How to check the RAM and internal memory on Xiaomi Redmi: full instructions

Xiaomi Redmi smartphones are known for their price-performance ratio, but over time even they start to slow down. One of the main reasons is memory problems: overcrowded storage, RAM failures or hardware malfunctions. In this article, we will discuss how to independently check RAM and internal memory on Redmi devices (including Note 12, 10C, 9A models and others), without resorting to a service center.

You will learn which tools are built into MIUI, which third-party applications are safe to use, and how to recognize critical memory errors that require immediate repair, and what to do if the system shows an incorrect amount of storage or the phone suddenly restarts due to a lack of RAM.

1. Memory check through standard MIUI settings

The easiest way is to use the built-in MIUI tools. They are available on all Xiaomi Redmi devices, regardless of the firmware version, and do not require additional software installation.

To check the built-in memory (ROM):

  1. Open the Settings. β†’ The phone.
  2. Slip on the item Warehouse (or Memory in older versions).
  3. The system will display a diagram with the memory distribution: occupied / free space, application cache, multimedia, etc.

For the diagnosis of RAM (RAM):

  • πŸ” Go to Settings. β†’ The phone. β†’ Background.
  • πŸ“Š Find the line RAM - here is the total volume and currently available.
  • πŸ”„ To see the use of RAM in real time, activate Developer Mode (7 taps according to Version). MIUI) and enable display of memory usage in the notification panel.

⚠️ Note: If the storage section displays less memory than the stated amount (for example, 64 GB instead of 128 GB), this may indicate a fake drive or a file system failure.

πŸ“Š What Redmi model do you use?
Redmi Note 12/Pro
Redmi 10/10C/10A
Redmi 9/9T/9A
Redmi 8/8A
Another model

2.Use of the application "Security" (Security)

Xiaomi’s Security app contains a built-in memory optimizer and tools to verify it, pre-installed on all Redmi devices and does not require superuser rights.

How to check your memory:

  1. Open the Security app (the shield icon).
  2. Go to the Optimization (or Acceleration) tab.
  3. Click Deep Clean – the system will scan the cache and unnecessary files, and will also show details of memory usage.
  4. To analyze RAM, tap RAM - here a list of applications that consume memory will be displayed, with the possibility of their forced closure.

Advantages of this method:

  • πŸ›‘οΈ It does not require the installation of third-party programs.
  • πŸ“‰ Shows hidden files that are not displayed in the standard manager.
  • πŸ”§ Allows you to clear the cache of system applications (such as Google Play Services) that are not normally available for manual cleaning.

πŸ’‘

If the space hasn't increased after cleaning the memory through Security, try restarting the phone. Some system processes may block the memory release before the reboot.

3. Third-party applications for deep diagnostics

If built-in tools aren't enough, use specialized tools that allow you to test memory for broken sectors, test read/write speeds, and detect hardware problems.

Top.-3 Proven applications for Xiaomi Redmi:

AnnexFunctionsDoes it require ROOT?Reference
AIDA64Full memory information (type, frequency, RAM load), performance testsNo.Google Play
CPU-ZDetailing RAM (manufacturer, timings), checking storageNo.Google Play
Memory Info & TestRAM tests for errors, monitoring use in real timeFor deep tests, yes.Google Play

How to use AIDA64 to check your memory:

  1. Install and open the application.
  2. Go to the Memory section - here you can see information about RAM: the total volume, available, used by the system.
  3. For the storage test, select Storage β†’ Read/Write Test Normal values for Redmi with UFS 2.1/2.2: Read ~300–500 MB/s, write ~150–250 MB/s.

⚠️ Note: If the write speed is below 100 MB/s, this may indicate wear and tear of flash memory (especially for devices older than 3 years.

β˜‘οΈ Preparation for memory testing

Done: 0 / 4

4. Memory check via ADB (for advanced users)

If you need deep memory testing (for example, to detect hardware failures), use ADB (Android Debug Bridge).This method requires connecting the phone to a PC and basic command line knowledge.

Instructions:

  1. Enable USB debugging in the developer settings (Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ 7 taps on the MIUI Version β†’ For developers).
  2. Connect Redmi to your PC and confirm debugging permission.
  3. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:
adb shell


cat /proc/meminfo

This team will provide detailed information about RAM, including:

  • πŸ“Œ MemTotal – the total amount of RAM.
  • πŸ“Œ MemFree - Free Memory.
  • πŸ“Œ Buffers and Cached – memory used for caching.

To check the built-in memory, use:

adb shell df -h

The command will show the storage partitions and their occupancy. Notice the /data string, which is where most user files are stored.

What if the ADB does not recognize the device?
1.Make sure Xiaomi drivers are installed USB Drivers (download from official website). 2. Try another one USB-cable (preferably original). 3. Switch the connection mode to File Transfer (MTP) 4. If you are using Windows, check the Device Manager for exclamation points near the ADB Interface.

5. Signs of memory failure and ways to eliminate them

If the memory on Xiaomi Redmi is not working properly, it manifests itself as specific symptoms, and here are the most common problems and solutions:

Symptoms.Possible causeDecision
The phone spontaneously reboots.Lack of RAM or failure in memoryClose background applications, turn off animations in developer settings, check memory through AIDA64
Apps fly out or don't openDamaged storage sectors or lack of spaceClear the cache, perform a reset to factory settings (if the problem persists - replace the drive)
The system shows the wrong amount of memory (for example, 32 GB instead of 64 GB)Fake drive or markup errorCheck your memory through ADB or contact a diagnostic service center
Slow recording/reading of filesFlash memory wear or fragmentationPerform the speed test in AIDA64, if low results consider memory replacement

If you suspect a hardware failure, follow the following steps:

  • πŸ”§ Make a backup of the data on the PC.
  • πŸ”„ Perform reset to factory settings (Settings) β†’ Additionally. β†’ Reset).
  • πŸ› οΈ If the problem persists, contact the service center to check soldered memory contacts (especially important after falls or moisture).

πŸ’‘

If the memory problem persists after resetting to factory settings, it almost always indicates a hardware malfunction. Don't delay a visit to the service center - ignoring the problem can lead to complete data loss.

6 How to Free Memory on Xiaomi Redmi without Losing Data

If the check shows that the memory is full, but you do not want to delete important files, use these methods:

Cleaning of cache and unnecessary files:

  • 🧹 In the Security app, select Deep Cleanup β†’ Cash.
  • πŸ—‘οΈ Remove downloads from the Download folder (use the file manager).
  • πŸ“‚ Clear the folder. DCIM/.thumbnails β€” Here are the photos that can be taken up to 1–2 GB.

Transferring data to a memory card or cloud:

  • πŸ“ Use Google Photos to automatically upload photos/videos to the cloud.
  • πŸ’Ύ Move the applications to SD-map (if supported): Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Select an application β†’ Warehouse β†’ Change.
  • πŸ”— Connect Xiaomi Redmi to your PC and copy heavy files (video, music) to your hard drive.

Disabling unnecessary system processes:

  • 🚫 In the developer settings, turn off animation and background processes: Settings β†’ For developers β†’ Limit background processes.
  • πŸ”• Freeze pre-installed apps (e.g. Mi Video, Mi Music) with the help of ADB Titanium Backup (requires) ROOT).

πŸ’‘

To release RAM manually, turn on Game Mode in the notification curtain. It pauses background processes, freeing up memory for the current application.

7 Frequent Memory Checking Errors and How to Avoid Them

Many users make mistakes that distort the results of their diagnosis, and the most common ones are:

Error 1: Memory checks during active phone use

If you run tests while resource-intensive applications (games, video editors) are running, the results will be inaccurate. Always close the background processes before diagnosing.

Mistake 2: Using questionable memory β€œoptimizers”

Apps like Clean Master or DU Speed Booster not only fail, but can also damage system files. Use only proven utilities (AIDA64, CPU-Z).

Mistake 3: Ignoring warnings about low battery charge

Memory testing is a resource-intensive process. If the battery is below 20%, the phone can automatically shut down, interrupting the check. Always start diagnosing at a charge of >50%.

Mistake 4: Misinterpreting ADB results

For example, MemAvailable in /proc/meminfo shows the memory available for applications, not the total free space. Don't confuse these values!

⚠️ Attention: If you are using ADB Changes to the memory partition (e.g., increase) /data expense /system), This can lead to a device blink, and this should only be done if you have backup and firmware experience.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

My Redmi Note 10 Pro is 119GB instead of 128GB. Is that OK?
Yes, that's OK. Manufacturers give a decimal amount of memory (128 GB = 128,000,000 bytes), whereas the system displays binary (1 GiB = 1,073,741,824 bytes). The actual available storage is always ~5-10% smaller because of service files and markup.
How do I check if my Redmi memory is fake?
Use AIDA64 or ADB to check the actual volume. If /proc/partitions displays less than the volume stated (e.g. 58 GB instead of 64 GB), this is a sign of counterfeiting.
Can I increase RAM on Xiaomi Redmi?
Physically, no, because RAM is soldered into the motherboard. However, some models (such as the Redmi Note 11 Pro+) support virtual RAM (RAM Expansion), which uses part of the internal memory as RAM. Activated in Settings β†’ Additional β†’ Extension of RAM.
Why is the space not vacated after the memory is cleared through Security?
The files are probably busy with system processes or applications. Try: Reboot the phone. Clean the cache manually through Settings β†’ Apps β†’ Select the app β†’ Storage β†’ Clear the cache. Use Files by Google to find large, unnecessary files.
How to check memory on Redmi without turning on your phone (if it doesn’t boot)
If the phone isn't turning on but is responding to charging, try booting into Fastboot mode (keep Power + Volume down) and plugging into your PC. Then use ADB or Mi Flash Tool for diagnostics. If the device isn't responding at all, repairs are required.