How to turn off SD-Home memory card from Xiaomi: full guide

If your smartphone Xiaomi recognizes SD-As part of internal memory, this can create problems ranging from the inability to remove the drive without losing data to slowing down the system. MIUI — "Internal memory, where the memory card is formatted as an extension of the main storage, will be discussed in this article on how to safely share SD-Card and internal memory on Redmi smartphones, POCO and Mi without resetting.

It is important to understand that the procedure is different from simply retrieving a card. If you have previously used it as internal memory, the system can block access to files after separation. We will look at official methods through the MIUI settings, as well as alternative methods for root-righted devices or through ADB. Warning: on some models (for example, the Redmi Note 8 Pro or POCO X3), the shutdown function may be hidden, for which additional steps will be required.

Why Xiaomi is Combining SD-memory-card?

Adoptable Storage, which is implemented in Android 6.0 Marshmallow, allows you to use microSD as part of the system partition. In MIUI, it is called "Inner Memory" and activates when you first connect a card.

  • 📈 Increase the total amount of memory for installing applications.
  • 🔄 Automatically distribute files between the internal drive and SD.
  • 📱 Support for applications that cannot work with external media.

However, this decision has serious disadvantages:

  • 🚫 It is impossible to extract the card without formatting (the system blocks access).
  • ⚠️ When damaged SD-The data from the internal memory may be lost".
  • 🐢 Slowing down the system due to low read/write speed on cheap maps.

For example, if you installed WhatsApp or Telegram on the combined memory, and then retrieved it. SD-This is a typical problem for devices with 32 GB of internal memory, where users are forced to expand storage.

📊 How you use it SD-map?
Like an internal memory.
Files only (photos, music)
I don't use it.
Another option

Preparation for separation SD-maps and internal memory

Before starting the procedure, follow the mandatory steps to avoid data loss:

  1. Back up all important files. Use Mi Cloud, Google Drive, or connect your smartphone to your PC via MTP.
  2. Check which applications are installed on SD-Map. Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management and sort by storage location.
  3. Make sure there is enough space on the internal memory (at least 5-10 GB free) to temporarily store data from the SD.

Attention! If the card stores app data (such as Instagram cache or game saves), after separation, it will become unavailable.

☑️ Checklist before separation SD-map

Done: 0 / 4

Some models (Redmi 9A, POCO M3) may have the memory disconnect function blocked, requiring ADB or root permissions, and if you're not ready for this manipulation, consider the alternative: buy a larger card and transfer the data to it, leaving the old one as a portable storage.

Method 1: Separation through MIUI settings (official method)

This method works on most devices with MIUI 12/13/14 and does not require additional tools.

  1. Open the Settings. → Memory (or Warehouse).
  2. Click on your name. SD-maps (e.g. SanDisk) 128GB).
  3. In the upper right corner, tap three points (⋮) and select Storage Settings.
  4. Click Format as a portable device (or "Disable as internal memory").
  5. Confirm the action. The system will alert you to the loss of data, you'll agree.

Once formatted, the card will be portable (separate from internal memory), all data will be deleted, but the files in the internal memory will remain intact.

What if there is no “Format as a portable device” item?
On some firmware (e.g. MIUI 11 for older models), this item may not be available. In this case, try: 1. Update MIUI to the latest version via Settings → About Phone → System Update. 2. Use the method with ADB (described below). 3. Reset to factory settings (last option, as it will delete all data).

Warning! If you don't define the card after you format it, check it on another device, it's possible that the drive is corrupted, in which case you can format it through a PC on a FAT32 or exFAT file system.

Method 2: Partition through ADB (for power users)

If you don’t have formatting options in your settings, use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a method that requires a computer and enabled USB debugging.

Steps:

  1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
  2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
  3. Connect your phone to your PC, install ADB drivers (for example, via Mi PC Suite).
  4. Open the command line (Win + R → cmd) and type:
adb shell


sm list-disks

You will see a card ID (e.g., disk:179.64) and copy it and follow the command:

sm partition disk:179,64 private

Replace 179.64 with your ID. Once executed, the card will be split, but the data on it will be stored (as opposed to formatting via MIUI).

adb shell


sm set-force-adoptable false

This command disables forced use SD Once you reboot it, you can format it in a standard way.-->

Importantly, on some devices (like the Redmi Note 10 Pro), the sm partition card can be identified as corrupted, in which case it will have to be formatted via a PC.

Method 3: Use root rights (for advanced users)

If previous methods have failed and you have root rights on your phone, use the Storage Switch app or the Partition SD Card from Google Play.

  • 🔄 Divide the card into two sections (for internal memory and portable storage).
  • 📁 Transfer data between sections without loss.
  • 🔧 Change the file system (e.g., with the F2FS on ext4).

Instructions for Storage Switch:

  1. Install the application and provide root access.
  2. Choose yours. SD-map.
  3. Press Unmount as Internal Storage.
  4. Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed.

⚠️ Attention! Incorrect use of root tools can lead to data loss or device blink. If you are not sure about your actions, contact a specialist.

What if the card does not work after separation?

If SD-The card has stopped being defined or is giving out errors, follow the following steps:

Problem.Decision
The card is not recognized on any device.Format it on PC via SD Formatter in FAT32.
Phone asks for map formatting, but data is importantConnect the card to your PC via a card reader and use Recuva or PhotoRec to recover files.
After splitting, applications do not work.Transfer them back to internal memory through Settings → Apps.
The card is defined as damaged.Check it for errors using chkdsk (Windows) or fsck (Linux/Mac).

If the card is physically damaged (for example, after a phone crash), data recovery may not be possible. SD-class A1 or A2 Optimal work with Xiaomi.

💡

Before buying a new one SD-Check the compatibility of the card with your Xiaomi model. 7A) Do not support cards larger than 256 GB.

How to avoid problems with SD-map?

To avoid the need to share memory, follow these tips:

  • 📱 Use it. SD-card only as a portable storage (for photos, videos, music).
  • 🔄 Regularly transfer files from internal memory to the card manually.
  • 🛡️ Buy cards of proven brands: SanDisk Ultra, Samsung EVO, Kingston Canvas.
  • 🔋 Remove the card only through Safe Retrieval in the Notification Curtain.

If you critically lack space for apps, consider alternatives:

  • 📲 Remove unnecessary apps or clear their cache (Settings) → Annexes → Clear the cache).
  • ☁️ Move photos and videos to the cloud (Google Photos, Mi Cloud).
  • 🔄 Use the Lite mode function in MIUI save memory.

For example, on the POCO X4 Pro with 128 GB of memory, you can free up to 20-30 GB by simply clearing the social media cache and removing duplicate photos.

FAQ: Frequent questions about separation SD-maps and internal memory

Can we divide? SD-map?
No, if you format through MIUI, all data from the card will be deleted, but if you use ADB or root tools, you can save some files.
Why did some apps stop working after splitting up?
This happens when the application is installed on SD-It's like internal memory. Move it back through Settings. → Annexes → [Title of the annex] → Warehouse → Change.
Can we reunite? SD-card with internal memory after separation?
Yes, but to do that, you'll have to format it again through Settings → Memory → [Map Name] → Storage settings → Format it as internal memory. All data will be deleted.
What Xiaomi models do not support disconnection SD-map?
On some budget models (e.g. Redmi 8A, Redmi 9C), the option may be hidden, in which case only ADB or resetting will help.
Which is better: use SD-Card as internal memory or portable storage?
If you have an A1/A2 card (like SanDisk Extreme), you can use it as internal memory for applications, and for cheap cards, you can choose a portable mode to avoid slowing down the system.