Xiaomi Redmi 10 is one of the most popular budget smartphones, but many users face the problem of connecting external drives «USB-The device is not supported, or simply does not respond to the connection. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to open the flash drive on Redmi 10, including setting up the device. OTG, Formatting, compatibility checks, and even hardware solutions.
It’s important to understand that the problem can be in the settings of the smartphone, as well as in the USB drive or adapter itself. We will not limit ourselves to standard tips like “reset the phone” but instead offer specific steps explaining why this or that method works (or does not work).
First, let’s get started with Redmi 10. USB OTG (On-The-Go), but with some limitations, for example, not all file systems are recognized out of the box, but power. USB-The port may not be enough to power some of the drives.
1. Check the compatibility of the flash drive and adapter
Before you blame your smartphone, make sure your flash drive and adapter are physically compatible with the Redmi 10.
- 🔌 Type of connector: Redmi 10 has USB Type-C, so you can connect to a standard USB-I need an adapter. USB-A → USB-C (or cable with appropriate connectors).
- 💡 Power: Some flash drives require more power than the smartphone port can give. If the drive is not identified, try connecting it through an externally powered hub.
- 📁 File system: Redmi 10 based on MIUI It works best with FAT32 exFAT. NTFS Partially supported (reading only).
If you use a microSD adapter (for example, for memory cards), make sure that it is not damaged. Often the contacts in such adapters wear out, and the smartphone simply does not see the card. Try inserting the microSD directly into the Redmi 10 slot — if it is detected, the adapter is the problem.
2. Enabling OTG in MIUI settings
By default, the USB OTG feature on Redmi 10 is enabled, but sometimes it can be disabled (for example, after resetting settings or updating MIUI).
- Open Settings → Connections and Sharing.
- Select USB (or additionally if the item is not in the main menu).
- Activate the USB OTG switch (if you have one).
On some versions of MIUI (e.g. MIUI 13 and later), the OTG option may not be on the menu. This does not mean that the function is disabled, it just works by default.
☑️ Verification OTG menu-free
If after connecting the flash drive in the curtain notifications appears message «USB-The device is connected, but the files are not displayed, the problem is in the file manager or access settings.
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If you don't have an OTG in your settings, but you don't have a flash drive, try connecting it to another device (like a laptop), and if it doesn't work there, it's the drive, not the smartphone.
3. Set up a file manager to work with a flash drive
Even if Redmi 10 recognizes the flash drive at the hardware level, it may not appear in the standard MIUI file manager.
- 📂 Update Files: Open Google Play, find the Xiaomi Files app and update it. Older versions had bugs showing external drives.
- 🔍 Manual search: in the file manager tap three points (⋮) → Categories → Your flash drive should show up here.
- 🔄 Resetting: If the flash drive used to work but is no longer displayed, reset the file manager settings: Settings → Annexes → Files. → Warehouse → Clear the data.
If the standard manager stubbornly doesn’t see the drive, install an alternative one (like Solid Explorer or FX File Manager). They often work better with external devices. Importantly, some managers require additional permissions to access USB – don’t forget to provide them!
| File manager | Support for OTG | Additional settings |
|---|---|---|
| Files from Xiaomi | Yes (sometimes an update is required) | Enable the display of hidden devices in the settings |
| Solid Explorer | Yeah (NTFS recognizes better) | Give permission for USB in manual mode |
| FX File Manager | Yes (supports exFAT) | Enable OTG mode in the side menu |
| Google Files | Partially (may not see some flash drives) | Update to the latest version |
If the flash drive is displayed in the manager, but the files are not opened or copied with errors, the problem may be in the corrupt file system. Try connecting it to your computer and running the check (in Windows: Disk Properties → Service → Check).
4. Formatting a flash drive for compatibility with Redmi 10
If Redmi 10 is stubbornly not recognizing the flash drive, it may be because of its file system.
- 🟢 FAT32 — Full support (read/write).
- 🟡 ExFAT – Support depends on version MIUI (starting MIUI 12 is stable).
- 🔴 NTFS — Reading only (not possible without root rights).
To reformat the flash drive:
- Connect it to your computer (Windows/macOS/Linux).
- Copy all important data (formatting will delete it!).
- In Windows: Open This Computer → Right Click on the Flash Drive → Format.
- Select FAT32 (if the USB drive is up to 32 GB) or exFAT (if more).
- Click Start and wait until it is completed.
What if Windows does not allow formatting in FAT32?
After formatting, plug the flash drive back into Redmi 10. If it's still undetectable, check:
- 🔋 Is the battery of the smartphone dead (at low charge) OTG may be off).
- 🔌 Is the adapter or cable damaged (try another one).
- 📱 Does not block access antivirus or energy saving mode.
5. Solving common mistakes
If the flash drive is connected, but Redmi 10 gives an error, here are the most common problems and their solutions:
| Mistake. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| «USB-device is not supported» | Incompatible file system or a corrupted flash drive | Format it in FAT32/exFAT or check it on another device |
| "No access to the device" | No permissions in the file manager | Provide access to USB in the application settings |
| The flash drive connects, but the files are not displayed | Hidden or system files | Enable the display of hidden files in the manager |
| «USB-The device consumes too much energy» | Inadequate power from the port | Use a hub with external power supply |
Particular attention should be paid to the error «USB-It's not supported. It often appears if you have a device that's not supported:
- 🔹 The flash drive is formatted in NTFS (reformatting to exFAT).
- 🔹 Uses an uncertified adapter (take the original or from a proven brand).
- 🔹 Debugging mode is on. USB Developer’s Settings (sometimes conflicting with the OTG).
💡
If the flash drive worked before, but Suddenly is no longer detectable, check it for viruses. Some malware blocks access to external drives.
⚠️ Warning: If the Redmi 10 flash drive starts to overheat or discharge quickly, turn it off immediately! This may indicate a short circuit in the adapter or a malfunction of the drive.
6. Advanced methods (for experienced users)
If standard methods don't work, you can try more complex solutions, which require a confident smartphone ownership and sometimes risk breaking the warranty.
Method 1: Enabling OTG through ADB
If the settings do not have OTG, it can be forced to activate via ADB:
adb shell settings put global otg_enable 1For this:
- Turn on USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (tap 7 times, then go back to Additional → For Developers).
- Connect the phone to the PC and execute the command above.
- Reboot your smartphone.
Method 2: Using Magisk (root)
If you have root access, install the USB OTG Fix module via Magisk, which will help you bypass the limitations of MIUI on working with NTFS and other fileymi systems.
⚠️ Attention: obtaining root rights voids warranty and can lead to unstable operation of the smartphone. Use this method only if other options are exhausted.
Method 3: Update the firmware
In older versions of MIUI (e.g. MIUI 11 and below), exFAT support was limited.
- Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
- Download and install available updates.
- After the update, check the OTG.
7. Alternative methods of file transfer
If you can’t connect the flash drive, consider alternative options:
- 🌐 Cloud Storage: Upload files to Google Drive, Mi Cloud or Yandex Disk, then download them to your phone.
- 📶 Local area network: Use applications like LocalSend or Snapdrop to transfer files over Wi-Fi.
- 📱 Another smartphone: connect the flash drive to the second phone (for example, on Android with support) OTG) and transfer files via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct.
- 🖥️ Computer: Copy files from the flash drive to the PC, then connect Redmi 10 to the PC USB and move the data.
If you need to work with external drives regularly, consider buying a wireless flash drive (such as SanDisk Connect or Kingston Wi-Drive). OTG.