Xiaomi smartphone owners often face a shortage of internal memory, especially on budget models with 32 or 64 GB of storage. One solution is to use the microSD card as the main storage, thereby expanding the available space for applications and files. However, not everyone knows that turning a memory card into an “internal” memory card has nuances, from supporting the function of a particular model to the risk of data loss if you do the wrong thing.
In this article, we’ll discuss how to technically implement memory integration on Xiaomi, which models support this feature (spoiler: not all!), and what to do if the option is not available in the settings. You’ll also learn about the hidden limitations of MIUI when working with a “tethered” memory card – for example, why it can not be used on other devices after formatting.
Which Xiaomi models support memory expansion?
The Adoptable Storage feature appeared in Android 6.0 Marshmallow, but Xiaomi has limited its availability on some devices.
- ✅ Support: Most of the models on MIUI 8–14 Android 6.0+, including the Redmi Note series 5/6/7/8/9/10/11, Poco X3/F3, Mi A1/A2/A3 (Android One).
- ⚠️ Restrictions: on flagships (Mi) 11/12, Xiaomi 13) The function may be hidden due to use UFS 3.1 — fast-in-memory.
- ❌ Not supported: Android Go devices (e.g. Redmi Go) and older models 2015 year (Redmi) 2/3, Mi 4).
To find out exactly if the option is available on your smartphone, check:
- Open Settings → About the phone and see the Android version (should be ≥6.0).
- Insert a microSD card and go to Settings → Memory. If there is a "Format as internal", the function is supported.
Requirements for a memory card: speed and volume
Not every microSD card is suitable for expanding internal memory.
| Parameter | Recommendation | Why is it important? |
|---|---|---|
| Class speed | UHS-I (U1/U3) or Class 10 | Class 4/6 cards slow down the system due to low read/write speeds. |
| Volume. | From 32 GB to 2 TB | ≤16GB cards are often not supported by the system for formatting as internal cards. |
| File system | exFAT (before formatting) | Once linked to the phone, the card will be formatted in ext4 or f2fs. |
| Brand | SanDisk Ultra, Samsung EVO, Kingston Canvas | Cheap no-name cards can fly off after formatting. |
Important: Once the card is linked to the phone as internal memory, it will not be read on other devices (PC, camera) without full formatting. All data on it will be encrypted!
⚠️ Note: If you are using a microSD card in a hybrid slot SIM (squash SIM), Memory binding will disable the possibility of using the second SIM-This is Xiaomi's hardware limitation.
Step-by-step: how to make a card the main memory
Before starting the procedure, be sure to back up the data from the memory card - all files will be deleted! Also charge the phone at least 50% to avoid crashes.
Save data from microSD on PC|Charge the phone. ≥50%|Check the compatibility of the model|Connect to Wi-Fi (for downloading updates)-->
Follow the instructions:
- Insert a microSD card on the phone slot. SIM, pull out the second SIM-map.
- Open Settings → Memory (or Settings → Storage in new versions of MIUI).
- Click on the name of your memory card (for example, «SD-map: 128GB»).
- In the upper right corner, tap three points (⋮) and select "Storage settings».
- Click on “Format as internal” (or “Internal Storage” in English firmware).
- Confirm the action. The system will warn you that all data will be erased, you can agree.
- Wait until the formatting is complete (it can take 5-15 minutes).
Once rebooted, the card will be displayed as part of the internal memory in Settings → Memory, and can now be used to transfer applications and files.
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If the option “Format as internal” is missing, try updating MIUI to the latest version or using an alternative method via ADB (described below).
How to transfer applications to a memory card?
Even after you have attached the card as internal memory, not all applications can be moved, depending on the developer's policy and the Android version.
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Select the app you want to migrate (like Facebook or Spotify).
- Click on "Storage" (or "Memory").
- If the Change (or Change) option is available next to the Storage option, tap on it and select «SD-map».
Limitations:
- 🚫 System applications (MIUI Launcher, Settings cannot be moved.
- 🚫 Applications with widgets (e.g. Weather) may not work after porting.
- ⚠️ Some games, for example, PUBG Mobile) requires internal memory for cache.
⚠️ Note: Moving applications to a memory card can reduce their performance, especially if a class card U1 (speed ≤10MB/s. For games and heavy programs, it is better to leave space in the internal memory.
Alternative method: linking the card through ADB
If you don’t have the option of formatting your card internally, you can try activating it via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which works on most Xiaomi Android 6.0+ devices, but requires a PC and basic command line skills.
What you need:
- 💻 Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
- 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original).
- 📥 Installed drivers ADB Fastboot (you can download from Google website).
- 📱 Included debugging by USB on the phone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times press to unlock the developer mode, then Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
Instructions:
- Connect your phone to your PC and open the command prompt (cmd in Windows or Terminal in macOS/Linux).
- Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
- Run the command to link the card (replace the disk:179.64 with your identifier, which can be recognized by the adb shell sm list-disks command): adb shell sm partition disk:179.64 private
- Reboot the phone. The map will be formatted as internal.
Warning: improper use of ADB can cause system failure, and if you are not sure about your actions, you should contact the service center.
What if the ADB can’t see the device?
Frequent problems and their solutions
When using a memory card as an internal memory card, there can be errors, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The map is not determined after formatting | Failure of the file system or incompatibility | Format the card on PC in FAT32 and repeat the procedure |
| The phone brakes after linking the card | Low speed card (Class 4/6) | Replace the card with UHS-I U3 or disable the binding |
| You can't move apps to the map. | Developer restrictions or Android 9+ | Use ADB for forced transfer (adb shell pm move-package command) |
| Map 'flying off' after reboot | Unstable connection in the slot | Check the card contacts or try another slot (if any) |
If the map is no longer defined after the link, and the data on it is important, you can try to restore it with programs like Recuva or DiskDigger, but the chances are slim - MIUI encrypts the data when formatting.
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Linking a memory card as an internal memory card is not a panacea; it is suitable for storing media files and lightweight applications, but it does not replace full internal memory for games and heavy programs.
How to untether the memory card?
If you want to return the card to its original state (for example, for use on another device), it should be formatted as a portable card.
- Open the Settings → Memory.
- Put it on a map (it will be marked as “Inner Memory”).
- In the menu (three dots in the upper right corner) select “Format as portable”.
- Confirm the action. All data will be deleted!
Once formatted, the map can be retrieved and used in other gadgets.
- 🔄 When the binding is canceled, all applications transferred to the map will cease to work.
- ⚠️ If the card has been encrypted, some files may not be restored.
If the option “Format as portable” is not available, use ADB:
adb shell sm partition disk:179,64 public(Replace your card ID with disk:179.64).