How to completely remove the folder “Other” on Xiaomi Redmi 10S: cleaning cache, system files and hidden garbage

The “Other” folder on Xiaomi Redmi 10S is one of the most puzzling and annoying issues for smartphone owners, which can take up 5 to 20 GB of storage, but does not display specific content in a standard file manager. Many users mistakenly think that these are viruses or remnants of remote applications, but in fact “Other” is a mixture of system cache, temporary MIUI files, update logs and garbage from applications.

In this article, we will discuss the unique Redmi 10S cleanup methods that do not result in resets or data loss. You will learn how to distinguish secure files from mission-critical ones, why standard methods often do not work, and what to do if the Other folder appears again in a week. All instructions are tested on MIUI 12.5-14 and are relevant for the Redmi 10S with 64/128 GB of memory.

Why does the Other folder take up so much space on Redmi 10S?

On Redmi 10S, the Other folder is not just garbage, but MIUI system reserve, which includes:

• 📁 Application and system cache (including com.android.systemui and com.miui.home data).
• 🔄 Update logs (remain after installing security patches and firmware).
• 🗑️ Temporary files from Google Play Services, Mi Cloud and other services.
• 🔒 Secure data (e.g. encrypted copies of messages or Mi Account backups).

Redmi 10S features a Snapdragon 480 and limited MIUI optimization for budget models. The system actively uses cache to speed up work, but does not always clean it correctly. For example, after upgrading to MIUI 13, many users noticed that the Other folder grows to 10+ GB due to duplicate logs.

It's important to understand that some files in Other can't be deleted, it could cause a system crash or a camera, GPS, or mobile network to malfunction, but up to 70 percent of the content can be safely cleaned if you know where to look.

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

The safest method is to manually clean the cache for MIUI system services, which most often clog the Other folder. On Redmi 10S, this can be done without superuser rights, but you will need access to Settings → All applications.

Follow the steps:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Show System.
3. Find the following apps in the list (use search): 🔍 com.android.systemui (Interface) MIUI) 📱 com.miui.home (Luncher) ☁️ com.xiaomi.cloud (Mi Cloud) 🔄 com.android.updater (Update Center)

Warehouse → Clear the cache

Once cleaned, reboot your phone. This method frees up 1 to 4 GB in the Other folder, but doesn't remove deep system logs. They'll need other ways.

Method 2: Remove update logs via Recovery Mode

If the Other folder has grown after the MIUI update, install logs that the system does not automatically delete are to blame. On Redmi 10S, they can be erased through Recovery Mode without losing user data.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.
3. In the Recovery menu, select the language (if required: 🔧 Wipe & Reset → Wipe Cache 🗃️ Advanced → Wipe Dalvik Cache (if there is a point)

Confirm the action and wait for the completion.

Reboot → System

This method removes up to 5 GB of garbage, but does not touch user files, but after the procedure, the first turn on can take 5-10 minutes - this is normal, since the system recovers the cache.

Method 3: Using ADB for deep cleaning (for advanced)

If standard methods don’t work, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge) to delete hidden files, which requires a computer and basic command line knowledge, but allows you to clear up to 80% of the contents of the Other folder.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on USB Debugging on your phone: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap 7 times to activate Developer Mode. Return to Settings → Additional → For Developers and enable USB Debugging.

Redmi 10S

adb shell


pm clear com.miui.analytics #Cleanup of MIUI Analytics




pm clear com.xiaomi.midrop #Mi Drop cleanup




rm -rf /data/local/tmp/* # Delete temporary files

⚠️ Note: Do not use the rm commands -rf /data/ rm -rf /system/ — This will lead to a complete collapse of the system and require reflashing the phone.

Once you've done the commands, restart the phone. This method is effective, but it's risky -- the wrong command can disrupt MIUI.

💡

Before using ADB, create a restore point in TWRP (if installed), which will allow you to roll back changes if something goes wrong.

Method 4: Cleaning through the built-in MIUI Memory Optimizer

In MIUI 12.5 and later, there is a hidden Memory Optimizer tool that can find and remove garbage in the Other folder, but by default it is disabled for Redmi 10S due to performance limitations.

How to activate:

1. Open the Settings → Memory.
2. Slip the memory schedule 3 times in a row (quickly).
3. A hidden menu will appear Deep Clean – select it.
4. Check the boxes: 🧹 Residual files 🗑️ Update cache 🔍 Unnecessary logs

Clean up

This method is safe and does not require root rights, but it does not work on all versions of MIUI. If the menu does not appear, try updating the firmware to the latest stable version.

Method 5: Manually cleansing through file manager (with root rights)

If you have Magisk or other root access, you can manually remove the garbage from the Other folder, which is the most effective, but also the most risky way to do it, because doing it wrong will cause you to lose data or crash your system.

What folders can be cleaned:

⚠️ Note: Never delete files from folders /system, /vendor or /data/app — This will cause the phone to fail.

To clean, use Root Explorer or FX File Manager with root access enabled. After removing, restart your phone and check for stability.

💡

Root access gives you maximum control over the Other folder, but it requires caution. Always back up through TWRP before manually cleaning.

How to prevent the “Other” folder from reappearing?

Even after cleaning the folder completely, the Other folder can grow again in a few weeks.

• 🔄 Turn off the automatic analytics MIUI: Go to Settings. → Confidentiality → Analytics and disable all switches.
• 📱 Limit the background activity of applications: C Settings → Battery → Battery Consumption Management Select for Unnecessary Applications Mode Restricted.
• ☁️ Turn off Mi Cloud backup for unnecessary data: Go to Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud → Backup and disable copying of logs and temporary files.

It is also recommended to repeat cleaning the system application cache once a month (Method 1) and use lightweight alternatives to standard MIUI services, for example:

• 📁 Replace the Mi File Manager with Solid Explorer or FX File Manager.
• 🔍 Use it. SD Maid for automatic garbage cleaning (requires root).

FAQ: Frequent questions about the "Other" folder on Redmi 10S