Where to find storage in the Xiaomi Redmi 7 phone: a detailed guide

Xiaomi Redmi 7 is still a popular choice due to its balanced specs and affordable price. However, even on this device with 32 or 64 GB of memory, users sooner or later face a shortage of space. The problem is compounded by the fact that finding a partition with storage in MIUI is not always intuitive — especially if you first encounter Xiaomi firmware.

In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can access storage on Redmi 7, from the standard settings menu to hidden system folders. SD-maps, where to look for downloaded files and media, and how to make space without losing important data. Separately, we will focus on the nuances of working with external drives and explain why the phone may not see the flash drive.

If you notice that the memory fills up on its own, or the system gives a warning about the lack of space, do not rush to delete files at random. First, figure out which data takes up the most space (often the cache of applications, duplicate photos or unnecessary ones are to blame). APK-Our instructions will help you find and fix the problem systemically.

1. Standard path: storage in MIUI settings

The most obvious way to check memory is through the settings menu. On Redmi 7 with MIUI 10–14 (depending on the firmware version), the path looks like this:

1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen).
2. Scroll down and select About Phone.
3. Slip on the item Storage (or Memory in some localizations).

Here you will see a diagram of the distribution of memory by category: applications, images, video, audio, etc. Click on any category to view specific files. For example, in the Applications section, you can sort programs by size and remove the most voracious ones.

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If you don't have "Storage" in your settings, try the alternative path: Settings → Additional → Memory. Some firmwares have a section hidden under this menu.

Note the Other Files line, which often contains temporary data, system process logs, and remnants of remote applications, and can be safely cleared by clicking Clear (but don’t delete files manually unless you’re sure they’re intended!).

MIUI Explorer: Where to look for files and folders

The integrated File Manager (Files or Explorer) gives you more detailed access to the repository to open it:

• 📂 Find a folder icon on the home screen or in the application menu that says Files (usually yellow or blue).
• 🔍 In the bottom panel, select the Device tab – this displays the phone’s internal memory.
• 📁 To access SD-If you have a card (if it is installed) tap on the item SD-map or external storage.

In the Explorer you will see standard Android folders:

• DCIM – photos and video from the camera;
• Download – files downloaded from the Internet;
• Pictures, Music, Movies – Media files
• Android – Application data (including cache).

Important: Some system folders (such as Android/data) may be hidden to see:

1. Open the conductor menu (three dots in the upper right corner).
2. Select Settings → Show hidden files.

3. Quick access via notification panel

MIUI offers a convenient way to check the memory directly from the main screen:

1. Swipe your finger down from the top of the screen to open the notification bar.
2. Slip on the Cleanup icon (broom or basket) - the optimization menu will open.
3. At the bottom of the screen you will see a memory fullness indicator with the Free button.

This method is suitable for quick cleaning of cache and temporary files, but does not show the detailed structure of the storage. If you want to delete specific files, use a Explorer.

4. the difference between internal memory and SD-card

Redmi 7 supports two types of storage:

Key differences:

• 📱 Internal memory is divided into two sections: /data (for user files) and /system (You can only manage the OS. /data.
• 💾 SD-The card can be used as a portable storage (files are saved manually to the map) or as an internal (formatted and becomes part of the system!

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Not all applications can be transferred to SD-System programs (such as Settings or Phone) always remain in internal memory.

To check which applications can be transferred:

1. Open the Settings → Applications.
2. Select the appropriate application.
3. Slip the vault. → Change (if the option is active).

5 Hidden folders and system files: what can be deleted

MIUI creates many service folders that are not visible by default, some of which can be cleared to make room:

• 🗑️.thumbdata – thumbnails of images (you can delete them, they will recover automatically).
• 📁 Android/obb — Cache of games (only delete if the game is no longer needed).
• 📄 MIUI/Backup — backups (if they are old).
• 🔄 lost.dir – files recovered after a crash (usually empty or corrupted).

Remove the app cache in Settings → Storage → Cache data

Clean Download folder from unnecessary downloads

Transfer the photo/video to SD-map

Delete APK-files from the Download folder after installation

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⚠️ Warning: Never remove manually:

• Android/data folder will cause applications to crash.
• Files with.db or.xml extension in system folders.
• Any files in /system can cause the phone to fail.

If in doubt, use the built-in cleanup function in Settings → Storage → Clean. It only deletes secure temporary files.

6. How to make room: practical tips

If the memory on Redmi 7 is full, try these methods:

1. Transfer of files to SD-Map: Open the Explorer → highlight files → Move it → choose SD-To automatically save a photo/video to a map: open the Camera → Settings → Preservation site.
2. Cache Cleanup: Go to Settings → Apps, select the program → Storage → Clear Cache. For mass cleaning, use Settings → Storage → Cache Data.

Removal of duplicates:

• Install Files by Google from the Play Market and it will find duplicate photos and files.

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To reduce the size of the photo, in the camera settings (Camera → Settings → Photo resolution) choose 9 MP instead of 12 MP. This will save up to 30% of space.

For advanced users:

• 🛠️ Use it. ADB Removing System Garbage (Developer Rights Required).
• 🔄 Reset your phone to factory settings if other methods didn’t help (be sure to back up your phone!).

7.Store problems: why the phone can't see SD-map

A frequent complaint of Redmi 7 users is that the phone does not recognize the external drive.

If the card is physically damaged (such as bent contacts), replace it. Redmi 7 supports microSD up to 256 GB, but the best option is 64 or 128 GB (Class 10 or UHS-I for speed).

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Before formatting SD-Make a backup of the data via the phone – the process will delete all files!

Frequent Questions (FAQ)