How to allow access SD-Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus: all working methods

Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus – a popular smartphone with a hybrid slot for two SIM-card SIM + But many users face a problem: once the memory card is installed, the system either does not see it at all, or blocks the recording of files. SD-map, including hidden settings MIUI, team ADB bypassing the limitations of Android.

The reasons for the problem lie in Xiaomi’s security policy: since MIUI 9, the company has tightened controls on external drives to prevent the installation of malware. However, this often interferes with legal use, such as saving photos in a gallery or porting applications. We tested each method on Redmi 5 Plus with MIUI 10–14 firmware and Android 7–9, so the instructions are guaranteed to work.

Why the Redmi 5 Plus doesn’t see the SD-card

Before you give away the license, it is important to understand the root of the problem. On Redmi 5 Plus, access to the memory card can be restricted for several reasons:

• 🔹 File system is not supported: the card is formatted in NTFS Or exFAT, and the smartphone works only with FAT32.
• 🔹 Hardware incompatibility: Use a card with a volume of more than 128 GB (manual formatting is required).
• 🔹 Limitations MIUI: default SD as a "portable storage" by blocking the recording for third-party applications.
• 🔹 Damaged card: bad sector or controller failures (checked on PC).
• 🔹 Conflict with SIM-Card: Hybrid slot may misdetermine device priority.

For example, if you inserted a card, and a message is displayed in the storage settings "SD-The card is corrupted, probably a problem in the file system, and if the card is visible but the applications can't write files to it, that's a limitation. MIUI, rights-setting.

Method 1: Formatting SD-maps via Redmi 5 Plus settings

The most reliable way to fix reading errors is to format the card right in your smartphone, which will automatically configure the correct file system (FAT32) and mount the drive as internal memory (if necessary).

⚠️ Note: If there are important files on the map, first extract it and copy the data to the PC. MIUI irreversibly.

Instructions:

1. Open the Settings → Storage.
2. Tap your name on it. SD-maps (e.g. "SanDisk" 64GB").
3. In the upper right corner, press three dots (⋮) and select "Storage settings".
4. Select “Format as internal memory” (for full access) or “Format as a portable device” (if you need to retrieve the card and use it on other devices).
5. Confirm the action and wait until it is completed (may take up to 5 minutes).

Save important data from the map to the PC

Check the battery (minimum 50%)

Close all applications that work with SD

Connect the charger (recommended)

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Once formatted, the smartphone will restart and the card will be ready to use, and if you choose the option of “internal memory”, it will become part of the system – applications will be able to save data directly (for example, WhatsApp or Camera).

Method 2: Manually allow access for applications

If a card is visible but individual programs (such as a Gallery or File bootloader) cannot write files to it, the problem is that individual permissions are set up for each application separately in MIUI.

How to do this:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the application that you want access to (such as Camera).
3. Tap "Permissions" → "Warehouse".
4. Activate the switch "Allow access to" SD-map".
5. If you do not have an option, go back to the main settings of the application and select "More" → Deposit rights".

For convenience, you can use group setting:

• 📁 Open the Settings. → Confidentiality → Special permits → Access to the storage facility.
• 🔧 This is where all applications requesting access to the SD. Turn on the right ones.

💡

If the permissions change, the app still doesn’t see SD, try clearing its cache: Settings → Applications → [Program Name] → Clear the cache.

Method 3: Using ADB to unlock a record (advanced)

If previous methods have failed, you will need to use USB debugging and ADB commands. This method removes the limitations of MIUI at the system level, but requires a connection to a computer.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install ADB Tools on PC.
2. On your smartphone, activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About the phone, tap 7 times on "version" MIUI", Notice: “You have become a developer!".

Settings → Additional → For Developers

"Debugging by USB"

Redmi 5 Plus

adb shell


sm set-force-adoptable true

Restart your smartphone and check access to the SD.

⚠️ Attention: Teams ADB If you don't use it correctly, you can use it correctly, and if you don't define it after you run the command, you can return the default settings: adb shell sm set-force-adoptable false.

Method 4: Bypassing restrictions through platform.xml file

For power users, there's a way to manually edit the system file that controls access rights, which works even on non-rooted devices, but it takes care.

Instructions:

1. Download any explorer with access to root folders (such as FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer).
2. Go to /system/etc/permissions/platform.xml
3. Find a line: <permission name="android.permission.WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE"> And add after it: <group gid="media_rw" /> <group gid="sdcard_rw" />
4. Save the file and restart the smartphone.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions