How to turn off internal memory on Xiaomi phone: all the ways and warnings

Disabling internal memory on Xiaomi smartphones is a procedure that is rarely required, but may become necessary in specific scenarios: when preparing a device for sale, diagnosing hardware malfunctions or working with custom firmware. In most cases, users confuse this action with formatting or resetting settings, which leads to irreversible data loss. This article will examine all the current methods for disabling the drive on Redmi, POCO and Mi devices running MIUI 12-14, and explain why alternative solutions are sufficient in 90% of cases.

It’s important to understand that internal memory on Xiaomi is integrated into the motherboard and does not physically turn off as a removable microSD card. By “disconnecting” usually means unmounting it (i.e. hiding from the system) or blocking the recording through special commands. We will consider both options, as well as official and informal tools for this. Particular attention will be paid to models with Qualcomm Snapdragon chips (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro or POCO X3 Pro), where the procedure has nuances due to the features of the UFS 2.1/2.2 memory controller.

When do I really need to shut down my internal memory?

Before you get to the instructions, ask yourself why you need it, 95% of the time, users are trying to solve a problem that has safer methods, and the only valid reasons are:

• 🔧 Diagnostics of hardware malfunctions: If the phone can’t see files but the external card is working fine, disabling internal memory will help confirm the problem with the controller eMMC/UFS.
• 📦 Preparing for sale with a guarantee that the buyer will not restore your data (alternative – full encryption) + discharge).
• 🛠️ Work with custom firmware, where you need to temporarily repair the section /data fitting TWRP Or OrangeFox.
• 🔒 Locking the recording to protect against ransomware (for example, if the phone is infected, but you need to save files through the encryption system). ADB).

If your goal is simply to make room or remove viruses, use other methods:

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi models with MediaTek chip (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO C31) Disabling internal memory via fastboot may result in a blink (completely inoperable) due to the features of the eMMC 5.1 controller. → The phone. → Full specifications.

Method 1: Unmount memory via ADB (without root)

This technique temporarily hides the internal memory from the system, but it doesn't delete the data, it's suitable for diagnosing or blocking the recording, it requires the developer mode on and access to the computer.

Step 1: Preparation

• 📱 Turn on Debugging. USB In Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (press 7 times) → Additionally. → For developers.
• 🖥️ Install. ADB Tools on PC.
• 🔌 Connect your phone to your computer and confirm your debugging permission.

Step 2: Unlocking commands:

1. Open the command line (cmd) in the adb folder.
2. Enter in turn: adb shell su -c "umount /data" If there is no root, use: adb shell sm list-volumes adb shell sm unmount [ID_volume] (ID You can find out from the first command, usually private or userdata).

Once executed, the internal memory will disappear from the conductor, but the files will remain in place. To regain access, restart the phone or do:

adb shell sm mount [ID_ of volume]

Backup of important data | Charge the phone at least 50% | Checked processor model (Qualcomm/MediaTek) | Install ADB drivers on PC | Disabled screen lock (PIN/pattern lock)

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⚠️ Attention: MIUI 14 with a security patch after March 2023, the sm unmount command may not work due to Google's partition restrictions.In this case, you will need to unlock the bootloader (see Method 3).

Method 2: Locking a recording via TWRP (root required)

If you need to not just hide the memory, but to prevent any changes (for example, to protect against viruses), use custom recovery TWRP.

Instructions:

1. Install TWRP for your model (instructions are available on XDA Developers).
2. Boot into recovery: Turn off the phone, then press Power + Volume up.
3. Go to Mount → Mark the tick at /data (to make the section mounted).
4. Open the Advanced → File Manager.
5. Find the file. /data/.layout_version (or create it if not) and edit by adding a line: ro.config.dmverity=false ro.config.icd_remount_rw=false
6. Save the changes and reboot.

After that, the system will not be able to write data to internal memory, but the files will remain readable. To return the record, delete the added lines or reset via TWRP.

Method 3: Disconnect via Fastboot (for advanced)

This method completely erases data and disables access to memory at the bootloader level. It is used only for the diagnosis of hardware problems or before the firmware. On devices with a MediaTek Helio chip (for example, Redmi 9, POCO M3), the command can lead to loss of IMEI!

Step-by-step:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (requires a Mi Account binding and wait 7 days).
2. Load the phone into fastboot mode: turn off, then press Power + Volume down.
3. Connect to your PC and execute: fastboot devices fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache
4. For complete shutdown (diagnostics only!): fastboot oem disable_storage This command does not work on all models and may require the right of a superuser.

To return access, swipe your device through the Mi Flash Tool with the clean all option option option.

Yeah, for custom firmware installation.|Yeah, for root rights.|No, but I want to try.|No, I don't plan on.|I don't know what that is.-->

What happens if you turn off your internal memory?

The consequences depend on the chosen method:

• 📵 Dismantling (ADB/TWRP): The phone will stop seeing the files, but they will stay in place, and applications will start to give out "Not enough memory" or "Not possible to save" errors.
• 🚫 Locking down the recording (TWRP): You can read files, but you can't install apps or save photos. Some system functions (such as updates) will stop working.
• ⚠️ Fastboot: All data is deleted irrevocably, the phone will boot to a "clean" state, as after reset, but with the risk of errors in mounting partitions.

On dynamic partition models (Xiaomi 12/13 series), a memory shutdown can result in a cyclical reboot, as the system will not be able to mount critical /vendor or /product partitions.

fastboot continue

This temporarily bypasses partition mounting checks and can help restore access.-->

Alternatives: When you don’t need to shut down your memory

In most cases, users try to turn off memory to solve problems that can be fixed in other ways:

If the goal is to hide personal data before handing over your phone, use encryption:

1. Go to Settings → Security → Phone Encryption.
2. Set a strong password (at least 8 characters).
3. After encryption, reset through Settings → Reset.

This ensures that data recovery will be impossible without a password.

💡

Turning off internal memory is a last resort, which is required in less than 5% of cases. In other situations, use resetting, cleaning the cache or transferring data to a memory card.

Xiaomi models where a memory shutdown can cause problems

On some Xiaomi devices, internal memory is tightly integrated with other partitions, and shutting it down causes instability.

• 📱 Redmi Note 8/8T (chipboard 665) — risk IMEI when working with fastboot.
• 📱 POCO F1 (chipboard 845) — post-unmount /data may not be loaded TWRP.
• 📱 Mi 9/9T — Dynamic partitions can lead to hanging on the logo MI.
• 📱 Redmi 9/9A/9C (MediaTek Helio chip G35/G80) — High risk of breeze on fastboot erase teams.
• 📱 Xiaomi 12/13 Series – Disabling Memory Requires Manual Partition Restoration super.img.

In these models, before any memory manipulation:

1. Create a full backup with TWRP or adb backup.
2. Check the MIUI version – firmware older than 12.5 may not run sm unmount commands.
3. Use official firmware for recovery.

FAQ: Frequent questions