How to expand memory on Xiaomi Redmi: from memory card to cloud storage

Xiaomi Redmi smartphones are known for their value for money, but even the most advanced models face a shortage of internal memory over time. High-resolution photos, 4K videos, heavy games and app cache quickly fill the available space. If your Redmi Note 12, Redmi 10 or other model of the series signals a memory shortage, don’t rush to delete important files. There are several ways to expand storage, and we will analyze each of them with the features of the MIUI firmware.

In this article, you will find not only standard solutions like installing a microSD card, but also less obvious methods: from transferring applications to an external drive to using Xiaomi Cloud services and third-party solutions. We will also analyze which models support adoptable storage and where the functionality is blocked by the manufacturer. MIUI, Optimize memory usage without buying additional accessories.

Installation of a microSD memory card: which format and class to choose

The most obvious way to expand memory is to use a microSD card. However, not all Xiaomi Redmi models support this functionality, and even where it is, there are nuances. For example, in the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ and the newer card slot, the card slot is often combined with a slot for the second SIM (hybrid slot), which forces you to choose between additional memory and a second SIM.

Before you buy a card, check the specifications of your model on the official Xiaomi website.

• 🔹 Maximum volume (usually up to 1TB, but older models like Redmi) 5A — up to 256GB).
• 🔹 Speed class: for recording video 4K need UHS-I U3 or V30, Class 10 is enough for normal tasks.
• 🔹 File system format: FAT32 (up to 32 GB), exFAT (64 GB or NTFS (rarely, but supported by some firmware).

Important: MicroSDXC cards (from 64 GB) are often formatted in exFAT by default, but some Redmi models may not recognize this format without additional manipulation. If the card is not determined after installation, try formatting it into FAT32 via your computer (but remember that FAT32 does not support files larger than 4 GB).

⚠️ Warning: Don't buy memory cards from unknown brands at suspiciously low prices. SanDisk or Samsung fakes often have a real volume that is many times smaller than the stated volume, and their controllers quickly fail. H2testw (Windows or F3 (Linux/macOS).

2. Configure the memory card as internal storage (Adoptable Storage)

Adoptable Storage, which was introduced in Android 6.0 Marshmallow, allows microSD to be used as part of internal memory, which means that apps and their data can be transferred to the map, not just media files, but Xiaomi in MIUI firmware often blocks this functionality – especially on new models.

To check for Adoptable Storage support on your Redmi:

1. Insert a memory card and wait for its definition by the system.
2. Go to Settings → Storage → [The name of your card].
3. If you have the option to use as internal memory, you can activate it. If you don't, the function is blocked.

On Redmi models with MIUI 12 and later (e.g. Redmi Note 11, Redmi 10 2022), this option is usually absent. This restriction can only be circumvented through manual editing of system files (requires root rights) or installing custom firmware like LineageOS. However, this cancels the warranty and can lead to unstable operation of the device.

If Adoptable Storage is not available, the alternative is to manually transfer applications to the map via settings.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the application you want to transfer.
3. Click Warehouse → Change → SD card (if the option is active).

⚠️ Note: Not all applications support porting to a memory card: System utilities, widgets, and some games (e.g, PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact often block this feature, and once ported, the application may run slower due to speed limits on the read/write card.

3. Optimizing internal memory: cleaning up cache and unnecessary files

Before you spend money on a memory card, try to make room on the internal drive. MIUI firmware has built-in cleaning tools, but they don't always remove everything that's superfluous.

1. Cleaning up the app cache

• 📱 Go to Settings. → Warehouse → Cleanup.
• 🧹 Click Clear Cache (it is safe – the cache will recover the next application launch).
• 🔍 For deep cleaning, select Deep Cleaning and mark unnecessary files (e.g., instant messenger data).

2. Removal of duplicates and large files

• 🖼️ In the same section, select the files. → Large files to find and delete unnecessary videos or archives.
• 📂 Use third-party apps like Files by Google or CCleaner to find duplicates.

3. Disconnecting the downloading of the car in messengers

Messengers like WhatsApp, Telegram or Viber, by default, download all media files to the gallery.

• 💬 On WhatsApp: Settings → Warehouse → Autoboot media → Turn off download for mobile data and Wi-Fi.
• 📎 In Telegram: Settings → Data and memory → Autoboot → Choose Never.

Remove the cache of all applications

Check the folder Downloads to unnecessary files

Disable the auto download in messengers

Transfer photos and videos to the cloud

Remove unused applications-->

Also worth paying attention to system updates. MIUI often leaves older firmware versions that take up to 1-2 GB. You can delete them through Settings → About Phone → System Update → Three dots (menu) → Delete downloaded packages.

4.Using cloud storage: Xiaomi Cloud vs Google Drive vs Yandex Disk

If physical memory expansion is not possible (for example, the Redmi K50 does not have a microSD slot), the alternative will be cloud services. Xiaomi offers its own solution, Xiaomi Cloud, but it has limitations.

To automatically sync photos and videos in Xiaomi Cloud:

1. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Activate the switch next to the Gallery.
3. Select Sync Settings and specify which folders to sync (e.g., Camera only).

Important: Xiaomi Cloud compresses photos when downloading if you have the Traffic Saving option enabled. To download originals, turn it off in sync settings. Also remember that after deleting a file from your phone, it will only remain in the cloud for 30 days (unless you pay for a premium subscription).

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If you take pictures often, set up the “Free space” option in Google Photos, and the service will automatically delete photos already uploaded to the cloud from your phone, leaving only thumbnails for viewing.

5. Transfer applications to an external drive (without Adoptable Storage)

If your Redmi model doesn't support Adoptable Storage, but allows you to manually transfer applications to a memory card, you can partially offload internal storage.

• 🚫 Not all apps support portability (especially system and piracy-protected games).
• ⚠️ After the transfer, the application may work slower.
• 🔄 Application updates will be installed in internal memory.

To transfer the application to the map:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the app you want (like Facebook or Spotify).
3. Click Warehouse → Change → SD Card.
4. Confirm the transfer and wait for the process to be completed.

If the Change option is inactive, the application does not support the transfer, in which case you can try:

• 🛠️ Use applications like AppMgr III (It requires rooting for some functions).
• 📥 Install “lightweight” versions of apps (e.g. Facebook Lite instead of the main client).

⚠️ Note: Moving apps to a memory card can cause them to run unstable, especially if the card has a low speed class (Class 4 or Class 6.

6. Alternative methods: OTG-drives and network storage

If your Redmi doesn’t have a microSD slot (like the Redmi K40 or Redmi 10X) but has OTG (USB On-The-Go) support, you can connect an external drive via a USB-C → USB-A adapter or microUSB → USB-A (depending on the model).

• 📁 Store files on a flash drive or external HDD/SSD.
• 🎮 Start games from an external drive (if they support this function).
• 📹 Immediately save video from the camera to the external drive (useful for bloggers).

For connection OTG-storage:

1. Buy an adapter (cost from 200-500 rubles).
2. Connect a flash drive or external drive to the adapter and the adapter to the smartphone.
3. In the notification that appears, click Open or go to Files → USB-accumulator.

Please note that:

• 🔋 External HDD require additional power (use a powered hub or Y-cable).
• 🛡️ Not all file systems are supported out of the box (e.g, NTFS It may not be read without root).
• ⚡ Read/write speed depends on the version USB (USB 2.0 vs USB 3.0) and storage type (flash drive vs. SSD).

Another option is network storage (NAS). If you have a router at home USB-port (for example, Xiaomi Mi Router) 4A), You can plug in an external drive and set up access over the local network:

1. Connect the disk to the router.
2. Set up sharing via the router's web interface.
3. On your smartphone, use the ES Explorer or Solid Explorer app to connect via SMB.

7.Reset to factory settings: a last resort

If all of the above methods didn’t work, and the smartphone still slows down due to a lack of memory, the last option is a factory reset, which will delete all user data, but return the device to its original performance.

Before discharge, it is mandatory:

• 📱 Backup important data (photos, contacts, messages) through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset.
• 🔐 Remember or write down your Xiaomi and Google account details (after reset, you will need authorization).
• 📋 Save the list of installed applications (you can take a picture of the Settings screen) → Annexes).

To perform the discharge:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Choose to erase all data.
3. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot (it will take 5-10 minutes).

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi Note 8 Pro) may require re-assigning your Mi Account to unlock.If you forget your password, the device may be locked.

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Resetting to factory settings is not a way to expand memory, but a way to free it from unnecessary data, and once reset, the internal storage will be empty, but its physical volume will not increase.

FAQ: Frequent questions about memory expansion on Xiaomi Redmi