How to completely remove the “Other” from the memory of the Xiaomi Redmi smartphone: step-by-step instructions

Xiaomi Redmi smartphone owners often face a problem: the phone’s memory is filled with unknown files under the category “Other” in the storage section. This data can take from 5 to 30 GB, but it does not appear in standard folders. Unlike photos, videos or applications, “Other” includes cache system processes, temporary MIUI files, remnants of deleted programs and service data that are not automatically cleared.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to remove “Other” from Xiaomi Redmi memory – from simple actions in settings to deep cleaning with hidden MIUI tools. It is important to understand that some of these files are necessary for stable operation of the system, so you need to delete them carefully. We will also tell you what data can be safely erased and what you should not touch, so as not to disrupt the operation of the smartphone.

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

The “Other” category in the MIUI storage menu is a generic name for files that the system cannot categorize as standard (photos, videos, audio, documents).

• 🗑️ Application and system process cache – temporary files that are created to speed up programs, but often are not deleted after closing.
• 🔄 Remote application residues are pieces of data that remain after uninstallation of programs (for example, settings or databases).
• 📁 Service files MIUI — Log files, memory dumps, backups of settings that the system creates automatically.
• 🔗 Symbolic links and metadata – technical information required for the file system to function.
• 📱 Data from the Android Virtual Machine (ART/Dalvik-cache – optimized versions of applications for quick launch.

On Xiaomi Redmi smartphones (especially on MIUI 12-14 models), the problem is exacerbated by an aggressive caching policy: the system actively reserves space for temporary files to speed up work, but does not always clean them. For example, after updating the firmware or resetting, there may be duplicate system files that take up gigabytes of memory.

⚠️ Note: Some files in the Other category are critical to the job MIUI. Deletion of service data from folders /data/dalvik-cache or /system This can cause a cyclical reboot or breakage of your smartphone, and only use official tools or proven applications to manipulate it.

Method 1: Clearing the application cache through MIUI settings

The safest and fastest method is to remove the cache of applications, which often accounts for up to 70% of the volume of the Other, and MIUI has a built-in tool for this purpose:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select “Sort by Size” – so you will see the programs taking up the most space.
3. Select an app (such as Google Play Services, MIUI Gallery or Facebook) and click Clear Cache.
4. For mass cleaning, go to Settings → Memory → Cleanup and click “Clean” (the system will automatically delete unnecessary temporary files).

This method allows you to free up 1 to 5 GB of memory without deleting important data, but it does not affect the system cache and remnants of remote applications.

Clear the cache of Google Play Services and Google Play Store | Delete the temporary files of MIUI Gallery and Photo| Scan the Download folder for unnecessary files | Clear the cache of Telegram/WhatsApp (if you use)

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If the volume of the “Other” has not decreased after cleaning the cache, proceed to the next method – it affects the deeper layers of the system.

Method 2: Remove application residues with ADB (for advanced users)

Some files in the Other category are remnants of remote applications that are not cleaned by standard means. Deleting them will require ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a tool for debugging Android via a computer, which is suitable for users who are willing to work with the command line.

Instructions:

1. Install ADB Tools on your computer (Windows/macOS/Linux).
2. Turn on USB Debugging on your smartphone: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times to activate Developer Mode), then go back to Settings → Additional → Developers → Debugging on USB.
3. Connect Redmi to your computer and enter the command in the terminal (or command line): adb devices Make sure the device is determined (serial number should appear).
4. Run the command to search for remnants of remote applications: adb shell pm list packages -u This command will show a list of packets that have been deleted, but their data remained in the system.
5. Remove unnecessary residues by command (replace package.name with the real name of the package from the list): adb shell pm clear package.name

This method allows you to free up to 2-3 GB of memory if the smartphone has often installed and removed applications, but it requires caution: removing system packages (for example, com.miui. or com.android.) can disrupt the MIUI.

Method 3: Using the hidden storage menu in MIUI

MIUI has a hidden menu that allows you to remove system debris and duplicate files that are not available through standard settings.

1. Go to Settings. → Memory.
2. Click on the memory usage chart (where the categories “Applications”, “Images” etc. are shown).
3. In the window that opens, select “Other” – the system will scan the device and show a detailed report.
4. Click “Clean” next to the “App Cache,” “Downloads,” or “Unnecessary Files” items.

You can also find this menu:

• 📂 Large files – videos, archives or documents larger than 100MB.
• 🔍 Duplicates – Repeated photos or documents.
• 🗑️ Recycle Bin - files deleted less than 30 days ago (in some versions) MIUI They also get into the "Other»).

This method does not require root rights and is system-safe, but it does not delete MIUI service files, which can be large.

Once a week.|Once a month|Only when the place ends.|Never clean.-->

Method 4: Reset the partition cache (Wipe Cache Partition) via Recovery

If previous methods didn’t work, try resetting the partition cache via Recovery mode, which will delete all temporary system files, including the update cache, but will not affect user data (photos, contacts, apps).

Instructions:

1. Turn off your smartphone.
2. Press the Power + Volume buttons up at the same time (on some Redmi models - Power + Volume up + Volume down).
3. When the Mi logo appears, release the buttons – you will be taken to the Recovery menu.
4. Use volume buttons to navigate and select "Wipe & Reset" → "Wipe Cache".
5. Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed.
6. Restart the device ("Reboot").

This method helps if the "Other" is inflated because of:

• 🔄 Failed updates MIUI (There are temporary firmware files left).
• 📱 Failures in system applications (for example, MIUI Launcher or Security).
• 🔧 Incorrect completion of work (if the smartphone is often turned off forcibly).

⚠️ Warning: Do not confuse "Wipe Cache" with "Wipe Data" (full reset)! The second option will delete all your data, including photos and applications. Also, it is not recommended to use this method more than 1 time every 2-3 months - private cache cleaning can slow down the system.

Method 5: Manually delete files through file manager (for power users)

If you are willing to work with the file system manually, you can delete a part of the Other through a root file manager (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).

What folders can be cleaned (if they take up a lot of space):

How to check which files are taking up space:

1. Install a file manager with root support (such as FX File Explorer).
2. Go to /data and sort the files by size.
3. Delete only the folders listed in the table above. Don't touch /system, /vendor or /data/data/com.android.*!

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Before manually cleaning, back up your important data via Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset. This will help restore the system if something goes wrong.

How to prevent the “Other” from accumulating in memory

To prevent the “Other” category from growing again, follow these guidelines:

• 🔄 Clean the cache regularly (once every 1-2 weeks) through Settings → Memory. → Cleanup.
• 🚫 Avoid installing apps from unknown sources – they often leave debris in the system.
• 📱 Update. MIUI — in new versions of firmware optimized work with cache.
• 🔍 Use lightweight alternatives to heavy apps (like Facebook Lite instead of the main Facebook).
• 🗑️ Set up automatic cleaning in MIUI Security (Security annex»).

You should also disable automatic backup of unnecessary data:

1. Go to Settings → Accounts and Sync → Mi Cloud.
2. Turn off reservations for unnecessary apps (such as Notes or Calendar if you don’t use them).

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The most common reason for the proliferation of “Other” is the cache of Google Play Services and MIUI system applications. Regular cleaning through settings or ADB solves the problem 80% of the time.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the category “Other” in Xiaomi Redmi