Unification SD-Home / memory cards on Xiaomi Redmi: the complete guide

Xiaomi Redmi smartphone owners often face a lack of internal memory, especially if the device is purchased with a minimum amount of storage. SD-But what if we didn't just transfer files, but we could combine the external card with the internal memory, so that the applications and the data would be stored automatically on it?

This procedure, known as Adoptable Storage, allows the Android system to perceive the device. SD-But there's a nuance to the method: not all Redmi models support the function, and doing something wrong can cause data loss:

• 🔍 How to check your Xiaomi Redmi compatibility with memory integration
• ⚙️ Step-by-step instructions for setting up Adoptable Storage through standard and hidden menus MIUI
• ⚠️ Risks and limitations of the method, including impact on performance and application compatibility
• 📱 Alternative ways to expand memory without combining (application portability, cloud services)

Important: The procedure requires formatting SD-You can copy the important data from the map beforehand, and you can't retrieve it without losing the functionality of the system.

1. Does your Xiaomi Redmi support the unification? SD-memory-card?

Adoptable Storage was officially introduced in Android 6.0 Marshmallow, but support is vendor-specific. Xiaomi in its MIUI firmware often hides or limits this option. Here's how to check compatibility:

First, make sure your device runs Android 6.0 or later. Go to Settings → About Phone → Android Version. If the version is lower, memory integration is impossible without custom firmware.

Check out the Redmi model:

• ✅ Supported (with limitations): Redmi Note 5/6/7/8/9/10/11, Redmi 9/9A/9C, Redmi K20/K30 And in these models, the function can be hidden in the developer or it can be required. ADB-team.
• ❌ Not supported or operating unstable: Redmi 4/5/5A, Redmi Note 4 (Android-based 7.0 Here, the unification is possible only through informal firmware.

The third factor is type. SD-Class cards are recommended for stable operation. UHS-I (U1/U3) or A1/A2 volumeless 32 Cheap cards without high-speed recording can cause lags and errors.

Preparation SD-maps: formatting and verification

Before the merger SD-You need to format the map. This process will delete all the data, so you can pre-copy it to your computer or the cloud:

1. Put it in. SD-Card to smartphone and wait for its recognition.
2. Go to Settings. → Warehouse (or Memory).
3. Click on the title. SD-maps, for example, SD-map: 64GB).
4. Select formatting → Like an inner memory.

If the option is not available, it means that:

• 📵 Your Redmi model does not support the function (see Section 1).
• 🔧 The function is hidden in the developer settings (read section 3).
• 🛠️ Use required ADB (section).

After formatting, the system will offer to transfer data from internal memory to SD-This process can take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes depending on the size of the files. Don't interrupt it, it can damage the file system.

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If you don't define the map after you format it, retrieve it and repaint it, sometimes rebooting the device helps.

3. Enabling Developer Mode and Hidden MIUI Settings

On some Xiaomi Redmi models, the option of combining memory is hidden in the developer menu to activate it:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Click 7 times in a row on the MIUI version (the notification “You became a developer” will appear).
3. Return to the basic settings and open a new section for Additional settings → For developers.

In the developer menu, find the option to Format as internal memory (the name may vary). If it is not, try searching by keywords:

• 🔎 Storage or storage
• 🔎 SD-card or Adoptable
• 🔎 Data Transfer or Migrate Data

On some MIUI 12/13 firmware, the function may be called Extended Storage. If there is no option here, only the ADB method remains (Section 4).

Memory integration via ADB (for power users)

If standard methods don't work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a tool for debugging Android devices, which requires a computer and basic command line knowledge.

First, prepare:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux and installed Xiaomi drivers.
• 📱 USB-Type-C Cable (original to avoid connection issues).
• 🔧 Utility. ADB (Download from the official website of Android Developers).

Follow the instructions:

1. Turn on the phone debugging over USB in the developer settings.
2. Connect Redmi to your computer and confirm the debugging permission.
3. Open the command prompt (or Terminal on macOS/Linux) and type:

adb shell


sm list-disks

The system will display the ID SD-maps, for example, disk:179,64. Remember him and execute the command:

sm partition disk:179,64 private

Replace 179.64 with your ID, and once you execute the command, the phone will automatically restart. SD-The card will be part of the internal memory.

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The sm partition disk:XXX,XXX private formats the map and makes it an integral part of the system, and then the card can not be used on other devices without re-formatting.

5 Risks and Limitations of Joint Memory

Despite the obvious advantages (increase in available space), the method has serious drawbacks:

Another nuance: after the merger, you can not use SD-map in other devices (cameras, cameras, other phones) without full formatting. MIUI, Dual applications or Secure Space may not work properly.

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If after the combination of the phone began to brake, try to transfer only photos and videos to the phone. SD-map and leave the applications in internal memory.

6. Alternative ways to expand memory on Xiaomi Redmi

If the union SD-Cards seem too risky or not suitable for your model, consider alternatives:

• 📲 Transfer of applications to SD-map (without association):
• ☁️ Cloud storage:
• 🔄 Optimizing internal memory:

For owners of Redmi with OTG support, there is another option – connecting an external SSD or flash drive through an adapter, which allows you to store large files (such as movies or backups) without risk to the system.

7 How to cancel the merger SD-card?

If you want to get it back, there are two ways:

1. Using phone settings (if available):
2. By ADB (if the standard method does not work):

⚠️ If after the cancellation of the connection, the phone stopped seeing SD-map, try it:

1. Reset the device.
2. Remove and repaint the map.
3. Format it via a computer in FAT32 or exFAT format.

Frequently asked questions