How to completely remove the “Other” in memory Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC: from cache to system garbage

Why the Other Partition Takes Gigabytes on the Poco X3 NFC – and How to Fix It

Owners of Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC often encounter a mysterious “Other” section in the memory settings, which takes from 5 to 20 GB for no apparent reason. These are not just temporary files: remnants of deleted applications, cache of system processes, MIUI log files, and hidden data from messengers and social networks. Unlike regular garbage, this partition is not cleaned by standard means – it must be deleted manually.

Compounding the problem, the Poco X3 NFC (model M2007J20CG) originally comes with 64 or 128 GB of memory, of which 10 to 15 percent less is actually available to the user. When the Other grows to 10+ GB, the phone starts to slow down, apps fly out, and the system offers to make room — but without specific instructions. We tested 5 cleaning methods (including hidden MIUI 12/13 functions and ADB commands) and identified those that work on this model.

Important: On Poco X3 NFC, the Other section can contain up to 3GB of data from the Mi Video app (even if you don’t use it) and up to 500MB of logs from Google Play Services.

Method 1: Clearing the cache of all applications through a hidden menu

The safest method is to remove the cache of all applications at once, including system ones. On the Poco X3 NFC, this menu is hidden, but it can be opened without root permission.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Show All Processes** (if no point, skip the step).
3. Click on the filter icon (in the form of a funnel) and tick “Show system”**.
4. Scroll down and select “Clear Cache for All Apps”** (last item).

This method removes up to 2-3 GB of garbage, but does not touch application data (for example, saved games or chats).If the Other section did not decrease after cleaning, then the problem is in the system logs or update residues.

Make a backup copy of important data (photos, contacts)

Close all applications (especially messengers)

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

Check the vacant space (to evaluate the result)-->

⚠️ Note: Do not clear data (“Clear all data”** in the app menu) for Google Play Services, Mi Account or Telegram – this will lead to login failure and loss of chats.

Method 2: Removal of garbage through the built-in Optimizer (hidden function)

MIUI on the Poco X3 NFC has a hidden Deep Cleaning tool (com.miui.cleanmaster) that deletes files that are not available through the standard interface.

1. Open the Security app** (Shield icon).
2. Go to the “Optimization” section → “Deep cleaning”.

This method removes:

• 🗑️ Remains of uninstalled applications (APK, OBB, data).
• 📁 Temporary update files MIUI Google Play.
• 🔄 Duplicate media files (screenshots, miniatures).
• 📊 System Error Logs (can weigh up to 1 GB).

If the Deep Clean section is missing, your MIUI version doesn't support it, in which case you move on to method 3.

Once a week.

Once a month

Only when the place ends.

Never clean.-->

Method 3: Manually delete hidden files via ADB (for advanced ones)

If the first two methods don't work, you'll need to connect to your phone via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which will allow you to delete files that MIUI is hiding from the user.

• 💻 Computer with installed ADB Tools.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• ⚙️ Included debugging by USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to tap according to the version → return to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).

After connecting the phone to the PC, execute commands in the terminal (in turn):

adb shell


su




rm -rf /data/local/tmp/*




rm -rf /data/log/*




rm -rf /data/system/dropbox/*




rm -rf /data/tombstones/*




rm -rf /cache/*




exit




exit

What these commands are removing:

⚠️ Attention: Rm teams -rf You can delete files permanently. Don't change paths manually, it can make your phone blink. If you've rebooted your phone to fastboot after you've done the command, restore it through the Mi Flash Tool.

Method 4: Reset to factory settings (nuclear version)

If the Other takes up more than 10 GB and is not cleaned by any method, then all that remains is a complete reset. On the Poco X3 NFC, it is done like this:

1. Back up through Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset (or use Mi Cloud).
2. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
3. Select “Delete all data” and confirm the action.
4. Wait for the reboot (it will take 5-10 minutes).

What will be removed:

• 📱 All installed applications and their data.
• 📸 Photos, videos and music (if not saved) SD-map).
• 🔑 Google, Mi Accounts and Wi-Fi Passwords.
• ⚙️ All system settings (including application permissions).

Once reset, the Other section will shrink to 1-2GB (which is normal for a clean MIUI), but you will have to reconfigure the phone and recover the data.

💡

Resetting to factory settings is the only way to remove system updates that take up space in the Other section after a failed installation.

Method 5: Use of third-party applications (with caution)

If you don't want to use ADB or reset, you can try third-party utilities. The Poco X3 NFC works by:

• 🛠️ SD Maid (can clean system debris, but requires root for full access).
• 🧹 Files by Google (finds duplicates and large files, but does not delete system logs).
• 🔍 Storage Analyzer (shows which folders take up the most space).

How to use SD Maid:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Run the scan in the "CorpseFinder" section** (seeking for remnants of remote applications).
3. Go to AppCleaner** and remove the cache for all applications.
4. In SystemCleaner, select Logs, Crash dumps, and Empty folders.

⚠️ Note: Some applications (such as CCleaner) may delete important files. MIUI, This will cause the camera or sensors to malfunction.

💡

Before using third-party cleaners, turn off battery optimization for them in the MIUI settings (Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization), or they won’t be able to run in the background.

How to prevent the “Other” section from being refilled

To prevent the problem from returning, follow these rules:

• 📥 Clean the cache regularly in Settings → Warehouse → Clear the cache (once every 1-2 weeks).
• 🚫 Don't install it. APK-Files from unknown sources – they often leave debris behind.
• 🔄 Update. MIUI Only through official software (Settings) → Updating the system).
• 📁 Use cloud services (Google Photos, Mi Cloud) to store media files.
• 🛑 Turn off automatic backup for unnecessary applications.

It is also worth turning off automatic download of updates for system applications:

1. Go to Google Play → Settings → Auto-Update apps.
2. Select “Do not update automatically” **.

On Poco. X3 NFC The “Other” section may grow again after major updates MIUI (For example, from version 12 to version 13. In this case, repeat the cleaning through ADB dump.

FAQ: Frequent questions on cleaning up 'Other' on Poco X3 NFC