How to delete “Other files” on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones: a complete guide with hidden tricks

Xiaomi Redmi smartphone owners will sooner or later face the mysterious category of “Other Files” in the Storage section, which can take up from 5 to 20 GB of memory, but does not give a clear idea of what it is stored, the MIUI system includes the remnants of deleted applications, temporary data, cache services and even fragments of updates — all that does not fall into the standard categories of “Photo”, “Video” or “Audio”.

The problem is that standard cleaning tools (such as the built-in Optimizer) often ignore these files, leaving the user with clogged memory and slowed-down device. 5 Proven ways to delete “Other Files” on Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10/11 and other models – from secure built-in tools to manual cleaning through ADB And we're going to focus on the hidden folders that are rooted. MIUI It does not show by default, but which can be removed without harming the system.

What are Xiaomi’s “Other Files” and Why You Can’t Delete Them in Standard Ways

The MIUI category of "Other Files" is the garbage bin of the operating system.

  • 📁 Remnants of Remote Applications: Folders /data/data and /obb, which are not cleared after uninstallation through Settings → Annexes.
  • 🔄 Temporary update files: downloaded packages OTA, which remain after the installation of the new version MIUI.
  • 🗑️ System Services Cache: Data from Google Play Services, Mi Cloud, and other background processes that are not automatically cleared.
  • 📄 Logs and dumps: debugging files (.log,.dmp) created by the system when crashes.
  • 🎮 Game saves: some games (e.g. Genshin Impact or PUBG Mobile) store data in non-obvious folders.

The main reason these files are not deleted through the standard Optimizer is because they are scattered across different parts of memory (/storage/emulated/0), part-system (/data), Some files are hidden in restricted folders, like a folder. /MIUI/debug_log It can weigh several gigabytes, but it does not appear in a standard conductor.

⚠️ Note: Do not try to delete files from the folder /system or /vendor — This will cause the system to crash and require you to flash the device. /storage/emulated/0 and /sdcard.

Method 1: Cleaning through the built-in Optimizer (safe but inefficient)

The easiest method is to use the built-in MIUI tools, which are suitable for beginners and do not require additional knowledge, but only cleans 10-30% of garbage:

  1. Open the Settings → Storage.
  2. Slip to the "Other Files" section.
  3. Click “Clear” (if the button is active).
  4. Go to Optimizer (the broom icon in the same menu) and start a deep cleanup.

This method only removes app cache and temporary files, but does not touch hidden folders and update remnants.

💡

If the Clean button is inactive, try restarting your phone – sometimes MIUI blocks cleaning due to background processes.

Method 2: Manual deletion via file manager (for power users)

To get to hidden folders, you need a file manager with access to root directories.The best options for Xiaomi Redmi are:

  • 📂 Mi File Explorer (built-in but requires the inclusion of hidden files).
  • 🛠️ Solid Explorer or Solid Explorer FX File Explorer (with root support if available).
  • 🔍 Root Browser (only for devices with unlocked bootloader).

Cleaning instructions:

  1. Install one of the managers and enable the display of hidden files (in Mi File Explorer: Three dots → Settings → Show hidden files).
  2. Move to the /storage/emulated/0 and delete the following folders (if any):.thumbnails – sketches of images and videos..cache – cache of various applications. MIUI/debug_log — Logic of the system (can weigh up to) 1–2 GB). Android/obb — Remains of games (remove only the folders of games you have deleted). Download/.com.xiaomi.midrop — Mi Drop temporary files.

Reset the device.

Check for the.thumbnails folder.|Remove the cache from.cache|Clean it up. MIUI/debug_log|Check it out. Android/obb play-off|Remove temporary files from Download/.com.xiaomi.midrop

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If some folders are not deleted, they are busy with system processes, in which case the reboot in safe mode will help (press the power button → Safe Mode).

Method 3: Cleaning through ADB (for advanced users)

The Android Debug Bridge (ADB) tool allows you to delete files that are not available through the standard interface, which requires you to connect your phone to your PC, but gives you access to system folders without root permissions.

Step-by-step:

  1. Download ADB Tools and unpack it on PC.
  2. Turn on Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (tap 7 times to activate Developer Mode).
  3. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable “Debugging by USB”.
  4. Connect your phone to your PC and type in the command line: adb devices (your device should appear).
  5. Give permission to access memory: adb shell su (if root) cd /storage/emulated/0 rm -rf.thumbnails

Through ADB You can delete even folders that you can't see in the conductor. -rf /sdcard/MIUI/debug_log/* clear all logs of the system.

⚠️ Attention: Rm teams -rf Removing files permanently. Mistakes in transit (e.g., rm) -rf /system) You'll break your phone. Check every command before you run it!

Built-in optimizer|File manager|ADB termux|Flip-flashing|I don’t clean, I buy a phone with more memory.-->

Method 4: Using Termux to clean up without a PC

If you don't have access to a computer, you can use the Termux terminal right on your phone, and this app emulates Linux commands and lets you delete files through the console.

Instructions:

  1. Install Termux from Google Play.
  2. Enter the command to update the packages: pkg update & pkg upgrade
  3. Go to the garbage folder and delete unnecessary files: cd /storage/emulated/0 rm -rf.thumbnails rm -rf MIUI/debug_log/*

The advantage of Termux is that it works without root, but requires caution: the wrong command can delete important data.

How to recover deleted files if something goes wrong?
If you accidentally delete the data you want, try the recovery software: DiskDigger, Recuva (via PC) or Dumpster (if you installed it beforehand). The chances of recovery depend on whether the files were overwritten with new data. For system files, only flashing through the Mi Flash Tool will help.

Method 5: Reset to factory settings (last resort)

If the "Other Files" take up more than 10 GB and are not deleted by any means, then all that remains is a complete reset. It is a radical method, but it is guaranteed to clear all unnecessary data.

How to do the reset correctly:

  1. Save important data (photos, contacts, messages) to your PC or cloud.
  2. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
  3. Select “Erase all data” and confirm.
  4. After restarting, set your phone as new.
Can I delete "Other Files" without rooting?
Yes, most methods (embedded optimizer, ADB, Termux) work without root, but to clean deep system folders (e.g. /data/log) superuser rights may be required.
What if after deleting the files, the phone slows down?
You probably deleted important cache or system application data. Try: Reboot your phone. Clear the cache through Settings → Storage → Cache data. If the problem persists, reset to factory settings.
How do you check which files are in the “Other”?
Use memory analyzer applications such as Storage Analyzer (shows a tree of folders with dimensions), Files by Google (has a built-in cleaning tool), DiskUsage (visualizes occupied space), these programs will help you find the heaviest folders inside the Other Files.
Does flashing help with custom firmware (like LineageOS)?
Yes, but this is an extreme measure: Castomic firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience or Havoc-OS) does not have built-in MIUI mechanisms that generate unnecessary logs. However, flashing: Requires unlocking the bootloader (resets all data). May be unwarranted. Not supported on some Redmi models (e.g., with a MediaTek processor).