Why is Redmi 9 an extra memory?
Xiaomi Redmi 9 is one of the most popular budget devices with a balance of performance and functionality. However, even its modifications with 64 GB or 128 GB of internal memory sooner or later face a shortage of space. High-resolution photos, 4K video, heavy games and application cache take gigabytes in a matter of months.
But here users are waiting for nuances: Redmi 9 supports memory cards up to 512 GB, but not all models work with exFAT format. In addition, improper formatting or choosing a poor-quality card can lead to data loss or slow down the smartphone. In this article, we will analyze all the stages - from choosing a map to transferring applications, as well as solve typical errors such as «SD-map not defined».
What? SD-Choose a map for Xiaomi Redmi 9?
Not every microSD is suitable for Redmi 9. the manufacturer recommends cards of class UHS-I (U1 or U3) with a write speed of at least 10 MB / s.
- 🔹 SanDisk Ultra (A1, U1) — Budget Choices for Photos and Music.
- 🔹 Samsung EVO Plus (U3, A2) — videotape 4K heavy-play.
- 🔹 Kingston Canvas Go! Plus (U3, A2) — high-speed reading/writing.
- 🔹 Lexar Professional 1066x (U3, V30) — premium option for professionals.
Note the marking: A1/A2 – optimized for applications (the higher the class, the faster the games from the card work). U3/V30 – guarantees a write speed of at least 30 MB / s, critical for video.
Warning: cards larger than 256GB may not be recognized without first formatting in exFAT (see section below).
Preparation SD-pre-connection cards
The new memory card can be formatted in the FAT32 or NTFS file system, which do not always work correctly with Android. For Redmi 9, the exFAT format (if the volume is >64 GB) or FAT32 (up to 32 GB) is optimal.
How to check the current format:
1. Insert the card into the computer through the card reader.
2. Open this computer (Windows) or Disk utility (macOS).
3. Right-click on the map → Properties → look at the file system.
Save important data from the map to the PC
Check the card for errors (chkdsk)
Select exFAT file system for cards >64 GB
Use official utilities (SD Formatter)-->
If formatting is required:
1 Download the SD Memory Card Formatter utility (the official tool from the SD Association).
2. Select a card, specify exFAT and press Format.
⚠️ Warning: Formatting will destroy all data on the map! Don't use the standard Windows map utility >32GB - she'll offer NTFS, which is not supported by Android.
Step-by-step instruction: how to insert SD-map
Xiaomi Redmi 9 microSD slot is combined with tray for SIM-This means that you can use either two nano-SIMs or one. SIM + microSD.
Installation algorithm:
1. Turn off your smartphone (required! Hot card change can damage your contacts).
2. Find the SIM tray on the left end of the case (near the volume buttons).
3. insert the paperclip into the hole and carefully remove the tray.
4. Place the microSD in the microSD slot (usually marked as SD or TF) with the front up (contacts should look towards the screen).
5. Put the tray back in place before the click.
What to do if the tray is not inserted?
After switching on the smartphone will be a notification “New” SD-map discovered.Click on it to start setting up.
Setting up SD-Cards as internal or external memory
Android offers two options for using the map:
1. Portable storage - for photos, music, documents (you can easily retrieve).
2. Internal memory – for the installation of applications (the card is tied to the device, extraction without data reset is impossible).
How to choose a mode:
1. Go to Settings. → Memory. → SD-map.
2. Click Setup → Select:
Portable storage (recommended for most users)
Internal memory (only if there is not enough space for applications!)
| Parameter | Portable storage | Internal memory. |
|---|---|---|
| Portability of applications | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes (partially) |
| Extracting the map | ✅ No loss. | ❌ Requires a reset. |
| Speed of operation | ⚡ Quick (depending on the class of the card) | 🐢 Slower (encryption) |
| Formatting | Any file system | Only ext4 or f2fs |
⚠️ Note: When selecting the "Inner Memory" mode, the card will be formatted into ext4, It can't be read on a computer without special utilities, and some apps (like WhatsApp) may not work with internal utilities. SD.
Transferring data and applications to SD-map
If you've set up a map as a portable storage, you can only transfer media files and documents.
- Open Files (application from Xiaomi).
- Select a folder (for example, DCIM for a photo).
- Press. ⋮ → Move it → SD-map.
For internal memory, a transfer of part of the applications is available:
1. Go to Settings → Applications → Select the App → Storage.
2.Click Change → SD-map.
💡
Not all applications support porting to SD! System utilities (such as Settings or Phone) remain in internal memory, and some games (PUBG, Genshin Impact) may run slower from a card below A2.
List of applications that cannot be transferred to SD:
- Google Play Services;
Applications with administrator rights (antiviruses, VPN);
- Widgets and launchers.
Addressing problems: SD-The card is not defined or makes errors
Common mistakes and ways to eliminate them:
- 🚫 «SD-card corrupted": Connect the card to a PC and check for viruses. format in exFAT via SD Formatter. If it doesn't work, the card is faulty (check on another device).
"The map is constantly off."
The problem is the slot contacts.
- Rub the card and slot with alcohol.
- Insert the card into another smartphone for the test.
- Update the Redmi 9 firmware (SD bugs were fixed in MIUI 12.5+).
“Not enough space” despite the free space on the SD
Android defaults to save files to internal memory.Change camera settings: Camera → Settings → Preservation site → SD-map.