Expanding the internal memory of a smartphone due to a microSD card is an urgent task for Xiaomi owners, especially if the model is equipped with a modest amount of internal storage (16-32 GB). However, simply inserting a memory card is not enough: to install applications and games on it as the main drive, you need to mount SD as internal memory through the Adoptable Storage function (in Android 6.0+), This process has its pitfalls: from card speed restrictions to the risk of data loss if you do not.
In this article, you will find a step-by-step guide to MIUI firmware features, a table on the compatibility of memory cards with Xiaomi models, and alternative ways to optimize memory if the standard method did not work. We will discuss why some cards do not support internal memory, how to avoid formatting errors, and what to do if the system does not see SD after conversion.
Important: the procedure irreversibly erases all data from the card and can shorten its lifespan due to the increased load. If your goal is just to transfer photos or music, conventional formatting as a portable drive is enough. Read on to see if this method is right for you.
What is the “internal memory” of the SD-The map and why you need it
Adoptable Storage (in the MIUI — "Internal memory allows the Android system to combine the microSD with the built-in drive into a single storage:
- 📱 Applications and games are automatically installed on the map (if selected in the settings).
- 🔄 Cache data and updates to system applications can also be stored on SD.
- 📁 Application files (such as uploaded maps in Google Maps) are stored on the map.
There are, however, downsides:
- ⚠️ The card is encrypted and becomes unreadable on other devices without formatting.
- ⏳ The speed of the application may decrease if SD-Slow card (class below) A1 or UHS-I U1).
- 🔄 When you remove the card, some applications will stop working until it returns.
On Xiaomi, the feature is not available on all models and versions of MIUI. For example, on devices with MIUI 12+ and Android 10+, the option may be hidden due to Google's security policy.
Compatibility: Which Xiaomi models and memory cards support the function
Not all Xiaomi smartphones allow you to do this. SD-Internal memory card. Basic limitations:
| Xiaomi model | MIUI/Android version | Adoptable Storage Support | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 4/4X | MIUI 8–11 / Android 6–9 | ✅ Yes. | Manual Enablement Required via Settings → Memory |
| Redmi 5/5 Plus | MIUI 9–12 / Android 7–10 | ✅ Yes (on stock firmware) | The custom firmware may not be available |
| Mi A1/A2 | Android One (Pure Android) | ✅ Yes. | The feature is available in standard Android settings |
| Poco X3/F3 | MIUI 12+ / Android 10+ | ❌ No (hiddenly) | Required. ADB-activation |
| Redmi 9/10 | MIUI 12.5+ / Android 11+ | ❌ No. | Google has banned the feature for new devices |
Memory cards:
- 🔹 Minimum requirements: speed class A1 or UHS-I U1 (10 MB/s). Class cards C10 marking A1/U1 won't fit.
- 🔹 Recommended volume: from 32GB (smaller maps will have little room for apps).
- 🔹 Brands: SanDisk Ultra A1, Samsung EVO Plus, Kingston Canvas Go! Plus - proven options.
⚠️ Warning: ExFAT cards are not supported for internal memory, but the system will require that you reformat it into EXT4 or F2FS, erasing all data.
Step-by-step instructions: how to do SD-memory-card
If your Xiaomi model supports the feature, follow this instruction. Before you start, copy all data from the card - it will be deleted!
Make a backup copy of data from the card|Charge your phone at least 50 times%|Use a card reader to check card speed on PC|Disable password/pattern lock (some firmware required)-->
- Insert microSD into the smartphone slot. If you use a hybrid slot (SD + second-second SIM), make sure that SIM-map extracted.
- Go to Settings → Memory (or Settings → Storage in new versions of MIUI).
- Tap your name on it. SD-maps (e.g. "SanDisk" 64GB").
- In the upper right corner, press three dots (⋮) and select Storage Settings (or format as internal).
- The system will ask you to format the map. Confirm the action. It will take 1-5 minutes.
- After formatting, select Transfer Data (optional) or Use as internal memory.
- Reset the device.
If the paragraph "Format as internal" is not:
- 🔧 Nana Poco/Xiaomi s MIUI 12+ try ADB-method (described below).
- 🔄 Update your firmware to the latest version (sometimes the feature returns in new builds).
What if the map is not determined after formatting?
Alternative method via ADB (for newer versions of MIUI)
On Xiaomi MIUI 12-14 and Android 10+ The option of "internal memory" is often hidden, but it can be activated through the use of the device. ADB-You're gonna need a team:
- 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Tools.
- 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
- 📱 Included Debugging by USB on the phone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times, then return to the additional → For developers).
Instructions:
- Connect your phone to your PC and run the command line in the adb.exe folder.
- Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
- Find out. ID yours SD-Maps by command: adb shell sm list-disks Example of response: disk:179,64 (where 179.64 is the ID).
- Format the card as internal (replace 179.64 with your ID): adb shell sm partition disk:179.64 private
- Reboot your phone: adb reboot
⚠️ Note: If after the command sm partition, the error java.lang.IllegalArgumentException: Unknown volume type appears, your firmware blocks the function (TWRP) or change the firmware.
How to transfer applications to SD-map
Even after mounting the SD as internal memory, not all applications will automatically move to it, to optimize the use of space:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Select the app you want to migrate (such as WhatsApp or Spotify).
- Slip the vault. → Change. → choose SD-map.
- Confirm the transfer. Some applications (e.g. system) cannot be moved.
Limitations:
- 🚫 Annexes with OBB-Files (games) may not work after transfer.
- 🔒 Some apps (such as Google Play Services) block the transfer.
- 📱 Widgets of applications transferred to SD, They may disappear from the main screen.
💡
If the app starts to slow down after transferring to SD, try clearing its cache (Settings → Applications → [Name] → Clear the cache).
Frequent problems and their solutions
The conversion of SD to internal memory is often accompanied by errors.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The map is not formatted as an internal | Slow card (class below A1) or firmware blocks function | Buy a card with a marking A1 or use ADB-method |
| After formatting, the map is not determined | File system error or physical malfunction | Format the card on PC in FAT32 and repeat the procedure |
| Applications are not installed on SD | Lack of space on the system partition or the map is filled | Clear the cache or transfer some data manually |
| Phone brakes after transferring applications | Memory card too slow for I/O operations | Return critical applications to internal memory |
After the transformation SD-The phone has become very warm or discharged quickly, this may indicate that:
- 🔋 Increased load on the card controller (typical for cheap models without markings) A1).
- 🔄 Background activity of applications transferred to SD (Check in the settings → Battery).
💡
If SD-After the conversion, the card starts to "spray" with errors (for example, "Map is damaged"), immediately back up the data and replace it.
How to get it back SD-map
If you've decided to stop using SD as internal memory, you can format it back into a portable drive.
- Go to Settings. → Memory.
- Tap it on. SD-map → three-point (⋮) → Formatting as a portable.
- Confirm the action. All data will be deleted!
If the item "Format as portable" is not:
- 🖥️ Connect the card to the PC through the card reader and format in FAT32 exFAT.
- 📱 Use it. ADB-Command: Adb shell sm partition disk:179,64 public (replace 179.64 by ID your card).
⚠️ Attention: After return SD In portable mode, all the applications installed on it will stop working. They will have to be reinstalled into internal memory.