How to transform SD-map to internal memory on Xiaomi with MIUI 12: Complete guide

Why Xiaomi Owners Choose Why SD-map as an internal memory

Xiaomi smartphones based on MIUI 12 often face a shortage of internal memory, especially in budget models with 32 or 64 GB. Even after cleaning the cache and removing unnecessary files, users are faced with a notification “Memory is full”, which blocks the installation of new applications or updates.

This feature, known as Adoptable Storage, was introduced in Android 6.0 Marshmallow, but in MIUI it is implemented with features. Unlike standard storage mode (when the card is used as a removable disk), formatting as internal memory allows:

• 📱 Install applications directly on SD-map (including system updates).
• 🔄 Automatically transfer application data (e.g. Telegram cache or YouTube downloads).
• 📁 Combine the memory of the card and the built-in drive into a single space.

However, the method has a critical limitation: once formatted, the card cannot be used on other devices without being completely cleaned. SD-maps - for smooth operation is recommended UHS-I Class 10 or higher.

Requirements for SD-card and smartphone

Before you start setting up, make sure your device and memory card meet the minimum requirements. MIUI 12 supports Adoptable Storage, but with nuances:

Pay special attention to the card manufacturer. Cheap unnamed models often have understated real-world write/read speeds, which leads to lags when installing applications.

• 🔹 Samsung EVO Plus (series with markings) A2 application).
• 🔹 SanDisk Ultra (microSDXC line with App Performance Class support).
• 🔹 Kingston Canvas Go! Plus (optimized for Android).

⚠️ Note: If you use a Class 4 or Class 6 card, the system may be in error «SD-The card is too slow. In this case, you'll have to replace the media or use it only to store media files.

Step-by-step instructions: how to do SD-memory-card

The process of converting the card to internal memory takes 5-10 minutes. All data on the map will be deleted, so pre-copy important files to the computer or cloud.

1. Put it in. SD-If the device supports a hybrid slot (like the Redmi Note 9 Pro), make sure it doesn’t have a second slot. SIM-map.
2. Open Settings → Memory (or Storage in some versions of MIUI).
3. Tap your name on it. SD-maps, for example, SD-map: 64GB).
4. In the upper right corner, press three dots (⋮) and select Storage Settings.
5. Select the item Internal Memory (or Format as Internal Memory).
6. Confirm the action by clicking Clear and Format. The process will take 1-3 minutes.
7. Once completed, the system will prompt you to Transfer Data. Select this item to automatically move supported applications to the map.

Save important files from the card|Check the class of the card (not lower than Class 10)|Make sure there is a free slot available|Charge your phone at least 50 times%|Turn off the second. SIM-Card (if hybrid slot)-->

If the item Internal memory is missing, it can mean:

• 📵 The card is already formatted as internal on another device (a complete reset is required).
• 🔧 In the smartphone disabled option OTG or the storage in the developer settings.
• 📱 The device does not support function (relevant for some models) POCO custom-made).

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If the card is not determined after formatting, restart the smartphone in Safe Mode (press the power button → Reboot in Safe Mode).

Transfer of applications to SD-map

Even after converting the card to internal memory, not all applications can be transferred automatically. MIUI 12 limits this feature to system utilities and some games (such as PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact) To manually move supported applications:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the app you want (such as WhatsApp or Spotify).
3. Slip on Warehouse.
4. Click Change and select SD-map.
5. Confirm the transfer. Some applications will require a reboot.

List of applications that cannot be transferred to SD-map MIUI 12:

• 🚫 System Services (Mi Account, Security, Theme Store).
• 🚫 Annexes with OBB-Files (such as Asphalt 9 or Call of Duty Mobile).
• 🚫 Utilities with root or ADB.

⚠️ Note: After the application has been moved to SD-The performance of a card can be reduced by 10 to 30 percent due to the speed limits of reading/write. 3D-games and video processing programs.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

In the case of SD-Xiaomi users face typical problems, consider the most common and ways to eliminate them:

If the map is defined as Portable instead of Internal, follow the following steps:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and open ADB (setup instructions below).
2. Enter the command: adb shell sm list-disks Remember the disk ID (e.g., disk:179.64).
3. Manual formatting: Adb shell sm partition disk:179.64 private

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If SD-The map has ceased to be determined after the update MIUI, Reset the storage settings through Settings → System system → Resetting settings → Reset the storage settings. It won't delete the data, but it will return the standard settings.

How to get it back SD-map

If you decide to stop using the card as internal memory (for example, to transfer files to another phone), it must be formatted back into portable mode. MIUI 12. It's done this way:

1. Go to Settings. → Memory.
2. Tap by name. SD-maps and select Format as portable.
3. Confirm the action. All data will be deleted!

If you do not have a paragraph, use ADB:

adb shell sm partition disk:179,64 public

disk:179,64

The map will then be visible on other devices, but:

• 📁 All applications installed on it will stop working.
• 🔄 Application data (e.g. saved in games) may be lost.
• 📱 In some cases, you will need to reinstall applications.

⚠️ Note: If you remove a card without de-forming it as internal memory, it will be identified as damaged. SD Card Formatter from SD Association.

Alternative ways to expand memory on Xiaomi

If your Xiaomi model does not support formatting SD-cards as internal memory, for example, POCO F1 On the scalp, consider alternatives:

• 🔧 Manual file transfer: Use a file manager (such as Mi File Manager) to move photos, videos and music to the map.This won't solve the application problem, but will free up space.
• 🖥️ OTG-Drivers: Connect the flash drive through USB OTG format it as internal memory (not working on all models).
• ☁️ Cloud Storage: Set up automatic photo uploads in Google Photos or Mi Cloud (up to 5GB free).
• 📱 Cleaning apps: Files by Google or CCleaner will help you find and delete unnecessary files (cache, duplicates, temporary data).

For advanced users, a method using ADB to force the transfer of applications is available:

adb shell pm move-package com.example.app android

com.example.app

If none of the methods worked, consider buying a smartphone with a large amount of memory or using it. USB-C hub with external support SSD-storage devices (for example, Samsung) T7 Shield).

Adjust ADB for memory (for power users)

The Android Debug Bridge (ADB) tool allows you to manage your storage at a low level, which is useful if the standard MIUI 12 settings don’t work.

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows, macOS or Linux.
• 📱 Initiated Debugging Mode USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times tap the version → Come back to the extra. → For developers).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).

Instructions for setting up ADB:

1. Download Platform Tools from the official Android Developers website and unpack the archive.
2. Connect your phone to your PC and select File Transfer mode.
3. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with ADB and type: adb devices If the device is displayed, type:
4. adb shell

Now you can use commands from previous sections (for example, to force the formatting of the card).

sm list-disks # Show connected drives


sm partition DISK_ID # Format disk (private/public)




pm set-install-location # Set the default location

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB It can cause data loss or system failure. Do not change settings unless you are sure of their purpose.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions