How to turn off internal memory card on Xiaomi phone: 3 proven ways

Xiaomi’s internal memory (including Redmi and POCO models) is a frequent source of questions, especially when it needs to be turned off to format, transfer data or solve system errors. Unlike removable microSDs, embedded storage cannot be physically removed, but it can be software deactivated, partially or completely, a procedure that may be needed when resetting to factory settings without losing data on an external map, testing performance or preparing the device for sale.

It’s important to understand that turning off internal memory is not the same as cleaning it. MIUI doesn’t provide a direct option to completely disable /data partitions through the GUI, but there are workarounds: from using developer mode to ADB commands. In this article, we’ll discuss all the working methods, their pros and cons, and also warn against typical errors that can turn a smartphone into a “brick”.

Before you start, check:

• 🔋 Battery charge of at least 50% (in case of power failure during memory manipulations, data loss is possible).
• 📱 Backup of important files (disabling memory may result in deletion of user data).
• 🔧 USB Type C cable and computer (for methods with ADB).

Why you might need to turn off internal memory on Xiaomi

At first glance, the idea of deactivating the main storage facility seems strange, because it is necessary for the system to work.

1. Preparation for sale or transfer of the device: If you want to reset the phone to factory settings, but still leave the data on the external microSD intact, disabling internal memory will avoid accidental formatting.

2.Diagnostics of hardware problems: If a memory chip is suspected of malfunctioning (for example, persistent read/write errors), turning it off helps confirm the diagnosis.

Performance testing: Developers and enthusiasts sometimes turn off memory to test the system in a resource-constrained environment.

4. System error solution: In rare cases, MIUI can produce errors such as "Memory damaged" or "Not enough space" even if the memory is free.

⚠️ Warning: Disabling internal memory will make it impossible to run installed applications and access user files. MIUI will remain operational only in recovery mode or through ADB.

Method 1: Disconnecting through Developer Mode (without root)

This method is suitable for users who do not want to use ADB or get root rights, and it allows you to deactivate the mounting of internal memory, but does not delete data.

Instructions:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and press 7 times on this item.
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
3. Find the USB debugging option and turn it on.
4. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.
5. In the PC command line, type: adb shell sm set-force-adoptable true This will cause the system to stop mounting internal memory as the primary storage.

Once you've done the command, restart the device. The internal memory will be inaccessible to the recordings, but the files will remain in place. To return it, use the command:

sm set-force-adoptable false

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note) 10 Pro) after this command, access may be lost /sdcard — To restore access, you'll need to reset your settings.

Method 2: Completely disabling via TWRP (root required)

If you need to completely deactivate internal memory (for example, to replace it or to format it in a low-level format), you will need custom TWRP and root rights, a method suitable for advanced users.

Steps:

1. Install TWRP for your Xiaomi model (instructions are available on the XDA Developers forum).
2. Download the phone to Recovery mode (power + volume up button combination).
3. In TWRP, go to Mount → Unmount System and Unmount Data.
4. Go back to the main menu and select Advanced → File Manager.
5. Delete or rename the file /data/media/0 (this is the folder of internal memory).

After that, the internal memory will no longer be defined by the system, and to get it back, you just need to reboot it to TWRP and mount the partitions again.

Method 3: Disconnect via Fastboot (for power users)

This is the most radical method that completely disables the user data partition (userdata), which is used in service centers to diagnose hardware malfunctions or before replacing the memory chip.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Mi Flash Tool drivers installed.
• 📱 Phone in Fastboot mode (clamp power supply) + Loudness down).
• 🔧 Knowledge of Fastboot teams.

Instructions:

fastboot devices # Check the connection


fastboot erase userdata # Clean up the partition (Data will be deleted!)




fastboot oem disable-userdata # Disable mounting (not on all models)

On Xiaomi models with Snapdragon 8 Gen 1/2 processors (e.g. Xiaomi 12 Pro, Redmi K50 Ultra), the oem disable-userdata command may not be supported. In this case, use an alternative method through editing fstab in TWRP.

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Before using Fastboot commands, check your model support on MIUI Download. Some devices (such as the POCO F4 GT) block dangerous commands without unlocking the bootloader.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when working with internal memory, and here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:

1. Disable memory without backup. Many people forget that once the partition is deactivated, access to files will be lost. Always copy the data to an external drive or cloud.

2. Use of incompatible ADB-For example, the sm set-force-adoptable command does not work on the MIUI 14 for Redmi Note 11. Check compatibility on forums before running.

3. Fasting the process in Fastboot. If you turn off your phone while running a fastboot erase userdata command, it can damage the partition. Always wait for OKAY message.

4. Confusion between /data and /system. Disabling the system partition instead of userdata will render the phone inoperable.

⚠️ Note: On devices with Dynamic Partition (all Xiaomi smartphones on Android 10)+) Disabling internal memory can cause the logical structure of partitions to fail, in which case only a complete flashing through the Mi Flash Tool will help.

How to return internal memory to working state

If your internal memory is no longer defined after the experiments, use these methods to restore it:

1. Through ADB:

adb shell


sm set-force-adoptable false




reboot

This command will return the standard partition mounting.

2. Through TWRP:

• Download to TWRP.
• Go to Mount and select Data.
• Click Repair or Change File System → Resize File System.

3. via Mi Flash Tool:

• Download the firmware for your model from the Xiaomi website.
• Connect your phone in Fastboot mode.
• In the Mi Flash Tool, select the Clean All option and flash the device.

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If internal memory is not restored after all manipulations, it may indicate a hardware fault of the chip. eMMC/UFS. In this case, a replacement of the memory card in the service center is required.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions