Extraction SD-Xiaomi smartphone cards seem like a simple procedure, but the wrong actions can lead to data loss, file system damage or even drive failure, POCO X3 Pro, where the memory card simultaneously acts as the second SIM. In this article, we will discuss all the official and hidden ways to securely remove microSD, including nuances for different versions. MIUI Android.
It is important to understand that the procedure differs depending on whether the card is used as portable storage or as internal memory (Adoptable Storage function). We will also consider what to do if the system does not see the card after extraction or if it produces an error "SD-map damaged".
1. Preparation for retrieval: what to do before deleting the card
Before you physically remove the microSD from the slot, follow the mandatory steps in the system.
- ๐ Close all applications that work with files on the map (gallery, music players, Google documents.
- ๐ Sync your data with the cloud (Mi Cloud, Google Drive) or copy important files to internal memory.
- ๐ Charge your smartphone at least 30% โ with a low charge, the system can interrupt operations with the drive.
- ๐ ๏ธ Check the map for errors through the settings (more on this in the next section).
If you use the card as internal memory (the Adoptable Storage feature in older Android versions), it cannot be removed without first unmounting. Trying to remove the drive will lead to the error "Can't be removed: the device is used." In this case, follow the instructions in section 4.
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On devices with MIUI 14+ Before you extract the card, turn off the "Fast Optimization" function in the battery settings. It can interrupt the background processes of working with the battery. SD-card.
Pay special attention to hybrid slots (for example, in Redmi). 9A or POCO M4 Pro) If the card is installed instead of the second SIM, If you take it out, you'll shut down the mobile network:
- Go to Settings. โ SIM-maps and mobile networks.
- Turn off mobile data for the second SIM (if she was active).
- Make sure that the main SIM slot-work SIM 1.
Method 1: Standard extraction through the notification panel
The fastest method that works on all Xiaomi smartphones MIUI 12 and newer. Suitable for cards used as portable storage:
- Swipe your finger down from the top of the screen to open the notification bar.
- Press the badge "SD-map" (usually displayed as an exclamation point flash drive icon).
- In the window that appears, select "Extract" or "Safe Removal".
- Wait for the notification "Safe to remove" USB-device" (usually occupied by 2-5 seconds).
If the badge SD-The card does not appear in the notification panel:
- ๐ Check if it is hidden in the extended panel (swipe down twice).
- ๐ฑ Restart your smartphone โ sometimes the system wonโt display a notification due to a crash.
- โ๏ธ Make sure that notifications from โStorageโ are displayed in the settings (Settings) โ Notifications โ Annexes โ Warehouse).
Limitations of the method:
- โ It does not work for cards used as internal memory.
- โ It may not work if the card is damaged or the system does not recognize it.
- โ In some models (POCO F3, Xiaomi 11T) You need to unlock the screen to access the notification panel.
3. Method 2: Extract through storage settings
Alternative method that is relevant to all versions MIUI (including MIUI 11 on older devices:
- ๐ต Badge SD-The card does not appear in the notification panel.
- ๐ You need to remove the card that is used to store application data.
- โ ๏ธ The system emits an error when trying standard extraction.
Instructions:
- Open the Settings โ Storage.
- Scroll down and select yours. SD-card (usually displayed as an "External drive" or "SD-map").
- Click on three dots in the upper right corner (โฎ) and select "Storage settings".
- Slip "Extract" or "Safe Removal."
- Confirm the action, wait for notification of successful extraction.
All applications that use the SD-map|Synchronized important data|Smartphone charged at 30%+|Checked for no errors on the map-->
If the item "Extract" is inactive (grey), this means:
| Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|
| The card is used as an internal memory. | Reconfigure it as a portable storage (see section 4) |
| Applications record data on a map | Close all programs through Task Manager (Settings) โ Annexes โ Launched) |
| File system is damaged | Format the map (data loss!) or check on another device |
| Slot SD blocked by security policy (corporate devices) | Contact the administrator or reset the settings |
On devices with MIUI 14 and Android 13+ After retrieving the card through the settings, the system automatically scans the internal memory for the presence of associated files and suggests moving them back, which helps to avoid data loss if the applications saved cache or settings on the data. SD.
Method 3: Retrieval of a card used as internal memory
If you've set it up SD-Card as internal memory (Adoptable Storage feature available in Android) 6-9), It can't just be extracted. It encrypts the drive and binds it to the device:
- ๐ซ Loss of all data on it (it is encrypted and not readable on other devices).
- ๐ Failures in the operation of applications that saved data on SD.
- โ ๏ธ Error "Storage device damaged" on the next connection.
To safely extract such a card:
- Go to Settings. โ Warehouse.
- Choose yours. SD-card (to be marked as "Inner Memory").
- Press three points (โฎ) โ "Storage settings" โ "Formatting as external".
- Attention, this will delete all data from the map.
- Once formatted, the map will be portable and can now be extracted in a standard way (see Section 2).
โ ๏ธ Attention: On devices with MIUI 13+ Android 12+ Adoptable Storage is disabled by default. If you see the card as internal memory, it was probably manually configured on the older version of the system, in which case, once removed, it cannot be used on other devices without full formatting.
If you want to save data before converting the card to a portable one:
- Connect your smartphone to your PC via USB (in File Transfer mode).
- Copy all the data from SD-The card is usually called the Internal Shared Storage).
- Turn off the device and follow the formatting steps.
5. Method 4: Forced extraction (if the system does not respond)
Sometimes. SD-The card will freeze in the system, and the standard methods will not work:
- ๐ Failure of the file system (for example, after a sudden power outage).
- ๐ ๏ธ Contact damage in the slot.
- ๐ฑ Programmatic errors MIUI (Frequently Resurfaced After Updates).
In such cases, the forced extraction of:
Instructions for experienced users (required) ADB)
Safe method without ADB:
- Restart your smartphone in safe mode (press the power button). โ long tap on "Switch off" โ "Safe regime").
- In Safe Mode, try extracting the map through Settings. โ Warehouse.
- If it doesnโt work, turn off the device completely, and remove the card 30 seconds after turning it off.
โ ๏ธ Warning: Forced extraction without unmounting can damage the file system. If the card is not read afterward, it will have to be formatted. MIUI 14 and later after such extraction, the system will offer to check the card for errors on the next connection - agree.
Method 5: Extract on the device turned off (extreme case)
This method should only be used if:
- ๐ The smartphone is discharged and does not turn on.
- ๐ The system is completely frozen and does not respond to pressing.
- โ ๏ธ The card is urgently needed, and other methods do not work.
Instructions:
- Turn off your smartphone (press the power button) + up the volume for 10 seconds if it is getting stuck).
- Wait at least 30 seconds โ thatโs enough time to clear all the caches.
- Carefully remove the tray for SIM-cards with a paper clip (the hole is usually located on the upper or lateral face).
- Delete. SD-If the card is in a hybrid slot, make sure the contacts of the second one are not damaged. SIM.
Risks of the method:
- ๐ซ The probability of file system damage is up to 30% (according to the test data) XDA Developers on devices with MIUI 12).
- ๐ฑ On some models (Xiaomi 12 Pro, POCO F4 GT) This resets the network settings.
- โก Possible discharge of capacitors on the board, which will lead to a reset of time / date.
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Removing the card on a device that is turned off is always a risk. If the card is not detected after that, connect it to the PC through a card reader and perform error check with standard Windows tools (Disk Properties). โ Service โ Check it out).
7 What to do if, after extraction, SD-card
If, after extraction, the card:
- ๐ซ Not detected on any device.
- ๐ Requests formatting when connected.
- โ ๏ธ Shows incorrect volume (for example, 0 bytes or 32 MB instead of 128 GB).
Follow the following steps:
| Problem. | Decision | Tools |
|---|---|---|
| The map is unrecognizable. | Check the contacts, clean them with a strip. Try another card reader. | Lastic, alcohol, card reader |
| Formatting required | Use it. SD Formatter from SD Association for Full Formatting. | SD Formatter |
| Wrong volume | Card is fake or damaged. H2testw. | H2testw |
| Read/write error | Try to recover data using Recuva or TestDisk. | Recuva, TestDisk |
If the card was used as an internal memory and is no longer readable:
- Connect it back to Xiaomi and try formatting it through the settings.
- If it does not help, reset your smartphone settings (Settings) โ The phone. โ Resetting settings).
- Use fastboot for complete erasure: fastboot erase userdata fastboot format:ext4 Userdata Attention! This will delete all data from the smartphone's internal memory.
8. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them
Xiaomi User Experience (according to forums) 4PDA Mi Community shows that 70% of the problems with the SD-The cards are caused by typical errors:
- ๐ซ Extracting files while writing (such as downloading or copying) causes damage to the file system in 95% of cases.
- ๐ Pulling the card with a low battery charge (less than 15%) may not be possible to complete the operation.
- ๐ Use of non-original adapters for microSD โ SD. This often leads to poor contact and reading errors.
- ๐ฑ Ignoring the safety extraction notice. MIUI This can cause a media scanner to fail.
To avoid problems:
- ๐ก๏ธ Use class maps A1/A2 or UHS-I/UHS-II (Recommended for Xiaomi).
- ๐ Regularly (every 3 months) format your card via smartphone, not via PC.
- ๐ฑ Do not remove the card if the status shows "Occupied" or "Preparation is in progress".
- โก Avoid cheap no-name cards โ they often have less than the actual volume claimed.
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On Xiaomi devices with MIUI 14+ before extraction SD-Disable the Auto-Optimization function in the battery settings. It can interrupt the background processes of the drive.
Pay special attention to hybrid slots. On the Redmi Note 11 Pro models+, POCO X4 Pro and others with a combined slot:
- ๐ถ When the card is removed, the second card is automatically disabled. SIM.
- ๐ Once the card is returned back, it may be necessary to restart the network.
- โ ๏ธ Some operators (e.g, Tele2) require re-activation SIM after.