How do you do it? SD-Main memory card on Xiaomi: all ways and nuances

Owners of Xiaomi smartphones sooner or later face the problem of lack of internal memory, especially for budget models with 32 or 64 GB of storage, where after installing the system and basic applications there is critically little space. SD-It's a card as a primary memory, but it's a nuanced experience that awaits users. MIUI android limitations.

Unlike some manufacturers (such as Samsung or Huawei), Xiaomi does not provide a built-in full port function to an external drive. However, there are workarounds – from standard MIUI tools to manually mounting a partition through ADB. In this article, we will discuss all the working methods, their pros and cons, and also tell you which Xiaomi models best support memory expansion.

Why can't you just do it? SD-Main memory card on Xiaomi

Many users mistakenly believe that it is enough to insert a microSD and select the option "Use as internal memory" in the settings, but MIUI does not have such a feature for several reasons:

• 🔒 Google restrictions: Starting with Android 6.0 Marshmallow, the company has banned full formatting SD-Home News Xiaomi is following these rules as internal memory due to performance and security issues.
• 📱 Optimization MIUI: Xiaomi firmware was originally designed to work with fast built-in memory (eMMC/UFS). Transferring the system to a slow one SD-class 10 may cause lag.
• 🔄 Update problems: When using an external drive as the main one, installation difficulties arise OTA-Updates and resets of settings.

However, there are partial solutions: transferring applications, cache and media files to a memory card, and then we will look at all the options available, from the simplest to the most advanced.

Method 1: Transfer applications to SD-map MIUI

The safest and most official method is to use the built-in application portability feature, which is suitable for most Xiaomi models on MIUI 12/13/14 and does not require root rights.

To move the applications:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the application you want (such as Telegram or Spotify).
3. Press Warehouse. → Move it to SD-map.
4. Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed.

It is important to consider:

• ⚠️ Not all applications support portability (especially system and high-demand games).
• 📲 After transferring the application icon may disappear from the desktop – it will have to be returned manually.
• 🔄 When extracted SD-The transfer programs will stop working.

Format the map in FAT32/exFAT|Check the recording speed (minimum class) 10)|Create a backup copy of the data|Leave at least 10% free-flow-->

Method 2: Use of the SD-Maps as a portable storage for media files

If you can't port apps, you can at least free up your internal memory by moving photos, videos and music to the map.

1. Connect. SD-Smartphone card (it should be defined as Portable Storage).
2. Open the File Manager application.
3. Go to Images, Audio or Video.
4. Select the files → Move it → SD-map.

To automatically save new media files to the map:

1. Open Settings → Storage → Memory by default.
2. Choose. SD-photo, video or download card.

💡

If after moving photos are not displayed in the gallery, clear the cache of the Gallery app or restart the smartphone.

This method doesn’t solve the problem with applications, but it saves a lot of space, for example, 10 minutes of video in 4K takes ~4 GB, and transferring them to a map will free up internal memory for critical tasks.

Method 3: Formatting SD-As a memory, internal memory is ADB (advanced)

For experienced users, there is a way to ADB (Android Debug Bridge makes the system feel SD-This method works for most Xiaomi models with Android 6.0+, but it's a risk:

⚠️ Attention: Wrong commands ADB This can cause data loss or system failure, and we recommend backing up before starting.+) This method may not work due to hardware limitations.

Instructions:

1. Install. ADB-PC drivers.
2. Turn on the smartphone Developer Mode (7 times click on the MIUI version in Settings → About phone) and activate Debugging over USB.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and type in the command line: adb shell sm list-disks Remember the disk ID (e.g., disk:179.64).
4. Format the card as internal memory: sm partition disk:179.64 private (replace 179.64 with your ID).
5. Reboot your smartphone.

The system will then move the data to SD-But take note:

• 🔐 The card will be encrypted and will not be read on other devices.
• ⚡ Performance may fall if the card is slower than the internal memory (UFS 2.2 vs microSD Class 10).
• 🔄 When you remove the map, some applications will stop working.

Comparison of memory expansion methods on Xiaomi

To choose the best way, compare all options on key parameters:

On models with a hybrid slot (for example, Redmi Note 11 Pro) when using SD-The card is the internal memory, you can't insert two of them at the same time. SIM-It's a hardware limitation, and it's impossible to get around it.

Method 4: Using applications for forced transfer (requires root)

If standard methods don't work, and ADB seems complicated, you can use third-party utilities like Link2SD or App2SD.

• 📌 Forced transfer of applications to SD-map (including system map).
• 🔗 Create symbolic links to save space.
• 🗑️ Clear cache and unnecessary files.

These applications require root rights, which can be obtained on Xiaomi through unlocking the bootloader and installing Magisk.

⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader resets all data on the device and may take away warranty. On some models (such as Xiaomi 13 Ultra), unlocking is officially prohibited.

If you are willing to take risks, the algorithm is:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool.
2. Install TWRP and Magisk to get root.
3. Download Link2SD from the Play Market and follow the app’s instructions.

💡

Root access gives you maximum freedom in memory management, but it voids warranty and increases the risk of system failures.

What are they? SD-The cards are best suited for Xiaomi

From speed and type SD-The map depends on how comfortable the system will work after the data transfer:

• 🚀 Speed class: Minimum Class 10 or UHS-I (U1/U3). For models with UFS 3.1 (for example, Xiaomi 12T Pro is better to take microSDXC U3.
• 📏 Optimum 128-256 GB. Cards 512 GB or more may not work correctly on budget smartphones.
• 🏭 Manufacturer: Preference give SanDisk Extreme, Samsung EVO Plus or Kingston Canvas Go! Plus – they are tested for compatibility with Xiaomi.

Avoid cheap no-name cards: they often forge speed class, which leads to lags and write errors. Before buying, check the card for authenticity using the utility H2testw (Windows) or SD Insight (Android).

Frequent problems and their solutions

When working with SD-And in the case of a map on Xiaomi, users are faced with common errors:

• 🔌 "SD-card not detected": Check if the card is inserted correctly (on some models the slot is located under the tray for the card is not detected. SIM). Also try to format it on PC in the FAT32.
• 🐢 "The phone is slowing down after transferring to SD": The map is probably too slow. Replace it with a model with a class. U3 or A2.
• 🔄 "Apps are reset after rebooting": This happens if the card is formatted as portable rather than internal. ADB forced-mount.
• 📵 "Can't move it. WhatsApp/Telegram": Messengers block the transfer because of encryption.

If they start to fly out after transferring apps, try:

1. Clear the app cache in Settings → Apps.
2. Move it back to the internal memory and re-transfer it to the SD.
3. Update the app through the Play Market.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions