How to completely remove the folder “Other” on Xiaomi smartphones: from cache to system garbage

The Other folder in Xiaomi’s smartphone storage is one of the most puzzling and annoying features of MIUI firmware, which can take anywhere from 500MB to 10+GB, but users don’t see its content in the standard file manager. Unlike downloads or DCIM folders, where files are even visible, The Other hides the app cache, system temporary data, remnants of deleted programs, and even updates. With each update, MIUI (especially on versions 13-14), this section grows even more actively.

Complicating the problem is that Xiaomi artificially restricts access to system folders, and standard cleaning methods (for example, through Settings → Storage) remove only the tip of the iceberg. Many users of Redmi Note 10/11, POCO X3/X4 or Mi 11 face a situation where at 16/32 GB of free space, the system shows 0 bytes due to a crowded “Other”. In this article, we will analyze 5 working methods of cleaning – from safe (via embedded tools) to radical (using ADB and manual deleaking of files).

It's important to understand that some of the data in Other can't be deleted without root rights, because it's protected by the system, but even without it, you can free up 3-7 GB of memory by following our instructions, and let's start with the simplest and move on to advanced methods.

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

The Other folder is a collective name for files that MIUI cannot categorize as standard (Applications, Images, Videos, etc.) and includes:

  • 🗑️ Application cache and systems – temporary files that are created to speed up the operation of programs (for example, the cache of YouTube, Telegram or Google Play Services).
  • 🔄 Remnants of remote applications are fragments of data that remain after uninstallation of programs (especially relevant for games such as Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile).
  • 📦 System log files – error logs, memory dumps and crash reports that MIUI collect.
  • 🔄 Update files – Update packs that are downloaded but not installed MIUI (sometimes 1-2 GB).
  • 🧩 Virtual machine data - files ART/Dalvik, which are used to optimize the operation of applications.

Why is the Other growing? There are a few factors that are at play.

  1. MIUI aggressively caches data, especially on budget models (Redmi 9A, POCO M3) where memory is limited.
  2. The system does not always properly clear the cache after updating or removing applications.
  3. Some applications (such as Facebook, TikTok) create hidden folders with data that are not visible to the user.

Critical: On Xiaomi with MIUI 12+, the Other folder can take up to 40% of the total memory if not manually cleaned. For example, on the Redmi Note 10 Pro with 128GB of storage, users often see the Other eating 15-20GB — it’s almost like a standalone app!

📊 How often do you clean the “Other” folder on Xiaomi?
Once a week.
Once a month
Only when memory ends
Never cleaned.
I don't know what that is.

Method 2: Cleaning through built-in MIUI tools

The safest method is to use standard MIUI features, which are suitable for beginners and do not require additional software.

  1. Open the Settings → Storage.
  2. Tap on the “Other” section** (may be called Other Files or System Data).
  3. Click Clean (or Delete Unnecessary Files)

However, this method only removes surface debris — some applications cache and temporary files.

  • 🧹 Clearing the cache of all applications: Go to Settings → Annexes → App management. sort by size (tap three dots in the top right corner). Select large cache apps (e.g. Google Play Services, Mi Video, Browser) and click Clear cache.

Remove downloads and unnecessary files

  1. Open the File Manager (or File Manager) application.
  2. Go to Download, DCIM/.thumbnails, Android/data folders.
  3. Delete unnecessary files (especially pay attention to the folder.thumbnails – there may be thumbnails weighing 1-2 GB).

Warning: Do not delete files in Android/obb or Android/data folders unless you are sure of their purpose – this can break games or apps.

Make a backup copy of important data|Check the vacant space in the vault|Close all working applications|Connect your phone to charge (if the memory is almost full)-->

Method 2: Use of the Security Application

Xiaomi’s Security app (or Security) has a built-in deep cleaning tool that users often miss, which not only removes the cache, but also:

  • 📁 Residual files after deleting applications.
  • 🔍 Duplicate files (photos, videos, documents).
  • 🗂️ Large files that have not been used in a long time.
  • Enable the display of hidden files (in the manager settings).
  • Go to the root directory (/storage/emulated/0/).

🔹 What does it mean:

  • 🧹 Cleans Dalvik-cache (accelerates the system).
  • 🗑️ Deletes temporary update files.
  • 🔄 Sheds the core cache. MIUI.

⚠️ Warning: Do not confuse Wipe Cache with Wipe Data! The second option will erase ALL data on the phone (photos, contacts, apps).

💡

Cleaning through Recovery Mode is the only way to remove the cache of system updates that take up to 3-5 GB and are not visible in the standard manager.

Method 5: Removal via ADB (for advanced users)

If previous methods didn’t work, the most radical way is to use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which allows you to delete system files that are not available through the file manager, and works for all Xiaomi, including Redmi, POCO and Black Shark.

What you need:

  • 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Mac/Linux.
  • 📱 USB-cable (preferably original).
  • 🛠️ Utility. ADB (Download from the official Android website).