Where is the storage in the Xiaomi phone: internal memory, SD-map and hidden files

Smartphone owners Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO And eventually, the question is, "Where is the storage in the phone and how do you manage it?" And this is especially true when the system gives you a notification that you're running out of memory, and you don't know where the gigabytes of space have gone. Unlike an iPhone or a clean Android, the firmware is basically a very simple device. MIUI has its own nuances in the organization of the file system - there are hidden folders with cache, and duplicate media files, and features of working with the file system. SD-map.

In this article, we’ll look at all the ways Xiaomi can access storage, from the standard file manager to the engineering menu, how to find internal memory, connect an external drive, clean up unnecessary files, and even restore deleted data, and why sometimes the phone “lies” about the free space and how to fix it.

If you just bought a new Redmi Note 13 or POCO X6 Pro or your old Xiaomi Mi 11 And then suddenly it started to slow down because of the memory that was clogged, and this instruction will help you sort out the problem without going to the service center. MIUI 14 HyperOS (for new models) 2026 year, and also pay attention to the features of the old devices on the MIUI 12/13.

We warn you in advance: some folders in Xiaomi are hidden for a reason, deleting system files can lead to firmware failure or loss of functionality, so before any manipulation of the storage, back up important data.

1. Standard method: MIUI file manager

The easiest way to access the storage is through the built-in file manager, which is on all Xiaomi smartphones and does not require any additional applications to be installed.

1. Slip the Files icon on the home screen or in the app menu (it looks like a folder with documents).

2.At the bottom of the screen you will see tabs:

The device is the internal memory of the phone.

- "SD-map” (if installed).

- "Cloud" (linked account Mi Cloud).

"Categories" - files grouped by type (photo, video, audio, etc.).

The manager defaults to a simplified view of files. To see the full folder structure (like Windows or Total Commander), go to the Device tab and tap three dots in the top right corner. → "Show hidden files. Now you can see system directories like this. /Android, /MIUI or /DCIM/.thumbnails.

• 📁 folder DCIM — It stores all photos and videos from the camera (including screenshots in the Screenshots subfolder).
• 🎵 Music folder – audio files downloaded manually or through apps.
• 📥 Download folder – everything you downloaded from the browser or messengers.
• 🤖 Android folder – application data (cache, settings, OBB-Delete something here is not recommended!

⚠️ Attention: If you are connected SD-The card is an internal memory (Adoptable Storage function), some applications can be stored on it. In this case, do not remove the card without first "unmounting" in the settings!

In the new versions MIUI 14/HyperOS The file manager has an updated interface with the Cleanup function, and it automatically finds large files, duplicates and debris:

1. Open the Files" → "Cleanup".
2. Wait for the analysis (may take 1-2 minutes).
3. View the categories: "Unused files", "Dublicates", "Cache applications".
4. Check the boxes and click "Clean".

2. Alternative ways of accessing the storage

The integrated file manager is not always convenient, for example, it does not show the size of folders or does not know how to work with archives, in such cases you can use third-party applications or even a PC.

Method 1: Connecting to a computer

Connect your phone to your PC via USB-cable (preferably original) will be notified on the phone, tap it and select "File Transfer" (MTP). Then a window with internal memory will open on the computer and SD-You can use a card here:

• 🖥️ Copy files directly (for example, transfer a photo to a hard drive).
• 🔍 View hidden folders (in Windows, enable the display of hidden elements in Explorer).
• 📊 See the exact size of folders (right click) → "Properties").

Method 2: Third-party file managers

If the standard manager MIUI If you are not satisfied, install an alternative from Google Play:

• 📂 Google Files – Simple, with garbage cleaning function.
• 🛠️ Solid Explorer – supports cloud storage and FTP.
• 🔧 FX File Manager – for experienced users (root access is available).

These applications often show more detailed information about files than the standard manager. For example, in Solid Explorer, you can see which folders take up the most space by sorting them by size.

⚠️ Attention: When in use OTG-Cable to connect a flash drive or external hard drive make sure your Xiaomi supports OTG (Most models after 2018 are yes. Otherwise, the drive will simply not be determined.

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If the phone can't see SD-Map, try formatting it into FAT32 or exFAT via PC. NTFS Android is not supported without root rights.

System settings: Memory analysis

V MIUI There's a built-in storage analysis tool that shows what's taking up space on the phone:

1. Go to Settings. → Memory.
2. Wait for the chart to load (it can take up to a minute).
3. Tapping through any segment (e.g., “Applications”, “Media” or “System”) for detail.

Here you'll see:

• 📱 Applications – list of installed programs sorted by size.
• 📷 Media – photo, video, audio (including messenger cache).
• 🗑️ Garbage – temporary files that can be safely deleted.
• 🛠️ System - files MIUI Android (nothing can be removed!).

Pay special attention to the app cache section, where you often accumulate a few gigabytes of unnecessary data, like Telegram or Telegram. VK Games like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile can store media cache files, and games like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile can store temporary update files.

To clear the cache for a specific application:

1. In the same tab "Memory" tap on "Applications".
2. Select a program (such as YouTube).
3. Click Clear cache (not to be confused with Delete data button – it will erase all application settings!).

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If the "System" section is more occupied 10-15 GB is normal for MIUI. Here are stored firmware files, backups and data for recovery.

4. Hidden folders and system files

Xiaomi hides many system directories from the user to prevent the accidental deletion of important data, but sometimes access to them is necessary, for example, to manually clean the cache or transfer files.

Where to look:

• 📁.thumbnails – photo and video miniatures (you can clean them, they are restored automatically).
• 📁.MIUI — theme and wallpaper settings.
• 📁 Android/data — Application data (e.g. game saving).
• 📁 Android/obb — Additional game files (weigh by size) 1-2 GB).
• 📁 MIUI/sound_recorder — tape-recording.

To see these folders:

1. Open a file manager (such as Solid Explorer).
2. Enable the display of hidden files in the settings.
3. Go to the root directory (/).

What can be safely removed:

• 🗑️.thumbnails folder – Recreated the next time you open the gallery.
• 🗑️ The messenger cache in /Android/media/[messenger]/cache.
• 🗑️ Old ones. APK-file /Download (unless you've installed them).

⚠️ Attention: Folder /data It contains critical system files, and if you delete or modify it without root rights, it will cause permanent damage to the firmware and require you to flash the phone!

5. Work with SD-map: formatting and transferring data

Many Xiaomi models (especially the budget Redmi and the Redmi) POCO) Support microSD cards up to 1 TB, but there are nuances:

• 📱 On phones with a hybrid slot (for example, Redmi Note 12) you will have to choose: or the second one. SIM, or SD-map.
• 🔄 The card can be used as a portable storage (files are copied manually) or as internal memory (applications are installed on it).
• ⚠️ When formatted as internal memory, the card will be encrypted and will not be read on other devices.

How to set up SD-map:

1. Put the card in the slot (no need to turn off the phone).
2. A notification will open – tap it or go to Settings → Memory. → SD-map.
3. Choose: 📁 "Portable storage for photos, videos, music. 📱 "Internal memory" - for application installation (requires formatting!).

If you have selected internal memory, wait for the data transfer (may take time). 10-30 minute).

How to transfer applications to SD-map:

Not all programs can be moved to an external drive to check:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the application you want (such as Spotify).
3. Slip the Storage" → "Change" (if the option is active).
4. Choose. SD-map and confirm the transfer.

Step 2: Clear the cache and application data

In the same Apps section, select a program (such as Facebook) and click:

Clear cache – Delete temporary files (safely).

Clear Data – Resets settings and accounts (use if the app is buggy).

Step 3: Remove duplicate photos and videos

Use the built-in Cleanup feature in the file manager or install Google Photos:

1. Open Google Photos → "Utilities" → "Make room".
2. The app will find duplicates and suggest removing them.

Step 4: Move files to the cloud or PC

If internal memory is severely lacking:

• 🖥️ Copy photos/videos to your computer via USB.
• ☁️ Upload them to Google Drive, Mi Cloud or Yandex Drive.
• 📁 Use it. OTG-cable.

Step 5: Reset your phone to factory settings (extreme case)

If nothing helps and the phone is lagging, do a hard reset:

1. Create a backup (via Settings → Additional → Backup).
2. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
3. Select "Erase all data" and confirm.

💡

Regularly cleaning the cache and removing unnecessary files can increase the free space on the cache. 5-15 GB without losing important data!

7. Recovery of deleted files

If you accidentally delete important photos, videos or documents, don't panic! There are several ways to get them back:

Method 1: The basket in MIUI

In the latest versions MIUI 14/HyperOS there's a built-in basket:

1. Open the Files" → "Categories" → "Basket".
2. Select the files you want and click "Restore".

⚠️ Files are stored in the basket for 30 days, after which they are deleted forever.

Method 2: Recovery programs

If the cart is empty, use third-party utilities:

• 📱 DiskDigger (for Android) – scans internal memory.
• 🖥️ Recuva or EaseUS Data Recovery (for PC) – if you connect your phone as a drive.

Important: Don’t write new files to your phone after you delete them – they can overwrite lost data!

Method 3: Backup copies

Check it out.

• ☁️ Google Photos – Automatically saves media files.
• ☁️ Mi Cloud – if synchronization was enabled.
• 📁 Local backups (folder) MIUI/backup).

⚠️ Note: File recovery after factory reset or flashing is almost impossible without specialized services (and then not guaranteed).

8. Frequent problems and their solutions

Problem 1: The phone shows that there is no memory, but there is one.

It's a common bug in MIUI. Causes:

• 🔄 The cache is not cleared (try restarting your phone).
• 📁 folder /data/log It has grown (cleaning is required through the TWRP root).
• 🛠️ Media Storage Failure (Go to Settings) → Annexes → All applications → Media Storage → Clear the cache).

Problem 2: SD-map is not defined

Check it out.

• 🔌 Card and slot contacts (clean with alcohol).
• 📱 Compatibility (some Xiaomis do not support exFAT).
• 🔧 Formatting (formatting the map into the FAT32 PC).

Problem 3: You can't transfer the application to the SD-map

Possible causes:

• 📱 The application does not support transfer (for example, WhatsApp or Banking applications).
• 🛠️ The card is formatted as a portable storage (you need to make it internal).
• 🔄 In the developer settings, transfer is disabled (enable Settings). → The phone. → Version. MIUI (tap 7 times) → For developers → Forced transfer to SD).

Problem 4: After the update MIUI missing files

It could be because of:

• 🔄 Resetting settings when an unsuccessful update.
• 📁 Conflict with SD-Remove the card (try to re-insert it and re-insert it).
• 🛠️ Mistakes in Media Provider (Reboot your phone).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi storage