How to format the flash drive in the Xiaomi phone: all the ways and nuances

Formatting a flash drive via a Xiaomi smartphone is a challenge that users face when preparing a drive to transfer files, install firmware or eliminate read errors. Unlike PCs, where the process is intuitive, mobile devices offer limited functionality but allow you to perform an operation without a computer. It is important to consider that not all file system formats are supported by MIUI out of the box, and incorrect settings can lead to data loss or incompatibility with other devices.

In this article, we will discuss all the formatting methods available, from standard MIUI tools to third-party applications, and explain why sometimes the phone does not see the flash drive after the procedure. We will pay special attention to the choice of file system (FAT32, exFAT, NTFS) and the nuances of working with drives larger than 64 GB. If you plan to use the flash drive for firmware through Fastboot or Recovery, here you will find current recommendations for preparation.

Why you might need to format a flash drive on Xiaomi

Formatting isn't just about cleaning the drive, it's about creating a new file structure, and on Xiaomi smartphones, this is something that's been done in a few cases:

• 📁 Read/write errors: The flash drive is detected by the phone, but files are not opened or copied with errors.
• 🔄 Change of file system: For example, FAT32 It doesn’t support files larger than 4GB, and exFAT may not be readable on older devices.
• 📱 Preparation for firmware: To install custom firmware through TWRP Fastboot requires a clean drive with a specific file system (usually a file system). FAT32).
• 🦠 Virus Removal: Some malware creates hidden files that are not deleted by standard methods.formatting solves the problem.

Important: If the flash drive was used on Windows with an NTFS file system, Xiaomi may not recognize it, in which case formatting in exFAT (for files >4 GB) or FAT32 (for compatibility) will be the solution.

⚠️ Note: Formatting deletes all data without recovery. If there are important files on the flash drive, copy them to another media or to the Mi Cloud first.

What file system to choose for a flash drive on Xiaomi

The choice of file system depends on the purpose of using the drive. Let's consider the main options and their limitations:

For most tasks on Xiaomi, exFAT is optimal: it supports large files and is compatible with modern versions of MIUI. FAT32 choose if the flash drive will be used on different devices (including old TVs or car radios). NTFS on Xiaomi smartphones works only in read mode, so it is not suitable for recording data.

Method 1: Formatting through a standard MIUI menu

The easiest way is to use built-in tools. MIUI. It is suitable for flash drives up to 64 GB and does not require the installation of additional applications. MIUI 12–14 (including HyperOS):

1. Connect the flash drive to the phone through OTG-Adapter (or directly if supported) USB Type-C).
2. Open the Files app (folder icon).
3. In the Device section, find your flash drive (usually displayed as USB-storage-storage).
4. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Settings → Format.
5. Select the file system (FAT32 or exFAT) and confirm the action.

The process will take anywhere from 10 seconds to a few minutes depending on the storage capacity, and when completed, the Format completed notification will appear.

Save important data from the flash drive|Check the battery charge (minimum 30%)|Use the original OTG-adapter|Disconnect power saving modes-->

⚠️ Note: If there is no formatting option in the Files menu, update the app via Play Market or use an alternative method (see next section, POCO X3) function can be hidden - try to reconnect the flash drive.

Method 2: Formatting through the Disk Utility application (for root)

If your Xiaomi has root rights, you can use more flexible tools like DiskInfo or Partition Wizard, which allow you to select the size of the cluster, check the drive for errors, and even split it into partitions.

1. Install DiskInfo from the Play Market and provide root access.
2. In the main menu, select your flash drive (it will be marked as /dev/block/sda1 or the like).
3. Click Format and select: File system (exFAT is recommended for large files) Cluster size (optimally 32KB for flash drives up to 64GB).

Confirm the action and wait for the completion.

The advantage of this method is the ability to resize the cluster, which affects the speed and fragmentation of files, for example, to store small files (photos, documents), it is better to choose a cluster 4KB, and for video – 64KB.

Method 3: Formatting via PC and then using it on Xiaomi

If standard methods don't work (e.g., the phone doesn't see the flash drive after formatting), you can prepare the drive on the computer, which guarantees the correct file system and often solves compatibility problems.

1. Connect the flash drive to the PC.
2. Open This Computer, right-click on the flash drive and select Format.
3. Specify options: File system: exFAT (for files >4 GB) or FAT32 (for firmware). Cluster size: Default. Volume label: any name (for example, XiaomiFlash).

Start.

Once formatted, safely remove the flash drive and connect it to Xiaomi. If the phone still doesn't recognize the drive, check:

• 🔌 Cable/adapter (try another one) OTG-adapter).
• 📱 Phone settings: in Settings → Additionally. → Developer settings include Debugging by USB (sometimes).
• 🔄 Reboot your phone with a connected flash drive.

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If the flash drive is not detected on either your PC or your phone, check it on another device. It may be physically damaged. Use CrystalDiskInfo (PC) or A1 SD Bench (Android) to diagnose it.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even with the right formatting, Xiaomi users face challenges, and consider typical situations and ways to fix them:

If neither method works, it's worth checking the flash drive on another device, and it may be the drive itself that's the problem, and the A1 SD Bench app (available in the Play Market) that tests read/write speeds and detects errors is the right diagnostic tool.

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Xiaomi HyperOS phones (2026) support automatic file system detection when you first connect a flash drive. If the drive is not recognized, try reconnecting it 2-3 times - the system may suggest formatting it in optimal mode.

Features of formatting for firmware via TWRP or Fastboot

If you are preparing a flash drive for custom firmware installation (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience), it is important to consider a few nuances:

1. File system: Most Recovery (including TWRP) requires FAT32. exFAT is only supported in the latest versions.
2. Cluster size: For firmware, 4KB or 8KB is optimal.
3. Volume tag: Some firmware scripts look for a flash drive by name (e.g. OTG or MIFLASH).
4. Post-formatting check: Copy the firmware onto a flash drive and check its hash (MD5 or SHA-1) with the Hash Droid app.

Example of a command to check a hash in TWRP:

md5sum /external_sd/rom.zip

Compare the resulting value with the official hash of the firmware.

⚠️ Note: If you format a flash drive for firmware through Fastboot, make sure the drive is formatted into a FAT32 tagged MIFLASH. Otherwise, the Mi Flash Tool utility may not see the firmware files.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions