Xiaomiโs memory card is not just an extra storage for photos and videos, but also a potential source of problems if left unchecked. Many users face a situation where the phone canโt see. SD-a card that shows the wrong amount or makes errors when writing files, and then find the memory card information in the settings MIUI not so simple: the menu is regularly changed, and in new versions of firmware items move or hide behind additional tabs.
In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to check a memory card on Xiaomi, from basic (view volume and files) to advanced (speed diagnostics and error correction). MIUI 12-14 based on Android 10-14. If your phone doesn't recognize the card or you just want to make sure it works, you'll find clear steps and tips from experts here.
1. Basic method: checking the memory card in the storage settings
The fastest way to view memory card information is through the standard Warehouse menu, which works on all Xiaomi devices regardless of the firmware version, but may vary slightly depending on the model.
Open the Settings. โ Storage. At the top of the screen, you'll see a memory allocation diagram. If the memory card is installed and recognized by the system, it will appear as a separate partition (usually signed). SD-Map or External Storage. Click on this section to see:
- ๐ Total card size (for example, 128 GB)
- ๐ Occupied space (in gigabytes and percentages)
- ๐ Free space (relevant to writing new files)
- ๐ง Formatting button (if the card is supported)
Please note: if this menu does not show a map, it may mean:
- ๐ซ The card is not inserted or inserted incorrectly (check the tray)
- ๐ The card is incompatible with your model (e.g. Xiaomi does not support exFAT on older firmware)
- ๐ Card damaged (requires a diagnosis on PC)
โ ๏ธ Warning: If the Warehouse menu shows the size of the map but the files are not written to it, try to remove it and paste it again. Sometimes the contacts of the tray are oxidized, which leads to read failures.
2. View files on the map through the "Conductorยป (MIUI File Manager)
If you need not only to see the map size, but also to check the contents of the files, use the built-in Explorer. MIUI. This method is convenient for quick access to photos, documents or music stored on the site. SD-map.
Open the Files app (the folder icon on the home screen or in the app menu). At the top of the screen, select the Device tab or Local Storage tab.
- ๐ฑ Internal Memory (Phone Main Storage)
- ๐พ SD-card (if recognized by the system)
Press on. SD-map:
- ๐ Folder list (DCIM, Download, Music, etc.)
- ๐ Individual files (if saved at the root of the card)
- โ๏ธ Context menu (long pressing on the file causes copy, delete, properties)
To check the properties of the card:
- Click on three dots in the upper right corner (โฎ).
- Select Settings โ Warehouse.
- The same information will be displayed here as in the main Settings menu. โ Storage, but with the ability to quickly transition to cleaning the cache.
โ ๏ธ Note: If the Explorer map is displayed but the files are not opened (the "File is corrupted" error is issued), this may indicate problems with the file system. FAT32.
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If the memory card is not displayed in Explorer, but is visible in the storage settings, try restarting the phone. MIUI Does not update the list of storages without restarting the system.
3. Memory card check via Engineering Mode (engineering menu)
For advanced users who want to get the most detailed information about the memory card, including read/write speed and technical parameters, Engineering Mode is a good method.
To open the engineering menu:
- Open the Phone app.
- Enter the code ##4636##
- Select Testing or Testing (depending on version) MIUI).
- Go to the Storage section.
Here you'll see:
- ๐ Full storage info โ full information about all memory parts, including SD-map.
- โก Read/Write Speed โ read and write speed (if the card supports testing).
- ๐ Error count โ number of errors, if any).
| Parameter | Meaning | What does it mean? |
|---|---|---|
| SD Card Status | OK / Error | Status of map: OK โ Error is effective โ diagnostics are required |
| Total Space | 128GB | Total card size (may differ from the manufacturer's claim) |
| Read Speed | 80 MB/s | Reading speed (norm for reading) UHS-I: 30โ100 MB/s) |
| Mount Status | Mounted / Unmounted | Mounted โ map connected, Unmounted โ not recognized |
If the map appears as Unmounted or Error in the engineering menu, try:
- ๐ Remove and repaint the map.
- ๐ฑ Reboot the phone.
- ๐ป Connect the card to your PC to check for errors (via chkdsk in Windows).
What to do if the engineering menu is not opened?
4. Diagnostics of memory card using third-party applications
If standard methods donโt provide enough information, you can use specialized tools from Google Play, which allow you to test the map for errors, measure speed and even recover lost data.
Top.-3 check-in SD-maps on Xiaomi:
- ๐ A1 SD Bench โ Tests the read/write speed, shows the real size of the map.
- ๐ SD Card Tester โ checks the card for broken sectors and file system errors.
- ๐ ๏ธ DiskInfo โ displays technical data (manufacturer, serial number, memory type).
Example of use A1 SD Bench:
- Install the app from Google Play.
- Run it and select it. SD Card on the vault list.
- Click Start Random Write + Read Test.
- Wait until the test is completed (usually 1-3 minutes).
Normal indicators for cards of different classes:
- ๐ Class 10 / UHS-I: speed โฅ 10 MB/s, reading โฅ 30 MB/s.
- ๐ฅ Class 6: speed โฅ 6 MB/s.
- โ ๏ธ If the speed is less than 30%, the card is fake or worn out.
โ ๏ธ Attention: Some applications (e.g, SD Card Tester requires root rights for a full diagnosis. Without them, they will only show basic information. If you're not sure about your skills, don't take risks, use a PC test.
Charging the phone โฅ 50%|All background applications closed|Backup of important data is made|The card is inserted to the point in the tray.-->
5. Checking a memory card through a computer (the most reliable way)
If the phone doesn't recognize the card, or if you suspect serious errors, the most reliable way to diagnose it is to connect to a PC.
- ๐ Check the map for broken sectors.
- ๐ Find out the real volume (many fake cards show inflated numbers).
- ๐ ๏ธ Recover data if it has been deleted.
Instructions for Windows:
- Remove the card from your phone and paste it into the card reader (or connect the phone in File Transfer mode).
- Open this computer and remember the letter of the disk (e.g., D: or E:).
- Run the Command Prompt on behalf of the Administrator (Win) + X โ Command line (administrator)).
- Enter the error check command: chkdsk D: /f /r (Replace D with the letter of your card).
- Wait until the process is complete (it can take up to 30 minutes for large-volume cards).
What do the chkdsk results mean:
- ๐ข "Windows has made a fix to the file system โ errors are fixed.
- ๐ก "Cannot read data" - card damaged, need replacement.
- ๐ด "Write-Protected Disk โ Check the Lock switch on the adapter or format the card.
To check the real volume of the map, use the utility H2testw:
- Download the program from the official website (for example, heise.de).
- Select a memory card in the list of disks.
- Press Write + Verify and wait for the test to be completed.
- If the actual volume is less than the declared, the card is fake.
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PC checks are the only way to detect a fake memory card, and many 128GB cards are actually re-labeled cards at 16-32GB.
6. Memory card formatting on Xiaomi: when and how to do it
If the memory card is unstable (files are not saved, errors occur when writing), it should be formatted. Important: formatting will delete all data, so pre-copy important files to the PC or cloud.
Formatting instructions:
- Open the Settings โ Storage.
- Press on. SD-map.
- Choose Format (or Clean in some versions) MIUI).
- Confirm the action.
Selection of file system:
- ๐ FAT32 โ Compatible with all devices but does not support files > 4GB.
- ๐ ExFAT โ Supports large files, but may not work on older Xiaomi phones (until 2018).
- ๐ NTFS โ not recommended for SD-Cards on phones (may cause errors).
If the card does not work again after formatting:
- ๐ Try formatting it on PC in FAT32.
- ๐ ๏ธ Check the card on another device (for example, on a camera or tablet).
- ๐ฎ If errors are repeated, the card is out of order โ replace it.
โ ๏ธ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro) support the internal memory function for the device. SD-In this case, the card is formatted as part of the main storage and cannot be retrieved without losing data. Use this mode only if you are sure that the card will be permanently in the phone.
7. Frequent memory card issues on Xiaomi and their solutions
Even high-quality memory cards can cause crashes on Xiaomi smartphones.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Phone doesn't see the map | Incorrectly inserted, oxidized contacts, incompatible format | Translate the map, clean the contacts with alcohol, format in FAT32 |
| The map is determined, but the files are not saved. | Access rights, file system errors | Check permissions for applications, run chkdsk on PC |
| The phone is writing"SD-map damaged" | Battered sectors, improper extraction | Format the map or replace it |
| The map is running slowly. | Low speed class, fragmentation | Use a Class 10 card or UHS-I, format it. |
If none of these methods helped, check:
- ๐ฑ Compatible with your Xiaomi model (some phones do not support maps) > 256GB).
- ๐ The condition of the tray - it may be damaged (check on another phone).
- ๐ Updates to the firmware - in older versions MIUI bugs with SD-map.
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If the memory card is constantly โflying offโ (it turns off and connects again), try inserting it through the adapter into the device. USB-Phone port (if the model supports the phone) OTG). This will help determine if the problem is in the card or in the smartphone tray.