Xiaomi smartphones based on MIUI While they offer users flexible tools to monitor internal and RAM, not everyone knows where to look for this information, regular memory checks help avoid sudden crashes, brakes and loss of important data. In this article, we will analyze all available methods - from standard system functions to hidden menus and third-party utilities, which will show not only occupied space, but also the real state of the cells. NAND-Memory (if maintained).
Xiaomi is often hiding useful tools in non-obvious menu sections or removing them in new versions of MIUI. For example, MIUI 14 has disappeared the "Security" section with detailed memory statistics, but it can be returned through hidden settings, we will show how to do this, and also explain which indicators are critical for the health of the device and what you can ignore.
If your smartphone starts to slow down, spontaneously reboot, or make errors when installing applications, the first diagnostics should begin with a memory check. And no, it's not just about the free space on the disk, but also about the state of the flash drive, the number of bad blocks (if you can read them), and read/write speed.
1. Standard "Storage" section in MIUI settings
The most obvious and affordable way is to use the built-in MIUI menu, which shows basic information about occupied and free space, and also offers tools for cleaning up garbage.
- Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
- Go to the Warehouse section (in some versions of MIUI it is called Memory).
- Wait for the data to load β the system scans the internal memory and SD-map (if installed).
Here you'll see:
- π Diagram of memory distribution by category (applications, photos, videos, system files, etc.).
- π Clean up button β it analyzes unnecessary files (cache, temporary data, duplicates).
- βοΈ Additional settings, including formatting SD-mapping and data transfer.
But this method has a serious drawback: it does not show the actual state of memory health (such as wear of cells or the presence of broken sectors), and it requires other tools, which will be discussed later.
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If the "Storage" section does not show SD-Map, check its format. Xiaomi supports only FAT32 For formatting, use the official utility in the settings, not third-party programs - this will reduce the risk of damage to the file system.
2. Hidden Menu Engineering Mode (Engineering Menu)
For advanced users who want to get technical memory data, there is a hidden engineering menu available on most Xiaomi models, but the path to it may vary depending on the MIUI version and smartphone model.
To open the Engineering Mode:
- Open the Phone app.
- Enter the combination: ##4636### (some models run ##36446337###).
- Select the Testing or Hardware Testing section.
- Find the Storage or Memory item.
In this menu you can see:
- π Type of memory (eMMC or UFS) and its manufacturer.
- π Read/write speed schedules (if supported).
- β οΈ Number of errors (if any) and overall state of the chip.
β οΈ Note: Not all Xiaomi models display memory data in the engineering menu, and on some devices (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro), this section may be empty or only show basic information. Do not try to change the parameters in the engineering menu if you are not sure about their purpose - this can lead to failures!
What to do if the engineering menu is not opened?
3. Security appendix - Advanced diagnostics
Older versions of MIUI (before MIUI 12) had a separate Security app that offered detailed memory analysis, including checks for broken sectors and wear. In newer versions, this functionality is partially moved to Settings β Storage, but it can be returned.
How to restore extended functions:
- Download. APK-Security application file for your version MIUI (forum 4PDA).
- Install it manually (allow installation from unknown sources in the settings).
- Open the app and go to Optimization β Memory.
Here you will find:
- π§ Deep cleaning β Removing system debris that is not visible in the standard menu.
- π Detailed statistics for each memory partition (e.g, /data, /system).
- π οΈ Memory health checker (not available on all models).
If you donβt want to install third-party APKs, the alternative is MIUI Hidden Settings (available on Google Play), which reveals hidden system features, including advanced memory settings.
4.Use of ADB to Diagnose Memory
For those who are ready to work with the command line, ADB (Android Debug Bridge) offers the most detailed information about memory, which is suitable for advanced users and allows you to get data that does not show graphical interfaces.
What you can learn through ADB:
- π Exact memory (including spare partitions).
- π Read/write speed for different file types.
- π¨ File system errors (via fsck command).
Example of commands for diagnosis:
adb shell df -h # Shows occupied/free space by section
adb shell cat /proc/meminfo # RAM information
adb shell dumpsys meminfo # Detailed statistics on RAM use
adb shell iostat # Read/Write Speed Monitor (requires root)β οΈ Note: Commands requiring root rights can cause a loss of warranty or system failure if executed incorrectly.Do not use fsck on mounted partitions - this can damage data!
Install ADB-PC drivers|Enable debugging on USB developer-setting|Connect your smartphone to your PC via cable|Check the connection with the adb device command|Make a backup copy of the data-->
5. Third-party applications for memory analysis
If the built-in tools MIUI It's not enough, third-party tools come to the rescue, and they offer more visual reports, speed tests, and even a prediction of memory wear.-5 tested applications:
| Annex | Functions | Need root? | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AIDA64 | Full memory information (type, manufacturer, speed), read/write tests | No. | Google Play |
| DevCheck | Detailed memory characteristics, including wear and tear (if supported) | No. | Google Play |
| DiskInfo | File system analysis, search for broken sectors, temperature monitoring | For some functions, yes. | Google Play |
| Amplify | Optimizing memory usage, blocking background processes | Yes (Xposed only) | Xposed Repository |
| SD Maid | Deep cleaning of garbage, analysis of the basket, search for duplicates | No (but with root more features) | Google Play |
For most users, AIDA64 or DevCheck is enough, because they don't require root rights and they give you exhaustive information, and if you need to check for bad blocks, you have to use DiskInfo with superuser rights.
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Applications like AIDA64 show real memory speeds, not the theoretical maximum stated by the manufacturer. If the read/write speed is below the benchmark for your model (for example, UFS 2.1 should output ~800 MB/s), this may indicate chip wear or firmware problems.
6.Memory check via Recovery Mode
If the smartphone is not turned on or constantly restarting, you can check the memory through the recovery mode (Recovery Mode), which is useful when the system is not booting, but the device responds to buttons.
How to log in to Recovery Mode:
- Turn off your smartphone.
- Press the button combination: For most models: Volume up + Power. For POCO: Volume up + Volume down + Power.
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On the Recovery menu:
- π Choose Wipe & Reset β Wipe Cache (cleaning the cache does not delete user data).
- π οΈ To check the memory, select Advanced β File System Check (if such a point exists).
- π± Some of the firmware is available Mount β Mount /system, After that, you can connect your smartphone to the PC and analyze the memory through ADB.
β οΈ Warning: Recovery Mode does not recommend selecting options like Wipe Data or Format Data unless you plan to completely reset.
7. Hardware diagnostics (for experienced users)
If software methods fail and there are still suspicions of memory malfunction, you can resort to hardware diagnostics, which requires disassembling the device and connecting to special equipment, so it is only suitable for service centers or users with experience in repair.
What can be checked hardware:
- π Integrity of contacts between motherboard and memory chip (frequent issue after falls).
- π₯ Overheating of the memory controller (diagnosed by the thermal imager).
- πΆ Signals on the data bus (checked by an oscilloscope).
For self-diagnosis you will need:
- π οΈ Multimeter (to check the power of the chip).
- π Loop or microscope (to inspect soldering).
- π» USB-analyzer (e.g., Saleae Logic for signal monitoring).
If you're not sure about your skills, you should go to a service center. Damage to the memory chip when unskilled disassembly can make the smartphone completely inoperable.
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Hardware diagnostics are only relevant if software tests show errors, but the cause is unclear; 90% of memory problems are solved by software (flashing, resetting or replacing software).