Formatting flash drive on Xiaomi Redmi: all the ways and nuances

Formatting a flash drive on a Xiaomi Redmi smartphone is a challenge that users face when preparing the drive for first use, fixing read errors or changing the file system. Unlike a PC where the process takes a couple of clicks, mobile devices have their own peculiarities: MIUI limitations, the lack of support for some formats and the risk of losing data if you do not do the right thing.

In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can go from built-in MIUI tools to third-party apps that extend capabilities, learn how to choose between FAT32, exFAT, and NTFS depending on the target, why a smartphone might not see a formatted flash drive, and what to do if the process is stalled, and also the unique nuances for Redmi Note 10/11/12 models with hybrid microSD slots that often cause errors.

Preparation: What to Know Before Formatting

Before you start, check out three key points:

• 🔋 Battery charge – the process can take up to 10-15 minutes (especially for 128GB or more) and make sure to charge at least 30% to avoid crashes.
• 📱 Type of flash drive – Xiaomi Redmi supports FAT32 and exFAT out of the box, but NTFS requires root rights or third-party utilities. USB-storage (through OTG) It is formatted in the same way as microSD.
• 📁 Backup – Formatting deletes all data without recovery. Move important files to another media or to the Xiaomi Cloud (free 5GB available).

Special attention to owners of Redmi Note 10 Pro and newer: if you use microSD as internal memory (Adoptable Storage function), it can not be formatted by standard means. To do this, you will first have to “unmount” the drive in the storage settings, which will lead to the deletion of all data, including the applications installed on it.

⚠️ Note: If the flash drive has been used in cameras or recorders before, it may be protected from recording. check the physical Lock switch on the case (for the recorder). USB) Or try formatting it on your PC before connecting to Xiaomi.

Method 1: Formatting with standard MIUI settings

The safest method, which does not require the installation of additional applications, is suitable for microSD and USB-The storage device (when connected through OTG-Adapter. Instructions are relevant to MIUI 12/13/14:

1. Insert the flash drive into the slot or connect via OTG.
2. Open the Files app (the folder icon on the desktop).
3. Go to the Device section → Find your storage device (for example, SD-map USB-accumulator).
4. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner → select Storage Settings.
5. Click Format → Confirm the action.

By default, MIUI offers FAT32 for cards up to 32 GB and exFAT for large volumes. If the desired format is not on the list, use alternative methods (see below).

Save data from the flash drive|Charge your phone at least 30 times%|Check the physical lock (for the purpose of the USB)|Disconnect the flash drive from other devices-->

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi firmware (especially Chinese versions) may not have the Format option.

Method 2: Using Developer Mode (for NTFS)

If you need a format NTFS (For example, to write files more than 4 GB USB-storage device), standard means MIUI They don't work, but you can get around the restriction. ADB:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone → Tap 7 times on the MIUI version.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
3. Connect your phone to your PC, install ADB Tools and execute the command:

adb shell sm set-force-adoptable true


adb shell sm format private

This command formats the flash drive in NTFS, but makes it "tethered" to the device (analogue Adoptable Storage).

adb shell sm set-force-adoptable false

Method 3: Third-party applications for extended formatting

If the built-in MIUI tools don't suit you, use the specialized utilities from Google Play.

• 📌 SD Card Formatter - the official application from SD Association, support FAT32 ExFAT, optimized for microSD.
• 🔧 USB OTG Format Tool – allows formatting USB-storage OTG, including NTFS (root).
• 🛠️ Partition & Format - for advanced users. Can break the USB drive into sections (for example, for Adoptable Storage).

Examples of SD Card Formatter:

1. Install the application and open it.
2. Select your flash drive in the list of drives.
3. Specify the file system (FAT32 or exFAT).
4. Press Format and wait until it is completed.

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If the flash drive is not detected after formatting, try restarting the phone. Sometimes MIUI does not update the list of drives without restarting.

Formatting errors and their solutions

Even with the right actions, the process can fail, and let's look at the typical mistakes and how to fix them:

• 🚫 "Can't format -- check if the flash drive is used as an internal memory (Adoptable Storage). → Warehouse.
• ⏳ "The process is stuck” – if the formatting lasts more than 20 minutes, remove the flash drive (don’t take it out during the process!), restart the phone and try again.
• 🔌 "No device found, for example, for USB-check the storage devices OTG-adapter (some cheap models do not support power drives).
• 📛 "Invalid file system" - try formatting the flash drive on the PC in FAT32, Then repeat the process on Xiaomi.

If the flash drive is defined but not formatted in any way, it is likely physically damaged. Check it on another device or PC using CrystalDiskInfo (for Windows).

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Flash drives larger than 64 GB cannot be formatted in FAT32 through standard MIUI tools. Use third-party applications or PCs.

Which format should you choose: FAT32, exFAT or NTFS?

The choice of file system depends on the purpose of using the flash drive:

• 📷 FAT32 — Universal format compatible with all devices (including old cameras, tape recorders, consoles) Limitation: maximum file size - 4 GB.
• 🎮 exFAT - optimal for modern smartphones and flash drives with a volume of 64 GB. Supports files more than 4 GB, but may not be read on outdated technology.
• 💻 NTFS — It is necessary to work with large files (for example, disk images, video) 4K). Xiaomi requires root or ADB-team.

For most Redmi users, exFAT is the best choice. It is MIUI compatible, allows you to write files of any size and works faster than FAT32 on larger drives. The exception is if you use a flash drive in a car stereo or camera where you may need FAT32.

Formatting a flash drive as an internal memory (Adoptable Storage)

Adoptable Storage allows you to use microSD as part of your phone’s main storage, which is convenient for installing apps, but has the nuances of:

1. Insert the microSD into the slot.
2. When you notice "New Disk" tap it → select Internal Memory.
3. Follow the instructions on the screen. Attention: all data from the flash drive will be deleted, and the flash drive will be encrypted and attached to the phone.

After that, the flash drive will be displayed as part of the internal memory in the settings, to return it to its original state:

1. Go to Settings. → Warehouse.
2. Slip on microSD → Data portability and formatting → Format as a portable device.

⚠️ Note: On the Redmi Note 11 and later, Adoptable Storage can be disabled by the manufacturer. ADB-commands (see Method 2).

FAQ: Frequent questions about formatting flash drives on Xiaomi