How to find out the memory status on Xiaomi Redmi 5: internal, operational and cache

The Xiaomi Redmi 5, released in 2017, is still a popular budget smartphone due to its reliability and ability to upgrade to MIUI 12 (based on Android 9 Pie).However, over time, users face slowdowns, application errors and memory shortages. The reason often lies in overcrowded storage, fragmented RAM or failures in the eMMC drive. In this article, we will discuss how to accurately diagnose the memory state on Redmi 5, from basic methods to advanced tools.

It’s important to understand the difference between types of memory: Internal (ROM) is responsible for storing files, RAM is responsible for multitasking, and cache speeds up applications but can clog the system. On Redmi 5 with 16/32 GB ROM and 2/3 GB RAM, these resources are limited, so monitoring their status is critical. We’ll look at both standard ways to check through the phone’s menu and hidden features available through the engineering menu or ADB.

1. Check internal memory through MIUI settings

The easiest way to assess the state of internal storage is to use built-in MIUI tools. This method does not require root rights or additional applications, but only shows basic information: occupied / free space and categorization (applications, multimedia, system files).

To open the memory section:

1. Go to Settings. → Warehouse.
2. Wait for the analysis to be completed (it can take up to 30 seconds).
3. Click on the category (such as Apps or Images) to see the detailed report.

Note the System Data section — if it takes more than 5-7 GB on a 16GB model, it’s a sign of clogging or residues of remote applications. Cleaning through Settings → Apps → All Apps → [Select App] → Storage → Clear the cache will help.

⚠️ Note: If less than 10% of the free space is displayed in the Storage section, the system starts to brake due to the limitations of the eMMC drive.

2. Diagnostics of RAM (RAM) in real time

RAM on Redmi 5 (2 or 3 GB depending on the modification) is quickly filled due to background MIUI processes and optimization for multitasking.

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
3. Find the Memory section, which shows the RAM usage schedule for the last 3/6/12 hours.

Normal performance for Redmi 5:

• 📱 Free RAM: 300–500 MB (at 2 GB model) or 500–800 MB (at 3 GB).
• 🔄 Used: Up to 70% with active use (games, social networks).
• ⚠️ Critical condition: Less than 100 MB free RAM — This leads to the forced closure of applications.

If your memory is constantly overloaded, try:

• 🛠️ Disable Auto-Run Applications in Settings → Annexes → Auto-start.
• 🗑️ Cleaning Background Processes Through Security → Optimization.
• 🔧 Install a light firmware (for example, MIUI Lite or custom LineageOS).

3. Hidden Tools: Engineering Menu and Memory Test

Hidden service menus can be used to diagnose eMMC and RAM in depth, and these methods require caution, as improper actions can lead to failures.

To open the engineering menu:

1. Enter the phone code in the app: ##4636##.
2. Choose Testing (Testing).
3. Go to Memory, where you can find detailed information about RAM and ROM, including read/write speeds.

For the eMMC (internal drive) test:

1. Enter the code ##284## (some firmware may not work).
2. Select the eMMC Test, and the process will take 5-10 minutes.
3. Upon completion, check the status: OK means no errors, Fail – repair or replacement of the chip is necessary.

⚠️ Note: If the eMMC test shows bad block errors, this is a sign of physical wear and tear on the drive, in which case it is recommended to transfer important data to another medium and prepare for the replacement of the memory module (in the service center).

4. Memory check via ADB (for advanced users)

The Android Debug Bridge (ADB) tool provides the most accurate memory status data, including hidden logs and file system errors, and is suitable for users willing to work with the command line.

Instructions:

1. Install. ADB-PC drivers.
2. Connect Redmi 5 to USB by activating USB Debugging in the developer settings.
3. Open the command line and enter:

adb shell


df -h

This command will display a table with the partitions (/data, /system) and their fullness. Pay special attention to the Use% column - if the value exceeds 90% for the partition /data, urgent cleaning is required.

To check the RAM, use:

adb shell dumpsys meminfo

In the conclusion, look for the lines:

• MemTotal is the total amount of RAM.
• MemFree is a free memory.
• Buffers and Cached are cached data (they can be cleaned safely).

1. Reinstall Xiaomi ADB Interface drivers manually through Windows Device Manager.

2. Enable File Transfer (MTP) mode when connecting via USB.

3.Use the original Xiaomi cable – cheap counterparts often don’t support debugging.-->

5. Third-party applications for memory analysis

If standard methods don't give you a complete picture, use specialized utilities that visualize data, show junk files, and offer cleaning tools.

Top.-3 supplant 5:

1. AIDA64 — It shows the temperature of the memory chip, the read/write speed of the eMMC and partition details.The free version is available on Google Play. 📊 Pros: the most detailed information, performance test. ⚠️ Cons: a complex interface for beginners.
2. CPU-Z — displays memory type (eMMC 5.1 on Redmi 5), volume RAM and real-time download. 🔍 Pros: simple, no advertising. ❌ Cons: No cleaning tools.

Files by Google

• 🧹 Pros: Automatic Cleaning Recommendations.
• 📴 Cons: Does not show technical details of memory.

When using these applications, pay attention to:

• 📉 Loading schedule RAM: Sharp jumps may indicate a virus or malfunction MIUI.
• 🔥 Memory chip temperature: If it exceeds 60°C at idle - a sign of wear eMMC.
• 🗃️ Unused sections: For example, /cache size 1 GBR requires cleaning.

💡

Applications like AIDA64 or CPU-Z show real read/write speeds of eMMC. If it is below 80 MB/s (for Redmi 5), this indicates the degradation of the drive and the need to replace it.

6. Signs of memory failure and methods of solution

If problems are detected after diagnosis, it is important to distinguish software failures from hardware malfunctions, and the following are typical symptoms and actions to correct them.

For temporary solutions to memory problems:

• 🔄 Perform a soft reset: clamping down on the power supply + Volume up for 10 seconds.
• 📥 Install the firmware MIUI Fastboot via Mi Flash Tool – This Will Restore the File System.
• 🛒 If the phone is warranty, contact the service - replacing the eMMC will cost 1500-2500 rubles (2026).

⚠️ Attention: Redmi 5 with 16GB of memory often has a problem of "false space shortage" due to the reservation of space for updates. To free it, disable automatic update in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Redmi memory 5