How to format a flash drive on a Xiaomi phone: all ways + expert advice

Formatting a flash drive through a Xiaomi smartphone is a challenge that users face when buying a new memory card, crashing it, or having to clean it completely. Unlike a computer where the process takes a couple of clicks, the phone has nuances ranging from the limitations of the file system to the risk of losing data if you do the wrong thing. In this article, we will examine all the formatting options available — through standard MIUI settings, third-party apps, and even hidden features for power users.

Xiaomi smartphones (including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11, etc.) are unique in that they support microSD cards up to 1TB, but do not always offer flexible formatting settings. For example, the standard menu may not have a file system choice (FAT32, exFAT or NTFS), which is critical for cards over 32GB. We will show you how to circumvent these restrictions and avoid typical errors.

Importantly, if the flash drive is used as internal storage (Adoptable Storage in Android), formatting it will result in a reset of all data on the phone, and these cases require a separate approach, which we will discuss at the end of this article.

1. Preparation of the flash drive for formatting: what to do in advance

Before you start cleaning your memory card, follow a few critical steps to avoid losing important files and crashing in the process.

• 📁 Back up your data. Even if the flash drive is empty, it may still have hidden files (like those from Google Photos or Mi Gallery apps), copy it to your computer or the cloud (Mi Cloud, Google Drive).
• 🔋 Check the battery power. Interrupting the process due to the discharge of the phone can damage the file system of the card%+ charge.
• 🔍 Make sure the flash drive is not used by the system. If the card is connected as a portable storage device, it can be formatted. If it is internal, it needs to be mounted (more on this below).
• 🛠️ Check the map for errors. MIUI There is a built-in tool: go to Settings → Warehouse → Map. SD → Check it out.

If the flash drive has been used on another device (such as a camera or car radio), its file system may not be compatible with Android, in which case standard formatting via phone will not help – you will need a computer or a special application.

⚠️ Note: If the flash drive is protected from writing (there is a physical Lock switch on the adapter), formatting will not be possible.

2. Standard formatting through MIUI settings

The easiest way is to use the built-in MIUI tools. It is suitable for most users and does not require the installation of additional programs. Instructions are relevant for MIUI 12/13/14 (including shells for POCO and Redmi).

Steps:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the Warehouse section (or Memory in some versions).
3. Slip on the item SD Card (if it is not - check if the flash drive is inserted correctly).
4. In the upper right corner, press three dots (⋮) and select Storage Settings.
5. Select Format → Clean and format.
6. Confirm the action, wait until the completion (usually takes 1-3 minutes).

By default, MIUI formats the card in FAT32 (for cards up to 32 GB) or exFAT (for cards over 32 GB). If you need a specific file system, the standard method won't work, read the next section.

Make a backup of data | Check the phone charge (>50%) | Make sure the flash drive is not used as internal memory | Turn off the recording protection (if any)

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⚠️ Attention: If the flash drive is not identified after formatting, try removing and pasting it again. In rare cases, restarting the phone helps. If the problem persists, the card may be damaged.

3. Formatting to exFAT or NTFS: circumventing MIUI restrictions

The standard MIUI settings don't allow you to choose a file system manually, which is a problem if you need NTFS (for example, to record 4K video on an action camera) or exFAT for 128GB+ cards.

Method 1: SD Card Formatter (official from SD Association)

This application from the developers of the SD standard supports all types of file system and works more stable than its counterparts.

1. Install the SD Card Formatter.
2. Launch the app and select your flash drive.
3. In the Format Type section, specify Full (Erase) for deep cleaning.
4. In File System, select the option you want (exFAT or NTFS).
5. Press Format and wait until it is completed.

Method 2: Through a computer (for NTFS)

If you need NTFS, the easiest way to connect a flash drive to a Windows PC is:

1. Insert the card into the phone, connect it to the computer via USB.
2. In Xiaomi settings, select File Transfer (MTP) mode.
3. On PC, open This computer, find the flash drive, right-click → Format.
4. Select NTFS, press Start.

A critical nuance: once formatted in NTFS, the card may not be identified on some Xiaomi phones (especially older models).

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If the flash drive is not identified after formatting in exFAT, try formatting it on your computer in FAT32, and then repeat the process on your phone with the choice of exFAT.

4. Formatting a flash drive used as internal memory

If you have previously configured a microSD card as internal storage (Adoptable Storage in Android), it cannot be formatted in the standard way. If you try to do this through Settings → Storage, the system will prompt you to reset your phone to factory settings - this will delete all data, including applications and settings.

To avoid a complete reset, follow this instruction:

1. Go to Settings → Memory → SD card.
2. Put three points on it (⋮) and select Storage Settings.
3. Click Format as Portable (if the option is active).
4. Confirm the action. The system will transfer all possible data back to internal memory and format the map.

If the item is formatted as portable, it means:

• 📱 The card is used as the main storage for applications (then only resetting the phone).
• 🔧 The flash drive is damaged (try reading it on PC).

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO M3) Adoptable Storage is disabled by the manufacturer, so the card will always be formatted as a portable device.

5. Data recovery after random formatting

If you formatted a flash drive by mistake, don't write new files to it, which will reduce your chances of recovery.

• 🔄 DiskDigger (for Android): Recovers photos, videos and documents. Requires root rights for deep scanning.

Recovery process:

1. Install DiskDigger from Google Play.
2. Select Full Scan (requires root).
3. Specify the flash drive as the source.
4. Wait until the scan is completed and save the files found to internal memory or the cloud.

Important: Free versions of software recover a limited amount of data, and a full recovery may require a Pro version.

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The chances of data recovery depend on the type of formatting: with fast (by default in MIUI) files can be returned, with full (with rewriting sectors) – almost impossible.

6. Frequent errors and their solutions

When formatting a flash drive on Xiaomi, users face typical problems.

If neither of these methods worked, check the flash drive on another device. If it doesn't work everywhere, the card is out of order. The average microSD life is 3-5 years when used actively.

7. Alternative methods: for experienced users

If standard methods don't work, you can use advanced tools, which require root rights or ADBs, but give you more control.

Method 1: Through ADB (without root)

Connect your phone to your PC and execute the commands:

adb shell


sm list-disks




sm partition disk:XX,XX private

(where XX,XX is the disk identifier from the first command).

Method 2: Parted App (requires root)

Partitioning utility. It allows you to:

• 🔧 Change the file system.
• 📊 View the map information.
• 🗑️ Remove and create sections.

Careful: Mistakes can cause data loss on the phone’s internal memory!

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions