Combining microSD with main memory on Xiaomi: can it be done and how?

Xiaomi smartphone owners often face a shortage of internal memory, especially if the device is from a budget or medium-range. In such cases, the logical solution seems to be using a microSD card — but what if it is simply not enough to store applications? Many users are looking for a way to combine microSD with main memory to expand the available space for installing programs. However, there are pitfalls here: not all Xiaomi models support this feature, and the wrong actions can lead to data loss or system failures.

In this article, we’ll look at which Xiaomi smartphones allow memory to be combined, how to do it through standard MIUI settings, what alternative methods exist (including Adoptable Storage on Android), and why it’s sometimes better to abandon this idea in favor of other solutions. You’ll also learn about key limitations, from card speed to post-reset risks. If you’re ready to increase your Redmi, POCO or Mi memory, read on.

Can I combine microSD with main memory on Xiaomi?

Technically, but with serious reservations, the memory merge feature (aka Adoptable Storage) was introduced in Android 6.0 Marshmallow to allow microSD card formatting as part of internal storage, but manufacturers like Xiaomi often block or limit this capability in their shells.

• 📱 Support depends on the model and version MIUI: For example, the Redmi Note 10 Pro MIUI 13 may not have this option, whereas POCO X3 NFC Android 11 - Support the support.
• 🔧 Formatting the card: the microSD will be formatted into ext4 or f2fs, It cannot be used on other devices without losing data.
• ⚡ Speed of operation: Class maps A1/A2 They are best suited, but even they are inferior to the built-in memory in performance.
• ⚠️ Risks of resetting: After Factory Reset, the card may become unreadable (more on this below).

It is important to understand that Xiaomi does not advertise this feature – its availability depends on the firmware version and regional modification of the device. For example, global versions of MIUI are more likely to be deprived of the Adoptable Storage option, whereas Chinese firmware can save it.

⚠️ Note: If your Xiaomi smartphone is purchased in Russia or Europe, the probability of supporting Adoptable Storage is extremely low. Check the presence of Format as internal memory in the card settings - if it is not, the function is blocked.

Which Xiaomi models support memory integration?

The list of models officially supporting Adoptable Storage is not published, but according to user reviews and tests, several regularities can be distinguished:

To find out exactly if your device supports unification, follow the following steps:

1. Insert the microSD card into your smartphone.
2. Go to Settings. → Memory.
3. Tap by the name of the card (for example, SD-map: 64GB).
4. Look for Format as internal memory or internal storage.

If there is no such item, the function is blocked, in which case you can try alternative methods (we will discuss them below) or consider the option with root access, but this already requires advanced skills.

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Before buying a microSD to combine, check its speed with the A1 SD Bench application. Low write speed cards (<10 MB/s) will lead to lags when the applications run.

Step-by-step: how to combine microSD with main memory

If your Xiaomi device supports Adoptable Storage, follow this instruction.Watch out: all data on the map will be deleted!

Backup of data with microSD|Card speed check (class) A1/A2)|Battery charge at least 50%|Disabling important applications during the process-->

1. Insert the microSD card into the slot (if you use a hybrid slot, remove the second one). SIM-map).
2. Open the Settings → Memory.
3. Slip by the card name, then select Settings (⚙️) → Formatting as an internal memory.
4. Confirm action. The system will warn you that the card will be encrypted and will not work on other devices.
5. Wait for the formatting to be completed (it can take 5-15 minutes).
6. After the device is restarted, the card will be displayed as part of the internal memory in the Memory section.

Now you can move apps to the map through Settings → Apps → [Application Select] → Memory → Modify.

• 📉 Performance: MicroSD applications will run slower, especially if the card is not class A2.
• 🔒 Encryption: The card is attached to the device, and once it's extracted, the data on it will be inaccessible.
• ⚠️ Reset: Factory Reset may make the card unreadable (solution – see section below).

What to do if there is no option of association?

If you don’t have the option of Formatting as internal memory, you have a few alternatives:

1. Use of the card as a portable storage facility

Even without the combination, you can transfer to microSD:

• 📷 Photo and video (via Gallery) → Settings → Preservation site).
• 🎵 Music and documents (manually or through File Manager).
• 🎮 Data from some games (e.g. Genshin Impact cache or Call of Duty Mobile).

2 Root access and forced activation of Adoptable Storage

For advanced users, there is a way to enable Adoptable Storage via ADB:

adb shell sm set-force-adoptable true


adb shell sm partition disk:179,64 private

Where 179.64 is the card ID (you can find it through the adb shell sm list-disks command).

• ⚠️ Loss of guarantee.
• ⚠️ Possible system failures.
• ⚠️ Need for manual recovery after resetting settings.

3. Data portability applications

Some utilities, such as AppMgr III or Link2SD, allow applications to be partially ported to the map even without Adoptable Storage, but they require root rights and do not work with all Xiaomi models.

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If your goal is to install heavy games (like PUBG or Genshin Impact), combining memory won't always help. Many games block installation on microSD or work with lags.

Risks and problems with memory integration

Combining microSD with main memory is not the ideal solution, and here are the most common problems faced by Xiaomi users:

⚠️ Note: After you reset the card that is formatted as internal memory may become unreadable, and to return it to its original state, you will need to: Connect the card to the PC via a card reader. Format it into a card reader. FAT32 or exFAT with the help of utility SD Formatter, lose all the data it stores.

Another nuance: once combined, some MIUI system updates can reset the map settings, making it unavailable, in which case you have to re-format the microSD, losing all the data, so always back up before combining!

Best MicroSD Cards for Xiaomi: Which One to Choose?

If you decide to combine memory, choosing the right card is critical.

• 🏆 SanDisk Extreme A2 — Best speed/price balance (up to 160 MB/s of reading, 90 MB/s of writing).
• 💎 Samsung EVO Plus A2 — reliability and 10-year warranty, speed up to 130 MB/s.
• 💰 Kingston Canvas Go! Plus is a budget version of the class A2 (up to 170 MB/s of reading).
• ⚠️ Avoid: Cards without markings A1/A2 (For example, Transcend Class. 10 non-A-class).

Minimum requirements for stable operation:

• 🔹 Class speed: A1 (better A2).
• 🔹 Volume: from 32 GB (optimally 64-128 GB).
• 🔹 Manufacturer: SanDisk, Samsung, Kingston (avoid no-name brands).

Before buying, check the card for authenticity with the SD Insight app – counterfeits often have understated characteristics.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)