Owners of Xiaomi smartphones with limited internal memory often face a lack of space for apps, photos and videos. SD-But the standard way to connect a memory card as a removable storage device doesn't solve the problem completely, because applications are still installed in internal memory. SD-Integrated memory (Adoptable Storage).
In this article, we will discuss how to make a memory card the main storage on Xiaomi smartphones with a MIUI shell. You will learn about the nuances of formatting, device compatibility, and the limitations of this method. It is important to understand that the procedure has its pitfalls: once converted, the card will not be removed without losing data, and some applications can work unstable, but you will get up to +256 GB of additional space for installing programs and storing files.
What is Adoptable Storage and How it Works with Xiaomi
Adoptable Storage is an Android feature that allows you to use external SD-So, unlike a normal connection, when a card works as a removable disk, it's formatted in a special format and encrypted, becoming an integral part of the system:
- 📱 Applications can be installed directly on the map (unless the developer has banned it in the manifesto)
- 🔒 The map is tied to a specific device and will not be read on other gadgets.
- ⚠️ After retrieving the map, the applications installed on it will cease to work.
- 🔄 The speed of work depends on the class. SD-maps (recommended) UHS-I U3 higher)
On Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI shell, this feature is implemented with some limitations. For example, models with MIUI 12 and later may require manual activation via ADB, since the option is hidden in the settings. It is also worth considering that not all applications support adoptable drives - some (such as WhatsApp or banking programs) may refuse to install on the card.
Before you start setting up, check your device’s compatibility.The feature is officially supported on most Xiaomi smartphones with Android 6.0 and up, but budget models (like the Redmi 9A or Poco C31) may experience problems due to hardware limitations of the memory controller.
Requirements for SD-card to be used as primary memory
Not every memory card is suitable for conversion to internal storage, and to avoid problems with performance and stability, pay attention to the following parameters:
| Parameter | Minimum requirement | Recommended option |
|---|---|---|
| Volume. | 16GB | 64–256 GB (optimum for most users) |
| Class speed | Class 10 | UHS-I U3 or V30 (record 4K-video) |
| Type of memory | microSDHC (up to 32 GB) | microSDXC (64GB, exFAT support) |
| Brand | Anybody known | SanDisk Extreme, Samsung EVO Plus, Kingston Canvas Go! |
Pay special attention to the speed class. cards with low write speed (for example, Class 4) will slow down the application installed on them. For comfortable work, it is recommended to use cards with read / write speeds at least 90/40 MB / s. Also avoid cheap no-name cards - they often have understated real characteristics and can fail when used intensively.
⚠️ Note: Once the map is formatted in Adoptable Storage, it will not be used on other devices without being completely cleaned!
Before buying, check whether your Xiaomi smartphone supports the right amount of cards. For example, some budget models (for example, Redmi 8A) officially support only cards up to 256 GB, although in practice they can work with 512 GB. You can specify the maximum volume in the specifications of the device on the official Xiaomi website.
Step-by-step instructions: how to do SD-card
The process of converting the card to internal memory consists of several steps. Depending on the version of MIUI and the model of the smartphone, the steps may differ slightly, but the overall scheme remains the same. Below is a universal guide that is suitable for most Xiaomi devices on Android 10-14.
Make a backup copy of data from the card|Charge your phone at least 50 times%|Connect the card to the smartphone|Check the free space on the map (should be) ≥10GB)-->
Step 1: Formatting the card as an internal memory
1. Insert. SD-card in the smartphone and wait for its definition by the system.
2. Go to Settings → Memory (or Storage).
3.Slip by your name. SD-maps (e.g. SanDisk) 128GB).
4.In the upper right corner, press three dots (⋮) and select Storage Settings.
5. Select Internal Memory (or Format as Internal Memory).
6. Confirm the action by clicking Clear and Format. The process can take a few minutes.
Step 2: Transfer of data to SD-map (optional)
Once formatted, the system will suggest transferring some of the data (photos, videos, some applications) to the map.
- 📲 Move it right away – the system will automatically move supported files.
- 🚫 Refuse – manually select what to move later through Settings → Annexes.
Important: Not all applications can be transferred to SD-For example, system programs (MIUI Launcher, Google Play Services will remain in internal memory, and some games (e.g., Google Play Services) will remain in the internal memory, PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact may refuse to work from external storage.
Step 3: Setup the application installation by default
To allow new applications to be automatically installed on SD-map:
1. Go to Settings → Applications → Default installation.
2. Choose yours. SD-Card (referred to as internal memory or Adoptable).
3. Confirm the choice.
⚠️ Warning: If they start to slow down or fly out after transferring applications to the map, try to return them to internal memory. SD-map.
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Before formatting your card as internal memory, check it for errors using the SD Card Formatter program from the SD Association.
Problem Solving: What to Do If SD-The card is not defined as an internal memory.
Sometimes users find that the option of formatting the card as internal memory is not in the settings, this can be due to several reasons:
- 🔧 An outdated version MIUI — Some firmware has a hidden option. Solution: Update the system through Settings. → The phone. → Update MIUI.
- 📵 Incompatible card — for example, too slow or corrupted. Solution: test the card on another device.
- 🔒 Manufacturer restrictions on some models (e.g. Redmi) 7A) The function is disabled at the firmware level. ADB.
If the standard method does not work, you can use the ADB commands.
1. Install Minimal ADB and Fastboot on PC.
2. Connect your smartphone to your computer with USB debugging enabled (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times tap on version → return to Additional settings → For developers → Debugging by USB).
3. Enter in the command line:
adb shell sm list-disks
adb shell sm set-force-adoptable true
adb shell sm partition disk:XX,XX privateWhere XX,XX is your disk ID (learn it by first command).
After you execute the commands, restart the device. The map should appear in the list of internal storage.
What if the map is not installed after formatting?
How to get it back SD-card
If you decide to stop using the card as internal memory, you can return it to its original state, but keep in mind that all data on it will be completely deleted.
1. Go to Settings → Memory.
2.Slip by the name. SD-map.
3. In the menu (three dots in the upper right corner), select Format as portable.
4. Confirm action.
After that, the card will become a removable drive again, and it can be retrieved or used on other devices. If there is no formatting option, try:
- 🔄 Reboot your smartphone.
- 📵 Remove and repaint the map.
- 💻 Format the map via PC (everything will be deleted, including hidden partitions).
⚠️ Note: If the card is not detected after returning to portable mode, there may be a file system error. SD Card Formatter with the option of Overwrite format.
Pros and cons of using SD-maps as the primary memory
Before you decide to convert a card, weigh the pros and cons. This method is not suitable for all users.
| Advantages | Deficiencies |
|---|---|
| ✅ Significant increase in available space (up to the +256GB) | ❌ The map cannot be retrieved without data loss. |
| ✅ Ability to install most applications on the map | ❌ Some applications refuse to work with external memory |
| ✅ Cheaper than buying a smartphone with a large amount of internal memory | ❌ The speed depends on the class of the card (can slow down) |
| ✅ Suitable for storing media files and lightweight applications | ❌ When a card breaks, it is more difficult to restore data than from internal memory. |
The best way to use Adoptable Storage is to store:
- 📷 Photo and video (if class card) U3/V30)
- 🎵 Music and podcasts
- 📱 Lightweight applications (messengers, social networks, utilities)
It is not recommended to set on the map:
- 🎮 Required games (may lay down)
- 🏦 Banking applications (can block the work)
- 📱 System utilities (may work unstablely)
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Use it. SD-The card as a primary memory only if you critically lack space and alternatives (cloud storage, cache cleaning) do not help. For most users, the optimal solution is to buy a smartphone with enough internal memory.
Alternative ways to expand memory on Xiaomi
If the transformation SD-Cards in internal memory seem too risky or uncomfortable, consider alternatives:
- 🖥️ Moving files to the cloud – Google Photos, Mi Cloud or Yandex Drive allow you to free up space by saving access to files.
- 🔄 Cleaning cache and unnecessary files – use the built-in Cleanup utility MIUI or the Files by Google application.
- 📁 Use of the OTG-drive-through via adapter USB-C/OTG It can serve as a removable storage for media files.
- 🛠️ Replacement of internal storage on some models (for example, Poco) X3 Pro) can increase memory by installing a more capacious module (requires disassembly of the phone).
For users who often install and delete applications, the “Lite mode” function in the app is a good solution. MIUI. It allows you to run lightweight versions of applications (such as Facebook Lite or Messenger Lite), which take up many times less space. → Annexes → Lite mode.
You should also pay attention to setting up automatic cleaning in Settings → Memory → Auto Cleanup. Here you can configure the removal of unnecessary files (cache, temporary data) on a schedule, which will help maintain free space.