Combining internal memory and SD-Xiaomi smartphones are a popular way to expand the available space for applications and files without buying a device with a large storage capacity. MIUI, Unlike simple file transfer, full-fledged integration (called Adoptable Storage) turns SD-map to part of the system partition, which affects performance and compatibility.
In this article, we will look at all the current ways to combine memory on Xiaomi (including the Redmi, POCO and Mi models), compare their pros and cons, and warn against common errors. Particular attention will be paid to changes in the MIUI 14 policy, where the function has become less obvious, and alternative methods for devices without official support. If you are faced with a lack of space for installing applications or want to optimize data storage, this guide will help you get it right.
Why is it harder to combine memory on Xiaomi?
Before Android 6.0 Marshmallow (and the corresponding versions of MIUI 7/8), memory integration was a standard feature of the system, but with the transition to new OS versions, Google and Xiaomi began to limit this ability for several reasons:
- 🔹 Productivity: SD-cards (even class) A2) They are slower than the built-in memory. eMMC/UFS, slowing down applications.
- 🔹 Security: When a card is deleted or damaged, some of the system data may become unavailable.
- 🔹 Xiaomi is actively promoting cloud storage Mi Cloud and optimization of internal memory.
In MIUI 12-14, the unification function is hidden or removed on some models, for example, on the Redmi Note 10 Pro and later it can only be enabled via ADB, and on POCO F4 it can only be turned on for high-speed cards, and even if the option is available, it does not work with all types of cards: the system can refuse to format microSD as internal memory if its class is below A1 or the volume is greater than 256 GB.
Preparation: what SD-map fits together?
Not every memory card is suitable for use as internal storage, Xiaomi has strict requirements for speed and reliability of the drive, here are the key criteria:
| Parameter | Minimum requirements | Recommended values |
|---|---|---|
| Class speed | Class 10 or UHS-I | A1 or A2 (for applications) |
| Volume. | 8GB. | 32–128 GB (optimum for most tasks) |
| File system | FAT32 or exFAT | Automatically converts to ext4 or f2fs |
| Brand | Anybody. | SanDisk Ultra, Samsung EVO, Kingston Canvas |
⚠️ Attention: Class maps C4/C6 or without marking A1/A2 If they don't work, the system will either refuse to format them or the apps will constantly "fly out." Also, avoid cheap no-name cards: they often have an understated real write speed, which will lead to errors in installation. APK.
Before buying, check the card for authenticity with either H2testw (for Windows) or SD Insight (Android).Fakes often impersonate A2, but in practice work like Class 4.
Check the speed class (should be A1/A2)
Format the card in FAT32 (if new)
Backup your data (all files will be deleted!)
Make sure the card is not fake (speed test)
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Method 1: Combining via MIUI settings (official method)
If your Xiaomi supports Adoptable Storage out of the box, follow this instruction, which is relevant for MIUI 10–14, but may not be available on new models (e.g. Xiaomi 13 or Redmi Note 12).
- Put it in. SD-card to slot (if a hybrid slot is used, make sure the second slot is used) SIM-map extracted).
- Go to Settings → Memory (or Storage).
- Tap by name. SD-maps (e.g. SanDisk) 128GB).
- In the upper right corner, press three dots (⋮) and select Storage Settings.
- Choose internal memory (or format as internal memory).
- Confirm the action and wait for the formatting to be completed (may take 5-15 minutes).
⚠️ Note: Once combined, the card cannot be retrieved without data loss, and some applications (such as WhatsApp or Google Pay) may refuse to work with external memory, even if it is formatted as internal memory.
If there is no internal memory, then your model does not support the function at the firmware level, in which case move to the ADB method.
What to do if the system is writing "SD-slow-card"?
Method 2: Forced association through ADB (for advanced)
If there is no formatting option in the settings SD-The card as internal memory can be used by the team. ADB (Android Debug Bridge: This method works on most Xiaomi devices, but requires a computer connection.
🔹 What's the matter:
- 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
- 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
- 📱 Included debugging by USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to tap according to the version → return to → For developers → Debugging by USB).
- 🛠️ Utility. ADB Tools by Google.
📌 Step-by-step instruction:
- Connect the phone to the PC and allow debugging (on the smartphone screen will appear a request).
- Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
- Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
- Find out. ID yours SD-The team card: adb shell sm list-disks disk:179,XX (where XX — figure).
- Format (replace 179.XX with your ID): adb shell sm partition disk:179.XX private
After the command is executed, the phone will automatically restart and SD-The card will be part of the internal memory, and all the data on it will be deleted!
1. Enter the adb shell.
2.Then sm set-force-adoptable true.
3.Reboot the phone and repeat the procedure through the settings MIUI.-->
Method 3: Alternatives to unification (if nothing works)
If your Xiaomi does not support Adoptable Storage, ADB-The method didn’t work, consider these options:
- 📁 Transfer of applications to SD-Map: In Settings → Applications select the program → Warehouse → Change. → SD-It doesn't work for all applications (especially system ones).
- 🔄 Symbolic Links (symlink): Using ADB or applications like FolderMount can be "mounted" folders from SD-It's like internal maps. It requires root.
- ☁️ Cloud storage: Mi Cloud or Google Drive with automatic photo/video uploading. Not suitable for applications, but frees up space.
- 🔧 Replacement SD-If you have Xiaomi with a hybrid slot (like the Redmi Note 9), consider buying a 512GB card. A2.
⚠️ Note: When using symbolic links (symlink), some applications (such as Netflix or banking programs) may block work by detecting a “substitution” of the storage path.
💡
Memory integration via ADB or MIUI settings does not guarantee 100% compatibility with all applications.
Frequent problems and their solutions
Even after successful integration, Xiaomi users are faced with common mistakes.
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Applications are not installed on SD-map | The map is formatted as portable, not internal. | Repeat the combination procedure through ADB or settings |
| Phone brakes after unification | SD-grade-up A1 fragmented | Replace the card with a faster one or perform sm repartition via ADB |
| The system doesn't see. SD-post-reset | A partition or file system is damaged | Format the map again through Settings → Memory |
| You can't update MIUI | Update requires unmounting SD-map | Temporarily remove the map, update, then reunite |
If after the combination, the phone began to overheat or discharge quickly, this is a sign that SD-The card can't handle the load:
- Check the temperature of the card (it should not exceed 50 ° C).
- Turn off automatic installation of applications on SD in Settings → Applications → Default installation location.
- Move the most resource-intensive applications (games, social networks) back to internal memory.
How to cancel the union and return SD-map?
If you decide to split the memory back, do so carefully so as not to lose the data:
- Go to Settings. → Memory.
- Tap it on. SD-The map (it will be marked as the internal one).
- On the menu (⋮) Choose formatting as portable.
- Confirm the action. All data on the map will be deleted!
If the item is not formatted as portable, use ADB:
adb shell sm partition disk:179,XX public(Replace 179.XX with your card ID)
⚠️ Note: After memory separation, some applications installed on the SD-Before the procedure, back up their data or transfer it to internal memory.