Smartphone owners Xiaomi often face the problem of lack of memory, even if the device is equipped with 128 or 256 GB of storage. It's not just the size of the files, but also the features of the shell MIUI, which distributes storage in a non-trivial way. For example, the system can reserve up to 10-15% of memory for service needs, and the application cache can occupy gigabytes without the user noticing. In this article, we will look at where exactly to look for storage on Xiaomi, how to distinguish internal memory from external memory, and why standard cleaning methods often do not work.
A feature of smartphones Xiaomi is the presence of several "levels" of storage: internal memory. data-i="41">external microSD card (section /data), external microSD card (if supported), and hidden system partitions that are not displayed in Explorer. For example, the folder /miad can occupy several gigabytes, but it cannot be seen without root access. We will show legal ways to access this data, and also explain why memory is not freed immediately after deleting files.
1. Where is the storage on Xiaomi: standard methods
The most obvious way is through system settings. Open the menu Settings → Storage (on some models the path may differ: Settings → About phone → Storage). you will see a diagram of memory distribution by categories: applications, images, videos, audio and “other files”. However, this section is often misleading:
- 📊 System data —this includes the MIUI cache, log files, and backups. They cannot be deleted using standard means.
- 📁 "Other files" —downloads, APK files, and temporary data are hidden here.
- 🔄 Application cache — takes up to 5-10 GB, but after cleaning it is restored in a few days.
Important: if you have a memory card installed microSD, it will appear in this menu as a separate section But on models with a hybrid slot (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro) the external drive can be linked to the internal memory as an extension, and then it will not be visible as a separate drive.
2. MIUI Explorer: hidden folders and system files
Built-in Explorer. MIUI (Files application) does not show all folders To see hidden data:
- Open the application
Files. - Tap on the three dots in the upper right corner and select
Settings. - Activate the option
Show hidden files. - Return to the root directory (
/) and check the folders:/Android/data— application data (weighs the most)./MIUI— themes, wallpapers and system settings./DCIM/.thumbnails— photo and video thumbnails (you can clear).
⚠️ Attention: Do not delete folders /system, /vendor or files with the extension .odex/.oat —this will lead to system crash. Also avoid changes to /data/appif you are not sure of the actions.
Delete folder Download (downloads)|Clean DCIM/.thumbnails|Delete old APK files from /Android/obb|Check folder Bluetooth for unnecessary files
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3 How to distinguish internal ones. memory from external on Xiaomi
Many users confuse internal memory (built-in eMMC/UFS drive) and external (microSD card). unstable. Here's how to distinguish them: Xiaomi this is especially true due to the function Adoptable Storage (linking the card as internal storage), which is unstable. Here's how to tell them apart:
| Memory type | Display in settings | Features | Is it possible transfer applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal (eMMC/UFS) | Item "Device storage" | Fast, reliable, not removable | Yes, without restrictions |
| External (microSD) | Item "SD card" or "Portable storage" | Slower, removable, can be formatted as internal | Only if the card is linked as internal (risk of data loss) |
| OTG drive | Does not appear in settings, only in Explorer | Connects via USB, works like a flash drive | No |
If you linked the card as internal memory and then removed it, the phone may stop working boot. In this case, only reset to factory settings will help with formatting the card.
Before removing the microSD linked as internal memory, transfer all data back to the built-in drive via Settings → Storage → Transferring data.
4. Search for "junk" files: what takes up space unnoticed
Even after deleting photos and applications, the memory on Xiaomi may remain occupied. Culprits:
- 🗑️ MIUI cache — cleared through
Settings → About phone → Memory → Clear cache, but recovers in 1-2 days. - 🎮 Game data — folder
/Android/obbmay weigh 10+ GB (for example, Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile). - 📥 Downloads from messengers — Telegram, WhatsApp and Viber store media in
/WhatsApp/Mediaor/Telegram/Telegram Images. - 🔄 MIUI backups - automatic backups take up to 5 GB in
/MIUI/backup.
For deep cleaning, use the application Files by Google (available in Play Market). and unnecessary APKs. Alternative - SD Maid (requires root for full functionality).
How to clear the cache of all applications at once
Open Settings → Applications → Manage applications, tap on the three dots in the corner and select Sort by size. Then manually clear the cache for each large application (for example, YouTube, Facebook, Google Play Services).
5. MIUI system tools for memory management
MIUI has built-in utilities for storage optimization, but they are hidden in the depths of the menu. Here's what you should use:
- Junk cleaning:
Path:
Settings → About phone → Storage → Clean junk. Will delete temporary files, but will not touch application data. - Deep cleaning:
In the same menu, select
Deep cleaning—MIUI will analyze unnecessary files (for example, unused APKs or duplicate photos). - Auto-clean:
Activated in
Settings → Battery and performance → Memory clearDeletes the cache when the battery level is low.
⚠️ Attention: Function "Light mode" (Settings → Accessibility → Light mode) disables animations and background processes, but does not free up memory. It should be used only on weak devices (for example, Redmi 9A).
6. Storage problems on Xiaomi: typical errors and solutions
If the memory fills up on its own or the device says “Not enough space” even though there are not enough files, check:
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Memory is full with no visible files | Hidden cache or corrupted data | Resetting the cache via Recovery (Wipe Cache Partition) |
| Cannot install the application ("not enough memory") | Partition /data full or damaged |
Cleaning via ADB: |
| External card not detected | The file system is not supported (for example, exFAT on older models) | Format in FAT32 via PC |
| The DCIM folder weighs 0 bytes, but photos take up space | Photos are stored in the cloud Mi Cloud, but not synchronized | Disable synchronization in Settings → Accounts → Mi Cloud |
If the problem persists, check the health of the drive through the app AIDA64 (section Storage → Disk status). A value Reallocated Sectors Count above 100 indicates memory wear.
On models Xiaomi with a chip Snapdragon 4xx/6xx (for example, Redmi Note 8) a bug is often encountered when the system reserves up to 20% of memory for “system needs”. This cannot be fixed without firmware.
7. How to transfer data to a memory card or to the cloud
If the internal memory is full, transfer the files to microSD or to Mi Cloud:
- 📲 Transferring applications:
Only for cards linked as internal memory. Path:
Settings → Applications → Select application → Storage → Change → SD card. - ☁️ Mi Cloud:
Give 5 GB for free. Activated in
Settings → Accounts → Mi Cloud → Synchronization. Supports photos, contacts and notes. - 🔗 Google Photos:
Automatic download of photos/videos in “High Quality” (does not take up space on the device). Set up Google Photos in the application.
⚠️ Attention: When transferring applications to microSD they may work slower or crash. This is especially true for games and instant messengers. Test each application separately.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about storage on Xiaomi
Why is memory not freed after deleting files?
MIUI uses a “delayed deletion” mechanism. Files are marked as deleted, but are physically erased only when there is not enough space. To speed up the process:
- Reboot the phone.
- Use the ADB command:
adb shell sync - Clear the cache via Recovery.
Is it possible to use microSD as internal memory on all Xiaomi?
No. Starting from Android 10, the function is unstable. On models with MIUI 12 and Android 10 feature Adoptable Storage works unstable. On models with Snapdragon 8xx (for example, Xiaomi 11T) it may be completely absent. Check support in the storage settings.
How to find the folder with downloads from the browser?
By default, files from Mi Browser or Chrome are saved in /Download. If the folder is empty, check:
/Internal Storage/Download/storage/emulated/0/Download(for root users)- Browser settings:
Chrome → Settings → Downloads.
Why does MIUI show that there is less memory than indicated in characteristics?
Manufacturers indicate decimal volume (1 GB = 1000 MB), and the system displays binary (1 GB = 1024 MB). The difference can reach 10-15 GB. In addition, part of the memory is occupied by:
- MIUI firmware (3-5 GB).
- Reserve partition for updates (1-2 GB).
- Pre-installed applications (up to 1 GB).
How to clear memory if the phone does not turn on?
Connect the device to the PC in Fastboot (hold Volume down + Power) and use ADB:
fastboot erase userdata
fastboot erase cache
⚠️ This will completely reset the settings and delete all data. An alternative is to remove the memory card (if you have one) and clean it through the card reader.