Cleanup USB-drive on the smartphone Xiaomi Redmi: from FAT32 exFAT

Flash drives and external drives on Xiaomi Redmi often become a dump of unnecessary files: old photos, app cache, failed downloads. But before you make room, it is important to understand: simply deleting files does not equal a complete cleanup. Residual data can take up space, and improper formatting can lead to reading errors, especially for users who connect to the Internet. USB-storage OTG-adapter or use them as portable storage for firmware.

In this article, we will discuss all the methods of cleaning, from standard file formatting to low-level tools like DiskInfo (FAT32, exFAT, NTFS), nuances of work MIUI And the typical bugs, when the smartphone doesn't see the flash drive after cleaning it, and we also learn how to recover data if something goes wrong.

⚠️ Warning: Formatting deletes all data without being able to recover it through standard means. If the flash drive stores important files, backup your device first.

1 Preparation: What to Know Before Cleaning

Before you start formatting, check out three key points:

• 🔌 Connection Type: Xiaomi Redmi Supports USB-storage OTG-Adapter (Type-C or Micro-USB depending on the model) Make sure the adapter is working - try connecting the flash drive to another device.
• 📁 File system: Android smartphones work best with FAT32 (Compatibility and exFAT (for files) >4GB). NTFS requires root rights or special applications.
• 🔋 Battery charge: The formatting process can take up to 10-15 minutes. If the charge is below 30%, connect the device to the network.

Pay special attention to the size of the cluster (allocation block). MIUI chooses the optimal value, but for flash drives with a volume of 64 GB and more it is better to manually install 32 KB - this will speed up work with small files.

If the flash drive has been used on Windows or Mac before, it can be formatted into a Windows or Mac. NTFS or APFS. In this case, Xiaomi Redmi will either not see it, or offer to format. GPT (disk-free >2 TB) on smartphones are not supported - only MBR.

2. Method 1: Standard formatting through "Files"

The easiest method is to use the integrated file manager (or File Manager in the global version). MIUI). This method is suitable for most users and does not require the installation of additional applications.

Instructions:

1. Connect the flash drive through OTG-adapter.
2. Open the Files app. → Go to section USB-accumulator.
3. Tap the three-point menu (⋮) top-right → Select Storage Settings.
4. Click Format → Confirm the action.

By default. MIUI propose a file system FAT32. If you want to save files larger than 4GB (such as movies or disk images), choose exFAT. the process will take from 30 seconds to several minutes depending on the storage capacity.

Data backup created|The flash drive is connected through OTG|Battery charge >30%|Selected the correct file system-->

⚠️ Attention: If the flash drive is not detected after formatting, try to turn it off and reconnect it. In rare cases, it helps to restart the smartphone. If the problem persists, check the drive on your PC: it may be physically damaged.

Method 2: Formatting via “Settings” (for power users)

V MIUI There's a hidden partition for external media management that allows you to more flexibly configure formatting parameters, and this method is useful if the standard way didn't work or you need to resize the cluster.

How to open the advanced settings:

1. Go to Settings. → Warehouse.
2. Scroll down to the Portable Storage Block → tap on the name of your flash drive.
3. Choose Format as internal (if you want to use a flash drive as a memory extension) or Format as portable (standard).
4. When choosing a portable format, the system will offer a file system — FAT32 exFAT.

The option to format as internal (Adoptable Storage) is available only for flash drives with high write speed (class) UHS-I or U3). After this procedure, the drive will be encrypted and tied to the device - it will be impossible to use it on other gadgets without a complete reset.

⚠️ Warning: If you chose Adoptable Storage and then decided to remove the flash drive, all the data on it will be deleted. To return it to its original state, you will have to format it via PC.

Method 3: Use of Third-Party Applications

If embedded tools MIUI They can't do it (like not seeing a flash drive or making a mistake), and third-party utilities will come to the rescue. We tested three apps that work well on Xiaomi Redmi:

• 🛠️ DiskInfo: Shows detailed information about the drive (manufacturer, serial number, cell health) and allows formatting in the FAT32/exFAT cluster-size.
• 🔧 USB OTG Checker: Checks compatibility OTG-Adapter and flash drive, tests read/write speed, useful if the smartphone "can't see" the drive.
• 🗃️ AOMEI Partition Assistant: Advanced partitioning tool. Supports NTFS (requires root, but may be useful for repairing damaged flash drives.

Example of formatting through DiskInfo:

1. Install the app from Google Play and open it.
2. In the list of devices, select your flash drive (it will be marked as Mass Storage).
3. Tap Format. → Specify the file system and the cluster size.
4. Confirm the action and wait for the completion (the progress bar will appear on the screen).

If the app gives you a Device not found error, try:

• Disable and reconnect the flash drive.
• Reboot the smartphone.
• Check it out. OTG-adapter on another device.

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If the flash drive is defined but not formatted, try connecting it to your PC and check for errors through the chkdsk utility (in the command line, type chkdsk X: /f, where X is the letter of the disk).

5. Method 4: Low-level cleaning (for damaged drives)

If the flash drive is crumbled (it constantly asks for formatting, but the process is interrupted), it may be damaged by its file table or there are broken sectors, in which case low-level formatting - a complete rewriting of all memory cells - helps.

This will require:

• 🖥️ Windows computer (or laptop).
• 🔌 Programme HDD Low Level Format Tool (Free version) USB-drives up to 4 GB; for large volumes you need a paid key).
• ⏳ Time: The process can take several hours.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect the flash drive to the PC.
2. Launch it. HDD Low Level Format Tool → Select your drive in the list.
3. Go to the tab. LOW-LEVEL FORMAT → press FORMAT THIS DEVICE.
4. After completion, format the flash drive in the standard way through Windows Explorer (select FAT32 exFAT).

⚠️ Attention: Low-level formatting reduces the life of the flash drive, as it overwrites all memory cells, including backup ones.

Method 5: Formatting via Recovery Mode (for firmware)

This method is useful if you use a flash drive to install custom firmware (TWRP, LineageOS) or official updates MIUI. Recovery formatting ensures compatibility with system tools.

Instructions for TWRP Recovery:

1. Turn off your smartphone. → Hold the volume up + Food to enter Recovery.
2. Connect the flash drive through the OTG.
3. Go to the Mount section → Make sure the flash drive is displayed as /usb_otg.
4. Back to the main menu → Choose the Wipe → Advanced Wipe.
5. Mark the item. USB-OTG → select the file system (FAT32 recommended).
6. Confirm the action of the swipe to Format.

For standard MI Recovery (if you have a stock firmware):

• Enter Recovery (clamping Volume Up) + Nutrition).
• Choose a language → Connect with MIAsistant (if necessary).
• Put the flash drive on. → Wait until the system determines it.
• Go to Mount. → Mount USB storage.
• Back to the main menu → Wipe & Reset → Wipe USB storage.

⚠️ Note: Recovery formatting deletes all data without recovery. Do not use this method for routine cleaning - only if you are preparing a flash drive for firmware.

7.Typical errors and their solutions

Even after successful formatting, Xiaomi Redmi users face challenges.

If the flash drive becomes “read-only” after formatting, check:

• 🔒 Physical Lock switch on the body (relevant for older models).
• 🛡️ Protection against entry in the Windows registry (if formatted via PC).
• 🦠 Viruses – some Trojans block recording on removable media.

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If the flash drive stopped working after low-level formatting, it probably broke down. Try to restore data using Recuva or TestDisk, but do not write new files to it, this will reduce the chances of recovery.

8. Data recovery after cleaning

If you formatted the flash drive by mistake, not everything is lost.

• 🕒 Time: The earlier you start, the better (new files overwrite old ones).
• 🔄 Type of Formatting: Quick Format leaves more chances than full format.
• 📁 File system: c FAT32 Data recovery is easier than exFAT.

Recovery programs (working on PC):

• 🔍 Recuva (simple interface, suitable for beginners).
• 💾 TestDisk (console utility, restores partitions).
• 📂 EaseUS Data Recovery (paid, but with free test mode).

Instructions for Recuva:

1. Connect the flash drive to the PC → launch Recuva.
2. Select the file type (such as Images or All Files).
3. Please indicate your location (your location). USB-accumulator).
4. Click Analysis → wait for the scan to be completed.
5. Mark the files you want. → Click Restore (save them to another disk!).

⚠️ Warning: Never save recovered files to the same flash drive – this will lead to their overwriting and irretrievable loss.

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If you want to restore photos, try PhotoRec (part of TestDisk), which ignores the file system and looks for image signatures, which increases the chances of success.

FAQ: Frequent questions