Where is the storage on Xiaomi Redmi: deal with memory and files

Internal memory vs. SD-Map: What is stored on Redmi

You’ve just bought a new Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 or you’re sorting out the old Redmi 9A, but can’t find exactly where your photos, videos, or uploaded files are stored? The problem is familiar to many: smartphone makers (and Xiaomi is no exception) often hide storage settings in non-obvious menus, and the MIUI file system has its own peculiarities. In this article, we’ll not just show you where to look for storage, but also explain how to manage it – from basic folder browsing to hidden system directories.

It’s important to understand: Redmi (as with other Android devices) has two types of storage: internal memory (built into the phone) and removable storage. SD-And even if you don't have a physical memory card, it can show "external storage" -- it's not a bug, it's a feature of the Android architecture.

Method 1: Standard file manager MIUI

The easiest way to get to the storage is to use the built-in Files (or File Manager on English firmware), which is pre-installed on all Xiaomi smartphones and gives access to all memory parts except hidden system folders.

1. Slip the Files icon on the home screen or in the application menu (it looks like a folder with a document).
2. At the bottom of the screen you will see tabs: Device, MI Cloud, Categories and SD-map (if inserted).
3. Select the device – this is your internal memory.

Here you will find the standard Android folders:

• 📁 DCIM — Photos and video from the camera (including screenshots in the Screenshots subfolder).
• 🎵 Music, Movies, Pictures – Media files downloaded manually or by other applications.
• 📄 Download – everything you downloaded through your browser or messengers.
• 🤖 Android – App data (don’t delete files here without knowing what you’re doing!).

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If the folder DCIM empty, but you are sure that the photo was, check the camera settings: perhaps shooting is conducted directly on the camera. SD-Go to the camera settings. → Select the location and select the internal memory.

Method 2: System settings - Memory analysis

If you need to look at files and understand what exactly takes up space on your phone, use the built-in storage analysis, which will show the distribution of memory by category (applications, media, cache, etc.) and help you quickly free up space.

1. Open the settings (cog icon).
2. Go to About Phone (or About Device on new MIUI versions).
3. Choose a storage (or memory)

Here you'll see a pie chart with memory distribution, tap any category (like Apps or Media Files) to see a detailed list and the ability to clean.

• 🧹 App cache – it can be safely cleaned without data loss.
• 🗑️ Garbage files – temporary data that the system proposes to delete.
• 📦 Large files – videos, archives, or games that take up a lot of space.

Method 3: Connecting to a PC – Full File Access

Sometimes it’s easier to manage files on Redmi via a computer – especially if you need to transfer a lot of data or format your files. SD-This is the map:

1. Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable (preferably original).
2. On the phone will appear a notification Charge via USB – tap it.
3. Select File Transfer Mode (or MTP in English firmware).

After that, a window with two sections will open on the computer:

On Redmi smartphones with MIUI 13+, when connecting to Windows 11, you may need to install the Xiaomi ADB Interface driver. If your PC can’t see the phone, download the Mi PC Suite from the official Xiaomi website.

Where the cache and application data are stored

Many Redmi users are faced with a problem: internal memory is full, but there is nothing superfluous in DCIM or Download folders, the reason for this is the cache of applications and their user data, these files are stored in hidden folders and can take up gigabytes.

• 📱 /data/data/ — Here are the settings and cache of each application (access only with root rights).
• 🗃️ /Android/data/ — Game and program data (such as uploaded maps to Google Maps or Instagram cache).
• 🔄 /Android/obb/ — Additional game files (often weighing in) 1-2 GB).

To clear the cache without root:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the app you want (such as TikTok or YouTube).
3. Slip the vault. → Clear the cache.

Hidden folders and system files: what you can touch and what you can’t touch

The MIUI file system contains many hidden folders that are not displayed in the standard manager, some of which are critical to the operation of the phone, and deleting them can lead to a blink.

To see hidden folders, you’ll need a root-enabled file manager (like Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).

⚠️ Note: Removing files from /system/ or /vendor/ If you have a root, you can back up your phone first. TWRP Or Mi Flash Tool.

How to transfer applications to SD-card (if supported)

Many Redmi models (e.g. Redmi) 10C or Redmi A1) Supports the transfer of applications SD-But with the caveats, it doesn't work for all programs, and it can slow them down:

1. Put it in. SD-map (preferably class) UHS-I or A1 speed).
2. Format it as internal memory (all data on the map will be deleted!): → Warehouse → SD-map → Set up → Internal memory.
3. After formatting, go to Settings → Applications.
4. Select an app (like Facebook) and tap Storage → Change. → SD-map.

Important nuances:

• 🚫 Not all apps support portability (especially system and anti-cheat games).
• ⚡ The map must be fast – otherwise applications will slow down.
• 🔄 After extraction SD-Maps of the transferred applications will cease to work.

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Formatting SD-It's like an internal memory that links it to a phone, and then it can't be read on other devices without completely erasing the data!

Frequent storage problems on Redmi and their solutions

Xiaomi Redmi users often encounter typical memory-related errors, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

⚠️ Note: If the phone shows the message "Memory is full", but the file manager is free 10+ GB, the problem may be in the section /data. Try clearing the cache of all apps through Settings → Warehouse → Cache data.

If after all the manipulations, the memory is still quickly filled, check:

• 🔍 Auto download in messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram can hide gigabytes of media).
• 🎮 Cash games, for example, PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact uploads up to 5GB of data).
• 📥 Background updates (turn off auto-update apps in the Play Market) → Settings).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions