How to completely remove the “Other” on Xiaomi Redmi Note 7: 7 proven ways

Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 is one of the most popular smartphones in the budget segment, but even its 64 GB of memory is eventually filled with the mysterious “Other” section. Users often face a situation where free space is melting before their eyes, although there are almost no photos, videos and applications. In this article, we will analyze what is hidden under the “Other” item in storage, why it takes gigabytes and how to safely clean it – from standard methods to hidden MIUI functions.

Spoiler: 80 percent of the time, undeleted updates, cache of system applications and artifacts from Google Play Services are to blame, but there are less obvious reasons, like residual files from firmware or a bug in the F2FS file system that Xiaomi used in this model, and we tested all the ways on the Redmi Note 7 with MIUI 12-14, and only the ones that actually work.

What is the Other in Xiaomi’s storage and why is it growing?

The “Other” section in the Redmi Note 7 memory settings is a container for all files that the system cannot categorize as standard (photos, videos, apps, etc.) and includes:

• 📁 Cache of system applications (including Google Play Services, Mi Account, Security)
• 🔄 Residual files after updates (folders) /cache and /data/ota)
• 🗑️ Temporary files from browsers, instant messengers and games (e.g..tmp,.log)
• 🛠️ File system artifacts (broken links, incorrectly deleted files)
• 📱 Virtual machine data (if dual applications or second space were used)

On the Redmi Note 7, the problem is compounded by the model coming out with Android 9 Pie and an F2FS file system that fragments more over time than ext4.For example, after a year of use, the Other section can take anywhere from 5 to 15GB - even if you regularly clean the cache manually.

⚠️ Note: Do not confuse "Other" with "System"; the latter occupies fixed ~6-8 GB, and includes firmware, kernel and preinstalled applications. It can't be reduced without root rights.

Method 1: Clearing the cache of system applications (without root)

The safest method is to manually clean the cache for applications that actively accumulate it. On the Redmi Note 7, the main memory eaters are:

• 📱 Google Play Services (can take up to 2-3 GB)
• 🔒 Mi Account and Security (cache of scans and updates)
• 🌐 Browser (Mi Browser, Chrome – up to 1 GB)
• 🎮 Online cash games (PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty)

How to clean:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select "Show all processes".
3. Sort applications by cache size (click on “Cache size”).
4. For each application from the list above, click Clear Cache (not data!).

Close all applications in multitasking

Connect charging (the process can take 5-10 minutes)

Check the free space before and after cleaning.

Do not clear the cache for Galery and Contacts (may reset the story)

-->

⚠️ Attention: Clearing the cache of Google Play Services may temporarily disrupt Google Pay, notifications and sync. If push notifications are missing after the procedure, restart your smartphone.

Method 2: Delete the residual MIUI update files

Xiaomi is known for keeping backup and temporary files in memory after firmware updates; on the Redmi Note 7, they can weigh up to 3-4 GB and be stored for years, and can be deleted through the built-in file manager:

Instructions:

1. Open the Files app (Folder icon).
2. Go to the Categories section → System Files.
3. Find the folders: /data/ota_package — Here are the downloaded firmwares. /cache — temporary update files. /MIUI/backup — backups before updating.

Delete all the contents of these folders (except the current firmware, if there is one).

💡 Useful advice: If the folder /data/ota_package If it does not open, try using Total Commander with Root mode enabled (if you have superuser rights) or connect your smartphone to your PC via a PC ADB.

Method 3: Reset the Storage application (hidden method)

Few people know, but MIUI has a hidden feature that counts the occupied space and sometimes the gigabytes found are returned to free storage, which works if the Other partition shows an incorrect size due to file system errors.

How to do this:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the Storage app (memory graph icon).
3. Slip "Storage" → "Clean the data" (not cache!).
4. Confirm the action and restart the smartphone.

⚠️ Warning: After this action, all memory usage statistics will be reset, and the system will start collecting data again. This can take up to 30 minutes. Don't be alarmed if, after rebooting, the storage settings say "0 MB occupied" - this is temporary.

💡

This method doesn't delete files physically, it just resets the counters of the system, and if after the reboot, "Other" shows a lot of volume again, the problem is real files, not the display error.

Method 4: Using ADB for deep cleaning (for advanced)

If standard methods don’t work, you can connect to your smartphone via Android Debug Bridge (ADB) and manually delete unnecessary files, which requires a PC and minimal command line knowledge, but allows you to clear what’s not available through the interface.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Tools.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB Redmi Note 7 (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times tap the version, then go back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).

Cleanup commands:

adb shell


su




rm -rf /data/ota_package/*




rm -rf /cache/*




rm -rf /data/log/*




rm -rf /data/tombstones/*




exit




exit

💡 Useful tip: If the su command doesn't work, you don't have root rights. In this case, only use commands without su (they will clear fewer files, but securely).

💡

Before execution ADB-commands make a backup of important data. error in the command (for example, deletion) /data/data) It can lead to loss of applications and settings.

Method 5: Formatting /cache partition (extreme method)

If the Other takes up more than 5GB and doesn't shrink, you can format the /cache partition.This is a radical method, but it often helps when other methods are powerless.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the Redmi Note 7.
2. Press Power + Volume Up to Enter Recovery Mode.
3. Select a language and go to Advanced → Wipe Cache Partition.
4. Confirm the action and wait for the completion.
5. Reboot your smartphone (Reboot System).

⚠️ Warning: Do not confuse Wipe Cache Partition with Wipe Data! The second option will erase all your data (photos, apps, settings.

Method 6: Switching to custom firmware (for enthusiasts)

If you're willing to take drastic measures, installing custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) can solve the Other problem once and for all. MIUI It is known for its “junk” approach to file storage, and AOSP-Firmware (pure Android) lacks this drawback.

Pros:

• ✅ There is no hidden cache from Xiaomi and Google.
• ✅ File system ext4 instead F2FS (less fragmentation).
• ✅ The ability to use MicroG instead of Google Services (savings up to 1-2 GB).

Cons:

• ❌ Loss of warranty (if it is still valid).
• ❌ Risk of “bricking” when installed incorrectly.
• ❌ Certain functions (e.g, IR Blaster may work in an unstable manner.

🔧 How to install custom firmware:

1. Unlock the bootloader through Mi Unlock Tool (requires a Xiaomi account and wait 7-30 days).
2. Install TWRP Recovery for Redmi Note 7 (model lavender).
3. Download firmware (like LineageOS 20) and GApps (if you need Google services).
4. Flip through TWRP by running Wipe → Format Data (this will remove everything from your phone!).

Method 7: Hardware Reset (Last Hope)

If none of these methods work, you'll have to reset your phone completely, and you'll have to return it to factory status and delete all of your user data, including hidden files in the Other section. On the Redmi Note 7, you can do this in two ways:

Method 1. Through settings:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select “Erase all data”.
3. Enter your password (if installed) and confirm.

Method 2. Through Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Power + Volume up to enter Recovery.
3. Choose Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
4. Confirm and wait for completion.

⚠️ Warning: After reset, be sure to format the memory card (if it is used). MIUI Sometimes leaves hidden folders (.miui,.data) on it that continue to take up space.

💡

Hardware reset is the only way to completely clear the Other section if it is busy due to file system errors or viruses.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the "Other" section on the Redmi Note 7