How to unlock and configure memory card access on Xiaomi smartphones: the full guide

Why Xiaomi doesn’t see a memory card and how to fix it

Did you insert a microSD into a Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5 Pro smartphone, but the system does not recognize it? Or is the card detected but the files on it are not available? The problem is familiar to many owners of brand devices - especially after updating MIUI or resetting. 80% of the time, it is not hardware malfunctions that are to blame, but the software restrictions that Xiaomi imposes to "protect data."

In this article, we will analyze all working ways to access the memory card: from the basic settings MIUI before hand-mounting through ADB. Also, let’s see why your smartphone can forget" SD-The instructions are relevant for all modern models - from the budget Redmi A2 to the flagships Xiaomi 14 Ultra.

Before you start settings, check two key points: 1) The memory card should be formatted in FAT32 or exFAT (NTFS Xiaomi does not support). 2 Make sure the microSD slot is not damaged - try pasting the card into another device.

Method 1: Configure a memory card in MIUI (basic method)

If your smartphone recognizes a card but doesn't let you write files to it or open folders, check your storage settings. In MIUI 14/13/12, the path to the menu may be different, but the logic is the same:

1. Open the Settings. → Memory (or Warehouse).
2. Tap your name on it. SD-maps (e.g. SanDisk) 128GB).
3. Select Settings → Format as internal memory or Data Transfer.

⚠️ Attention: Formatting as internal memory erases all data on the map! SD It's encrypted and it's only going to work on this smartphone. For portable cards (like a camera), choose Portable Storage.

Check the file system (FAT32/exFAT)

Make a backup copy of the data

Select the storage type (internal/portable)

Reboot your smartphone after formatting-->

If the formatting option is inactive, it means:

• 🔹 The map is already formatted as internal (check in Settings). → Memory. → Additionally).
• 🔹 Xiaomi doesn’t support your model. SD (For example, cards with a capacity of more than 256 GB may not be recognized on older models).
• 🔹 It's in the slot. SIM-card instead of microSD (on hybrid slots Redmi) 9A or POCO M4 Pro).

Method 2: Allowing File Access through "Application Permissions"

MIUI block access SD-card for some applications (for example, for a gallery or file manager:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select an application (such as Files or Gallery).
3. Slip the Permits. → Memory and enable access to SD-map.

For Android 11+ (MIUI 12.5 and later), you may need additional permission to manage all files:

1. In the same permissions menu, find additional permissions.
2. Activate the switch to Manage all files.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi with Android 13 (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) After activating this permission, it may be necessary to restart, otherwise the changes will not apply.

SanDisk (Ultra, Extreme)

Samsung EVO

Kingston Canvas

Transcend

Other (write in the comments)-->

Method 3: Correction through ADB (for power users)

If the card is determined but MIUI persistently does not allow access to it, the ADB team will help. This method works even when the MIUI settings are blocked (for example, on corporate devices).

You'll need:

• 🔹 Computer with installed ADB Tools.
• 🔹 Included Debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times, then return to the Additional Settings → For developers).
• 🔹 Cable USB (preferably original).

Connect your smartphone to your PC and perform at the terminal:

adb shell sm set-force-adoptable true

If the card is already inserted but not mounted, try:

adb shell sm list-disks


adb shell sm partition disk:179,X private

179,X

sm list-disks

Once these commands are executed, the card will be mounted as internal memory with full access, but all data on it will be deleted. This method often saves when MIUI "does not see" the SD after updating the firmware.

Method 4: Formatting a card via PC (if Xiaomi refuses)

If your smartphone stubbornly doesn't format SD, do it through your computer. Importantly, use the official utilities of the card manufacturer (such as the SD Card Formatter from the SD Association) rather than the standard Windows formatting.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect the card to the PC through the card reader.
2. Download the SD Card Formatter and install it.
3. Select your card in the program, specify the FAT32 file system (or exFAT for cards >64GB).
4. Press Format and wait until it is completed.

After formatting:

• 🔹 Do not remove the card sharply - use the Safe Retrieval function.
• 🔹 The first connection to Xiaomi can take up to 2 minutes (the system checks the card).
• 🔹 If MIUI I will offer to “fix” the card – agree.

Method 5: Resetting settings (if nothing helps)

In rare cases, the problem lies in the failure of the system settings MIUI. If previous methods did not work, perform a soft reset (without loss of data):

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select Network Settings Reset (this won’t delete files, but reset connection settings).
3. After restarting, re-insert the memory card.

If that doesn't work, you'll have to reset completely (Settings → Additional → Restore and Reset).

• 🔹 Create a backup through Settings → Google → Backup.
• 🔹 Save your photos on PC or in the cloud (Google Photos, Mi Cloud).
• 🔹 Write down logins/passwords from accounts (they will disappear).

💡

After reset, do not insert the memory card immediately - wait for the full MIUI load and the Wi-Fi settings. This will prevent repeated failures.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many users are making the memory card problem worse by doing the wrong thing. TOP-5 mistakes and their solutions:

1. Use of non-original cards: Cheap microSDs from unknown brands often have fake capacity (for example, claimed 128 GB, but actually 16 GB). H2testw beforehand.
2. Removing the card without "Safe Shutdown" causes damage to the file system. Always use the option to Remove in the curtain notifications.
3. Formatting via smartphone during low charge. If the battery runs out during the process, the card may become unreadable. Charge must be >50%.
4. Ignoring MIUI updates. Older firmware versions (e.g. MIUI 11) don't support exFAT. Update via Settings → System Update.
5. Using a card in a hybrid slot for SIM. On models with a hybrid slot (for example, Redmi). 10C) You can't use two at the same time. SIM And microSD. Priority is given. SIM-map.

💡

If the memory card was working normally but suddenly it stopped being detected, check it on another device first. In 60 percent of cases, the problem lies in the card itself, not in the smartphone.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions