Where is the storage on the Xiaomi phone: a complete guide to search and memory management

Have you ever encountered a situation where your Xiaomi suddenly issues a notification “Not enough memory” even though you seemingly did not install anything extra? or tried to find a downloaded file, but it disappeared into a maze of folders? The problem is not you — the storage on Xiaomi is not as organized as on “naked” Android. The manufacturer hides some system files, duplicates data in the cloud, and some applications create their “shadow” folders that are not visible in the standard file manager.

In this article, we will not just show where the storage on Redmi smartphones is physically located, POCO Or Mi, but we'll teach you:

• 🔍 Find hidden folders that take up gigabytes of memory (yes, even if you haven't seen them!).
• 📊 Understand the structure of the storage MIUI — Why the Other is 10GB and can it be fixed.
• 🗑️ It is safe to clear your memory without deleting important data (spoiler: com.miui.gallery cache weighs more than all your photos!).
• ☁️ Manage cloud storage Mi Cloud – what is automatically synchronized there and how to disable it.

We analyzed the structure of the storage on MIUI 12, 13 and 14 (And they've also included global and Chinese firmware, and they've identified key differences from standard Android, like, did you know that folder? /MIUI/sswallpaper can weigh up 500 MB because of automatically downloadable wallpaper? or what cache Google Play Services on Xiaomi takes in 2 Is there more space than Samsung? These and other nuances.

1. Physical location of storage: where files are stored on Xiaomi

Let’s start with the basic: all files on Xiaomi are divided into 2 types of storage – internal (embedded memory) and external (microSD or microSD). OTG-But even here there are pitfalls. For example, if you insert a memory card, the system may suggest using it as a portable storage (files remain on the map) or as an internal storage (the card is formatted and becomes part of the system!

The main ways to store on Xiaomi (available through any file manager, such as Mi File Manager or Solid Explorer):

• 📁 /storage/emulated/0/ — Main folder of internal storage (analogue) /sdcard/ It's all your photos, videos, downloads and app data.
• 🔒 /data/ — System partition (only available with root rights) This is where you store settings, system application cache, and account data.
• ☁️ /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/ — data-file MIUI, including wallpaper, themes and temporary update files.
• 🔄 /storage/emulated/0/Android/ — Application data (each app creates a folder, such as com.whatsapp or com.tencent.mm for WeChat).

It is important to understand that the path /storage/emulated/0/ — This is a virtual link to a real storage facility that is physically located in the /data/media/0/. This is done to be compatible with older versions of Android, and if you plug your phone into a PC, you'll see Internal Storage, which is your internal memory.

⚠️ Note: Don't confuse the folder /storage/emulated/0/DCIM/ (photo and video /storage/emulated/0/Pictures/. The first one is created by the camera system, the second one is created for screenshots and browser downloads, and if you delete files from one folder, you don't have to touch the other folder!

2. How to check the occupied place: analysis of “Settings” and hidden data

To understand what is taking up memory on your Xiaomi, it is not enough to go to My File. The system hides some of the data, and you need to search for it manually.

1. Open "Settings» → «The phone» → «Storage. Here you'll see a diagram of the memory distribution by category: Apps, Images, Videos, Audio and Other.
2. Click on the Other category — it often hides up to 30 percent of the space you're occupied! These are system app cache, temporary update files, and data. MIUI.
3. Use third-party analyzers like Files by Google or DiskUsage, which will show you the exact size of folders, including hidden ones.

Here’s what usually takes up the most space in the Other section:

Pay special attention to the folder /MIUI/backup/. Here are stored backup copies created through Settings → Additionally. → Backup. Many users forget to delete them, and they can weigh a few gigabytes!

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If the Other section is more than 5GB occupied, try clearing the cache of system applications through Settings. → Annexes → Application management → Filter (three dots) → Show system-based → Clear the cache for everyone. It's safe and frees up to 1-2 GB.

3 Hidden folders and system files: what can be deleted and what can not be deleted

MIUI It creates a lot of hidden folders that you can't see in a standard file manager:

1. Use a root-enabled file manager (like Root Explorer) or enable hidden files to be displayed in Mi File Manager (click on three dots) → «Settings» → «Show hidden files»).
2. Connect your phone to your PC and use Total Commander or Far Manager.

Here is a list of safe folders to delete (take a backup before deleting!):

• 🗑️ /MIUI/sswallpaper — wallpaper downloaded through themes.
• 🎵 /MIUI/music — Standard alarm melodies and notifications (can be deleted if you use your own alarms).
• 📸 /DCIM/.thumbnails — Photo miniatures (automatically restored).
• 🔄 /Android/data/~~~/cache — Application cache (cleaned without consequences).

This is not the case (risk of system damage):

• ❌ /data/dalvik-cache — cache of the Android virtual machine.
• ❌ /system/ — system-file MIUI.
• ❌ /efs/ — data IMEI and network settings.
• ❌ /persist/ — radio-module setting.

⚠️ Note: If you delete the folder /MIUI/backup/AllBackup, You'll lose all backups, including your Mi Account, and check before you clean them if there are any important backups!

4.Mi Cloud Cloud Storage: What is Synced There and How to Disable

Mi Cloud is Xiaomi’s cloud storage that syncs your data by default, and the problem is that many users don’t even know that their photos, contacts, and notes are automatically uploaded to the cloud, taking up not only server space, but also traffic.

To check what exactly is synchronized:

1. Go to Settings → Accounts and Sync → Mi Cloud.
2. Click on Storage Management – here you will see how much space is taken up by photos, videos, contacts, etc.
3. To turn off sync, move the slider next to unnecessary categories (such as Gallery or Notes).

Pay attention to the following nuances:

• ☁️ Photos and videos sync in original quality unless Traffic Savings mode is enabled.This can quickly exhaust your 5GB of free space in the Mi Cloud.
• 📱 Backups are created automatically when you connect to Wi-Fi. They include system settings, SMS call-book.
• 🔄 Deleting from the cloud does not delete files from your phone (and vice versa). For example, if you delete a photo from a gallery, it will stay in Mi Cloud for 30 days.

If you want to disable Mi Cloud completely, go to Settings. → Accounts and synchronization → Mi Cloud → Disable sync. However, please note that in this case you will lose access to backups and synchronized data on other devices.

5. How to make room: step-by-step instructions for different scenarios

If your storage is packed, here are proven ways to make room without losing important data:

Scenario 1: Clearing cache and temporary files

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Press three points. → Size-based sorting.
3. Select apps with large cache (e.g. YouTube, Telegram, Gallery) and click Clear Cache.

Scenario 2: Removal of duplicates and unnecessary files

• 📸 Use the Files by Google app → Cleanup → Duplicate files.
• 🎵 In a file. /Download/ often accumulate old APK, PDF And the archives.
• 🗑️ folder /Bluetooth/ Stores all accepted files – check it out.

Scenario 3: Transfer files to memory card

If you have a microSD:

1. Open the Mi File Manager → select files → Cut out.
2. Go to the SD- card → Insert.
3. For applications: Settings → Annexes → Select an application → Warehouse → Change. → SD-Card (not working for all appas).

⚠️ Note: Not all applications can be moved to SD-System appliances (e.g. Settings or Phone) and games with protection (e.g, PUBG Mobile cannot be moved.

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The most effective way to free up space is to delete the gallery cache (com.miui.gallery) and clear the folder. /MIUI/backup/. It'll give. +2–5 GB without risk to the system.

6. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Many users make the same mistakes when working with storage on Xiaomi.

• 🚫 Deletion of the folder /Android/obb/. This is where game data is stored (like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile) and deleting it will lead to game crashes!
• 🚫 Cleaning Dalvik-cache without root.This can cause the phone to cyclically reboot.
• 🚫 Ignoring updates MIUI. Newer versions often optimize memory management (e.g., in the MIUI 14 added automatic cache cleanup).
• 🚫 Using cleaners like Clean Master, they often delete files and show false warnings.

Another common problem is that files take up space but don't show up.

• 🔍 Hidden folders (enable their display in file manager settings).
• 📁 Files with a dot at the beginning of the name (e.g..nomedia – they are not shown in the gallery).
• ☁️ Cloud sync (files can only be in Mi Cloud).

If you suspect that memory is “disappearing” on its own, check:

Settings → Special features → Logs and reports → Storage

There may be error logs that take hundreds of megabytes.

7. Alternative Memory Management Methods

If standard methods don’t help, try these advanced techniques:

• 🛠️ Use of the ADB To clean up unnecessary packets: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.weather2 (substitute com.miui.weather2 on an unnecessary system application).
• 🔄 Recovery cache reset: Turn off the phone. Squeeze power + Volume up to enter Recovery. select Wipe Cache Partition.

Transfer of applications to PC

Scrcpy

Vysor

For experienced users: if you have root rights, you can use it. SD Maid or Root Explorer for deep cleaning:

find /data/data/ -name "*.log" -delete

It will remove all logs that occupy the space.

But remember, root can lead to loss of warranty and unstable phone operation. If you are not sure, you should contact the service center.

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Before any manipulation of system files, make a backup through Settings → Additionally. → Backup or TWRP (for advanced users).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)