  1. Install a file manager with access to root folders, such as Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer.
  2. Go to /storage/emulated/0/Android/data/ – this is where user application data is stored.
  3. Delete folders with app names you deleted long ago (e.g. com.tencent.ig for PUBG Mobile or com.facebook.katana for Facebook).
  4. Check the /storage/emulated/0/Android/obb/ folder – heavy game files are often left there (weighing 1-2 GB).

How to access:

  1. Use Solid Explorer (enable in the “Show Hidden Files” and “Show System Files” settings).
  2. For folders in /cache/ or /data/, root or ADB may be required.
  3. Alternative: Reset the cache via Settings → About Phone → Resetting → Clear the cache (does not delete personal data!).

💡

If after cleaning the folder /cache/ The phone is slower to work, restart it - the system will restore the necessary files automatically.

Method 4: Reset MIUI settings (without data loss)

If previous methods didn’t help, and “Other” still takes 10+GB, the problem may lie in a failure of the MIUI database. In this case, a soft reset will help – it cleans system files, but does not affect your photos, videos or applications.

Instructions:

  1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
  2. Select “Reset all settings” (Do not “Delete all data”!).
  3. The phone will reboot and restore the factory settings of MIUI, but save your files.

What will be dropped:

  • 🔧 Screen settings (brightness, wallpaper, themes)
  • 📶 Network settings (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth)
  • 🔊 Sound profiles and notifications
  • 🔒 Fingerprints and graphics keys (they will need to be reconfigured!)

⚠️ Note: After reset, check the Security section in the settings – some applications (such as banking) may require re-authorization.

Method 5: Manually remove duplicates and junk files

Often, the Other is inflated by duplicate photos/video that are created by messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram) or cloud services (Google Photos, Mi Cloud), which are not visible in the gallery, but take up space.

How to find them:

  1. Install a duplicate search app like Files by Google or Duplicate Files Fixer.
  2. Scan the folders: 📸 /DCIM/ (photo) 💬 /WhatsApp/Media/ (chat-media) ☁️ /Pictures/Screenshots/ (screenshot) 🎵 /Download/ (browser-loading)

Delete duplicates and unnecessary files (e.g., screenshots of payment confirmations from a year ago).

Preventive advice: set up autocleaning in messengers:

  • On WhatsApp: Settings → Storage → Storage Management → Remove Heavy Media
  • In Telegram: Settings → Data and memory → Clear cache.

💡

Regular cleaning of duplicates and messenger cache can free up to 3-5 GB of memory on Redmi 9 without risk to the system.

What if the other one came back in a week?

If after all the manipulations, the Other section has grown again, the problem is in the background of MIUI processes. Here's how to minimize its growth:

  • 📵 Limit the background activity of applications: Settings → Battery and productivity → Battery management → Select “Limit background activity” for unnecessary applications.

Last chance: if the Other takes >15GB and doesn't decrease, consider a full phone reset (with PC data saved).This is a last resort, but it's guaranteed to clear all hidden files. Don't forget to back up before you do it!

FAQ: Frequent questions about the “Other” in Redmi’s memory 9

Can I remove the “Other” without root rights?
Yes, most of the methods in this article (cache cleaning, residual files, MIUI reset) don't require root, but you'll need super-user rights to access folders like /data/log/.
Why does the “Other” grow again after cleaning?
This is normal MIUI behavior, as it constantly creates logs, cache and temporary files. To slow growth: Turn off auto-update apps on Google Play. Limit background sync for unnecessary accounts (e.g. Mi Account if you don't use the Xiaomi cloud); Install light firmware (e.g. MIUI Lite) if it's available for your model.
Can the Other contain viruses?
Theoretically, yes, but unlikely. Viruses are usually disguised as legitimate apps in the Apps section, rather than hiding in the Other. However, if you notice suspicious activity (advertising, overheating, fast battery drain), scan your phone through Malwarebytes or Dr.Web Light.
How to transfer “Other” to a memory card?
Unfortunately, the “Other” section cannot be moved to SD-The card is a system file that must remain in internal memory, but you can: Move the applications to the map (in Settings). → Annexes → Select an application → Warehouse → Modify. Save the photo/video immediately to SD-map (in the camera settings, select “Default Memory»).
Should I use apps like Clear Master?
No, these programs often make things worse. They: Delete useful files, disrupt MIUI. They consume resources and show false warnings. They may contain ads or collect your data. Instead, use Xiaomi's built-in Security utility or the manual methods in this article.