“Storage: Other Files” on Xiaomi – What it is and how to clean without harming your phone

The Other Files section of Xiaomi’s smartphone storage is one of the most mysterious folders for users, which can take up gigabytes of memory, but the system does not clearly explain what is stored there, most often it accumulates app cache, temporary files, remnants of deleted programs, system log files and even hidden messenger data. Unlike the Photo, Video or Audio sections, there is no way to simply click “Delete everything” – you need to manually clean or use hidden MIUI functions.

Complicating the problem is that on some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10/11, POCO X3/X4), the “Other Files” section can take up to 10-15 GB, even if you haven’t installed new applications in a long time. This is due to the peculiarities of the MIUI shell, which actively caches data to speed up work, but does not always delete it correctly. In this article, we will understand how to safely clean this partition without deleting important system files, and what tools you will need to do this.

What are Xiaomi’s “Other Files” and Why Do They Take So Much Space?

In official Xiaomi documentation, the Other Files section** is designated as Other or Miscellaneous and includes:

• 📁 Application cache – temporary files that programs create for quick operation (for example, thumbnails of images in a gallery or map data in Google Maps).
• 🗑️ Remnants of Remote Applications – Not all programs completely erase their data when uninstalled, especially if used ADB root-access.
• 📜 System log files – error logs, crash reports (/data/anr, /data/tombstones), which MIUI collect.
• 🔍 Hidden data messengers – Telegram, WhatsApp and Viber store backups, stickers and media files that are not displayed in the gallery.
• 🎮 Game files – saves, texture packs and additional resources (e.g. from Genshin Impact or PUBG Mobile).

On models with MIUI 12-14 (e.g. Xiaomi 12T, Redmi K50), the system can artificially inflate this partition due to an error in the calculation of space. For example, if you deleted a large video but the space did not vacate, most likely, the file fell into the Other Files** and requires forced cleaning.

• 🤖 System updates – after installing a new version MIUI Old firmware files can remain in the folder /cache.
• 📱 Application Cloning* – Duplicate programs create separate cache folders that are not always deleted correctly.
• 🔄 Mi Cloud Sync – Temporary backup files can get stuck in storage.

⚠️ Note: Do not attempt to manually delete files from folders /data or /system This can lead to a "brick" or a malfunction. MIUI. Use only official cleaning methods.

How to see what exactly takes place in the “Other Files”

Before you clean a partition, you need to understand what files are stored there. In the standard file manager Xiaomi (Files → Storage), this information is not displayed, but there are several ways to get it:

Method 1: Through the built-in utility "Storage Analysis"

Starting with MIUI 12.5, Xiaomi phones have a hidden feature of detailed memory analysis:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Click 5-7 times on the MIUI version until you become a developer!
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
4. Activate the option Storage Analysis (also known as Storage Analysis).
5. Now in the Settings → Storage menu, the Analysis button will appear – click it to see the distribution of files by category.

Method 2: Using Third-Party Applications

If the built-in analysis doesn’t give you enough data, install one of these apps (available on Google Play):

• 📊 Files by Google – Shows “junk” files and suggests you delete them.
• 🔍 SD Maid (requires root for full scan) – finds remnants of deleted programs and cache.
• 🗃️ Storage Analyzer – visualizes occupied space in the form of a diagram.

When scanning, pay attention to the folders:

• /Android/data – This is where app data is stored (e.g. downloaded maps to Google Maps or Instagram cache).
• /Android/obb — Game files (can weigh several gigabytes).
• /MIUI/backup – backups of the system.
• /DCIM/.thumbnails – photo and video miniatures

Safe Ways to Clean Other Files Without Root Rights

If you don't have root access, use these methods, and they don't require any special knowledge, and they won't damage the system.

Method 1: Cleaning the application cache

The easiest way to free up 1-3 GB is:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Sort programs by size (click on the three dots in the upper right corner).
3. Select an app (e.g. Facebook, TikTok, Google Play Services) and click Clear Cache.
4. For complete cleaning, press the Warehouse. → Clear the data (⚠️ This will reset the program settings!).

Method 2: Delete unnecessary files through Files

The standard Xiaomi file manager has hidden folders that you can clean:

1. Open the Files app.
2. Go to Categories → Others.
3. Check folders: Bluetooth – old transferred files may lie here. Download – delete unnecessary downloads (especially.apk files). Pictures/Screenshots — screenshots take up a lot of space.

Method 3: Resetting the system cache

If the phone is slowing down and the “Other Files” section** has grown to 5+ GB, try resetting the system cache (does not delete personal data!):

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.
3. In the Recovery menu, select Wipe Cache Partition (manage by volume buttons, confirmation by power button).
4. After cleaning, restart the device (Reboot System).

⚠️ Note: Do not confuse Wipe Cache Partition with Wipe Data/Factory Reset! The second option will completely reset the phone to factory settings, deleting all your data.

Advanced root-rights cleanup (for power users)

If you are willing to take the risk of root access (e.g., through Magisk), you can delete files that are usually hidden from the user.

What can be removed from root:

Use a root-enabled file manager (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer) to delete.

• 🚫 Folders. /system, /vendor, /boot — This will lead to a Brick»**.
• 🚫 Files with.odex or.vdex extension – they are needed for the operation of applications.
• 🚫 folder /data/data In whole - here are stored the settings of all programs.

How to prevent the refilling of “Other Files”

To prevent the section from growing again, follow these tips:

• 🔄 Clean the cache regularly – once every 1-2 months use the built-in Cleanup utility in Settings → Warehouse.
• 📱 Disable app cloning if you don’t use it – duplicate programs create extra files.
• 🎮 Delete games through settings – simply removing the icon does not erase files from the game. /Android/obb.
• 📁 Use cloud storage for backups (like Google Photos or Mi Cloud).
• 🔍 Check Downloads** – delete unnecessary.apk,.zip and other heavy files.

💡

If you install and remove apps frequently, turn on the Auto Clean option in Settings → Storage → Cleanup. The system will automatically delete the cache once a week.

It is also worth limiting the background activity of some applications:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select a program (such as Facebook or AliExpress).
3. Press the permissions → Background activity and turn it off.
4. In the Battery section → Select the energy saving mode set the application limit.

Frequent cleaning errors and how to avoid them

Many users make the same mistakes that lead to data loss or system failures, and the most common ones are:

Mistake 1: Delete the entire Android folder

Some of the "advisers" recommend simply removing the Android folder at the root of the storage, saying that it's just garbage. It's dangerous!

• Preserve games (/Android/obb)
• Application data (/Android/data).
• Cash cards (/Android/data/com.google.android.apps.maps).

If you remove it, many programs will stop working and games will lose progress.

Mistake 2: Using “magic” scripts to clean up

You can find scripts for ADB or Termux on the Internet that promise to magically clean up Other Files.

adb shell pm clear com.android.providers.media

Such commands can reset the media base and all your photos/videos will disappear from the gallery (though physically remain on the phone).

Mistake 3: Ignoring backups

Before any cleaning (especially with root rights), be sure to backup:

• Copy important files to your PC or cloud.
• Create a backup through Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset.
• Use TWRP to create a complete system backup (if there is root).

💡

If the phone is running slower after cleaning, it's normal. It takes up to 24 hours for the system to recover the cache it needs. Don't panic or reset the settings right away!

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions