How to remove “Other” on Xiaomi Redmi 9A: a complete guide to cleaning up memory

Xiaomi Redmi 9A owners often encounter a mysterious “Other” partition in their smartphone storage that takes up gigabytes of memory but doesn’t allow it to be deleted by standard methods. This section includes system files, app cache, temporary data and remnants of remote programs that MIUI doesn’t always clean correctly, resulting in users seeing that only 5-10 GB of 32 GB or 64 GB is available, although photos, videos and apps are installed very few.

Compounding the problem, Redmi 9A is a budget device with limited internal memory (especially in the 32GB version), where every megabyte counts. In this article, we will discuss 5 working ways to reduce the size of the Other partition: from safe methods of cleaning the cache to radical steps like resetting to factory settings, and you will learn which files can be deleted without risk to the system, and which to touch is strictly forbidden.

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

The Other section of MIUI is a collection category for files that the system cannot classify as standard folders (DCIM, Downloads, Android, etc.).

• 📁 System cache – temporary files of applications and services MIUI, which must be cleaned automatically but often remain.
• 📱 Hidden files MIUI — Backups of settings, themes, cloud storage data Xiaomi Cloud.

On Redmi 9A, the Other section is often expanded due to the features of MIUI 12-14 firmware:

The system actively caches data to speed up work, but does not always delete them.

Xiaomi apps (e.g. Mi Browser, Mi Video) create hidden folders with garbage.

OS updates sometimes leave duplicate files that are not automatically cleared.

⚠️ Note: Do not attempt to manually delete files from folders /data or /system This can lead to the inability to load the smartphone or malfunctions in the work. MIUI.

To see how critical the situation is, check the memory allocation: Settings → About Phone → Storage. If the Other partition takes up more than 5-7 GB, it’s time to act.

Method 1: Clear cache and temporary files through MIUI settings

The safest method is to use the built-in MIUI tools, which do not require root rights and is suitable for beginners.

1. Open the Settings → Storage.
2. Tap on the “Other” section (may be called “Other” or “System Data”).
3. Select “Clean” or “Delete unnecessary files.” The system will scan the garbage and prompt you to delete it: 🗑️ Cash app. 📁 Temporary download files 🔄 Logs of the system

Confirm the cleanup. The process can take 1-3 minutes.

This method will free up 500MB to 2GB of storage, but won't delete deep system files. For a more thorough cleaning, move on to the next method.

Method 2: Removing the cache of all applications manually

Some apps (especially system ones) accumulate gigabytes of cache that is not automatically cleared, such as Mi Browser or Google Play Services, which can take 1-2 GB.

To clean the cache manually:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Sort the list by size (shoot three dots in the top right corner → “Sort by size”).
3. Open each major app (from 100MB) and click Clear Cache.
4. For system applications (e.g. MiuiDaemon, SecurityCenter) also click Clear Data, but be careful – this will reset the application settings.

⚠️ Note: Do not clear the Google Services Framework or Mi Account application data, which may result in loss of access to Xiaomi account or disruption of Google services.

After cleaning, restart your smartphone, which will help the system recalculate the space occupied and free up an additional 1-3 GB.

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If the memory is quickly filled again after cleaning the cache, turn off automatic app updates in Google Play and limit background activity for unnecessary programs in Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization.

Method 3: Using a file manager to find large files

MIUI has a hidden tool to find large files that are in the Other section, and use it to:

1. Open the standard File Manager application.
2. Go to the Storage Analysis section (may be called “Storage” or “Memory”).
3. Select “Large Files” or “Dublicates” and the system will show files as small as 10 MB.
4. Delete unnecessary files (such as old APKs, backups, or logs).

Before discharge, it is mandatory:

1. Create a backup through Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset.
2. Copy photos and videos on your PC or in the cloud (Google Photos, Xiaomi Cloud).
3. Write down usernames and passwords from your accounts (especially from Mi Account).

For discharge:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select “Erase all data” and confirm.
3. After the reboot, set up your smartphone as new.

⚠️ Attention: On Redmi 9A firmware MIUI 13+ After reset, you may need to link to the Xiaomi account that was on the device before the reset. If you forget your account information, the smartphone will become a “brick” (will not turn on).

Once reset, the Other section will shrink to 1-2GB, but you'll have to reconfigure the device, a method that should only be used as a last resort.

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Resetting to factory settings is the only way to completely clean up system debris, but it requires backup and can lock the phone without a tied Mi Account.

Method 5: Advanced ADB Cleaning (for Power Users)

If you're ready to work with the command line, you can remove some of the system debris through the ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a method that doesn't require root rights, but requires caution.

What you need:

• 🖥️ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on the Redmi 9A (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times, then additionally → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).

Instructions:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm the debugging permission.
2. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type: adb shell pm clear com.miui.cleanmaster # Clean the Optimization application pm clear com.android.providers.downloads # Clean the download manager rm -rf /data/local/tmp/* # Delete temporary files
3. To remove the cache of all user applications: adb shell su -c "pm trim-caches -a" (If it requests root, this method will not work - superuser rights are needed.)

These commands delete:

• 🧹 Cache of system and user applications.
• 🗑️ Temporary files from /data/local/tmp.
• 📥 Remains of downloads and updates.

⚠️ Note: Do not use the rm commands -rf folder /system or /data/data without knowing exactly what you're doing, it can permanently knock your smartphone out of action.

After completing the commands, restart the Redmi 9A. This method will free up to 3-5 GB, but requires technical skills.

How to prevent the “Other” section from being refilled

To prevent the “Other” section from growing again, follow these recommendations:

• 🔄 Regular Cleanup: Once a month, clear the cache through Settings → Warehouse.
• 🚫 Limit background activity: In Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization Disable Autostart for Unnecessary Applications.
• 📥 Control downloads: Remove APK-files and archives after installation.
• 🔒 Turn off automatic updates: On Google Play, select “Update only over Wi-Fi” or “Do not update automatically».
• 📁 Use it. SD-Map: Transfer photos, music and some apps to an external drive.

You should also disable unnecessary system services:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → System.
2. Find and disable: Mi Browser (if not used), Mi Video and Mi Music User Feedback (sending reports)

These measures will help to maintain the Other section within 1-3 GB and avoid critical situations with memory shortages.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the “Other” section on Xiaomi Redmi 9A