Xiaomi smartphones based on MIUI It allows you to expand your internal memory. SD-But not everyone knows how to combine these two storages. Unlike the standard use of the card as a removable drive, the Adoptable Storage feature is a feature that is not used in the first place. MIUI — «The internal memory allows you to transform SD-It's part of the system partition, which solves the problem of not having enough space for applications, but it has nuances, from the speed of the map to the constraints after formatting.
In this article, we will analyze all ways of combining memory - from basic connection to advanced settings through the ADB. You will learn which Xiaomi models support this feature (spoiler: not all!), how to avoid data loss and what to do if the system does not see the map. SD.
1. Which Xiaomi smartphones support memory integration with SD-card
Adoptable Storage (called “Use as internal memory” in MIUI) is not available on all Xiaomi devices, but depends on the Android version and the manufacturer’s policy:
- ✅ Supported by: Android smartphones 6.0+ clean MIUI (without operator shells. Examples: Redmi Note 4/5/6 Pro, Mi A1/A2 (Android One), POCO F1.
- ❌ Not supported: Models with MIUI China (due to Google restrictions) and Android Go devices (e.g. Redmi) 5A).
- ⚠️ Restrictions: On Android 10+ function can be hidden – activation is required ADB.
To check your device’s compatibility, go to Settings. → Memory. → Memory settings → SD-If there's a "Use as internal" item, it means the function is available. If not, you'll need to manually adjust (as discussed in section 4).
2. What kind. SD-Cards are needed to combine with memory
Not every memory card is suitable for expanding internal storage.
| Parameter | Minimum requirement | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Class speed | Class 10 (10 MB/s) | UHS-I (U1/U3) or A1/A2 |
| Volume. | 8GB | 32–128 GB (optimally 64 GB) |
| Format | FAT32/exFAT | exFAT (for cards >32 GB) |
| Brand | Anybody. | SanDisk, Samsung EVO, Kingston |
⚠️ Attention: Cheap cards without a no-name can slow down the system once combined. A1 SD Bench – If the record is below 10MB/s, it is best not to use it as internal memory.
Also note that after formatting the card in the “Inner Memory” mode:
- 🔄 It cannot be retrieved without data loss (the system will block access).
- 📱 The card will be encrypted and will only work on this phone.
- 🚫 Some apps (such as WhatsApp) may not be portable to SD.
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Before the purchase SD-Check it for counterfeit with the help of the utility H2testw (Windows or FakeFlashTest (Android) will prevent you from buying a dummy with an understated real volume.
3. Step-by-step instruction: Memory integration via MIUI settings
If your smartphone supports the function, follow this algorithm:
- Put it in. SD-card to slot (some Xiaomi models require a reboot).
- Open the Settings. → Memory. → SD-map.
- Slip on the item "Configure" (or "Three points → Memory settings").
- Select “Use as internal memory” (or “Inner memory”).
- Confirm the formatting – all data from the card will be deleted!
- Wait until the process is completed (it can take 5-15 minutes).
- Reboot the phone.
Once rebooted, a unified section will appear in the Memory section. Applications can now be transferred to SD via Settings → Apps → [Select App] → Memory → Change.
Buy SD-class UHS-I or A1
Create a backup copy of data from the card
Charge your phone at least 50%
Disable important notifications during the process-->
4. Manual connection via ADB (for hidden function)
If the “Use as internal” option is not in the settings, it can be activated via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which runs on Android 6.0-9.0 and requires a computer.
Instructions:
- Install ADB Tools on your PC.
- Turn on Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (stamp 7 times to become a developer).
- Activate "Debugging by" USB» In Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
- Connect the phone to the PC and type in the command line:
adb shell sm list-disks
adb shell sm partition disk:XX,XX privateWhere XX,XX — identifier SD-You will find out after the first command: disk:179,64.
⚠️ Warning: Incorrect sm partition command may cause data loss on internal memory.
After the command is executed, the phone will restart and SD-The card will become part of the internal storage:
adb shell sm partition disk:XX,XX publicWhat if the ADB can’t see the device?
5 How to transfer applications to SD-post-community
Even after a successful integration, not all applications can be migrated to SD. Here's how to do it right:
- 📱 Through Settings: Settings → Annexes → [Select an application] → Memory. → Change. → SD-map.
- ⚙️ With help. ADB: For system applications, use the command: adb shell pm move-package com.example.app android Where com.example.app is the batch name of the application (you can find out through App Inspector).
- 🛑 Restrictions: Nova Launcher (Google App) or Google Play Services (Nova Launcher) cannot be moved.
If the “Change” button is inactive, it means:
- The app does not support portability (check out Google Play in the Information section).
- SD-The card is formatted as “Portable” rather than “Internal».
- There is not enough space on the map (at least 1.5× of the application size is needed).
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Moving applications to SD can slow them down if the memory card is below the A1.Tests show that the difference in startup speed can be as high as 30% compared to internal memory.
Possible problems and solutions
When combining memory, Xiaomi users often encounter errors, and here are the most common ways to fix them:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| SD-map not defined | Incompatible format or damage | Format the card in FAT32 on a PC, then repeat the process |
| The error "Can't be formatted" | Card protected from recording or damaged | Check the Lock switch on the SD adapter, try another card |
| Phone brakes after unification | Low speed card (class below A1) | Buy a UHS-I U3 or A2 class card |
| Applications are not portable to SD | The map is formatted as "Portable" | Reformat the map to “Inner” (see Section 3) |
If after the combination, the phone began to overheat or discharge quickly, most likely, SD-The map is running at its limits:
- Turn off automatic application updates.
- Transfer only light applications (messengers, games without cache) to the map.
- Return the card to Portable mode (via ADB or reset settings).
⚠️ Warning: If the phone stops turning on after memory is combined, don't panic. SD-map, press the Power. + Volume Up to log in to Recovery, then select Wipe & Reset → Wipe All Data. The map will have to be formatted again.
7. Alternative ways to expand memory on Xiaomi
If memory consolidation is not suitable (for example, due to a slow card), consider these options:
- 🔄 Manual File Transfer: Use a file manager (such as Mi File Explorer) to move photos, videos, and music to the file. SD. Way: /storage/XXXX-XXXX/SDCard.
- ☁️ Cloud storage: Mi Cloud (5GB free), Google Drive or Yandex Disk with autoload photos.
- 📁 Optimizers: Files by Google or SD Maid will help to clean the cache and duplicates.
- 🔧 Root access: With Magisk and the Adoptable Storage Enabler module, you can force the function to be activated on incompatible devices (risk of bricks!).
For models with a hybrid slot (such as the Redmi Note 10 Pro), the only way to expand memory is to abandon the second one. SIM-card SD. Check the specifications of your device on the Xiaomi website.
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If you often shoot videos in 4K, It is better to use a fast Samsung card. EVO Select (U3) and save files directly to it through the camera settings (Storage) → SD-map).