How do you do it? SD-Map main storage on Xiaomi: all the ways and nuances

Xiaomi smartphones with limited internal memory often face a lack of space for apps, photos and videos. SD-The map is an extension of the vault, but in MIUI This process has its own peculiarities: not all models support Adoptable Storage, and in new versions of firmware, the algorithm for transferring data has changed. SD-Xiaomi map, including hidden settings, circumvention of restrictions and performance optimization.

It's important to understand that just inserting a memory card is not enough. MIUI) It offers two main scenarios of use SD-Cards: as portable storage (for media files) or as internal memory (for applications), the second option requires formatting the card in a special mode, making it incompatible with other devices. We will discuss both options in detail, and also explain how to avoid common mistakes, such as data loss or slowing down your phone.

This article is relevant for all modern Xiaomi smartphones, including the Redmi Note series. 12/13, POCO X5/F5, Mi 11/12/13 and other models on the base MIUI 14/15. If your device is running an older firmware version (for example, MIUI 12), Some menu items may differ – we will point this out in the relevant sections.

1. Preparation SD-maps: selection and formatting

Before transferring the data to SD-It's not just about speed, it's also about compatibility with your Xiaomi.

Selection criteria SD-map:

• 🔹 Speed class: minimum UHS-I (U1) Or Class 10. For video recordings in 4K App installations are better to choose U3 or A2 (optimized for applications).
• 🔹 Size: from 32 GB (for media files) to 512 GB (for full internal memory replacement.
• 🔹 Brand: Preferably SanDisk, Samsung EVO, Kingston Canvas – They are less counterfeited and more stable MIUI.

Before using the card, you need to format it. In Xiaomi, you can do this directly in the phone settings:

1. Put it in. SD-card to slot (if your model supports hybrid slot, make sure you are not busy with the SIM card).
2. Go to Settings. → Memory. → SD-map.
3. Choose Format as internal memory (for application installation) or Format as portable storage (for file only).

⚠️ Warning: Adoptable Storage formatting erases all data on the card and encrypts it, and then the card cannot be read on other devices without losing data!

Xiaomi models on Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets 8xx (For example, Mi 11 Ultra, POCO F4 GT) Adoptable Storage can be blocked by the manufacturer, in which case the porting of applications to the manufacturer. SD-The map is only possible through ADB-teams (discuss below).

Method 1: Configurement SD-The card is an internal memory (adoptable storage)

This method allows us to use SD-It's a map as part of the main repository, where you can transfer apps and games:

• 📱 It doesn’t work on all Xiaomi models (depending on version) MIUI and chipset).
• ⚡ The map must be high-speed (UHS-I U3 or A2), Otherwise, the system will slow down.
• 🔒 After formatting, the map cannot be removed - this will lead to malfunctions in the application.

Step-by-step:

1. Put it in. SD-phone-card.
2. Go to Settings. → Memory. → SD-map.
3. Press Three dots (⋮) → Storage settings → Formatting as an internal memory.
4. Confirm the action and wait until the process is completed (it can take up to 10 minutes).
5. After formatting, select Move Data Now or do it manually later.

If there is no Format as internal memory, then your Xiaomi model does not support Adoptable Storage through the standard menu. ADB (described below).

Card speed (minimum class) 10/U1)

Card size (at least 32 GB for applications)

Lack of important data (all will be erased)

Battery charge (at least 50%)

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After formatting, the system will offer to transfer some of the data to SD-You can choose a map:

• 📁 Photo and video - transfer of media files from the gallery.
• 🎮 Applications – transfer of installed programs (not all, but only those that support this function).
• 📄 Documents and Downloads – Files from Download and Documents folders.

3. Method 2: Transfer files to SD-hand-held card (portable storage)

If you don’t want to format your card as internal memory or your Xiaomi model doesn’t support Adoptable Storage, you can transfer files manually, a method that is suitable for media files, documents, and some applications (if they support saving data to an external drive).

How to transfer files:

1. Open the Files app (or any other file manager).
2. Select the folder you want to move (for example, DCIM for photo or downloading).
3. Press Highlight All. → Move it → SD-map.
4. Create a new folder on the map (such as Photos) and confirm the transfer.

To automate the process, you can configure the saving of new files immediately on SD-map:

• 📸 Camera: Open the Camera app → Settings (⚙) → Preservation site → SD-map.
• 🎵 Music and downloads: in the browser or music player, select the save path to SD-map.

Some apps (such as WhatsApp or Telegram) allow you to transfer media files to the Internet. SD-map through its settings:

WhatsApp Settings → Storage and Data → Storage Management → Change the Way of Save

⚠️ Note: When transferring files manually, avoid creating duplicates, for example, if you transfer a photo from a folder. DCIM on SD-map, but don't delete the originals, they will remain in the internal memory. Use the function Move, not copy.

SanDisk Ultra (A1)

Samsung EVO Plus (U3)

Kingston Canvas Go! Plus (A2)

Another (write in the comments)

I don't use it.-->

Method 3: Transfer applications to SD-map ADB (advanced)

If your Xiaomi does not support Adoptable Storage through the settings menu, you can force this feature to activate using the Adoptable Storage Menu. ADB-This method works on most models, but requires a computer connection and basic command line knowledge.

What you need:

• 🖥 Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and tool ADB (You can download from the official Android website).
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on the phone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Press 7 times, then return to the Additional Settings → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 💾 SD-card formatted as portable storage (if already used, back up the data).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect the phone to the computer by USB and select the File Transfer Mode (MTP).
2. 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:179,64.

1. Enter a command to format the card as internal memory (replace). disk:179,64 on your ID):

sm partition disk:179,64 private

1. Once the process is complete, restart the phone. SD-The card will be displayed as part of the internal memory.

On some Xiaomi models, for example, POCO X3 Pro or Redmi Note 10 Pro) after running this command, you may need to reset your settings via Settings → Additionally. → Resetting settings → Reset application settings so that the system correctly recognizes the new storage.

5. Limitations and problems in use SD-maps in Xiaomi

Even after the successful transfer of data to SD-You might encounter a number of problems in this map. Here are the most common ones and the ways to solve them:

Another common problem is that some applications cannot be ported, which is related to Android's security policy: system applications and some games (e.g., the security policy of Android, PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact does not support porting to SD-And then there are only two options:

• 🔄 Remove unnecessary applications or clear their cache (Settings) → Annexes → Application management → Clear the cache).
• 📥 Use cloud storage (Mi Cloud, Google Drive) to back up data.

If, after transferring the applications to SD-The map starts to fly out or not to update, try it:

1. Transfer the problem application back to internal memory.
2. Clear its cache and data (Settings) → Annexes → [Name of name] → Warehouse → Clear the data).
3. Update the app through Google Play.

Optimization of work SD-Maps in Xiaomi: tips and tricks

So SD-The card worked quickly and without failure, follow these recommendations:

Regular cleaning:

• 🧹 Delete unnecessary files (such as app cache or duplicate photos) using the built-in Cleanup tool (Settings) → Memory. → Cleanup).
• 🗑 Use applications like Files by Google to find large or old files.

Defragmentation (for microSD cards):

Over time, files on SD-They fragment the map, which slows access to them:

1. Connect the card to the computer through the card reader.
2. Use utilities like this. SD Card Formatter (official utility from the SD Association or Defraggler.

Caching configuration:

Some apps (such as Google Chrome or Spotify) allow you to save cache to your computer. SD-map:

• 🌐 In Chrome: Settings → Downloads. → The way to preserve → SD-map.
• 🎧 In Spotify: Settings → Warehouse → Download folder → SD-map.

Health monitoring card:

SD-The cards have a limited resource to check her condition:

• 📊 Use the apps SD Insight or A1 SD Bench for Speed and Health Testing.
• 🔋 If the recording speed fell below 10 MB / s, it is time to replace the card.

💡

If you often shoot videos in 4K, highlight SD-You can have a separate folder for your records, and you can transfer files to your computer regularly, which will reduce the load on the card and prolong its life.

7. Alternative ways to expand memory in Xiaomi

If the transfer is SD-The card does not solve the memory problem or your Xiaomi model does not support Adoptable Storage, consider alternative options:

1. Cloud storage:

• ☁️ Mi Cloud (5GB free, integrated with MIUI).
• ☁️ Google Drive (15GB free, handy for backups).
• ☁️ Yandex Disk or Mega (up to 50 GB free of charge).

Set up automatic photo and video download: Settings → Synchronization → Mi Cloud → Autouploading media files.

2. OTG-accumulator:

If your Xiaomi supports USB OTG, you can connect an external SSD or flash drive.

1. Buy it. OTG-adapter (e.g. Baseus or UGREEN).
2. Connect a flash drive or SSD to your phone.
3. Use the file manager to transfer data.

Cleaning of the system:

Often, unnecessary files are used:

• 🗑 Remove the application cache (Settings) → Memory. → Cleanup → Cash app).
• 🎬 Move downloads to the cloud or to the computer.
• 📂 Remove duplicate photos with Google Photos or Gallery Doctor.

Reset to factory settings:

If the phone is full of system debris, the last resort is to reset.

1. Make a backup (Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset).
2. Reset: Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.

8. Frequent questions about the use of SD-maps in Xiaomi