Owners of Xiaomi Redmi 5 smartphones often face a lack of built-in storage, especially if the device is used to record high-resolution video or install heavy games. The expansion of the device’s capabilities is possible thanks to a microSD card slot that allows you to increase the available volume several times. Properly installing the media is the first step to comfortable use of multimedia features of your gadget without constant notifications about the shortage of space.
The process of connecting the drive does not require special technical skills, but it has its own nuances, ignoring which can lead to loss of data or damage to the slot. In this article, we will discuss in detail the physical installation of the card, the process of formatting it in the Android system and the possibility of using flash memory as an extension of internal storage, which will allow you to store thousands of photos and hundreds of applications without having to delete old files.
Preparation for installation and selection of memory card
Before you start a physical installation, you need to make sure that the selected drive is compatible with your device.Redmi 5 supports microSDHC and microSDXC cards up to 128 GB, although modern models often work successfully with 256 GB. It is important to pay attention to the speed class, since this parameter depends on the speed of the system when recording video and launching applications.
For comfortable work, it is recommended to choose cards labeled Class 10 or UHS-I, which provide stable write speed. Using cheap media of low quality can lead to freezes of the MIUI interface and loss of saved files at the most inopportune time.Be sure to check the availability of an adapter in the kit before buying if you plan to transfer data to your computer.
⚠️ Warning: Before removing or installing a memory card, it is strongly recommended to completely turn off the smartphone to avoid short circuit contacts or file system software errors.
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Buy memory cards only in trusted electronics stores, as there are a lot of fakes on the market that show the wrong volume in the system, but lose data when filled in.
Physical installation of the card in the slot
Slot for SIM-The maps and memory in the Xiaomi Redmi 5 is located on the upper end of the case and has a hybrid design. SIM-card SIM-card along with microSD card. To extract the tray will require a special paper clip, which comes with a kit, or a thin needle, which must be inserted into the hole next to the tray.
After removing the tray, carefully examine its shape: one side is designed for the purpose of SIM-The card, and another, often with a characteristic curve or smaller size, is for microSD. Set the memory card in the appropriate recess so that the golden contacts are directed downwards and the bevelled angle coincides with the shape of the tray. Do not make excessive efforts, the card should enter easily and be fixed in the plane of the tray.
☑️ Verification of the installation of a memory card
Insert the collected tray back into the smartphone to the point, keeping the orientation, and turn on the device. If everything goes well, the system will automatically detect the new media and prompt it to configure, but you will need to format it for stable operation.
Primary configuration and formatting of the drive
After you turn on your Android smartphone, format your new drive to bring the file system to a readable view. Usually, a notification of this appears at the top of the screen immediately after you download, but if you don't, you need to go to the settings. Go to the Settings menu → Memory, where you will display a list of connected storages.
Click on your memory card name, and in the menu that opens, select Format. The system will warn that all data on the media will be deleted, so if there was important information on the card, it should have been stored in advance. The formatting process in the ext4 or FAT32 file system takes only a few seconds and makes the card ready to write files.
⚠️ Note: The formatting process irreversibly deletes all files, so make sure there are no required documents on the card before confirming the action in the smartphone menu.
Using the card as internal memory
One of the most useful features on Android 6.0 and higher, which is available on Redmi 5, is the ability to combine an external card with internal memory. SD-To activate this mode, select the Memory Settings menu to Use as Internal Memory.
Once you select this item, the system will test the speed of the drive and, if the result is satisfactory, will suggest transferring the data. It is important to understand that after that the card will be encrypted and can not be read on other devices without formatting, this ensures the security of your data, but makes the card tied specifically to this smartphone.
Can the card be returned to normal?
Application Transfer and File Management
If you haven't used internal memory mode, many applications can still be transferred to an external drive manually through settings. → Annexes → All applications, select the desired program and find the Move to button. SD-Note that some of Google’s system applications and programs do not support this feature and will remain in the built-in storage.
To manage files, use built-in Explorer or third-party file managers, such as MI File Manager. In the camera settings, be sure to change the default save path so that photos and videos are immediately recorded to an external drive. This is done in the camera settings menu, where you need to find the item "Save to the storage device". SD-map and activate the switch.
| Parameter | Built-in memory | SD card (external) | SD card (internal) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed of operation | Tall. | Medium/Low | Depends on the class of the card. |
| Transfer to another phone | No (data only) | Yes, no restrictions. | No (format required) |
| Installation of applications | All applications | Only supported | All applications |
| Risk of data loss | Low. | Medium. | High when failing |
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Using a fast memory card (Class 10/U3) is critical for internal memory, otherwise the smartphone interface may start to work slower.
Possible problems and ways to solve them
Sometimes, once you have installed the card, the system may give you read errors or you may not see the drive at all. Often the problem is oxidizing the contacts of the card itself or contaminating the slot in your smartphone. Try gently wipe the microSD contacts with a soft wipe or an alcohol wipe and insert the card again, making sure that it sits tightly in the tray.
If the smartphone says that the card is corrupted, but it is readable on the computer, it is possible that the file system is corrupted or the format is not supported. FAT32 (For cards up to 32 GB) or exFAT (for cards above 32 GB) it is also worth checking the map for broken sectors using the utility. h2testw PC-only.
⚠️ Note: If the memory card heats up during operation or the phone discharges quickly after installation, it is possible that the drive is defective and creates a short circuit – immediately remove it.