How to increase memory Xiaomi Mi Box S: from USB-cloud-storage

Xiaomi Mi Box S is one of the most popular Android TV-It runs out of internal memory (8GB or 16GB depending on the version) quickly, especially if you install a lot of apps, games or download movies in high resolution. Unlike smartphones, where you can just insert a microSD, it's more complicated: The console does not support expansion of memory "out of the box", and incorrect actions can lead to system failures.

In this article, we will discuss all the working ways to increase memory on the Mi Box S, from connecting external drives to optimizing internal storage and using cloud services. Each method is tested on current versions of firmware (including Android TV 9/10) and is suitable for both beginners and experienced users.

1. Connection USB-The storage device: a simple but limited method

The most obvious method is to connect a flash drive or external hard drive to a USB 2.0 port on the back of the console.

• 🔌 File system format: Mi Box S supports only FAT32 (32 GB maximum and exFAT (up to 128 TB). NTFS It does not work without additional manipulation.
• ⚡ Power: 2.5′′ hard drives may lack power from the USB-port – you will need a Y-cable with additional power from a second port or an external source.
• 📁 By default, the flash drive will only be used to store media files (movies, music), but not to install applications.

To connect the drive:

1. Format the flash drive to exFAT on your PC (via Disk Management or Rufus utility).
2. Put it in. USB-port port.
3. Open the Settings. → Storage and discharge → USB-Select to use as a portable device.

⚠️ Warning: If you plug in a hard drive larger than 1TB, the console can think for a long time at the first installation (up to 5 minutes!

2. setting the flash drive as internal memory (Adoptable Storage)

This method allows you to expand the internal memory due to an external drive, but has serious limitations:

• ✅ Applications will be installed on the flash drive automatically.
• ❌ The drive will be tied to the console - it will not be able to be removed without resetting the settings.
• ⚠️ The speed depends on the class of the flash drive: UHS-I U3 Delays are minimal, for cheap Class 10 - noticeable lags.

Instructions:

1. Connect the flash drive formatted in exFAT (recommended volume: 32-128 GB).
2. Go to Settings. → Storage and discharge → USB-accumulator.
3. Select Configure as internal storage and confirm formatting (data will be deleted!).
4. After restarting, check the free space in Settings → Storage.

Important: Once activated, the Adoptable Storage drive is encrypted and unreadable on other devices, and retrieval will require resetting the Mi Box S to factory settings.

Backup of data from the drive | Formatting in exFAT|Write speed check (minimum 20 MB/s)|Use of USB 3.0 flash drive (recommended)

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3. Internal Memory Optimization: What Can Be Deleted Without Risk

Before buying a new drive, you should free up space on the built-in storage. In the Mi Box S, there are many junk files that are safe to delete:

For deep cleaning:

1. Install SD Maid (requires ADB to unlock the rights).
2. Run the scan in the CorpseFinder section (removes the remnants of remote applications).
3. In AppControl, sort apps by size and remove unnecessary ones.

⚠️ Attention: Do not delete folders /system or files with the.odex extension - this will cause a system failure!

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If your memory is running out quickly after cleaning, check the apps in the background: some (like Kodi or Stremio) create temporary files up to 10 GB. Use Settings → Applications → Special Access → Battery Optimization to limit their activity.

4. Use of network storage (NAS or cloud)

If physical memory expansion is not suitable, the alternative is network drives:

• 🌐 Cloud services: Google Drive, Yandex Disk or Mi Cloud (integrated into Xiaomi firmware) are suitable for storing movies and photos, but not for applications.
• 🖥️ Local. NAS: Connect your home server or router to USB-port (for example, Xiaomi Mi Router) 4A Gigabit and set up access to SMB.
• 📡 DLNA/UPnP: Turn on the router settings and use apps like VLC or Kodi for streaming.

How to connect the network folder:

1. On PC, create a shared folder (read/write rights for everyone).
2. Install on the Mi Box S FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer.
3. In the application, select Network → Add Storage → SMB and enter your PC IP address, username and password.

The advantage of the method is that there are no limits on the volume, and files are available on all devices on the network. 4K-Content needs 5 GHz Wi-Fi or wired connection).

5. Installation of applications on SD-map (bypass)

The Mi Box S is not officially supported. SD-maps, but there is a way around ADB:

1. Connect the console to the PC via USB (enable Debugging by USB in Settings → About the console → Software version, clicking 7 times on the line with the version).
2. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices must display the serial number of the device.
3. Install the app on SD-map (replace com.example.app with the application package): adb shell pm set-install-location 2 adb shell pm move-package com.example.app

Limitations:

• ❌ Not all apps work (e.g. Netflix and YouTube block portability).
• ⚠️ After updating the firmware settings can be reset.

⚠️ Note: Some apps (e.g. Google Play Services) when migrating to SD-The card will start to crash. Before manipulation, back up with adb backup.

6. Alternative firmware: risks and opportunities

If standard methods don’t work, some users resort to custom firmware (like LineageOS or Amlogic Custom ROM).

• ✅ Install applications on external drives without restrictions.
• ✅ Use it. NTFS and ext4 flash-drive.
• ✅ Disable Xiaomi system applications, freeing up to 1.5 GB of memory.

There are, however, downsides:

• ❌ Loss of warranty and risk of “bricking” prefixes.
• ❌ No official Google Play support (Open GApps manual installation required).
• ⚠️ Some features (such as Google Assistant) may not work well.

If you decide to firmware, follow the instructions from the 4PDA forum or XDA Developers using the Amlogic USB Burning Tool. Important: for the Mi Box S (MDZ-22-AB model), only firmware based on Android TV 9/10 with a 4.9 core is suitable.

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Custom firmware gives you maximum freedom, but requires technical skills. For most users, optimizing internal memory and connectivity is enough. USB-The Adoptable Storage.

7. Comparison of methods: which to choose?

Selection recommendations:

• 🎬 For movies and music: USB-storage NAS.
• 📱 For applications: Adoptable Storage (if you are ready to sacrifice a flash drive) or optimization.
• 🔧 For experienced users: custom firmware.

Frequently asked questions