How to check memory on Xiaomi Redmi 6A: all ways + tips for cleaning

Xiaomi Redmi 6A is one of the most popular budget smartphones released in 2018. Despite its modest performance (2/16 GB in the base version), the device is still actively used due to its reliability. However, the limited amount of internal memory often becomes a headache: applications slow down, files do not save, and the system issues warnings about space shortages. In this article, we will examine all possible ways to check memory on the Redmi 6A – from standard tools to hidden functions and third-party utilities.

It's important to understand that on the Xiaomi Redmi 6A, there are two types of memory: internal (ROM) for storing files and applications, and operational (RAM) for operating system processes. We'll focus on the former, because it's the lack of internal memory that most often causes problems. If your phone suddenly starts to "lag" or refuses to install updates, the first task is to check the current state of memory and identify "eaters" of the place.

1. Method: through standard Android settings

The easiest and most obvious method is to use the built-in MIUI tools, which do not require the installation of additional applications and is suitable even for inexperienced users.

To see information about memory:

1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen).
2. Go to About Phone (usually at the bottom of the list).
3. Select Storage (or Memory in some versions of MIUI).

The screen will display a diagram with the distribution of memory by category:

• 📱 System - files MIUI Android (usually 4-6 GB).
• 🗑️ Cash and other – temporary files, logs, residual data.

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If the diagram doesn’t update, restart the phone – sometimes MIUI hangs up when scanning the memory.

In the same menu, you can tap into any category (like Apps) and see a detailed list of programs sorted by place, which will help identify the most voracious applications, for example, Facebook or TikTok can take 1-2 GB per cache!

2. Method: through the MIUI file manager

Xiaomi Redmi 6A preinstalled file manager Files (or Explorer in global firmware) that not only allows you to view files, but also shows general statistics on memory.

Instructions:

1. Open the Files app (the blue-background folder icon).
2. At the top of the screen you will see tabs: Device, Categories, SD-map (if installed).
3. Go to the Category tab – here you can see the distribution of memory by file type (images, videos, documents, etc.).
4. For detailed analysis, tap on the category – for example, Images will show all photos sorted by size.

The advantage of this method is that you can immediately delete unnecessary files directly from the manager, for example, by finding a Download folder where old ones often accumulate. APK-file-book.

Download folder (downloads)

DCIM/Camera folder (photos and videos)

WhatsApp/Media folder (media from messengers)

Android/obb folder (game cache)

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Note the Android/data folder, which stores app data. Some games (like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty) can take up to 3-4 GB of extra files only!

3. Method: through the application "Cleaning" (Security)

Xiaomi has integrated Security (or Cleanup in Russian-language firmware) into MIUI, which not only shows memory status, but also helps optimize it, a tool that is useful if you want to not just look at data, but also make room.

How to use:

1. Open the Security app (shield icon with a tick).
2. Go to the Cleanup tab (or Boost in global versions).
3. Press the Check button – the system will scan the phone for debris.
4. After the analysis, you will see: 🧹 Application cache – temporary files that can be safely deleted. 🗑️ Residual files – data from remote programs. 📁 Duplicate files – repetitive photos or documents.

The utility also shows the total amount of free memory at the top of the screen. If the value is less than 1 GB, it's time to clean the phone urgently!

Once a week.

Once a month

Only when the phone starts to brake

Never clean.

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⚠️ Note: Do not delete files in the folder Android/obb manually, if you're not sure what they're doing, some games and apps may stop working!

Method: through the engineering menu (for experienced users)

If standard methods don't give you a complete picture, you can use the engineering menu (#4636###), which is suitable for advanced users, as it requires caution.

Instructions:

1. Open the Phone app and enter the combination: ##4636##.
2. In the menu that opens, select Storage Information (or Storage).
3. This will show detailed information about all memory areas, including: 📊 System section (/system) — firmware. 📱 User data (/data) — applications and settings. 🗃️ Cash (/cache) — time-file.

This method is useful if you suspect that memory is being eaten up by system processes or viruses, for example, if the /data partition is 90% full but you can’t see it in standard settings, it could be hidden files or malware on the phone.

⚠️ Warning: Do not change the settings in the engineering menu unless you know what they are intended for!

5. Method: Using third-party applications

If the built-in MIUI tools don't suit you, you can use third-party utilities, which often provide more detailed statistics and additional features (such as analyzing duplicates or finding large files).

Top.-3 memory-analysis:

Example of Files by Google:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Open it and give access to the memory.
3. Go to the Cleanup tab - the program will automatically scan the phone.
4. In the Memory section, you will see detailed statistics, including hidden files and unused APKs.

The advantage of third-party utilities is that they often find files that MIUI does not display, for example, SD Maid can detect remnants from long-deleted applications or corrupted downloads.

Method: through ADB (for technical specialists)

If you’re familiar with Android Debug Bridge (ADB), you can get the most detailed information about memory directly from your computer, a method that is suitable for diagnosing complex cases (for example, when the phone does not turn on or the memory “disappears” for no apparent reason).

Instructions:

1. Install. ADB-computer-driver.
2. Turn on USB Debugging on your phone: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version to activate Developer Mode. Go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers and turn on USB Debugging.

Redmi 6A

adb shell df -h

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

Example of output of the command df -h:

Filesystem Size Used Avail Use% Mounted on




/dev/block/mmcblk0p23




14G 12G 2.0G 85% /data

In this example, you can see that the /data partition (where user data is stored) is 85% full, and if the value is greater than 90%, it is a critical situation that requires urgent cleaning.

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ADB allows you to see hidden system partitions that don’t appear in standard settings, which is useful for diagnosing “invisible” memory problems.

Frequent memory problems on Xiaomi Redmi 6A and their solutions

Even after cleaning, the memory on the Redmi 6A can be unstable.

Problem 1: Memory disappears for no apparent reason

If the space suddenly decreases even though you haven’t set anything up, the reasons may be as follows:

• 🤖 App cache – some programs (such as YouTube or Chrome) can accumulate gigabytes of cache.
• 📥 Hidden downloads – files from messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp) or browsers.
• 🦠 Malware – Viruses can create hidden files or mine cryptocurrency.

Decision:

1. Check Download and Android/data for large files.
2. Remove the cache manually: Settings → Applications → [Select App] → Memory → Clear the cache.
3. Scan your phone with an antivirus (such as Malwarebytes).

Problem 2: You can’t install an update due to memory shortage

MIUI requires a minimum of 1.5-2 GB of free space to install updates, and if there is less memory, the system will give an error Not enough space.

Decision:

• 🗑️ Transfer photos and videos to SD-card.
• 📦 Remove unused apps (especially games).
• 🔄 Use the Cleanup function in the Security app.
• 🔧 In extreme cases, perform a reset to factory settings (but do not forget to make a backup!).

Problem 3: Memory is full, but files are scarce

If the settings show that the memory is almost full, but you do not see large files, the problem may lie in:

• 📁 Hidden folders (e.g.,.thumbnails) – picture thumbnails).
• 🔄 Damaged files that take up space but don’t show up.
• 📱 System logs (logcat or dumpstate files).

Solution: Use SD Maid or DiskUsage to find hidden files. In extreme cases, reset via Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up to enter Recovery.
3. Choose Wipe & Reset → Wipe All Data.

⚠️ Warning: Recovery reset will delete all data, including photos and contacts!

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions