How to expand memory on Xiaomi: a complete guide with proven ways

Lack of space on Xiaomi’s smartphone is one of the most common problems faced by users of even flagship models: high-resolution photos, 4K video, app cache and system updates can fill internal memory in a matter of months. But don’t rush to buy a new phone: in 90% of cases, memory can be efficiently expanded without losing performance.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to increase memory on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices – from the banal (microSD cards) to the little-known (hidden MIUI functions and cloud services with bonuses). Particular attention will be paid to models with a hybrid slot (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro+), where choosing a memory card can block a second SIM.

1. MicroSD Memory Cards: How to Choose and Use It Right

The most obvious way to expand memory is to install a microSD card, but not all Xiaomi models support this format, and choosing the wrong card can lead to slowing down the phone or loss of data. Let's figure out how to avoid errors.

The first thing to do is check the specifications of your model. For example, the Xiaomi 13 Ultra does not have a microSD slot, but it does. POCO X5 Pro supports cards up to 1 TB, but only in a hybrid slot (you have to sacrifice the second one). SIM-For a full list of compatible models, see the table below.

• 🔍 UHS-I vs UHS-II: Smartphones are enough UHS-I (speed up to 104 MB/s. Maps UHS-II They are expensive, but their potential is not realized in phones.
• 📱 Speed classes: minimum Class 10 or U1 record HD For the video. 4K need U3 or V30.
• 🚫 What to avoid: cards without a brand, with suspiciously low price or labeling C4/C6 — They're slowing down the system.

⚠️ Note: If you use a microSD card in a hybrid slot (for example, on the Redmi Note 11 Pro), then when you remove it, the phone will automatically switch to the first one. SIM-This could interrupt the calls or SMS, second SIM primary.

Once you buy a card, you need to format it properly. In MIUI, it's done through Settings → Storage → SD Card → Format as an internal one.

Encryption of data (the card will only work on this phone)

Slowing down when using cheap cards

Impossibility of retrieval without loss of data

Automatic transfer of part of applications to the map-->

Optimizing internal memory: What can be safely removed

Before you spend money on a memory card, try to make room on the internal drive. MIUI has built-in cleaning tools, but they often miss heavy files. We've compiled a list of secure data to delete that won't affect the system.

• 🗑️ Application cache: cleaned in Settings → Annexes → Application management → Clear the cache. for Google Play Services and MIUI System can be removed before 1-2 GB.
• 🎬 Mini-video from the gallery: MIUI It automatically saves short clips when you take a photo. It's called.minimov).
• 📁 APK-Files: remain after installing applications in the Download folder or APK. You can delete it if the applications are already updated.
• 🔄 Photo Duplicates: Use the built-in Gallery tool → Albums. → Duplicate or App Files by Google.

Pay special attention to the Android/obb folder – this is where game data is stored (for example, Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile can take up to 10 GB), these files can be transferred to the memory card manually or deleted if the game is no longer needed.

Use for deep cleaning ADB-Teams (computer required):

adb shell pm clear --user 0 com.miui.cleanmaster # Reset "Cleanup"


adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.analytics # Removal of MIUI Analytics

⚠️ Attention: Do not delete folders Android/data or MIUI manually through the file manager! This can cause applications to crash. Use only built-in tools or ADB.

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Before mass deletion of files, back up via Settings → System → Backup. This will save your Wi-Fi settings, SMS and call log.

3. Transfer of applications to a memory card: myths and reality

Many users try to migrate applications to microSD through Settings → Applications → Move to SD, but experience errors or slowdowns, the fact that not all applications support this functionality, and some (such as WhatsApp or Banking applications) block the transfer for security reasons.

Here's what really works:

• 📱 Apps with support: Spotify, Netflix, some games (for example, Among Us) checked in the description of the application in Google Play.
• ⚙️ Manual transfer through ADB: Command: adb shell pm set-install-location 2 # Forced installation on SD Caution: May cause errors in the application!
• 🔄 Symlink: To transfer application folders (for example, Android/obb) It's a map without losing data.

If your goal is to make room for new applications, it’s best to use cloud services (more on this in the next section) or Lite versions of apps (e.g. Facebook Lite, Messenger Lite) that take up 3-5 times less space.

4. Cloud Storage: How to Get Free Space and Automate Backup

Cloud services are a great alternative to physical media, especially if you often reinstall firmware or fear losing data. Xiaomi offers its own Mi Cloud, but its free fare is limited to 5GB. We've put together ways to get more space for free and set up automatic sync.

To automate backup of photos and videos:

1. Open the gallery → Settings → Backup.
2. Choose Google Photos or Mi Cloud.
3. Activate the option via Wi-Fi only so as not to waste mobile traffic.
4. In Google Photos, select High Quality (unlimited storage) instead of Original.

If you are taking pictures in RAW format (for example, on Xiaomi 13 Pro), pay attention to Amazon Photos – the service offers unlimited storage for photos in original quality for owners of Xiaomi devices (promotion is valid until the end of 2026).

5. Hidden MIUI functions for memory management

MIUI has a few hidden tools that help control memory usage, but few people know about them. These features do not require root rights and work on all models starting with MIUI 12.

• 🔍 Storage analysis by category: go to Settings → Warehouse → Analysis. This is not just apps, but System Data, Media Files, and more. Click on any category to see a detailed report.
• ⚡ Manual memory optimization: In the same section, there is an Optimize button. It deletes temporary files that are not available. MIUI It usually does not touch during standard cleaning.
• 📦 Compression of unused applications: in Settings → Annexes → App management select a rarely used application and press compress. This reduces its size by 30-50% stripped.
• 🔄 Transferring media files to a map SD without loss of quality: in the Gallery → Settings → You can choose a memory card as the default save location for new photos and videos.

For MIUI 14 and later, the Smart Cleanup feature is available, which automatically deletes unused files older than 30 days.

1. Go to Settings. → Warehouse.
2. Slip on three dots in the upper right corner and select Cleaning Settings.
3. Enable the Smart Cleanup option and set up exceptions (such as folders with important documents).

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The Smart Cleanup feature in MIUI 14+ can delete up to 3-5 GB of unnecessary files per month without you being involved, but it doesn’t touch the cache of apps and downloads — they need to be manually cleaned.

If your phone supports RAM Expansion, you can turn it off to free up 2-6 GB of internal storage. Go to Settings → About Phone → Memory and deactivate RAM Extension. This will not affect performance if you have 6 GB+ of physical RAM.

6. Alternative methods: OTG-drives, network drives and non-obvious life hacks

If microSD cards and clouds don't work for you, consider less popular but effective ways to expand memory, OTG-drive-in USB-C Micro-USB allows you to connect external drives up to 2 TB without losing warranty.

• 🔌 OTG-Flu-drives: suitable for models with support USB OTG (checks in the settings → Connections → USB). Read/write speeds are faster than microSD, but flash drive sticks out of your phone.
• 🌐 Network disks (NAS): If you have a router with USB-port (for example, Xiaomi Router) AX6000), You can connect a hard disk to it and access files over a local network.
• 📱 Use of the second phone as storage: MIUI File Sharing or Nearby Share can transfer files between devices without the Internet.
• 🔄 Streaming instead of storage: For music, use Spotify or YouTube Music in Streaming Only mode, and for video, use Plex or Kodi with a cloud connection.

For owners. POCO F4 GT Black Shark 5 has a unique opportunity to use external SSD-storage USB-C. These models support USB 3.2, which allows you to connect disks at speeds up to 10 Gbps. T7 1TB Shield will give you extra space for games and media.

⚠️ Attention: When in use OTG-battery-powered phones ≤4000 mAh (for example, Xiaomi 11 Lite) NE) This can accelerate battery discharge, and it's associated with additional power consumption. USB-port.

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If you're often connected OTG-flash drive, buy it. USB-C It's a hub with a charging port, and it allows you to use the external drive and charge your phone at the same time.

7 What to do if memory is terminated due to system updates

One of the most frustrating things is when MIUI requires 1.5-3GB of free space to install an update, and it doesn't, and it's a special technique that temporarily frees up space.

Try it first.

1. Delete. APK-Update files from the Download folder or downloaded_rom.
2. Clear the cache of Google Play Services and Services Framework through Settings → Apps.
3. Turn off the automatic download of media files in messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram).
4. Move your photos and videos to a memory card or cloud (even temporarily).

If this does not help, use the Recovery Mode:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up to enter Recovery.
3. Choose Wipe & Reset → Wipe Cache.
4. Restart the device and try installing the update again.

For models with dynamic memory (such as the Xiaomi 12T), you can temporarily roll back the update to make room.

1. Download the previous version of MIUI from en.miui.com.
2. Rename the file to update.zip and place it in the phone’s root folder.
3. In Recovery, select Install update.zip.

FAQ: Frequent questions about memory expansion on Xiaomi