“Storage space is different” on Xiaomi Redmi: what is hidden behind this inscription and how to return free space

You open up Xiaomi Redmi's settings to check the space, and suddenly you see a strange line: "Storage space is different" — with an impressive amount of occupied gigabytes, which are not applied to applications, media, or cache. Where does this "other" section come from, why it grows by leaps and bounds, and most importantly, how to reduce it without risk to the system? This problem is familiar to many owners of Xiaomi smartphones, especially on models with limited internal memory (16-64 GB).

In this article, we will not only explain what the “other” partition in the storage is, but also show you how to analyze it, clean it with safe methods and prevent re-swelling. You will learn about hidden system files, update logs, MIUI backups and other “invisible” memory consumers, which Xiaomi does not always show to the user, and also – analyze myths (for example, that this partition allegedly contains viruses) and give a checklist for regular optimization.

What is a “place in storage different” and why does it take so much?

The term "other" (or "Other" in the English version of MIUI) is a generalized category for all files that the system cannot assign to the standard sections: applications, photos, videos, music or cache.

• 📁 System files MIUI — Android kernel, libraries, drivers that can’t be removed without root rights.
• 🔄 Logs and dumps - error reports (/data/tombstones), Logs of the system (logcat), emergency diagnostic files.
• 🔄 Backups and Updates – Temporary Firmware Files (MIUI OTA), backup.
• 📦 Cache system applications – for example, Google Play Services or Mi Cloud, which are not cleaned by standard methods.
• 🔍 Hidden user files – downloads from instant messengers, temporary browser files, game data.

On Xiaomi Redmi, this section often grows due to features. MIUI: It actively caches data to speed up, backs up before updates, and stores logs for debugging, such as after installing a large-scale debugging system. OTA-folder /data/ota_package The files can be weighted up to 2–3 GBs that the system "forgets" to remove.

Another reason is memory fragmentation, where files break down into smaller blocks over time, and the system loses the ability to properly classify them, dumping everything into a different partition, especially on Redmi’s budget models with eMMC memory (as opposed to UFS on flagships).

How do you check what is in the “other” section?

To understand which files are hidden under the line "Store space is different", you need tools for deep analysis. Standard MIUI settings show only the total volume, so you will have to use third-party utilities or hidden system functions.

Method 1: Analysis through "Storage" in MIUI (limited)

Open Settings → Storage and tap on the “Other” line. The system can show details, but is often limited to general categories (“System Data”, “Other Files”). Some firmware shows /data and /system folders here, but without the ability to clean them.

Method 2: Applications for Memory Analysis

Install one of these apps (available on Google Play):

• 🔍 Files by Google – Shows junk files, including cache and duplicates.
• 📊 DiskUsage – Visualizes occupied folder space (requires root for full access).
• 🛠️ SD Maid – Looks for residual files, empty folders and temporary data.

DiskUsage Report for Redmi Note 10 Pro:

Attention! Not all files in these folders can be deleted, for example, cleaning /data/system will result in a reset.

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If the analysis application requires root rights, use the alternative – connect your smartphone to your PC and scan the memory through the ADB command:

adb shell du -h /data | sort -rh | head -n 20

Top.-5 The reasons for the growth of the “other” section on Xiaomi Redmi

Analysis of Mi Community forums and user reports shows that the main culprits in the Other section are:

1. Residual update files MIUI — post-installation OTA-The system does not always clean the folder. /data/ota_package. For example, on Redmi. 9 post-update MIUI 14 There's a way to stay. 3 GB “garbage».
2. Logs and dumps – Xiaomi is actively collecting debugging data, especially on beta versions of firmware. /data/tombstones folder can weigh hundreds of megabytes.
3. Google Play Services caches data to speed up, but doesn't always clean it up, and on some devices, it caches as much as 1-2 GB.
4. MIUI backups – The system automatically creates backups before resetting or updating (folder /MIUI/backup).
5. Telegram, WhatsApp and Viber files store temporary files in hidden folders that are not displayed in the gallery.

On the Redmi Note 8 Pro with MIUI 12.5, users reported a bug where the /data/media/0/MIUI/backup folder grew to 5GB due to cyclical backup creation of the same application.

How to safely clean the “place in the storage”?

Before you start cleaning, remember that not all files in this section can be deleted, some are critical to the system, and we've put together proven methods that are sorted by security.

Method 1: Cleaning through built-in MIUI tools

MIUI has a hidden deep cleaning function:

1. Go to Settings → Storage → Cleaning.
2. Slip the button "Deep cleaning" (may be called "Additional").
3. Select the "System cache" and "Unnecessary files".
4. Confirm the cleanup.

This method removes:

• 🗑️ Temporary update files (OTA).
• 📝 Logs of the system (logcat, tombstones).
• 🔄 Cash of system applications.

Method 2: Manually Delete Unnecessary Files

Use a file manager (such as Mi File Manager or Solid Explorer) and delete:

folder /data/ota_package (update-sheet)

/data/log folder (logs other than the current file)

/MIUI/backup folder (old backups)

folder /Android/data → cache of unnecessary games/applications-->

Attention, don't delete:

• 🚫 Folders. /data/system, /data/misc — It'll cause a breakdown. MIUI.
• 🚫 Files with.odex or.vdex extension – they are needed for the operation of applications.

Method 3: Resetting cache through Recovery

If the “other” partition takes up more than 5GB and isn’t cleared in standard ways, try resetting the cache via Restore mode:

1. Turn off your smartphone.
2. Press Power + Volume Up to Enter Recovery.
3. Select “Wipe Cache Partition” (use volume buttons for navigation).
4. Confirm the action and restart the device.

This method deletes all temporary system files, including update cache and logs, but does not affect user data.

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If the "other" partition grows again quickly after cleaning, it's a problem in the system application or firmware. Try updating MIUI to the latest version or resetting (but back up first!).

How to prevent the “other” section from growing again?

To prevent a “different” partition from taking up gigabytes of memory every few months, follow these tips:

• 🔄 Turn off automatic backup in Settings → System system → Backup.
• 📥 Limit the cache of Google Play Services: Go to Settings → Annexes → App management. Find Google Play Services and tap Storage. Click Clear Cache (not data!).

Download

Update MIUI

For advanced users:

Use ADB to limit the size of your logs:

adb shell su -c "logcat -G 16M"

This command limits the size of the log buffer to 16 MB (by default, it can grow to hundreds of megabytes).

Myths about the “Other” section on Xiaomi: what is true and what is not?

There's a lot of incorrect information going around about the "Other" section, and we're going to look at some of the most popular myths.

Attention! If you see advice like "format /data partition manually" it's dangerous! This will lead to complete data loss and possible firmware damage. Use only official cleaning methods.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the “Other” section on Xiaomi Redmi