How to completely delete the folder “Other” on Xiaomi Redmi Note 7: from cache to hidden files

The Other folder on Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 is a real headache for many users, it can take up from 5-10 GB to 30+ GB of memory, and the system does not allow you to delete it by standard means. In this article, we will discuss what is stored in the Other, why this folder grows and how to clean it without losing important data and without the risk of bricking the smartphone.

The problem is relevant for all devices on MIUI, but Redmi Note 7 (codename lavender) is particularly susceptible to this because of the peculiarities of application cache, system logs and residual files after updates. We tested 5 working methods - from simple (clean through settings) to advanced (manual deletion via ADB).

Important: Not all files in Other can be deleted without consequences. Some are critical to MIUI. So make a backup copy before any manipulation (instruction below).

What is the Other folder and why does it appear on the Redmi Note 7?

The Other folder (or Other in the English version of MIUI) is a container for files that the system cannot classify as photos, videos, music or documents.

• 📁 App cache (including Google Play Services cache, MIUI System and social media).
• 🔄 Temporary update files (remains after installing firmware) MIUI).
• 📜 Logs of the system (logcat, dmesg) are necessary for diagnosis, but are rarely used).
• 🗑️ Garbage after deleting applications (incorrectly deleted) APK, setting).
• 🔒 Hidden Android files (e.g. data) /data/dalvik-cache).

On Redmi Note 7, the “Other” folder often grows because of:

1. Frequent MIUI updates (remain firmware backups in /cache).

The system does not show the content of the Other in the File Manager because many files are hidden or protected by superuser rights, but can be seen through ADB or third-party applications (more on this below).

⚠️ Note: Deleting some files from Other may cause malfunctions MIUI (For example, you lose wallpaper, you reset your Wi-Fi settings, or you stop opening apps. Always check what you delete!

Method 1: Clearing the cache through settings (the safest method)

This method won’t remove the Other completely, but it will free up 1 to 5 GB of memory by clearing the cache of applications and the system.

Instructions:

1. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select "Sort by size"**.

Clear the Google Play Services cache |Delete the MIUI System cache |Check the messenger cache (WhatsApp, Telegram)|Clear Download Manager |Delete temporary browser files (Chrome, Mi Browser)

-->

This method will not delete hidden files, but will reduce the memory load. For deep cleaning, move on to the following methods.

💡

Cleaning the cache through settings is the only officially recommended way Xiaomi does not require root rights and does not violate the warranty.

Method 2: Removing garbage through Files by Google (without root)

Files by Google (formerly Google Files Go) can find and delete hidden junk files that MIUI doesn't show. It's free and works without superuser rights.

How to use:

1. Download Files by Google from Google Play.
2. Open the app and go to the Cleanup tab**.
3. Slip "Free the place" and wait for analysis.
4. In the Other Files section**, select the unnecessary ones (e.g..tmp,.log, old APKs).
5. Click "Delete" and confirm the action.

Files by Google finds files that MIUI does not display in the standard manager.

• 📂 Remnants of Remote Applications (.apk,.obb).
• 📄 Error logs (.log,.dmp).
• 🗃️ Temporary download files (.temp,.part).

⚠️ Note: Do not delete files with.db extensions (databases) or com.xiaomi folders.* – this may disrupt the work MIUI.

After cleaning, restart your smartphone. If the Other folder has shrunk slightly, move on to more radical methods.

Method 3: Manual removal via ADB (for advanced users)

If the first two methods did not work, you will have to connect to the smartphone via Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which will remove hidden system files that occupy the lion’s share of the “Other”.

⚠️ Warning: The wrong teams ADB You can damage the system. Follow the instructions carefully!

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original, undamaged).
• 📥 Utility. ADB (Download from the official Android website).
• 🔧 Included debugging by USB on the Redmi Note 7.

Steps:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version** until the notification “You’ve become a developer” appears.

USB-debugging

• Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
• Activate the USB Debugging Switch**.
• Connect your smartphone to your computer and confirm your trust in the device.
• Open the Command Prompt (Terminal on macOS/Linux) in the ADB folder.
• Enter the commands in turn: adb shell su cd /data du -sh * | grep -i "other\|cache\|log" # Shows folder size rm -rf /data/local/tmp/* # Deletes temporary files rm -rf /data/log/* # Clears logs (caution!) exit

⚠️ Don't delete the folders. /data/data or /data/system — This will result in data loss or a cyclical reboot of the smartphone.

After completing the commands, restart the Redmi Note 7 and check the volume of the “Other” in Settings → Memory.

Method 4: Using Custom Recovery (TWRP) for Deep Cleaning

If ADB doesn’t work, the last chance is to install custom recovery TWRP and manual partition cleaning, which requires unlocking the bootloader and resetting the data, but allows you to delete all unnecessary files, including firmware residues.

⚠️ Important: Unlocking the bootloader will reset the smartphone to factory settings and delete all data! make backup in advance.

Instructions:

1. In TWRP, go to Advanced → File Manager.

Reboot to the system.

After this procedure, the folder “Other” should be reduced to 1-3 GB. If the problem remains, the cause may be a corrupted file system (solution – flashing).

Method 5: Flashing the smartphone (extreme case)

If none of the methods work, you have to have a clean MIUI installation, which is a radical way, but it's guaranteed to delete all the files you don't need.

• 📉 «The other one takes up more than 20GB.
• 🔄 Smartphone slows down, warms up or makes mistakes.
• 🔧 Previous methods have failed to produce results.

How to reflash Redmi Note 7:

1. Download the official firmware for lavender from the Xiaomi website (choose Fastboot or Recovery).
2. Unpack the archive and launch it. flash_all.bat (for Fastboot).
3. Wait until the process is over (the smartphone will reboot automatically).

After flashing:

• ✅ The "Other" folder will weigh ~500 MB (normal for a clean system).
• ⚠️ All data will be deleted (photos, contacts, messages).
• 🔄 The first days after firmware, the system can accumulate cache again - watch your memory.

Table: Comparison of cleaning methods for the "Other" on Redmi Note 7

How to Prevent the Reappearance of the Other

To prevent the “Other” folder from growing again, follow these tips:

• 🔄 Clean the cache regularly (once every 1-2 weeks through Settings) → Memory).
• 🚫 Turn off automatic updates to apps on Google Play (they accumulate garbage).
• 📱 Use the lighter versions of apps (Facebook Lite, Messenger Lite).
• 🔍 Check your memory with Files by Google or SD Maid.
• 🔧 Update. MIUI Updater only (not Recovery to keep garbage out of the way).

If you actively use social networks or games, set a cache limit for applications:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Choose an app (such as Instagram).
3. Tap Storage → Limit Cache and set a limit (e.g. 500MB).

💡

If the Other grows again after cleaning, check the Mi Video app – it often creates hidden cache files in the /Android/data/com.miui.video folder. manually delete it through the root file manager.

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