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):
- Open the Settings. β The phone.
- Slip on the item Warehouse (or Memory in older versions).
- The system will display a diagram with the memory distribution: occupied / free space, application cache, multimedia, etc.
For the diagnosis of RAM (RAM):
- π Go to Settings. β The phone. β Background.
- π Find the line RAM - here is the total volume and currently available.
- π 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.
β οΈ 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.
2.Use of the application "Security" (Security)
Xiaomiβs 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:
- Open the Security app (the shield icon).
- Go to the Optimization (or Acceleration) tab.
- Click Deep Clean β the system will scan the cache and unnecessary files, and will also show details of memory usage.
- 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:
- π‘οΈ It does not require the installation of third-party programs.
- π Shows hidden files that are not displayed in the standard manager.
- π§ Allows you to clear the cache of system applications (such as Google Play Services) that are not normally available for manual cleaning.
π‘
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:
| Annex | Functions | Does it require ROOT? | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AIDA64 | Full memory information (type, frequency, RAM load), performance tests | No. | Google Play |
| CPU-Z | Detailing RAM (manufacturer, timings), checking storage | No. | Google Play |
| Memory Info & Test | RAM tests for errors, monitoring use in real time | For deep tests, yes. | Google Play |
How to use AIDA64 to check your memory:
- Install and open the application.
- Go to the Memory section - here you can see information about RAM: the total volume, available, used by the system.
- For the storage test, select Storage β Read/Write Test Normal values for Redmi with UFS 2.1/2.2: Read ~300β500 MB/s, write ~150β250 MB/s.
β οΈ 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.
βοΈ Preparation for memory testing
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:
- Enable USB debugging in the developer settings (Settings β About Phone β 7 taps on the MIUI Version β For developers).
- Connect Redmi to your PC and confirm debugging permission.
- Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:
adb shell
cat /proc/meminfoThis team will provide detailed information about RAM, including:
- π MemTotal β the total amount of RAM.
- π MemFree - Free Memory.
- π Buffers and Cached β memory used for caching.
To check the built-in memory, use:
adb shell df -hThe 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?
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 cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The phone spontaneously reboots. | Lack of RAM or failure in memory | Close background applications, turn off animations in developer settings, check memory through AIDA64 |
| Apps fly out or don't open | Damaged storage sectors or lack of space | Clear 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 error | Check your memory through ADB or contact a diagnostic service center |
| Slow recording/reading of files | Flash memory wear or fragmentation | Perform the speed test in AIDA64, if low results consider memory replacement |
If you suspect a hardware failure, follow the following steps:
- π§ Make a backup of the data on the PC.
- π Perform reset to factory settings (Settings) β Additionally. β Reset).
- π οΈ If the problem persists, contact the service center to check soldered memory contacts (especially important after falls or moisture).
π‘
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:
- π§Ή In the Security app, select Deep Cleanup β Cash.
- ποΈ Remove downloads from the Download folder (use the file manager).
- π Clear the folder. DCIM/.thumbnails β Here are the photos that can be taken up to 1β2 GB.
Transferring data to a memory card or cloud:
- π Use Google Photos to automatically upload photos/videos to the cloud.
- πΎ Move the applications to SD-map (if supported): Settings β Annexes β Select an application β Warehouse β Change.
- π Connect Xiaomi Redmi to your PC and copy heavy files (video, music) to your hard drive.
Disabling unnecessary system processes:
- π« In the developer settings, turn off animation and background processes: Settings β For developers β Limit background processes.
- π Freeze pre-installed apps (e.g. Mi Video, Mi Music) with the help of ADB Titanium Backup (requires) ROOT).
π‘
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 βoptimizersβ
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!
β οΈ 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.