Where to look for memory in Xiaomi smartphones: from a physical chip to Android settings

When it comes to memory in Xiaomi smartphones, users often face confusion: where exactly files are stored, how the drives are physically located inside the device, and where to view free space information on the menu. Unlike computers where hard drives and SSDs are easy to identify, smartphones are hidden under the case, and the logical structure of memory is blurred between system partitions, user data and the cache of applications.

In this article, we will discuss three key aspects: (1) Physical location of memory on the motherboard (where the eMMC or UFS chips are located), (2) Logical storage structure in MIUI and Android (which partitions occupy space and are responsible for), (3) Practical instructions for checking memory through settings and third-party utilities.

Particular attention will be paid to models with hybrid slots under microSD (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro or POCO X3 Pro), where memory can be expanded, but with nuances.

Physical location of memory on Xiaomi board

Inside any Xiaomi smartphone, memory is represented as chips soldered to the motherboard, depending on the model and year of release, two types of drives are used:

• 🔹 eMMC (in budget models until 2019-2020, for example, Redmi) 7A or Mi A2 Lite – slower and cheaper chips, often combined with RAM in a single module (eMMC) + LPDDR).
• 🔹 UFS (In mid- and premium-segment devices, starting with Mi 9, POCO F1, Redmi K20 Pros are faster, more reliable, but more expensive. 13 Ultra, Mix Fold 3) use UFS 3.1/4.0.

Physically, the memory chips are located next to the processor (SoC) and RAM. For example, in the Redmi Note 11 Pro+, the UFS 2.2 chip is located under a metal screen on the back of the board, next to the LPDDR4X module. In older models (for example, the Mi 8), the memory could be integrated into a single chip with the processor (Snapdragon 845 + UFS 2.1).

⚠️ Warning: Opening the case for access to memory is impossible without specialized equipment (infrared soldering station, BGA-Self-triggered attempts to replace the memory chip result in complete data loss and often failure of the device. Xiaomi service centers do not perform such an operation, only replacing the entire board.

Interesting fact: some models (such as the Black Shark 4 Pro) use dual-channel UFS memory, where two chips work in parallel to double the read/write speed, as seen in benchmark tests (serial read speeds exceed 1500MB/s).

Logical structure of memory: which partitions take place

In Android (and MIUI in particular), memory is divided into several logical partitions, each of which is responsible for its function.

The most voracious partition is /data, where you store:

• 📱 Installed annexes (/data/app)
• 🗃️ Application data (/data/data, including Telegram cache, WhatsApp, games)
• 🔑 System and account settings (/data/system)
• 📁 User files (unless separate sections are used)

⚠️ Attention: B MIUI section /sdcard — It is not a physical memory card, but an emulated storage that is part of the /data. The real microSD (if installed) is mounted as /storage/XXXX-XXXX (where XXXX — unique identifier).

How to check memory in Xiaomi settings

To find out how much memory is occupied and free, you do not need to install third-party applications - all information is available in standard MIUI settings.

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Go to About Phone (in older versions of MIUI - About Device).
3. Choose a storage (or memory)
4. Wait for the chart to load (it can take 10–30 seconds on weak devices).

The screen will show:

• 📊 Total memory (for example, 128 GB of 128 GB).
• 🟢 Occupied space by category (Applications, Photos and Videos, Audio, Other Files).
• 🔴 Free space (if less than 10%, the system will issue warnings).

🔍 Hidden feature: Click on any category (e.g. Apps) to see a detailed list of the heaviest apps, where you can immediately clear the cache or delete unnecessary programs.

Transfer your photos/video to the cloud (Google Photos, Mi Cloud)

Clean the app cache manually

Remove unused games/applications

Check the folder Downloads to garbage files

Use memory analysis in MIUI (Settings → Warehouse)-->

Where is the memory card slot (microSD) in Xiaomi

Not all Xiaomi smartphones support microSD memory expansion.In hybrid slot models (e.g. Redmi Note) 10S, POCO M4 Pro) you must choose either the second SIM-In flagships (for example, Xiaomi 12 Pro) slot for memory cards is often absent at all.

📍 Slot location:

• 📱 In most models (Redmi 9, Note 8 Pro) slot is on the left end of the case under the lid.
• 📱 In some devices (Mi) 10T, POCO X3 NFC) — top-end.
• 📱 In tablets (Xiaomi Pad 5) - on the right end.

⚠️ Note: In hybrid slots (hybrid) SIM tray cannot be used simultaneously two SIM-The card and microSD. When you install the memory card, the second SIM The exception is the models with a dedicated slot (for example, Redmi). 9A, POCO C31), where there is a separate place under the microSD.

🔧 How to insert a memory card:

1. Turn off the device (recommended, but not required).
2. Use a paper clip or a special key to remove the tray.
3. Place the microSD in the slot marked upwards (most trays have a diagram).
4. Put the tray back in before the click.
5. Turn on the phone and wait for the alert "Memory card discovered".

How to transfer data to a memory card in MIUI

By default, applications and files are stored in internal memory, so you can transfer some of the data to a microSD to free up space. MIUI limitations:

• ✅ You can transfer: photos, videos, music, documents, some application data (for example, Google Maps cache).
• ❌ Cannot be transferred: system applications, data WhatsApp/Telegram (manually only, games (without root rights).

📂 Instructions for transferring files:

1. Open Files (standard MIUI application).
2. Select a category (such as Images or Videos).
3. Press and hold the file/folder, then tap More → Move.
4. In the list of locations, select a Memory Card (or SD-card).
5. Confirm the move.

🔧 Transfer of applications (requires) MIUI 12+):

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the application you want (such as Spotify).
3. Press Warehouse. → Change.
4. If the Memory Card option is active, select it and confirm it.

⚠️ Note: Moving applications to a microSD can slow them down, as the read/write speed of the memory card is usually lower than that of an internal drive. UFS/eMMC. This is especially true in games and heavy programs (such as Lightroom).

💡

If you take pictures often, set the camera to save the pictures immediately to the memory card. To do this, open the Camera app, go to Settings → Save Place and select Memory Map.

Hidden folders and system files: what takes place

Often, users are faced with a situation where the internal memory is full, but you can't manually find the garbage, because of hidden system files and folders that MIUI doesn't show by default.

• 🗑️.thumbdata – miniatures for gallery (can weigh several gigabytes).
• 🗑️ Android/data and Android/obb — Game data and cache (e.g. Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile may be used for video games) 10+ GB).
• 🗑️ MIUI/backup — backup.
• 🗑️ Download – a download folder where outdated files accumulate.
• 🗑️ DCIM/.thumbnails — cache of thumbnails for quick viewing.

🔍 How to find and delete hidden files:

1. Install a file manager with root access support (such as Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer).
2. Enable the display of hidden files in the manager settings.
3. Go to the root directory (/storage/emulated/0).
4. Remove unnecessary folders (for example,.thumbdata can be cleaned – they are restored automatically).

⚠️ Note: Do not delete Android folders, MIUI or system, it's going to crash the system. /data/data without root rights, otherwise applications may stop working.

💡

The Android/obb folder often contains files of games weighing 1-5 GB. If you haven’t played in a long time, they can be deleted – the next time the game starts, the game downloads data again.

What to do if Xiaomi shows the wrong amount of memory

Sometimes users notice that the actual storage capacity is less than the stated one, for example, a 128 GB smartphone only shows 112-115 GB.

• 📏 Binary vs decimal: Manufacturers count 1GB = 1,000,000 bytes, and the system is 1 GB = 1,073,741,824 bytes. The difference is ~7%.
• 📏 System sections: /system, /vendor, /boot others 5–10 GB.
• 📏 Reservations for updates: MIUI leaves ~1-3 GB to boot OTA-packet.

🔍 How to check the real volume:

1. Install DiskInfo or AIDA64 from Google Play.
2. Open the Warehouse or Memory section.
3. Compare Total Space (total volume) and Available Space (available).

❌ When to sound the alarm:

• If the difference between the declared and the actual volume exceeds 15-20% (for example, 128 GB instead of 64 GB).
• If the free space is rapidly decreasing for no apparent reason (possibly a virus or background activity of applications).
• If after resetting to factory settings, the memory volume is not restored.

In such cases, it is recommended that:

1. Check your device for viruses (Malwarebytes or Dr.Web).
2. Perform reset via Settings → Reset settings (with data saving or complete erasure).
3. Contact the service center - memory wear is possible (especially in devices older than 3-4 years).

FAQ: Frequent questions about memory in Xiaomi