How to completely remove the “Other” from the memory of Xiaomi Redmi Note 5: step-by-step methods

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 (codenamed whyred) is still a popular smartphone due to its balance of performance and price. However, many users face a problem: over time, the “Other” section in the memory settings grows to several gigabytes, eating precious space. Unlike photos or apps, this section has no explicit content, which causes confusion. In fact, the “Other” hides the cache of system processes, remnants of deleted applications, log files and temporary MIUI data.

In this article, we’ll look at 5 proven ways to clean the Other partition on Redmi Note 5, including hidden MIUI features, ADB commands, and even manually removing unnecessary files without root rights. It’s important to understand that not all methods are equally effective — some are temporary, others require technical skills. We’ll also explain why the Other comes back over time and how to minimize its growth.

What is the “Other” section in Xiaomi memory and why it takes up so much space

In MIUI, the Other section is a collective name for files that the system cannot categorize as standard (photos, videos, apps, etc.) and includes:

📁 Cache of system applications (e.g. com.miui.home, com.android.systemui)
🗑️ Temporary files from updates MIUI Google Play Services
📜 Log files (error logs, memory dumps)
🔄 Remnants of Remote Applications (Folders) /data/data/ They are not always completely cleaned)
🖼️ Miniatures and previews from the gallery and file manager

On the Redmi Note 5 with 16/32/64 GB of memory, this partition can take up from 3 to 10 GB — especially if the smartphone has been in use for a long time without reset. The reason is the MIUI architecture: the system actively caches data to speed up work, but does not always delete it correctly. For example, after updating the firmware, old files can remain in the /cache folder, and applications like Facebook or TikTok leave behind tens of megabytes of “junk” even after uninstalling.

⚠️ Warning: Don't confuse "Other" with "System"! the latter contains firmware files and cannot be cleaned without root rights or firmware reflashing.

Interesting fact: on the Redmi Note 5 s MIUI 12+ Some of the junk is hidden from the user. /data/system/package_cache can weigh up 1 GB, but it doesn't show up in the standard file manager, and it's going to require some special techniques to clean it up, which we'll talk about later.

Method 1: Clear cache and data via MIUI settings

The easiest method is to use the built-in MIUI tools, which do not require root rights and is suitable for beginners, but only clears part of the Other section:

Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select “Show System Processes”.
Find apps with a large cache: 📱 com.miui.home (Luncher) MIUI) 🔍 com.miui.securitycenter (Security) 📊 com.android.systemui (System Interface)

"Clear the cache."

"Delete the data"

This procedure will free up from 500 MB to 2 GB of storage, but some system applications (e.g. com.xiaomi.market) do not allow data to be deleted, they will have to be reset via ADB (see Method 3).

☑️ Checklist before cleaning the cache

Backup of important dataClose all background applicationsConnect the charger (the process can take 10-15 minutes)Reboot the smartphone after cleaning

Done: 0 / 4

⚠️ Warning: Clearing system applications (e.g. com.android.providers.media) may cause the media scanner to crash.

Method 2: Use a file manager with root rights (for advanced ones)

If you have root access, you can manually delete unnecessary files from hidden folders. This is the most effective method, but it requires caution - an error can lead to a bootloop.

The main folders for cleaning:

The way to the folder	What does it contain?	Is it safe to remove?
/data/dalvik-cache	Dalvik cache (accelerates application launch)	Yes (restores automatically)
/data/system/package_cache	Cache of installed/removed APKs	Yes.
/data/log	Log files of system and applications	Yeah (except) last_kmsg)
/data/tombstones	Memory dumps when applications crash	Yes.
/cache	Temporary update files	Yes (cleared when rebooted)

Instructions:

Open a file manager with root access.
Go to /data/ and find the folders from the table above.
Remove the contents (not the folders themselves!).
Reboot your smartphone.

Step-by-step:

Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version. Go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers. Activate USB Debugging.

Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm your trust in the device.

cmd

ADB

adb shell pm list packages -f | grep xiaomi

This command will show all Xiaomi system packages. Copy the package names (e.g. com.miui.player) and clear their cache:

adb shell pm clear com.miui.player

For mass cleaning, use the script:

adb shell "su -c 'pm clear --user 0 com.miui.home'"


adb shell "su -c 'pm clear --user 0 com.miui.securitycenter'"




adb shell "su -c 'pm clear --user 0 com.android.providers.media'"

💡

If the pm clear command doesn’t work, try getting a temporary root through the adb shell first with the su command. On some Redmi Note 5 firmware, this works even without the full root.

This method frees up 1-3 GB of memory, but requires care. Don't clean packets like com.android.phone, it can disrupt the network!

📊 What cleaning method have you tried before?

Through MIUI settings

With the help of a file manager

Through ADB

Reset to factory settings

I've tried nothing.

Method 4: Reset to factory settings (nuclear version)

If previous methods didn't work, you'll have to do Hard Reset, which is a factory-fabricated reset, which will delete all the data, including "Other," but you'll have to set up the device from scratch. On the Redmi Note 5, you can do the reset in two ways:

Method 1: Through the settings

Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
Select “Delete all data”.
Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.

Method 2: Recovery (if the smartphone is not turned on)

Turn off the device.
Press Power + Volume Up before the Mi Recovery logo appears.
Choose Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
Confirm the reset and reset.

We also recommend that you do this once a month:

adb shell cmd package bg-dexopt-job

This command optimizes background processes, reducing the memory load.

💡

Regularly cleaning the cache through Settings → Memory → Cleaning reduces the growth of the Other by 30-40%, but a full reset every six months is the most reliable way to keep memory in order.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When cleaning the Other, users often make mistakes that lead to failures.

Delete files from /system without root: This will cause the device to fail. Partition /system is write-proof.
Cache Clearing com.android.phone: This packet is responsible for phone calls and SMS.
Using cleaners like Clean Master: These applications often delete the files and leave behind advertising debris.

If after cleaning the smartphone began to slow down, do:

adb shell sync


adb shell reboot

This synchronizes the file system and restarts the device.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

❓ Why does the “Other” reappear after a week?

MIUI actively caches data to speed up. To slow down partition growth: Turn off auto-update applications. Limit background social media activity. Clear the cache once a month through Settings → Memory.

❓ Can you delete the “Other” without losing data?

The 1-3 methods (cache cleaning, ADB, manual root cleaning) do not affect user files, but a reset will be required to clean up the user files to the maximum extent (up to 1-2 GB of residue).

❓ Why the Redmi Note 5 takes up more space than the new Xiaomi?

On older smartphones (Redmi Note 5, Mi A1), MIUI uses less optimized caching. Newer models (e.g., Redmi Note 12) have: More efficient file system (F2FS instead of ext4). Automatic cache cleaning when memory is scarce.

❓ How to Transfer “Other” to the SD-map?

Technically impossible — The Other consists of system files that must be in internal memory. However, you can: Move the application cache to the SD via AppMgr III. Use the SD as internal memory (formatting through Settings → Memory). This will not reduce the Other, but will make room for new files.

❓ What to do if after cleaning the smartphone became slower?

It's a temporary effect — MIUI To speed up the process, reboot the device. Follow the command: adb shell cmd package compile -m speed -a Turn off animations in Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (press 5 once MIUI», Then to the Developer Settings → Scale of animation → Off.).