Many Mi TV and Mi Box owners face a lack of built-in memory when trying to install modern applications. Internal storage is often limited to 8 or 16 gigabytes, of which the system reserves a significant portion, leaving the user only a small fraction of free space, which becomes a critical barrier for gamers who want to download large projects like Asphalt 9 or PUBG Mobile.
Use of external USB-The drive allows you to expand the capabilities of the device without buying new equipment, but the process of transferring or direct installation of software on the USB drive has its own nuances associated with the architecture of Android. TV Proper media preparation and permission settings are key steps that cannot be ignored for stable operation.
In this article, we will discuss how to turn a flash drive into a complete complement of internal memory, you will learn about formatting, activating debugging mode and specific commands for data transfer, and will also discuss the typical errors that occur when trying to run heavy games from an external source.
Requirements for USB-drive and device preparation
The first step is to choose the right hardware, as not any flash drive will provide the necessary read and write speed. For comfortable operation of gaming applications, it is recommended to use USB 3.0 and higher drives, since older USB 2.0 models can create delays when loading textures.
The minimum storage capacity should be 16 gigabytes, but the best choice will be models from 32 to 64 gigabytes. Too large (128 GB or higher), some older models of Xiaomi TVs may not recognize or work with them unstable. SSD-Disk drives may require additional power via Y-cable.
⚠️ Note: Using cheap flash drives without a brand can lead to data loss and corruption of the file system during the active recording of the game's cache.
Before connecting, you need to make sure that the setup on the TV or console is enabled from unknown sources.This is a basic security requirement for Android, which blocks the launch of unverified devices. APK-Without this step, the system will simply refuse to open the installer, even if the game file is on the flash drive.
💡
Check your computer speed before using: for games, a read speed of at least 80MB/s is desirable.
Formatting and configuring the file system
After physically connecting the drive to the USB TV port, the system will suggest formatting it. Android TV's default format often offers FAT32, which has a 4 gigabyte limit on the size of a single file. For modern games, this is critical, since installation files often weigh more, so it's better to choose an NTFS or exFAT file system.
If the system doesn't offer a choice, you may need to format manually through your computer, plug the flash drive into your PC, right-click on the disk in My Computer, and select Format. In the File System window that appears, specify NTFS, and leave the cluster size as default.
- 📁 NTFS — Best choice for games, supports files of any size and journaling.
- 💾 ExFAT – compatible with Windows and Mac, also removes restrictions FAT32.
- ⚠️ FAT32 — outdated standard, suitable only for lungs 2D-game-emulator.
After formatting on your computer, reconnect the drive to your Xiaomi device.The system can re-request permission to use memory to install applications. You must agree and select the option "Use as internal storage" or "Advanced memory" if such a feature is available in your version of the firmware.
Activation of the developer mode and debugging via USB
Advanced game installation management often requires access to hidden system functions. Developer mode allows you to obtain write rights to system partitions and force applications to be ported. To activate it, go to Settings → About Device and find Build.
You have to click on Build seven times in a row with quick, short clicks, and then a new section for developers will appear in the main settings menu, and inside that you have to find and activate the USB Debug slider, which allows the external computer or file manager to transmit installation commands.
adb connect 192.168.1.XX:5555
adb shell pm set-install-location 2The command above, which is entered through a computer with an ADB installed, forcibly changes the priority of installing applications on an external drive: a value of 2 means external memory, 0 is automatic selection, and 1 is only internal memory. It is a powerful tool, but it requires caution.
⚠️ Note: Change of system parameters through ADB can lead to unstable operation of the interface if the flash drive is removed during operation of the system.
Installation process APK-file-storage
The most common method is to use file managers such as X-Plore or File Commander. APK-The game file is on your computer, then copy it to a formatted flash drive. After connecting the flash drive to the TV, launch the file manager and find the file in the section. USB.
When you try to run an installer, the system can warn you of potential dangers. Confirm the installation by allowing access to unknown sources specifically for that file manager. During the installation process, if you previously changed priority through ADB, the system will prompt you to choose the installation site.
☑️ Installation algorithm
If the automatic choice didn't work, you can use the manual method. Some advanced file managers allow you to choose the installation path if you have root rights, but on standard MIUI TV firmware, this is limited, in which case the game will be installed in internal memory, and it will have to be transferred manually through the application settings.
Transfer of installed applications and cache
Often, there is a situation where the game is already installed in the internal memory, and it needs to be moved to make room. → Annexes → All applications. Find the game you want in the list and click on it. If transfer is possible, move to the button. USB-The storage device will be active.
It is important to understand that only the body of the application is transferred, and some of the cache and account data can remain in internal storage. For heavy games with additional data files (OBB), this may not solve the problem completely, in such cases, it is recommended to delete the game and install it again, prioritizing external memory.
| Parameter | Internal memory. | External flash drive (USB 3.0) | External flash drive (USB 2.0) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading speed | High (eMMC/UFS) | Medium/High | Low. |
| Recording speed | Very high. | Medium | Low. |
| Impact on the system | Minimum | Average. | High load |
| Recommendation | System applications | Games and media | Photo/Video |
Why is the transfer button inactive?
Solving startup and performance issues
Even after a successful installation, you may encounter game dropouts or long downloads, often because the speed of randomly reading small files on flash drives is lower than that of internal eMMC memory. Optimization is to close the background processes and clear the cache before launching a heavy application.
If the game requires additional OBB files, you must place them strictly along the path /Android/obb/name packet game/ on a flash drive. An error in the path or folder name will cause the game to start, but immediately close with a message about a lack of data.
- 🚀 Close all background applications before launching the game.
- 🧹 Clean the cache regularly through storage settings.
- 🔌 Use it. USB-hub with its own power supply for stability.
In some cases, turning off animations in the developer menu helps: Find the "Windows animation scale," "Scale of transition animation," and set them to 0.5x or "Switched off," which will reduce the load on the processor and can remove micro-twitching of the interface during the game.
💡
The performance of flash drive games will always be slightly lower than with internal memory due to the speed limitations of the USB interface.