How to find and check memory in Xiaomi phone: internal, external and cache

Are you trying to make room on Xiaomi, but you can't find exactly where the memory is stored? Or is the phone suddenly giving a notification "Not enough memory" even though you haven't downloaded anything? POCO Data is distributed in several sections – internal memory, SD-map (if installed) and hidden cache of applications. MIUI Changes regularly and old instructions often don’t work.

In this article, we’ll look at 5 ways to find memory on any Xiaomi phone, from the budget Redmi Note to the flagship Xiaomi 14. You’ll learn how to check the occupied space, where app files are stored, how to clean the cache without losing data, and what to do if the system can’t see the external drive. And a unique life hack for models with MIUI 14+, where the Storage partition is hidden in an obscure place.

1. Standard method: the "Storage" menu in the settings

The easiest way is to use the built-in MIUI menu, which shows the distribution of memory by category (applications, media, system files) and allows you to quickly clear out unnecessary data, but in newer versions of firmware, the path to this menu has changed, and many users do not find it.

How to open it:

• 📱 Open Settings (cog icon on the desktop).
• 🔍 Scroll down and select About Phone → Storage (for the purpose of MIUI 12-14).
• 📊 Old versions (MIUI 11 and below) the other way: Settings → Memory.
• 💾 The screen will display a diagram of the memory distribution by file type, tap any section (e.g., Apps or Images) to see the details.

If you have a POCO or Redmi with a POCO Launcher shell, the menu may be called Memory and Storage, and some models (such as the Xiaomi 13T) also have a deeper section:

Settings → Additional → Special features → Storage

⚠️ Attention: B MIUI 14+ Clean up the storage menu is disabled by default. To activate it, go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management → Three dots (menu) → Settings → Energize cleaning.

2. Memory check through File Manager

Xiaomi’s built-in file manager not only shows folders, but also analyzes occupied space, which is handy if you need to find large files or folders that eat up memory, such as cacheted videos from TikTok or temporary messenger files.

Instructions:

1. Open the Files app (yellow folder icon).
2. In the lower menu, select Device (for internal memory) or SD-map (if installed).
3. Slip along three horizontal lines (☰) in the upper left corner and select Storage Analysis.
4. Wait until the scan is complete.

• 📁 Large files (>100MB).
• 🗑️ Unnecessary files (duplicates, temporary data).
• 🎵 Multimedia, sorted by type (photo, video, audio).
• 📦 Application folders (e.g., application folders, Android/data/com.whatsapp).

Feature: In MIUI 14, storage analysis may not show system files (e.g., OTA updates). To see them, turn on Developer Mode and activate the option to Show Hidden Files in Files Settings.

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If storage analysis is slowing down, close all background applications. On weak models (Redmi 9A, POCO M3), scanning can take up to 5 minutes.

3. How to find hidden memory: cache and system files

Often users don’t understand why the memory is running out, even though they haven’t downloaded anything, because of app cache and system temporary files, such as Google Play Services can take up to 2-3 GB of cache, and MIUI stores backups of updates (MIUI/backup folder).

Where to look:

To clean the cache of all applications at once:

1. Go to Settings → Memory → Cleanup.
2. Choose Deep Cleanup.
3. Check the unnecessary files and click Clear.

⚠️ Attention: Do not delete the folder /MIUI/backup/all — backups of the settings are stored there MIUI. If you erase it, after resetting the phone, you will lose saved themes, wallpaper and screen settings.

Make sure your important data is synced to the cloud

Do not delete folders called "com.xiaomi" or "miui"

Clear the cache only through the settings menu (not manually)

After cleaning, restart the phone-->

4.External memory check (SD-maps and its problems

If your Xiaomi supports microSD but the memory card is not displayed, the problem may be:

• 🔌 Incorrect installation (check if the card is inserted to the end).
• 🛠️ A damaged file system (FAT32/exFAT/NTFS).
• 🔒 Lack of permissions (in Android 11)+ Applications are prohibited from accessing SD default).
• 📵 Hardware malfunction (card slot or card itself).

How to check SD-map:

1. Open the Settings → Storage.
2. Scroll down – if the map is defined, it will be displayed as SD-map or external storage.
3. If the card is not on the list, remove it and paste it back in. If it doesn't work, try formatting it via PC (save the data in advance!).

For Android 11 and higher models (e.g. Xiaomi 12, Redmi Note 11):

• 📌 Applications are prohibited by default from accessing SD-To resolve the problem, go to Settings. → Annexes → Permits → Warehouse → [Select the application] → Allow access to SD.
• 🔄 If the card is defined as “damaged”, format it in exFAT (supports files). >4GB).

5. Alternative methods: ADB and third-party applications

If standard methods don’t work (for example, on custom firmware or after a reset), you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge) or third-party utilities.

Method 1: Checking with ADB

1. Install Platform Tools on your PC.
2. Turn on USB Debugging on your phone (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → Tap 7 times, then go back to Additional → For Developers).
3. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command:

adb shell df -h

This command will show all the memory sections, indicating the free and occupied space.

/dev/block/mmcblk0p55  119G   32G   87G  27% /data

Here /data is the user’s internal memory.

Method 2: Third-party applications

For memory visualization, it is convenient to use:

• 📊 DiskUsage – shows the memory distribution as an interactive map.
• 🔍 Files by Google – analyzes and suggests clearing unnecessary files.
• 🛠️ SD Maid – Finds junk files and duplicates (requires root for full access).

⚠️ Note: Apps like Clean Master or CCleaner often show false “problems” and can delete important system files. Use only proven utilities from Google Play with a rating of 4.5+.

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ADB is the most accurate way to check memory, but requires command line skills. For beginners, it is better to use the built-in MIUI tools or the Files by Google app.

6. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Many Xiaomi users face typical memory problems, and here are the most common:

Mistake 1: “Not enough memory” when there is a place to go

Reason: MIUI reserves some of the memory for system needs (up to 5-10 GB).

• 📉 Move the applications to SD-card (if supported).
• 🗑️ Clear the cache of Google Play Services and MIUI System.
• 🔄 Restart your phone – sometimes the system miscalculates the free space.

Error 2: The phone doesn't see the files on the phone SD-map

Reason: Android 11+ apps don't have access to external storage by default.

• 🔓 Allow access to SD for a specific application in settings.
• 📁 Use the built-in files from Xiaomi – it has full access.
• 🔄 Reconnect the card (remove and repaint).

Error 3: After updating MIUI memory is “eating” unknown

Reason: Newer versions of MIUI often download updates in the background (folder /MIUI/backup/ota).

• 🗃️ Remove the Ota folder after installing the update.
• 🚫 Turn off automatic update downloads in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system → Three points. → Settings → Downloading.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions