How to increase memory on Xiaomi Mi TV 4S: from flash drive to firmware

Xiaomi Mi TV 4S (especially models with 32 GB of internal memory) often face a lack of space to install applications, updates or record video. Even after resetting to factory settings, free space quickly runs out due to the Android TV cache, application data and system files. Unlike smartphones, you can’t just insert a microSD — but there is a way out.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working ways to increase memory on Mi. TV 4S (version 4S 43, 50, 55" and 65"), from connecting external drives to optimizing system files. MIUI TV 3.0-4.5 and do not require root rights. Important: some solutions are temporary (for example, cleaning the cache), others are permanent (for example, using the root). OTG-storage).

Before you start, check your current memory status: go to Settings → Device → Storage. If less than 1 GB is free, the TV may slow down, and apps (such as Netflix or YouTube) will start to give an error “Not enough memory”.

1. Connecting an external drive via OTG

The easiest way to expand memory is to use USB-drive (a flash drive or hard drive) through the port USB 2.0 on the back of the TV. Mi. TV 4S Supports formatting of external devices in FAT32, exFAT and NTFS, But it is necessary to use as an internal memory. ext4 (below).

To start, plug in a flash drive up to 256 GB (the TV doesn't support drives anymore) and the system automatically detects the device and suggests use cases:

• 📁 Portable storage – files will only be available when you connect a flash drive (as on a regular drive). USB).
• 🔄 Internal storage – the drive will become part of the system (requires formatting in the system) ext4).
• 🖥️ For multimedia – optimized for movies and music (file system) FAT32).

If you choose the internal storage option, the TV formats the flash drive, and it can't be used on other devices without re-formatting, but the apps can be installed directly on it. OTG-Some applications may stop working until you plug it back in.

Formatting a flash drive into ext4 for use as internal memory

For the flash drive to become a full-fledged extension of internal memory (and not just external storage), it must be formatted into the ext4 file system.

• 📱 Install applications directly to the drive.
• 🔄 Automatically transfer cache and application data.
• 🛡️ Avoiding “Insufficient Memory” errors when updating the system.

Formatting instructions:

1. Connect the flash drive to the TV.
2. Go to Settings → Device → Storage → [Name of the flash drive].
3. Select "Format as an internal storage".
4. Confirm the action (all data will be deleted!).
5. After formatting, restart the TV.

Now, when installing applications, the system will suggest choosing a place to save: internal memory or OTG-drive, to transfer applications already installed:

1. Open the Settings → Applications.
2. Select the application you want (such as Kodi or IVI).
3. Press "Storage" → "Change" → choose OTG-accumulator.

⚠️ Note: Not all flash drives are compatible with Mi TV 4S. Avoid cheap, brandless drives - they can cause freezes. Recommended models: SanDisk Ultra, Samsung Fit Plus, Kingston DataTraveler.

3. Cleaning up cache and unnecessary files

If an external drive is not an option, you can free up space by deleting temporary files.The Android TV system on the Mi TV 4S actively caches data, especially if you often watch YouTube, Kinopoisk or play games.Cache clearing is secure and does not delete personal data.

How to clear the cache:

1. Go to Settings → Applications.
2. Select an app (e.g. Google Play Store).
3. Press "Storage" → "Clear the cache".
4. To clean up completely, click “Clear Data” (remove the application settings!).

You should also remove unnecessary files manually:

• 🎬 Downloads – movies, music and images in /storage/emulated/0/Download.
• 📺 TV recordings – if you use TimeShift or Ether recording.
• 🗑️ Recycle Bin - in the file manager (if installed).

💡

To see hidden folders (e.g. /cache), connect your TV to your PC via Wi-Fi via the FX File Explorer app or use ADB (instruction below).

4.Using cloud storage

If physical memory expansion is not possible, the alternative is cloud services, and you can set up automatic downloads on the Mi TV 4S to Google Drive, Yandex Drive or Mi Cloud, which will not increase internal memory, but will free up space by transferring media files.

How to set up automatic booting:

1. Install a cloud storage app (such as Google Photos) through the Play Store.
2. Log in to your account.
3. In the application settings, enable "Autoboot" for photos and videos.
4. Select the download quality ("High" or "Original").

For manual file download:

• Open a file manager (such as X-Plore).
• Select the files you want to transfer.
• Click "Share" → Select a cloud service.

⚠️ Attention: When using the cloud, consider the speed of the Internet. 1080p (size ~4 GB on Google Drive can take up to 1 hour at 10 Mbps.

5. Update firmware to optimize memory

Some versions of MIUI TV firmware (especially up to 3.2.1) had bugs that caused the system to miscalculate the available space. After upgrading to the latest version (at 2026 - MIUI TV 4.5), memory can be freed by:

• 🔄 Cache leak corrections.
• 🗑️ Automatic cleaning of temporary files.
• 📦 Optimizing the Google Play Services.

How to update firmware:

1. Go to Settings → About TV → System Update.
2. Click "Check Updates."
3. If a new version is available, download and install it.
4. After the update, perform a cache reset: Settings → Apps → Google Play Store → Clear the cache.

If the update over the Internet does not work (the error "Can not download"), download the firmware manually:

1. Find the latest version for your model on the website miui.tv.
2. Download the.zip file to the flash drive.
3. Connect the flash drive to the TV.
4. Go to Settings → About TV → System Update → Update locally.

6. Alternative methods: ADB and root (for advanced)

If standard methods fail, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge) to deep-clean or port applications, which requires command line skills and can cause failures if executed incorrectly.

What can be done through ADB:

• 🔍 Remove system applications (bloatwar) that cannot be uninstalled through the menu.
• 📥 Transfer applications to OTG-accumulator.
• 🧹 Clear dalvik cache (accelerates the system operation).

Example of commands to clean the cache of all applications:

adb shell


su




pm trim-caches 999G

To remove an unnecessary system application (such as Mi Game Center):

adb shell


pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.xiaomi.gamecenter

⚠️ Attention: Removing system applications can disrupt your TV. Before executing commands, back up your adb backup or record your current settings on video.

💡

Use ADB only if you are confident in your actions. A mistake in the team can lead to a "brick" of the TV (completely inoperable).

Comparison of ways to increase memory

FAQ: Frequent questions