How to add memory to a Xiaomi TV: all ways + step-by-step instructions

Xiaomi Mi TVs and Redmi TVs based on Android TV or Google TV often face a shortage of internal memory — especially if you install a lot of apps, download movies in high resolution or use TV as a media center. Unlike smartphones where memory can be extended microSD, this slot is rare in Xiaomi TVs, but this does not mean that the problem is unsolvable.

In this article, we will discuss all the working ways to increase memory on Xiaomi TVs, from connecting external drives to optimizing the system and using cloud services. Particular attention will be paid to compatibility with models from 2020 to 2026 (Mi TV 4S, 5, Q1, A2, Redmi Smart TV X), as new versions of PatchWall firmware impose restrictions on working with external drives.

1. Which Xiaomi TVs support memory expansion

Not all Xiaomi TV models allow external storage to expand memory, but here are the key compatibility criteria:

• 📺 Android models TV 9.0+: Supporting. USB-OTG and external disks (e.g., Mi) TV 4S 55", Redmi Smart TV X50).
• 🚫 Outdated models (2018–2019): Mi TV 4A mi TV 4 on Android 8.0 often fails to recognize drives >32GB.
• ⚡ Google TVs TV (2022–2026): Xiaomi TV A2 4K, Q2 QLED — support exFAT/NTFS, But they may require manual installation.
• 🔌 Ports USB: There must be versions. 2.0/3.0 (Check the specifications of the model. Some budget models (Redmi) TV 32") have USB for service purposes only.

To find out if your TV supports external drives, check:

1. Go to Settings → Device → Storage.
2. If there is a paragraph "Connected" USB-The storage device – your model is compatible.
3. No item? Try plugging in a flash drive -- if it's not defined, see the troubleshooting section.

2. Method 1: Connection USB-flash-drive SSD

The easiest way to expand memory is to use USB-flash-drive SSD. However, there are nuances with file system formats and Android limitations. TV.

Which drives are suitable

• 💾 USB-Flash drives: Minimum recording speed - 10 MB / s (for Full) HD - The best way to do it: USB 3.0 with a volume of 64-256 GB.
• 🖥️ External SSD: For example, Samsung T7 or WD My Passport. Require separate meals (if you have a separate meal) USB-The TV port does not produce enough current).
• 🚫 Not recommended: Hard drives (HDD) Due to high energy consumption and the risk of overheating.

Step-by-step connection instruction

1. Formatting the drive: Xiaomi TVs recognize only the file system FAT32 (before 32 GB exFAT/NTFS (disk-free >32 GB). NTFS You may require additional rights (root). ☑️ Preparing a flash drive for Xiaomi TVDownload RufusSelect exFAT file systemTick "Fast formatting"Click "Start"Completed: 0 / 4
2. Connecting to the TV: Insert the flash drive in USB-TV port. If the drive is not determined, try: Settings → The device → Warehouse → Connected USB-accumulator → Formatting as an internal memory ⚠️ Attention: Formatting as internal memory erases all data and binds the flash drive to this TV, and once removed, it will not be read on other devices without full formatting.
3. Application portability: To install apps on a flash drive, go to Settings → Annexes → Select an application → Warehouse → Change. → USB-accumulator.

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If the TV doesn’t see a flash drive >64 GB, try formatting it into FAT32 using GUIFormat – it bypasses Windows’ limit on volume size.

Method 2: Using Network Storage (NAS or Cloud)

If the physical connection of the drives is inconvenient, you can expand the memory through the network storage:

• 🌐 Cloud services: Google Drive, Yandex Disk, Mi Cloud (integrated into PatchWall).
• 📡 Local. NAS: Routers with USB-port (for example, Xiaomi Router) AX6000) or specialized NAS (Synology, WD My Cloud).
• 🖥️ Computer as a server: through DLNA or SMB (For example, a folder on a Windows PC that is open to the network).

Setting up cloud storage

1. Install a cloud service app (like Google Drive) from Google Play on your TV.
2. Log in and upload files via a web interface or mobile application.
3. To view movies from the cloud, use the built-in Media Player or VLC.

Connecting a NAS or network folder

To connect the network disk:

1. Go to Settings → Network → Additional → Network Storage.
2. Select the SMB (for Windows) or NFS (for Linux/NAS).
3. Enter. IP-Device address, user name and password (if required).

Example of a path for SMB: \\192.168.1.100\Movies


Example: NFS 192.168.1.100:/mnt/USB

⚠️ Attention: When in use SMB Windows 10/11 turn on protocol support SMB 1.0 The TV will not see the folder.

Method 3: Optimization of internal memory

Before buying an external drive, try to free up space in the internal memory. On Xiaomi TVs, up to 10-15 GB are occupied by:

• 🎬 App cache (YouTube, Netflix, IPTV).
• 📁 Downloads (software updates, log files).
• 🗑️ Garbage after removal of applications.

How to clear your memory

1. Cache Delete: Go to Settings → Apps → App Management → Select App → Clear Cache.
2. Remove Unnecessary Apps: Many pre-installed apps (e.g. Mi Home, WPS Office can be removed through ADB: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.mi.android.globalFileexplorer List of secure system applications for removal com.mi.android.globalminusscreen (Small Screen Mode) com.xiaomi.mitv.appstore (Mi TV App Store – if you use Google Play) com.miui.videoplayer (Standard video player if installed) VLC/Kodi)
3. Transferring data to a flash drive: Photos, videos, and music can be moved to an external drive via the File Manager (built-in or FX File Explorer).

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Regularly cleaning the cache and removing unused applications can free up to 3-5 GB of storage without buying external drives.

5. Method 4: Use OTG-cardboard

If your Xiaomi TV doesn’t have a USB-port or it is occupied, it can be used OTG-hub USB-C/Micro-USB (This will allow you to connect:

• 📷 MicroSD Memory Card via Card Reader.
• 💽 A few. USB-devices simultaneously (for example, flash drive) + keyboard).
• 🖱️ Mouse or game controller (useful for emulators).

How to choose OTG-hub

For Xiaomi TVs, hubs with:

Connection via OTG

1. Put it in. OTG-hub.
2. Connect the card reader with a microSD (formatted in exFAT).
3. In Settings → Storage, select an external drive as the default installation location.

⚠️ Note: Some Hubs May Not Work With Xiaomi TVs Due to Android Core Limits TV. Before buying, check the reviews about compatibility with your model.

Method 5: Update firmware to support external drives

Older firmware (especially Mi TV 4A and Mi TV 4) may not support exFAT/NTFS. In this case, the software update will help.

How to update firmware

1. Automatic Update: Go to Settings → About TV → System Update.
2. Manual Update: If Auto Update Fails: Download the firmware for your model from mi-firmware.com. ZIP-archive and place the file update.zip At the root of the flash drive, connect the flash drive to the TV and select Settings. → On TV. → Update through USB.

What to do if the update doesn’t help

If the external disk is not detected after the update:

• 🔧 Check the file system (should be exFAT or FAT32).
• 🔌 Try another one. USB-port (if there are several).
• 📱 Install a file manager FX File Explorer – it can “see” a disk even if there is no standard conductor.

7. Troubleshooting: Why the TV can't see the flash drive

Common reasons why Xiaomi TV doesn’t recognize an external drive:

If the problem persists, try:

1.Reset the TV (turn off the network for 30 seconds).


2Connect the flash drive to the PC and create a text file on it. mi_tv.txt (Sometimes it works as a trigger for recognition)).




3. Reset the TV settings to factory settings (Settings → About TV → Reset).

FAQ: Frequent questions about memory in Xiaomi TV