How to combine internal memory and memory card on Xiaomi with MIUI 12: Complete guide

Owners of Xiaomi smartphones based on MIUI 12 often face a lack of internal memory, especially if the device is equipped with a modest 32 or 64 GB. The solution seems obvious: buy a microSD card and combine it with the main storage. However, in MIUI 12, this process has its own characteristics - from the lack of direct options in settings to the risks of data loss. In this article, we will discuss all the available ways to combine memory, their pros and cons, as well as alternative solutions for optimizing space.

It’s important to understand that physical memory integration (as in some Android 6-9) firmware in MIUI 12 is not officially supported, instead it offers other mechanisms for working with external drives, from formatting the card as internal storage to porting applications, and we’ll analyze each method so you can choose the best option for your Redmi, Poco or Mi.

Why is MIUI 12 not the Memory Memory feature of older Android versions?

Many users remember the option "Format as internal memory" from the days of Android Marshmallow and Nougat. in MIUI 12 (based on Android 10/11) this feature disappeared not by chance.

• 🔒 Data security: Google tightens requirements for external drives to prevent data loss when retrieving a card.
• ⚡ Performance: MicroSD cards (even class) A2) They are slower than the built-in memory. eMMC/UFS, brake.
• 📱 Optimization MIUI: Xiaomi simplified the interface by removing rarely used features, but left alternatives (app transfer, cache).

Instead of a full-fledged merger, MIUI 12 proposes:

1. Formatting a card as a portable storage (for files).
2. Transfer of individual applications to SD-map (with limitations).
3. Use of the map for multimedia (photo, video, music).

Method 1: Formatting a memory card as an internal storage (hidden function)

Although in the interface MIUI 12 no explicit unification option, it can be activated via ADB-This is a method that's suitable for advanced users and requires a computer, and the important thing is that once formatted, the map can't be retrieved without losing data, and the system will perceive it as part of the internal memory.

Step-by-step:

1. Install. ADB-Drivers on PC and enable Debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times tap to unlock Developer Settings).
2. Connect your phone to your PC and type in the command line: adb shell sm list-disks Remember the disk ID (e.g., disk:179.64).
3. Execute the command to format (replace disk:X,X with your identifier): adb shell sm partition disk:179.64 private
4. Reboot the device. The memory card will become part of the internal storage.

Install ADB on PC

Enable debugging over USB on Xiaomi

Connect your phone to the original cable

Make a backup copy of data from the card

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⚠️ Note: After this procedure, the card will be encrypted and tied to the device, when you retrieve or reset the settings, the data will become unavailable, and some applications (such as WhatsApp) may refuse to work with external memory.

Method 2: Transfer applications to SD-map (official method) MIUI)

MIUI 12 allows you to transfer some applications to a memory card without formatting, but this does not work with all programs, many system and popular applications (for example, Facebook, Instagram) block the transfer.

How to move applications:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the app you want to transfer (icon) SD-The card will only be active for supported).
3. Press Warehouse. → Change. → SD-map.
4. Confirm the transfer. The process may take a few minutes.

Limitations of the method:

• 🚫 Not all apps support portability (especially games and social media).
• 🐢 Annexes to SD-The map is slower.
• 🔄 After updating MIUI The transferred applications can "fly".

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Before you move the application, clear the cache (Settings → Applications → Clear the cache) and this will reduce the amount of data you move and reduce the risk of errors.

Method 3: Using a memory card for multimedia and files

If memory integration or app porting doesn’t work for you, the safest option is to use a microSD to store photos, videos, music, and documents, a method that doesn’t require formatting and makes it easy to retrieve the card.

Setting:

1. Insert the card into your smartphone. In the window that appears, select Use as a portable storage.
2. Open the Settings. → Storage and press on SD-map.
3. Enable the option to save new photos and videos on SD-map (in the Camera application you can also select the default storage).

Advantages:

• ✅ No risk of data loss when retrieving the card.
• ✅ The map can be read on any device (PC, other phone).
• ✅ No additional settings or computer required.

⚠️ Note: If you are shooting a video in 4K 60 FPS, Use class cards UHS-I (U3) or A2. Cheap microSDs may not be able to handle the data flow and the recording will be interrupted.

Method 4: Alternative solutions to save memory

If memory consolidation is not possible or feasible, consider these options:

• 📁 Cache Cleanup: Regularly delete unnecessary files through Settings → Warehouse → Cleanup. MIUI 12 automatically finds garbage (remainders of applications, duplicate photos).
• ☁️ Cloud storage: Move photos to Google Photos or Mi Cloud (gives 5GB for free).In camera settings, enable Autoboot.
• 🔄 Lite versions of apps: Replace "heavy" applications with lightweight ones (for example, Facebook Lite, Messenger Lite).
• 🎮 Streaming Games: Instead of installing games, use Xiaomi Game Center or Google Play Games for cloud gaming.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When working with memory on Xiaomi, users often face typical problems:

1. The card is not determined: Causes: incompatible format (exFAT instead of FAT32), corrupted file system or physical malfunction Solution: format the card on a PC in FAT32 (for cards up to 32 GB) or exFAT (for 64+ GB cards).
2. Applications are not portable to SD: The culprits: the app manufacturer has blocked the portability (check Settings → Apps → Rights). Alternative: Use App Cloner to create a "lightweight" copy of the application.
3. Slow map performance: If they slow down after transferring apps, it's the card class. Apps need A2, media will only need A1 or Class 10.

Another common mistake is buying fake cards, such as the market often sells “128 GB” for a suspiciously low price, and the real volume is 16 GB. You can check the card using H2testw (PC) or SD Insight (Android).

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If the phone starts to slow down after the memory is combined, return the card to portable storage mode. → Warehouse → SD-map → Formatting as a portable.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions