How to view a memory card on a Xiaomi phone: from connecting to file recovery

The microSD card in Xiaomi smartphones is an easy way to expand the memory of the device for photos, videos and applications. However, many users face the problem: inserting the card into the slot, they do not see it in the file manager or can not access files. The reasons can vary from improper formatting to hardware malfunctions. In this article, we will discuss all the ways to view the contents of the memory card on Xiaomi, including hidden MIUI settings, connecting to a computer and recovering data when crashes.

Feature of Xiaomi smartphones – hybrid slots for SIM-cards and microSD, where the second slot is often combined with support for the second SIM. This means that when you install a memory card, you lose the ability to use two SIM cards at the same time (except for models with a dedicated slot, such as the Redmi Note 11 Pro).+ 5G or POCO X5 Pro. Also. MIUI It can automatically suggest that you move data to a map, but it doesn't always display it correctly in the interface.

Basic method: viewing through a standard conductor

The most obvious method is to use the Files Manager (or Files in newer versions of MIUI) that is pre-installed on all Xiaomi smartphones and supports external drives.

1. Open the Explorer app (an icon with a folder on your desktop or in the application menu).
2. At the top of the screen, tap on three horizontal lines (menu) and select Device or Local Storage.
3. Scroll down the list – if the memory card is recognized, it will show as SD-card.
4. You can tap on it to open the contents, and if there's no folder, it's possible that the map is empty or not formatted.

⚠️ Note: If the conductor displays a message Memory card damaged or unknown format, do not rush to format it via your phone. First try to connect the card to your computer - perhaps the data will be saved (more about this in the section on recovery).

On models with MIUI 14+ (such as Xiaomi 13T or Redmi Note 12), the path to the memory card may be hidden behind the Device → Memory tab. If it is not, check if the card is inserted correctly (contacts should be facing up).

Check the physical connection (reset the card)|Reboot the phone |Update the latest version of MIUI|Try another card for the test-->

2. Memory card settings in MIUI settings

If the card is defined by the system but not displayed in the explorer, it may be configured as internal memory (Adoptable Storage in Android), in which case the files on it are encrypted and can only be viewed through the phone itself.

1. Go to Settings. → Memory.
2. Slip on the Memory Card line (or SD-map).
3. Select Settings (cog in the upper right corner).
4. If you can format as a portable drive, select it. Attention: this will remove all data from the card!

Once formatted, the card will become visible in the conductor as a removable disk. If the option is not available, then the card is already being used as a portable card, and the problem is in another (for example, in the file system).

Keeping photos and videos|Installing applications|Transfer of music and documents|I don't use it.|Another option-->

3. Connect to a computer to view files

If the card isn’t readable on the phone but is defined as a device, try connecting Xiaomi to a PC via a phone. USB-This will help you get around the restrictions. MIUI And check the state of the drive:

1. Connect your phone to your computer using the original cable (preferably USB Type-C).
2. The phone will have a message in the notification panel, Charge via USB.
3. Select File Transfer (or MTP) mode.
4. On your computer, open "This Computer" and the phone will appear as a removable disk.
5. If the memory card is connected correctly, it will appear as a separate drive (e.g., a separate disk, SD-map (D:)).

⚠️ Note: If you want to format your card when you connect to your PC, don't agree until you copy the data! Use programs like Recuva or PhotoRec to restore files before formatting.

(1) Use another USB-port (preferably) USB 3.0).

2) Install Mi PC Suite drivers from the official Xiaomi website.

(3) Reset both devices.-->

4.Recovery of data from a damaged card

If a memory card is identified as Damaged or Unknown File System, but it previously had important files, take your time to format it. First, try to recover data with specialized programs.

• 🔧 DiskDigger - restores photos, videos and documents (there is a free version).
• 📁 EaseUS Data Recovery – Supports FAT32 and exFAT, works with cards up to 512 GB.
• 🖥️ TestDisk – console utility for power users (free, restores partitions).

Procedure:

1. Connect the card to the PC via the card reader (not through the phone!).
2. Run a recovery program and select a damaged disk.
3. Specify the types of files to search for (e.g..jpg,.mp4).
4. Wait for the scan and save the found files to the hard drive.

5. Formatting a memory card in the correct format

If the card is new or you are ready to erase the data, format it in a compatible format. Xiaomi supports three file systems:

• 📂 FAT32 — Compatible with all devices, but limited to files up to 4GB.
• 📂 ExFAT – Optimal for cards >64GB supports large files.
• 📂 NTFS — It is rarely used on Android, it may not be read.

How to format:

1. Connect the card to the PC through the card reader.
2. Open “This Computer”, right-click on the card disk and select Format.
3. Select the file system: For cards up to 32 GB - FAT32. For cards up to 64 GB - exFAT.

Start.

💡

Never format a memory card through a phone if it was used as an internal memory (Adoptable Storage)! this can lead to loss of data in the system partitions of MIUI.

6.Error card check and speed test

If the card is unstable (for example, files are copied with errors or the phone freezes when accessing it), check it for bad sectors.

1. Connect the card to the PC.
2. Run the Command Prompt on behalf of the administrator.
3. Enter the command (replace X: by the letter of your drive): chkdsk X: /f /r
4. Wait for the check to be completed (it can take up to an hour for 256 GB+ cards).

On some models (e.g. Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite), the microSD slot is located separately, but may still require a reboot after installing the card. If the phone doesn't see the card even after rebooting, try:

1. Insert the card into another device (such as an Android tablet) to check.
2. Update the MIUI firmware to the latest version (new updates often fix bugs with external drives).
3. Reset network settings: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings.

Frequent Questions (FAQ)