Xiaomi Redmi 9 owners often face a shortage of internal memory, especially if the device is used to store photos, videos or install a variety of applications. One effective way to solve this problem is to use a microSD card as the main storage. However, simply inserting a card into a slot is not enough: you need to configure it correctly so that the system recognizes it as an extension of internal memory.
In this article, we will discuss how to make a memory card the main one on Redmi 9, including preparation of the drive, choosing the optimal format (Portable or Internal), as well as possible errors and their solutions. We will focus on the nuances that are often missed in standard instructions - for example, why it can not be retrieved after formatting the card as internal memory without the risk of data loss and how this affects the performance of the phone.
Before you start setting up, make sure your memory card meets the requirements: the recommended class is UHS-I (U1/U3) or Class 10, and the volume is from 32 GB. Using slow cards can lead to system braking, especially if you plan to transfer applications to it.
Preparation of a memory card: selection and verification
Not every microSD is suitable for use as a primary memory. Xiaomi Redmi 9 supports cards up to 512 GB, but for stable operation, it is better to choose models from proven brands: SanDisk, Samsung, Kingston or Transcend. Avoid cheap no-name cards - they often have understated real capacity and low write speed.
Before setting up, follow the following steps:
- 🔍 Check the map for errors using the program H2testw (Windows or F3 (Linux/macOS). This will help to identify fakes.
- 📊 Make sure that the card write speed is at least 10MB/s (class 10 or more) U1). For applications, it is desirable U3.
- 🔄 Format the map in the file system FAT32 or exFAT (via computer or phone) – this will delete all data, but prepare it for further configuration.
If the card has already been used as a removable drive on the phone, it will have to be formatted again, and it's important that once formatted in Internal Storage mode, the card cannot be read on other devices without completely erasing the data.
2. Formatting the card as internal memory: step-by-step instructions
To make the memory card the main memory card on Redmi 9, it needs to be formatted in a special mode, which is irreversible — all the data from the card will be deleted, and it will become part of the system.
- Insert the memory card into the Redmi 9 slot (the hybrid slot supports either 2). SIM-card, or 1 SIM + microSD).
- Go to Settings → Memory (or Storage).
- Tap your name on it. SD-maps (e.g. SanDisk) 128GB).
- In the upper right corner, press three dots (⋮) and select Storage Settings.
- Choose to format as internal.
- Confirm the action and wait until the process is completed (it can take up to 10 minutes).
After formatting, the phone will suggest transferring data to the map, but not all applications can be moved - some system programs (such as Miui Camera or Google Play Services) will remain in the internal memory.
Make a backup copy of data from the card
Charge your phone at least 50%
Make sure the card supports high write speeds
Do not remove the card during the process-->
⚠️ Note: Once formatted as internal memory, the card cannot be used in other devices without being completely erased, and it is not recommended to remove it from the phone, which can cause app malfunctions.
3. Transfer of data and applications to SD-map
Once formatted as internal memory, Redmi 9 will automatically offer to transfer some of the data to the card, but you will have to manually do this to optimize the card completely.
Portability of annexes:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Select the app you want to migrate (like WhatsApp or Facebook).
- Slip the vault. → Change. → choose SD-map.
Transfer of media files:
- 📷 For photos: in the Gallery app, select files → Move it → point to the folder SD-map.
- 🎵 For music: Use a file manager (such as Mi File Manager) and manually move files to the Music folder on the map.
Some apps (such as Instagram or Telegram) do not support porting to the Internet. SD-In this case, you can use the Adoptable Storage function, but this requires root rights and is not recommended for beginners.
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If the application is transferred to SD-The card is slow, try clearing its cache in the settings or returning it back to the internal memory.
Possible problems and solutions
When using a memory card as the main one, the following errors may occur:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The map is not formatted as an internal | Incompatible file system or damaged card | Format the card on PC in FAT32, then try again |
| Apps fly out after transfer | Low card writing speed | Return applications to internal memory or use a U3 class card |
| The phone does not see the card after extraction | Damage to the section during sharp extraction | Reboot your phone or format the card again |
| Lack of space despite data transfer | System files and cache remain in the built-in memory | Clean the cache in Settings → Memory → Clean |
If the phone starts to slow down after formatting the card as internal memory, this may be due to a slow read/write speed, in which case it is better to return the card to Portable mode and use it only for media files.
⚠️ Warning: If you decide to remove a memory card formatted as internal, pre-transfer all data back to the internal memory and format the card through the phone settings. Otherwise, you risk losing access to applications and files.
5. Alternative ways to expand memory
If for some reason you use SD-The card as the main memory fails, consider alternative options:
- 🖥️ Cloud storage: Google Drive, Mi Cloud or Yandex Disk allow you to automatically back up photos and videos.
- 🔌 OTG-Drivers: Connect the flash drive through USB OTG-You can use it as a removable disk, and it's suitable for temporary storage of large files.
- 📱 Optimize internal memory: Remove unnecessary apps, clear cache, and move media files to the cloud.
For users who often work with large files (e.g. video in the Internet) 4K), The best solution would be to buy a Redmi 9 with a large amount of internal memory (64 or 128 GB). SD-class U3 It could be a decent alternative.
What happens if you format the map as an internal one and then extract it?
6. Optimization of the phone after data transfer
Redmi 9 is stable after use SD-Cards as your primary memory, follow these tips:
- 🔄 Clean the cache of apps regularly, especially those that are transferred to the map.
- 📉 Avoid filling a card more than 80% – this can cause a slowdown in the recording.
- 🔋 Watch the battery: at low charge, the phone may not record data correctly to the card.
- 🛠️ Use a file manager (such as Solid Explorer) to check the integrity of files on the map.
If you notice that the phone began to warm or quickly discharge after transferring data to the SD-Check it for errors using the application A1 SD Bench. Maybe the map is running to its limits, and it should be replaced with a faster model.
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Using a memory card as internal memory is convenient, but it's not suitable for all scenarios, but for applications, writing speed is critical, and for media files, storage reliability is critical.