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eMMC
In brief
eMMC (embedded MultiMediaCard) is a flash memory in which NAND memory chips and a controller are combined in one component and soldered permanently onto a device's mainboard. It is found mainly in low-cost laptops, Chromebooks, tablets, thin clients and many embedded devices. When retiring devices, the important point is: the memory cannot be removed and must therefore be erased in the device or destroyed together with the device.
eMMC compared with SSDs
eMMC is a standard of the standards organization JEDEC. Technically it works with the same NAND flash as an SSD, but is simpler in design and cheaper.
| Feature | eMMC | SSD (SATA or NVMe) |
|---|---|---|
| Form factor | Soldered in place | Usually a replaceable module or drive |
| Speed | Lower | Significantly higher |
| Typical capacity | Rather small | Small to very large |
| Use | Low-cost mobile devices, thin clients, embedded systems | Laptops, PCs, servers |
What to note when retiring devices
A device with eMMC often looks as if it has "no hard drive". Nevertheless it stores the operating system, user data, credentials and caches. Newer eMMC versions offer their own erase and sanitize functions that erasure software can trigger. If that does not work, the whole device or the board is destroyed; under DIN 66399, eMMC as flash memory belongs to material class E. Also thin clients often contain eMMC. Second IT checks all devices for storage media at goods receipt and erases with Blancco, including an erasure certificate per device. More background in the guide Securely erasing hard drives and SSDs.
Frequently asked questions about eMMC
Is eMMC an SSD?
Not in the strict sense. Both use flash memory, but eMMC is a simple, soldered-in component with lower performance. An SSD has a more powerful controller and is usually replaceable.
Can eMMC memory be removed?
As a rule no, because it is soldered directly onto the board. Data must therefore be erased in the device. If that is not possible, the device or the board is destroyed.
Is resetting the device enough?
A reset does not verifiably erase all data in every case. For companies, erasure with verification and a report per device is the safe way.
Which devices contain eMMC memory?
Mainly low-cost laptops, Chromebooks, tablets, thin clients and many embedded devices. Such a device often looks as if it has no hard drive. Nevertheless it stores the operating system, user data and credentials.
How is eMMC memory erased or destroyed during retirement?
Newer eMMC versions offer their own erase and sanitize functions that erasure software can trigger. If that does not work, the whole device or the board is destroyed. Under DIN 66399, eMMC as flash memory belongs to material class E.
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