How to see how much memory is left on Xiaomi: all the ways

Why it is important to keep an eye on the free space on Xiaomi

Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones are known for their performance, but even they start to slow down when internal memory is crammed. The system uses free space for cache, temporary files and background processes — if it’s less than 10-15% left, the phone can slow down, apps can fly out, and updates can refuse to install.

The problem is compounded on budget models (like the Redmi 9A or Poco C31), where internal storage is often limited to 32GB or 64GB. Even after buying a new device a couple of months later, users are faced with a notification “Memory is full,” to avoid this, not only need to clean up unnecessary files, but also regularly check the space available — and this can be done in several ways.

In this article, we’ll break down all of Xiaomi’s current memory check methods, including hidden MIUI features, third-party utilities, and even power user commands, and finally, tips on how to make room without losing important data.

Method 1: Using standard MIUI settings

The easiest and fastest method is to use the built-in MIUI tools.It works on all models, from the Redmi Note 10 to the flagship Xiaomi 13 Ultra, and does not require the installation of additional applications.

Instructions:

1. Open the Settings app** (the gear icon on the home screen).
2. Scroll down and select the About Phone section.
3. Slip on Warehouse (or Memory on older versions of MIUI).

The screen will show:

• 📁 Clean button** - quick access to decache.

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If the Storage section doesn't display microSD, check if the card is inserted correctly. Sometimes the contacts oxidize - wipe them neatly with a wipe.

On some firmware (e.g. MIUI 14 for the global version), the path may be slightly different:

Settings → Memory and Storage → Internal Memory

Method 2: Through Xiaomi File Manager

The integrated Files (or File Manager) not only manages documents, but also provides detailed memory statistics, a method that is convenient if you need to not only find the space, but also immediately clear the unnecessary files.

How to check:

1. Open the Files app** (blue labeled folder icon).
2. In the lower menu, select the Category tab.
3. At the top of the screen will appear a memory indicator with an exact number of free gigabytes.
4. Slip the indicator to see a detailed report on folders (for example, Downloads, DCIM, WhatsApp).

The advantage of this is that you can sort files by size, for example, you can filter videos larger than 500 MB and delete unwanted videos, freeing up a few gigabytes per minute.

Tap by Big Files |Sort by date (old → new) |Check the Downloads folder for garbage |Delete duplicates in Images

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On the firmware MIUI 12.5 and later in the file manager there is a function "Memory Analysis"** - it automatically finds unnecessary files (cache, temporary data, empty folders) and suggests to delete them.

Method 3: Through the Engineering Menu (for power users)

If standard methods don't work (for example, because of a MIUI failure), you can use an engineering menu, which is suitable for advanced users, because it requires you to enter commands.

Instructions:

1. Open the Phone app** and enter the combination: ##4636###.

⚠️ Warning: Do not change other options in the engineering menu unless you are sure of their purpose.

Alternatively, devices with MIUI 13+ are:

adb shell df -h /data

This command must be entered through the ADB (Android Debug Bridge) on the computer, and it will display a table with data about free and occupied space in the /data section (where user files are stored).

Method 4: Third-party applications for memory analysis

If the built-in MIUI tools don't seem informative enough, you can install specialized utilities that not only show the space, but also analyze which files occupy the most space.

Top.-3 apps:

Example of Files by Google:

1. Install the application and open it.
2. In the lower menu, select Cleanup.
3. The app will automatically scan the device and show:

Clear XXMB

⚠️ Attention: Some applications (e.g, SD Maids require root rights for deep cleaning, without which they will only show surface information. On new Xiaomi models (for example, Xiaomi 14), it is difficult to get root due to the bootloader lock.

Using MIUI | Using File Manager | Third-party application installed | Do not check until the place runs out | Other way

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Method 5: Through a computer (for detailed analysis)

If you want to not only find out where to go, but also transfer files to a PC or external drive, it’s more convenient to connect Xiaomi to a computer, which is also useful if the phone is glitchy and does not respond to touch.

How to check memory through PC:

1. Connect your smartphone to your computer through USB-cable (preferably original).
2. On the phone in the notification curtain, select File Transfer (or MTP) mode.
3. On your computer, open "This Computer" (Windows) or "Finder" (Mac).

For more detailed analysis, use the following programs:

• 🖥️ WinDirStat (Windows) – shows a graphical map of occupied space.
• 🍎 GrandPerspective (Mac) – the analogue of WinDirStat for macOS.
• 🐧 ncdu (Linux) – console utility for disk space analysis.

⚠️ Note: When connecting through MTP Data transfer speeds can be slow (especially on older PCs). USB 3.0 and the original cable from Xiaomi.

How to Free Up Your Seat at Xiaomi: 5 Ways to Work

Finding out how much memory is left is only half the battle, and the key is to effectively clear the place without deleting important data.

1. Cleaning up the app cache

• 🧹 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
• Select an app (like Facebook or Instagram).
• Tap Clear Cache (not to be confused with Clear Data – it will delete accounts!).

2. Delete unnecessary files

• 📂 Check folders: Download (downloads from the browser). DCIM →.thumbnails (miniatures) Android → data (cache of games and applications).
• 🎬 Remove old videos from WhatsApp or Telegram (they often take up gigabytes).

3. Transfer of data to memory card

• 📱 Insert microSD (if supported).
• 🔄 In memory settings (Settings) → Memory) select Transfer data to SD-map.
• 📷 Move photos and videos through the Gallery or Files».

4. Use of cloud storage

• ☁️ Upload photos to Google Photos (up to 15 GB free).
• 📎 Move documents to Mi Cloud (5GB for free for Xiaomi accounts).
• 🔗 Set up automatic synchronization in Settings → Accounts. → Mi Cloud.

5. Systemic debris disposal

• 🧼 Use the built-in optimization utility in MIUI:
• 🛠️ For advanced cleaning, install SD Maid (requires root on new models).

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Do not delete folders with Android, MIUI or system names – this can cause a firmware failure!

Frequent questions about memory on Xiaomi