Xiaomi phone’s internal memory: where is it physically and how is it logically arranged

When it comes to internal memory, Xiaomi smartphones are often seen as an abstract black box that stores photos, apps and files. However, it is actually a complex system consisting of physical chips and logical partitions. In this article, we will look at exactly where the internal memory in Xiaomi phones is located, from the hardware level (where the chip is on the board) to the software level (how it is divided in the system).

You will learn how memory management differs in budget models (e.g. Redmi 10A) and flagships (e.g. Xiaomi 14 Ultra), why the amount of available memory is always less than stated, and what to do if the phone does not “see” part of the built-in drive. And we will uncover myths about “hidden” partitions and explain whether it is possible to physically replace or expand internal memory in modern Xiaomi smartphones.

Physical location of internal memory in Xiaomi: where is the chip on the board

Xiaomi's internal memory is a chip like eMMC (budget models) or UFS (mid and premium segments) sold on the motherboard, which is not removable or replaceable at home.

• 📍 Under the battery: In 90% of Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 12, POCO X5) The memory chip is on the back of the board, under the battery, and to see it, you have to remove the back cover, disconnect the battery, and flip the board.
• 🔧 Next to the CPU: In compact models (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Lite), the memory chip is often located next to the chipset (e.g. Snapdragon 7 Gen 1) to optimize data exchange speeds.
• 🛠️ Under metal screen: In flagships (for example, Xiaomi 14 Pro) memory can be closed with an additional heat-dissipating screen, which will have to be carefully dismantled.

It is important to understand that the internal memory is a single chip, but logically it is divided into several areas (we will discuss them below). BGA-Controller's software and software.

⚠️ Warning: If you disassemble the phone and find that the memory chip is swollen or blackened, it is a sign of overheating or short circuit, in which case it is almost impossible to recover the data, and the smartphone itself requires repair in the service center.

For reference, older Xiaomi models (before 2018, for example, the Redmi 4X) sometimes installed removable memory chips in eMMC 5.1 format, which could theoretically be replaced.

Logical structure of internal memory: sections and their purpose

Even if memory is a single chip, the MIUI (or HyperOS in the newer models) splits it into several logical partitions, which can be seen through special utilities (such as DiskInfo or ADB).

The /data partition takes up the lion’s share of internal memory (for example, in the Xiaomi 13T Pro with 256 GB, ~220 GB is allocated for it), the rest of the space is “eat” the system partitions that are necessary for the phone to work. That’s why the available volume is always less than stated: for example, in the Redmi Note 11 with 128 GB of memory, the user is available about 112-115 GB.

Interesting fact: some Xiaomi models (e.g. POCO F5) use the /product partition to store branded applications (e.g. Mi Browser, Mi Video) and can only be seen through ADB or custom recovery.

Why Xiaomi is hiding some of its internal memory and can it be retrieved?

Many users notice that after buying a new Xiaomi, there is less available memory than the box indicates. For example, in Redmi 12 with 256 GB, ~238 GB is actually available.

• 📉 System Partitions: As We Discovered Earlier, /system, /vendor others 10–15 GB.
• 🔄 Reserve for updates: MIUI reserve ~1–3 GB for future firmware (section) /otapkg).
• 🛠️ Formatting: Manufacturers count 1GB = 1,000,000 bytes, and the system is 1,073,741,824 bytes. ~7% “loss».
• 📱 Branded services: Xiaomi apps (e.g. Mi Cloud, Themes) are preinstalled and take up to 5GB.

Can we get back the lost gigabytes? Partly yes. Here's what really works:

1. Remove unnecessary system applications via ADB (e.g. Mi Music, Mi Video). Commands: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.videoplayer Attention: Do not remove critical services (e.g. com.miui.securitycenter), this will cause crashes!
2. Clear the /cache partition cache via Recovery Mode (press Power + Volume up when turned on).
3. Turn off reservation for updates in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system → Settings (⚙️) → Disable "Download automatically».

⚠️ Do not believe in “magic” programs like this. SD Maid or Clean Master, which promises to "free up hidden memory." They often delete critical files, which leads to a phone blink. The only safe way is to manually clean through the phone. ADB or MIUI Storage Analyzer (built-in tool in Settings) → Memory).

How to check the state of internal memory: signs of malfunction

Xiaomi’s internal memory is not only a place to store files, but also a critical component that determines the speed of the phone. If the memory chip starts to crumble (bad blocks appear), this manifests itself with the following symptoms:

• 🐢 Brake: Apps take a long time to open, animations twitch, though the processor isn't loaded.
• 🔄 Spontaneous reboots: The phone suddenly turns off and on, especially when recording videos or copying files.
• 📱 Errors when installing applications: Play Market gives “Insufficient memory”, although there is space, or APK-files are not installed.
• 💥 Disappearance of files: Photos or videos disappear from the gallery, although the space occupied is not vacated.

To diagnose problems, follow the following steps:

1. Check the read/write speed through the A1 SD Bench app. Norm for UFS 2.2 (e.g., Xiaomi 12T): ~500 MB/s for reading and ~250 MB/s for writing. If the values are lower by 30-40%, memory is degraded.
2. Run the bad block test using ADB: adb shell dd if=/dev/block/by-name/userdata of=/dev/null bs=1M If the command issues errors like Input/output error, memory is damaged.
3. Check the system logs for mmc errors (responsible for memory): adb logcat | grep mmc

If the tests show problems, but the phone is still working, immediately back up all the data. Xiaomi internal memory can not be repaired, only replaced at the service center (cost) ~3 000–8 000 ₽ model-wise).

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If your Xiaomi often overheats when copying files, it could be a sign of memory degradation.Try to copy a large file (like a movie in 4K) and touch the back cover in the CPU area - if it gets hot, memory runs at its limit.

Can I expand or replace my internal memory in Xiaomi?

The question that many people are asking is: can you increase internal memory in Xiaomi if it is not enough? The answer depends on the model and the type of memory:

It is important to understand that it is impossible to replace internal memory at home - it requires professional soldering equipment. BGA-Even in service centers, this service is rarely offered, since it is not economically feasible (it is cheaper to buy a new phone).

The alternative is to use microSD as internal memory (Adoptable Storage in Android), but in MIUI, it works with limitations: for example, not all applications can be transferred to a map.

1. Insert microSD (A2 or UHS-I class is recommended).
2. Go to Settings. → Memory. → Memory map → Settings (⚙️) → Internal memory.
3. Follow the instructions (the map will be formatted!).

⚠️ Note: Once formatted as internal memory, the card cannot be used in other devices without being completely cleaned, and the speed of the applications will be lower than with the built-in memory. UFS.

Frequent questions about Xiaomi’s internal memory

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Xiaomi’s internal memory cannot be expanded or replaced at home, and the only working ways to free up space are to clear the cache, transfer files to a memory card or cloud, and remove unnecessary applications.