How to switch memory to Xiaomi: internal to SD-map

You have faced a situation when the Xiaomi smartphone runs out of internal memory, and external memory. SD-Is the card idle? Or vice versa - want to give back priority to the internal drive after experimenting with expansion, POCO Black Shark has nuances that depend on the version MIUI/HyperOS, This article will cover all working methods, from standard settings to hidden features for advanced users.

It is important to understand: modern Xiaomi smartphones (released after the launch) 2020 year) often does not support formatting SD-And that's Google's restriction, not the manufacturer's, but there are workarounds, from manual file transfer to use. ADB-We tested all the methods on the current firmware (MIUI 14/15 HyperOS and only working solutions.

Before you start, check out two key points:

• 🔹 Type SD-maps: class cards only A1/A2 (or UHS-I/UHS-II) They're suitable for use as memory extensions. 10 without the "Application Performance" label does not guarantee stable operation.
• 🔹 Android Version: On Android 11 Devices+ (MIUI 12.5+) Adoptable Storage is officially removed, but can be activated via ADB.
• 🔹 Smartphone model: flagships (Xiaomi) 13/14, Redmi K60) often deprived of slots for SD-The cards, unlike the budget series (Redmi Note) 12, POCO M5).

1.Memory switching to Xiaomi: which one to choose?

There are 4 main methods of changing memory priority, and their applicability depends on your model and firmware. Below is a comparison table that will help you decide on the choice:

If your smartphone is released after 2021 (such as Xiaomi 12T or Redmi Note 11), most likely, only the first or fourth method will suit you. For older devices (Redmi 5 Plus, Mi A2), all options are available, including formatting the card as internal memory.

2. Method 1: Transfer files through standard MIUI settings

It’s the most secure and versatile way that works on all Xiaomi devices regardless of the firmware version. SD-card with internal memory, but allows you to automatically save files (photos, videos, documents) to an external drive and transfer existing data there.

Instructions:

1. Put it in. SD-If it's new, the system will suggest formatting it, you can agree.
2. Go to Settings. → Warehouse.
3. Slip on the item Internal memory, then select Data transfer to SD-map.
4. Mark the file types to transfer (photos, videos, audio, documents) and confirm the action.

Note that this method does not port applications, only media files and documents, to change the default location of saving new files:

• 📸 For photo/video: Open the camera → Settings → Preservation site → choose SD-map.
• 📄 For downloads: in the browser or file manager, specify the save path to the external drive.

Make sure the map is formatted in FAT32/exFAT|

Check the vacant space (minimum 10% of the volume)|

Backup of important data from the map |

Disable encryption (if used)-->

⚠️ Attention: If you extract SD-card after file transfer, some applications (e.g. gallery) may not display media files until the drive is re-installed. Always safely extract the card through Settings → Warehouse → Extract SD-map.

Method 2: Formatting SD-The card is an internal memory (adoptable storage)

This method only works on Android 9-10 devices (MIUI 11 and below and allows you to do so SD-Once formatted, the system will install applications and save data to the external drive automatically.

Step-by-step:

1. Put it in. SD-smartphone-card.
2. When the notice “New” appears SD-Map "slip on it or go to Settings" → Warehouse.
3. Select Set Up → Internal memory.
4. Read the formatting warning (all data will be deleted!) and confirm the action.
5. Wait until the process is completed (it can take 5-15 minutes).
6. After restart, go to Settings. → Appendices and transfer the necessary programs to SD-hand-write.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔧 Annexes shall be installed on SD-Default card (if you support transfer).
• 📁 The system recognizes the card as part of the internal memory (path). /storage/emulated/0).

Disadvantages:

• ⚠️ The card becomes "tied" to the device - it can not be removed without resetting the settings.
• ⏳ Speed of application with SD-cards are lower than internal memory (even on cards) A2).
• 🔄 When connected to a PC, the card will not be visible as a removable disk.

Method 3: Forced mounting SD-maps as internal through ADB

For Android 11 devices+ (MIUI 12.5–15, HyperOS) standard formatting method SD-The card is locked as internal memory, but it can be activated via Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method requires a computer and basic command line skills.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 🛠️ Utilities. ADB and Fastboot.
• 🔓 Included debugging by USB smartphone.

Instructions:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and tap on MIUI Version 7 times.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
3. Connect your smartphone to your PC, select File Transfer mode and confirm debugging permission.
4. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:

adb shell


sm list-disks

You will see your ID. SD-maps, for example, disk:179,Copy it and execute the command:

sm partition disk:179,64 private

Replace 179.64 with your ID. Once you complete the command, restart your smartphone. SD-The card will be displayed as internal memory.

⚠️ Note: This method will reset all data on SD-If you take the card out, the apps that are installed on it will stop working, and to get the card back to its original state, you'll need full formatting on the PC.

💡

Before execution ADB-Create a backup copy of the data from SD-After the sm partition command, all files will be deleted without the possibility of recovery.

5. Method 4: Manual memory management for advanced users

If previous methods don’t fit (for example, you have a flagship without a slot for your device). SD-cards or you want to manage the storage flexibly, you can use a combination of:

• 📂 Transfer of applications to SD-hand-write.
• 🔄 Symlinks (symlinks) for forwarding folders.
• 🧹 Cleaning cache and unnecessary files.

Application portability (not working for all programs):

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the application you want to transfer.
3. Slip the vault. → Change. → choose SD-map.

If the "Change" button is inactive, the application does not support the transfer, in which case the creation of symbolic links (root rights are required):

su


ln -s /storage/emulated/0/Android/obb /storage/XXXX-XXXX/Android/obb

Replace. XXXX-XXXX your ID SD-This method will redirect the obb folder (where game data is stored) to an external drive.

Memory cleanup:

• 🗑️ Remove the app cache in Settings → Warehouse → Clean up.
• 🎮 Move or remove heavy games (folder) Android/obb).
• 📥 Clear up the downloads to Files → Categories → Downloads.

💡

Symlinks are the only way to transfer data from applications that do not support standard portability, but this method requires root rights and can lead to unstable retrieval of programs. SD-map.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When switching memory to Xiaomi, users encounter common errors.

If after switching memory smartphone began to brake or overheat, most likely the problem is slow. SD-Check its speed with the app. A1 SD Bench (should be at least 10 MB/s for reading and writing).

Another common situation: after updating the firmware SD-The card is no longer recognized as internal, and it's because of the mounting rights reset:

1. Go to Settings. → Warehouse.
2. Tap it on. SD-map → Settings → Format as internal (if optional).
3. If there is no option, use it. ADB-team from Method 3.

7.Alternative ways to free memory without SD-map

If your Xiaomi smartphone does not support you SD-cards (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Pro or Black Shark 5), but internal memory is sorely lacking, use these methods:

• ☁️ Cloud storage: 🔹 Mi Cloud (5GB free) – integrated with MIUI, backup. 🔹 Google Photos – unlimited storage for compressed photos (until 2021). 🔹 Yandex Drive (10GB free) – easy for documents.
• 🔍 Optimizing storage: 🔹 Turn on the settings. → Warehouse → Free up space – the system will find unnecessary files. 🔹 Remove duplicate photos with Google Files or CCleaner. 🔹 Clear the cache of messengers (in Telegram it is up to 10 GB!).
• 📱 Use of the OTG-accumulator: 🔹 Connect the flash drive through USB OTG And transfer the media files to it. 🔹 Some applications (e.g, FX File Explorer supports mounting OTG internal storage.

For games and heavy applications (such as Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile), the only reliable way is to clean the cache regularly or buy a smartphone with a large amount of memory. SD-Cards (e.g. SanDisk Extreme) A2) Lose in the speed of the built-in memory UFS 3.1, which is critical for gaming.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions