Formatting a memory card as internal memory on Xiaomi: the complete guide

Why Xiaomi users want to do this SD-memory-card

Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often face a shortage of internal memory, especially on budget models with 32 or 64 GB. One way to expand storage is to use microSD as an internal drive. This method allows you to install applications directly on the card, not just store photos and music on it.

However, not everyone knows that Adoptable Storage doesn’t work on Xiaomi as it does on pure Android. The manufacturer often blocks this option in MIUI firmware, leaving users only the standard formatting as a portable device. In this article, we’ll discuss how to get around the restrictions and what pitfalls await with this solution.

We warn you right away: the process is not universal. On some models (for example, the Redmi Note 10 Pro or the POCO X3 Pro), the feature may not be available due to Xiaomi policy. On older devices (like the Redmi 4X) - work with restrictions. So first of all, check compatibility.

Which memory cards are suitable for formatting as internal memory

Not every microSD can do the internal drive, but it requires a card that is fast and reliable to run, and here are the key criteria:

• 🔹 Speed class: minimum UHS-I (U1), better U3 or A2. Class 10 cards without markings UHS can slow down.
• 🔹 Capacity: from 32 GB (16 GB system can refuse to format). Optimal - 64-128 GB.
• 🔹 Brand: Preference SanDisk, Samsung EVO, Kingston Canvas – Cheap no-name cards often fail.
• 🔹 Format: exFAT only or FAT32 (the system itself is reformatted into ext4).

Critical information: Memory cards formatted as internal memory become attached to a particular device, and once removed, they cannot be read on another smartphone or PC without full formatting.

Before buying, check the card for authenticity with utilities like H2testw (Windows) or F3 (Linux/macOS). Counterfeit products often have understated real capacity and speed, which will cause malfunctions when used as internal storage.

Preparation of Xiaomi smartphone for formatting SD-card

Before you make the card an internal memory, follow the mandatory steps:

Back up your data from the card (it will be completely erased) |

Battery charge of at least 50% |

Update MIUI to the latest version|

Remove unnecessary applications to vacate space |

Check the card for errors (via PC or an app like SD Card Tester)

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Pay special attention to backup. Once formatted as internal memory, all data on the map will be permanently deleted, use cloud services (Google Drive, Mi Cloud) or transfer files to your PC.

We also recommend:

• 📱 Make sure the card is inserted correctly into the slot (some Xiaomi models have a separate microSD slot, others have a hybrid slot with a microSD slot). SIM-card).
• 🔧 Check the free space in the internal memory: if it is less than 1 GB, the system can block the operation.
• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone before starting the procedure (this will reset the cache and reduce the risk of crashes).

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 12.5 and later formatting function as internal memory can be hidden. If the settings do not have the corresponding item, you will need to use ADB (Let's take it down below).

Step-by-step instructions: how to format SD-map as an internal memory

If your Xiaomi model supports the feature directly, follow these steps:

1. Insert the memory card in the smartphone and wait for its detection.
2. Go to Settings → Memory (or Storage).
3. Tap your name on it. SD-maps (e.g. SanDisk) 64GB).
4. In the upper right corner, press three dots (⋮) and select Storage Settings.
5. Choose Format as internal memory (or Internal Storage in English firmware).
6. Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed (may take 5-15 minutes).
7. After formatting, the system will suggest moving the data. Choose Move now or Move later.

If there is no point to format as internal memory, it means:

• 📵 Your Xiaomi model doesn’t support the feature (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO M3).
• 🔧 Firmware MIUI Blocked the option (relevant to version 12.5)+).
• 📱 Memory card incompatible (too slow or damaged).

In such cases, the method with ADB will help (we will discuss in the next section).

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If after formatting the smartphone began to slow down, return the card to portable storage mode. → Memory. → SD-map → Formatting as a portable.

ADB Formatting: If the standard method does not work

On many Xiaomi devices (especially those with MIUI 12.5-14), the formatting option as internal memory is hidden. It can be unlocked via Android Debug Bridge (ADB).

First, prepare the PC:

1. Download Platform Tools (the official tool from Google).
2. Unpack the archive in the root of the C:\ disk (e.g., C:\platform-tools).
3. Turn on the smartphone Developer Mode: go to Settings → About phone and 7 times tap on the version of MIUI.
4. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and activate Debugging over USB.

Now connect your smartphone to your PC and execute the commands:

cd C:\platform-tools


adb devices




adb shell




sm list-disks

The system will output something like disk:179,64 is your ID. SD-Copy it and type it in:

sm partition disk:179,64 private

After completing the command, restart the smartphone. The card will be formatted as internal memory.

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB If after the command the smartphone stopped booting, reset via Fastboot (fastboot). -w).

Transferring data and applications to SD-map

Once formatted successfully, the system will suggest moving data, but not all files and applications can be moved automatically.

For the portability of applications:

1. Open the Settings → Applications.
2. Select the app you want (such as WhatsApp or Spotify).
3. Put Memory on it. → Change. → SD-map.

Limitations:

• 🚫 Not all applications support portability (especially system and high-demand games).
• 🚫 Some applications may be slower after the transfer.
• 🚫 Application updates can automatically return them to the internal memory.

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Transfer of applications to SD-Tests show that the speed of operation can drop by 20-40% due to the limitations of the microSD capacity.

Problems and Solutions: What to Do When Something Goes Wrong

In the case of SD-Xiaomi users often face problems with cards as internal memory. Let's analyze the most common and ways to solve them:

1.The smartphone doesn't see the card after formatting

• 🔌 Remove and re-insert the map.
• 🔄 Reset the device.
• 🛠️ Re-formatting (the process may have interrupted).

2.Apps fly out or slow down

• 📉 Move problematic applications back to the built-in memory.
• 🔧 Update the application to the latest version.
• 🗑️ Clear the app cache in the settings.

3.The card has become "raw" and is not defined

• 💻 Connect the card to the PC and format in FAT32 via Disk Management.
• 🔍 Check the card for errors of the utility chkdsk /f [disk letter).
• 🚮 If the card is damaged, replace it (it will be impossible to recover the data).

4. The system writes"SD-map damaged"

• 🔄 Try formatting the card as portable and then again as internal.
• 🛡️ Check the card for viruses (sometimes they block access).
• 📥 If the card is old, replace it – the life of flash memory is limited.

If none of the methods worked, it might be the firmware problem: Try updating MIUI to the latest version or resetting (but it will delete all the data!).

Alternatives: What to do if formatting as internal memory is not available

If your Xiaomi model doesn’t support Adoptable Storage, consider alternative ways to expand your memory:

• 🔄 Use the card as a portable storage: transfer only media files (photos, videos, music) to it).
• 📁 Optimize internal memory: Remove the app cache (Settings) → Memory. → Clear the cache. Move the photo to the cloud (Google Photo or Mi Cloud). Delete unused apps and APK-file.
• 🔗 Use it. OTG-Driver: Connect the flash drive through the adapter USB-C/OTG (Some Xiaomi models support formatting OTG internal memory).
• ☁️ Cloud services: Google Drive, Yandex Drive or Mi Cloud for file storage.
• 📱 Replace your smartphone: If memory is catastrophically lacking, consider the 128 model+ GB of built-in storage (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro)+ or POCO F5).

You can also use apps like App2SD or Link2SD (require root rights), but they run unstable on MIUI and can cause crashes.

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The most reliable way is to combine cloud storage (for photos/documents) and optimize internal memory, which will eliminate the risks of data loss and system slowdown.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions