Formatting SD-Maps as internal memory on Xiaomi: a complete guide

Why? SD-A card as an internal memory is not always a good idea.

Xiaomi smartphone owners (including the Redmi, POCO and Mi series) often face a shortage of internal memory, especially on budget models with 32 or 64 GB. The solution seems obvious: buy a microSD, format it as an internal drive and expand the memory for applications.

Android allows you to use it SD-The card has two modes: portable drive (for files) and internal memory (for applications), the second option requires formatting in Adoptable Storage format, which makes the card "tied" to the device. This means that once the map is removed, the applications will stop working and the data will become unavailable on other devices, and Xiaomi limits this feature on some models or hides it in the developer.

Before you start, ask yourself questions like, do you really need internal memory for apps, or do you need enough files (photos, videos) to be transferred to a map? Are you prepared for the card to run slower than the built-in memory of eMMC/UFS? These nuances will determine whether the game is worth the candle.

Install more applications|The game is saved (Genshin Impact, PUBG)|Store photos and videos|Another option-->

Xiaomi models support formatting SD as internal memory

Not all Xiaomi smartphones allow microSD as an internal drive, depending on the Android version, MIUI shell and hardware limitations.

• 📱 Android models 6.0–9.0 (MIUI 8–11): Adoptable Storage support is there, but can be hidden. Examples: Redmi Note 4/5, Mi A1/A2 (Android One), POCO F1.
• 📱 Android models 10+ (MIUI 12–14): The feature is often disabled or works with limitations. Examples: Redmi Note 9/10, POCO X3/X4, Mi 10/11.
• 🚫 Smartphones without a microSD slot: Xiaomi 12/13 Pro, Black Shark – no memory extension support.
• ⚠️ Exceptions: Some devices (e.g. Redmi) 9A) It allows you to format the map as an internal one, but only through ADB.

To check the support on your model, insert SD-map and go to Settings → If the option "Internal Memory" is not available, additional manipulations will be required (about these below).

Requirements for SD-map: speed, class and volume

Not every microSD is suitable for use as internal memory, and Xiaomi has strict requirements for speed and reliability of the card, otherwise the system will slow down or emit errors.

Special attention should be paid to the A1/A2 (Application Performance Class) marking, which is optimized for application use and has higher random recording (IOPS) rates. For example, SanDisk Ultra A1 or Samsung EVO Plus A2 will be better than cheap no-name cards.

⚠️ Note: If you use a Class 4 or Class 6 card, the system may be in error "SD-The card is too slow. In this case, formatting as internal memory will be impossible.

Before buying, check the card for authenticity with either H2testw (Windows) or F3 (Linux/macOS).Fake cards often have an underrated speed and can lead to data loss.

Step-by-step instruction: formatting SD-maps through settings

If your Xiaomi model supports the function, the process will take no more than 5 minutes.

1. Put it in. SD-card to slot and wait for its definition by the system.
2. Go to Settings → Memory (or Settings → Storage in new versions of MIUI).
3. Tap your name on it. SD-maps (e.g. SanDisk) 64GB).
4. In the upper right corner, press three dots (⋮) and select "Storage settings".
5. Select "Inner Memory" (or "Format as an Internal Storage").
6. Confirm the action and wait until the process is completed (it can take up to 10 minutes).

After formatting, the system will offer to transfer data from internal memory to SD-Don't agree right away - check the stability of the card first (run multiple apps, restart the phone).

Backup card data | Check card for errors (via PC) | Charge phone at least 50% | Make sure the card is not fake

-->

⚠️ Warning: After formatting as internal memory, the card will be encrypted, it will not be read on another device without completely erasing the data. If you plan to use the card in the future on another phone or camera, select Portable Drive mode".

Activation of Adoptable Storage via ADB (for hidden function)

If the settings don’t have formatting as internal memory, it can be enabled via Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a method that works on most Xiaomi models but requires a computer and basic command line knowledge.

First, prepare the device:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and tap 7 times on the MIUI version.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable “Debugging by USB”.
3. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.

Now run commands in ADB (pre-install Platform Tools):

adb shell


sm list-disks # Remember the card ID (e.g. disk:179.64)




sm partition disk:179,64 private

Once the command is executed, the system will automatically format the card as internal memory. If you see a Failed to Partition disk error, try an alternative method:

adb shell


sm set-force-adoptable true




sm partition disk:179.64 mixed 50 #50 of the memory allocated to applications

This team will split the card into two parts: one will be used as internal memory, the other as a portable drive.

💡

If ADB Does not recognize the device, try reinstalling Xiaomi drivers USB Drivers or using other drivers USB-cable (preferably original).

What to do if SD-The card is not defined as an internal memory.

Sometimes, even after successful formatting, the system refuses to use the map to install the applications, and these are typical problems and solutions:

• 🔄 The card is defined as portable: Reboot your phone and check the storage settings. If it doesn't work, repeat formatting through ADB.
• ⚡ Low speed card: Replace the card with a model with a class A1/A2. Cheap cards often don’t handle the load.
• 📱 Mistake "SD-Card damaged": Format the card on PC in format FAT32 (use the utility SD Formatter, then repeat the procedure on your phone.
• 🔒 MIUI Blocks function: On some models (e.g. Redmi Note) 11) Xiaomi has disabled Adoptable Storage at the firmware level (TWRP) and manual file editing /system/etc/permissions/platform.xml.

If the card still doesn't work, check it on another device, it could be physical damage. ADB:

adb shell dumpsys diskstats

It will display reading/write statistics, which can be used to judge the status of the map.

How to transfer applications to SD-map

Even after successful formatting, not all applications can be transferred to the SD-It depends on the developer's policy and the Android version. Here's how to free up internal memory as much as possible:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the app you want to migrate (like WhatsApp or Facebook).
3. Slip the Storage" → "Change" → choose SD-map.
4. Confirm the transfer. Some data (cache, settings) will remain in the internal memory.

Note that system applications and many games (such as Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile) do not support portability. SD-In this case, only root access and apps like this will help. Link2SD or App2SD.

💡

Transfer of applications to SD-The card does not always solve the problem of memory deficit. Many modern games and social networks (for example, TikTok or other social networks). PUBG) This function is blocked due to data protection.

The alternative way is to use SD-card for storing media files (photos, videos, music). To do this, in the camera settings (Mi Camera), select "Save on" SD-This won't solve the application problem, but it will free up a few gigabytes of internal memory.

FAQ: Frequent questions about use SD-maps as internal memory