How to combine flash drive and internal memory on Xiaomi Redmi: 3 working ways

Xiaomi Redmi smartphones are known for their value for money, but even in the top models of internal memory is sometimes not enough. Especially acute problem is the users of budget versions with 32 or 64 GB, where after installing applications and updates, only a few gigabytes remain. The solution is to connect an external flash drive and use it as part of internal storage. But how to do it correctly, so as not to lose data and not slow down the phone?

In this article, we will discuss three proven methods of combining the flash drive and internal memory on the Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10 and other models with support for OTG. You will learn how to transfer applications to a memory card, format it as internal storage and avoid typical errors, and also – why some flash drives are slower than expected, and how to choose the best drive.

Important: not all methods are suitable for all versions of MIUI. For example, in MIUI 14 and newer, the settings interface has changed, and in older firmwares, the option of formatting as internal memory may not be available, we took these nuances into account and prepared current instructions for 2026.

1.Preparation: Which flash drive is right for Xiaomi Redmi

Before you plug in the drive, make sure it's compatible with your smartphone. Not all flash drives are equally useful - read/write speed and volume directly affect performance.

For Xiaomi Redmi, flash drives with characteristics are recommended:

• 🔹 Format: FAT32 (Up to 32GB) or exFAT (64GB) formatting as internal memory will require ext4 (Smartphone formatting automatically).
• 🔹 Speed class: not lower UHS-I U1 (10 MB/s. Better for applications U3 or A1/A2 (Optimized for random operations).
• 🔹 Volume: from 32 GB (less is inefficient) Maximum depends on the model: Redmi Note 10 supports up to 512 GB, Redmi 9A — up to 256GB.
• 🔹 Brand: SanDisk Ultra, Samsung EVO, Kingston Canvas - Proven Versions Without Counterfeiting.

⚠️ Note: Cheap flash drives without labeling often have an understated real capacity and speed. Before buying, check reviews on AliExpress or Yandex Market with mention of a specific Redmi model.

2. Method 1: Formatting a flash drive as an internal memory

This is the most reliable method, but it completely erases the data from the drive. Once formatted, the flash drive will become part of the system, and it can not be retrieved without losing data (like the memory). SIM-But the applications will work faster than normal porting.

Instructions for MIUI 12-14:

1. Connect the flash drive through OTG-adapter (for USB-C Micro-USB depending on the model).
2. In the notification, click Setup → Use as internal memory.
3. Confirm the formatting (the process will take 1-5 minutes).
4. Once completed, restart the phone.

⚠️ Warning: After this formatting, the flash drive will not be read on a PC or other phone without losing data, it will become "bound" to your Redmi, and if you remove it forcibly, the applications on it will stop working.

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Formatting as internal memory speeds up applications, but makes the flash drive incompatible with other devices.

Method 2: Transfer applications to a flash drive without formatting

If you don't want to tie a flash drive to your phone, you can only transfer some of the apps to it, which is less effective (apps can slow down), but it's still compatible with other devices.

How to move:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select an app (such as Telegram or Spotify).
3. Click Warehouse → Change → Memory Map.
4. Confirm the transfer (some applications cannot be moved).

Limitations of the method:

• 🚫 Not all applications support portability (especially system applications).
• 🚫 Ported application widgets may not work.
• 🚫 When you remove the USB stick, the application will “disappear” before reconnecting.

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Before transferring, clear the app cache to Settings → Storage, which will reduce the amount of data transferred and speed up the process.

Method 3: Using a flash drive to store files (music, photo, video)

If you don't have to port apps, but only free up space for photos and videos, you just have to set up the default file saver on the USB drive. It's secure and doesn't require formatting.

How to set up:

1. Connect the flash drive and select in the Notification Use as a portable device.
2. Open the Settings → Storage → Memory Map.
3. Press Three dots (⋮) → Storage settings → Save new photos and videos on the map.

For music and documents:

• 🎵 In Google Play Music or Mi Music, select the save path in the settings.
• 📄 In Google or Mi File Manager files, copy documents to a flash drive manually.

5.Why the flash drive works slowly and how to fix it

Redmi users often complain about the brakes when using the flash drive.

Critical information: On the Redmi Note 10 Pro and later, when using the flash drive as internal memory, writing speeds can decrease by 20–30% due to hardware encryption.

6. How to avoid data loss when working with a flash drive

Flash drives are not the most reliable storage. Follow the rules to avoid losing files:

• 🔄 Regularly copy important data from a flash drive to a PC or cloud (Google Drive, Mi Cloud).
• 🛑 Do not remove the flash drive during writing/reading (icon) USB in the state line should disappear).
• 🔋 Don't use cheap. OTG-Adapters – they can damage the port or flash drive.
• 📱 Before the update MIUI Turn off the flash drive (updates sometimes reset storage settings).

⚠️ Note: If you formatted the flash drive as internal memory and then reset your phone to factory settings, the data on it will be deleted. MIUI does not offer to save the contents of the flash drive separately when reset.

7.Alternatives: what to do if the flash drive does not fit

If your Redmi model doesn’t support OTG (like the Redmi Go) or your flash drive isn’t stable, consider other ways to expand your memory:

• ☁️ Cloud storage: Google Photos (unlimited space for compressed photos), Mi Cloud (5 GB free).
• 📶 FTP-Server: Apps like Solid Explorer allow you to access your phone files from your PC via Wi-Fi.
• 🔌 Outside SSD: For Redmi with USB-C You can connect a portable drive (for example, SanDisk Extreme).

FAQ: Frequent questions about flash drives on Xiaomi Redmi