If your Xiaomi smartphone recognizes a microSD card as part of an internal storage (Adoptable Storage technology), you’re faced with a typical MIUI problem: This storage format is convenient for automatic application transfer, but creates a lot of inconvenience, from the inability to retrieve the card without resetting to errors when connecting to a PC. In this article, we’ll discuss how to safely remove the memory card from internal memory on any Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO device – from budget models to flagships.
It's important to understand that the procedure requires preparation. Depending on the version of MIUI (12, 13 or 14) and the smartphone model (Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3, Mi 11, etc.), the steps may differ slightly. We will look at universal methods, including unmounting through settings, resetting to factory settings and working with ADB for advanced users, and find out why some applications stop working after untangling the map and how to fix it.
Before you start, check: 1) Is there a backup of important data (photos, chats, documents). 2 Is the smartphone charged at least 50% - interruption of the process can lead to damage to the file system. 3 Is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network (when using ADB).
If at least one item is not completed, return to it later - this will save you hours to recover data.
Why Xiaomi combines memory card with internal memory?
Adoptable Storage technology, which is implemented in Android 6.0 Marshmallow, allows you to use microSD as part of the system partition. On Xiaomi, this feature is activated when you first connect the card if the user chooses the option "Use as internal memory".
- 📱 The ability to install apps directly on the map (even those that typically require internal memory).
- 🔄 Automatic transfer of cache and application data to microSD.
- 📈 Increased available space for system files.
But there are critical downsides to this solution: You can't extract a card without formatting, the system considers it an integral part of storage; the speed depends on the microSD class: cheap cards (Class 4/6) slow down your smartphone; compatibility problems: some applications (such as WhatsApp or banking services) refuse to work with external memory.
Xiaomi has added a warning about the consequences on MIUI 12 and later, but many users still choose this mode without understanding the risks. If you already have to share memory, read on - we will discuss all the ways in detail.
Method 1: Unmount the card through MIUI settings (without data loss)
This is the easiest method, but it only works if the card is not encrypted and is not used as the main storage for applications. → Memory: If there is an Encrypted icon next to the microSD, go to Method 2.
Instructions for MIUI 12/13/14:
- Open the Settings → Memory.
- Tap on the name of your memory card (for example, «SD-map: 64GB»).
- In the upper right corner, press three dots (⋮) and select "Storage settings».
- Click on “Format as a portable device” (or “Disable” on some firmware).
- Confirm action. The card will be formatted in FAT32/exFAT and will become a regular removable drive.
What happens after the unloading:
- 📁 All data on the map will be deleted (except those copied to internal memory).
- 🔄 Applications installed on microSD will stop working – they will have to be reinstalled.
- ⚡ Read/write speed can increase (if the card has been encrypted).
Make a backup of data from the card to the PC
Check the battery (minimum 50%)
Close all applications using the map
Connect to Wi-Fi (to download applications after the procedure)-->
⚠️ Note: If the smartphone is not seeing the card after unmounting, try restarting the device or inserting the microSD into another slot (for example, through an adapter to the computer). 90% of the time, the problem is solved automatically after reconnecting.
Method 2: Reset to factory settings (if the card is encrypted)
If the storage settings don't have the option "Format as a portable device," the card is encrypted and integrated into the system, and the only official way to untie it is a full reset, which will delete all the data from the internal memory, but save the files on the card (although they will become unavailable without decryption).
Step-by-step:
- Create a backup copy: 📱 Contacts: export to.vcf via the Contacts app». 📷 Photo/video: copy to PC or cloud (Google Photos, Mi Cloud). 💬 Messages: Use applications like SMS Backup & Restore.
Settings → About the phone → Resetting settings
Erase all data
Confirm the action and wait for the reboot (it will take 5-15 minutes).
portable
Important nuances:
- 🔐 If the card has been encrypted, the data on it cannot be restored without a password from the old firmware. Use it only as a backup for the new device.
- 🔄 On some models (Redmi) 9A, POCO M3) After reset, the card can be identified as damaged, in which case formatting via PC will help.
- ⚡ If the smartphone does not turn on after reset, try to pinch the power + Volume up for entrance to Fastboot.
| Xiaomi model | Does it support unloading without resetting? | Is formatting required after resetting? |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10/11 Pro | Yes (MIUI 13+) | No. |
| POCO X3/X4 Pro | Partially (depends on firmware) | Yes. |
| Mi 11/12 Series | Yes. | No. |
| Redmi 9A/9C | No. | Yes. |
⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI Global Stable may require re-activation of your Mi Account after reset, and if you forget your password, unlocking it will take up to 72 hours!
Method 3: Using ADB for Advanced Users
If the first two methods fail, the ADB command line remains. This method is suitable for MIUI 12-14 and requires a computer with Xiaomi drivers installed.
What you need:
- 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
- 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original).
- 📦 Utilities: ADB and Fastboot.
- 🔧 Included debugging by USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times tap to unlock the developer menu).
Instructions:
- Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm access to debugging.
- Open the command line (cmd on Windows) and type: adb shell sm list-volumes Find the line with private or mixed in the output is your card (for example, your card, private:179,64).
- Run the unmount command (replace X,Y with your values): sm partition disk:X,Y private If the card is used as mixed, type: sm partition disk:X,Y mixed 50 (where 50 is the percentage of memory allocated for internal storage).
- Reboot your smartphone: adb reboot
What to do if ADB does not see the device:
- 🔄 Reinstall Xiaomi drivers with the Mi Flash Tool.
- 🔌 Try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 3.0).
- 📱 Include in the developer settings “Debugging by” USB (security)».
What does it mean to "sm partition disk"
⚠️ Attention: Wrong commands ADB If you are not sure about your actions, use Method 1 or 2.
What to do after the memory card is unset?
After successful unmounting of the map, you will have to:
- Reinstall apps that were on microSD. Some (like Netflix or Google Pay) may refuse to work with external memory - move them back to internal storage.
- Recover data from backup. Use Mi Mover (built into MIUI) or third-party utilities like Titanium Backup (requires root).
- Check the file system of the card. If your smartphone writes "Map damaged," format it in exFAT via your PC.
Tips for optimizing work:
- 📸 For photos/video, set up auto-save to the cloud (Google Photos or Mi Cloud).
- 🎵 Store music and movies on a map, and apps in your internal memory.
- 🔄 Check your health card regularly SD Card Tester (Play Market).
💡
If the smartphone slows down after untidying the card, clear the cache in the Settings menu → Memory → Cleanup. This will delete temporary files that may have been left from the “old” storage mode.
Frequent mistakes and their solutions
Even with the exact following of the instructions, there can be problems.
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The card is not determined after unmounting | A partition or file system is damaged | Format it via PC in FAT32 (if the volume is <32 GB) or exFAT |
| Smartphone asks for password after reset | The card was encrypted and the key was tied to the old firmware. | Format the card – data without a password can not be restored |
| ADB has a “no devices/emulators found” error. | Drivers not installed or debugging not included | Check USB connection and access rights to Settings → More → For developers |
| Applications are not installed on the map | MIUI setup blocks installation on external media | Use ADB with pm set-install-location 2 command |
If nothing helps:
- 📞 Contact Xiaomi Service Center – they can reflash the device with the preservation of warranty.
- 🔧 Install custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience) where there is no linking of the card to internal memory.
- 💾 Buy a larger card (we recommend SanDisk Extreme or Samsung). EVO steady-work).
💡
If the memory card has been formatted as an internal one, you can't just take it out and paste it into another phone, the data will be unavailable without decryption. Always back up before you manipulate it!