If your Xiaomi smartphone suddenly stops seeing your memory card as a removable drive and instead defines it as an Adoptable Storage, you're not alone. This problem arises after formatting the microSD as internal storage in the MIUI settings, the system "absorbs" the card, encrypts it and binds it to a particular device, so you can't retrieve the drive without losing data or use it on other gadgets.
In this article, we will discuss three working methods to return the memory card to portable status: through standard MIUI settings, with ADB (for advanced users), and forced formatting on a PC. Each method is tested on Redmi Note 12 Pro+, POCO X5 Pro and Xiaomi 13T smartphones running MIUI 14/15 based on Android 13/14. Importantly, the procedure will lead to complete deletion of data from the card – save important files in advance.
Why Xiaomi is formatting microSD as internal memory?
Adoptable Storage is a feature that appeared in Android 6.0 Marshmallow and allows you to expand internal memory using a memory card.
- 🔒 Data encryption: The card is tied to a specific device and is not readable on other gadgets or PCs.
- 🚫 Unable to retrieve: The system blocks safe extraction, and physical removal can cause failures.
- ⚠️ Data loss risk: When resetting your phone to factory settings, the map is also formatted.
- ⏳ Slowdown: microSD (even class) A2) slower-than-integrated memory UFS 2.2/3.1.
In MIUI, this function is activated when you select the option “Use as internal memory” during the first connection of the card, the system automatically offers this option if it detects that there is little free space on the device, but you can not cancel this solution through the standard interface - there is no formatting button in the settings.
Method 1: Standard reset via MIUI settings (without ADB)
This is the easiest method, but it only works if the card is detected by the system (even if it is damaged). If the microSD does not appear in the settings at all, go to the method with ADB.
- Open Settings → Memory (or Settings → Storage in new versions of MIUI).
- Scroll down to the Portable Drive block or «SD-Click on the name of your card.
- In the upper right corner, tap three points (⋮) and select "Storage settings».
- Click on “Format as Portable” (or “Clean and Format”).
- Confirm the action. It'll take 1-3 minutes.
Save all data from the map to PC/cloud
Charge your phone at least 50%
Disable automatic update of applications
Make sure the card is not physically damaged-->
What if there's no "Format as portable" item?
- 📱 The card is used as part of the internal memory (then it will only help you to use it). ADB).
- 🔧 Settings are hidden due to manufacturer policies (relevant for some regions).
- 🚨 The card is damaged (try to read it on PC through the card reader).
⚠️ Warning: If the card is not defined after formatting, don't physically remove it! This can cause the file system to crash. Try restarting your phone or using the DiskPart utility on your PC.
Method 2: Formatting via ADB (for power users)
If the standard method doesn't work, you'll need to use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a command line debugging tool, which is suitable for cases where:
- 🔄 The card is used as internal memory and there is no formatting option in the settings.
- 📉 MIUI Cannot change the type of storage due to manufacturer restrictions.
- 🔧 You want to return the card without resetting your phone to factory settings.
You'll need:
- 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
- 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
- 📱 Included debugging by USB phone-on.
- 🛠️ Utilities. ADB Fastboot (you can download from the official Android website).
Step 1. Enable debugging over USB
- Go to Settings. → The phone.
- Tap 7 times on the MIUI version until the notification “You became a developer” appears.
- Return to the main settings menu, open “Additional settings → For developers”.
- Activate the USB Debugging and OEM Unlock switches (if any).
Step 2: Connect your phone to your PC and execute commands
- Unpack the archive from ADB into a folder (e.g., C:\adb).
- Open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd → Enter).
- Go to the folder with ADB: cd C:\adb
- Check the device connection: Adb devices should show the serial number of your Xiaomi.
- Enter the command to unmount the card as internal memory: adb shell sm list-volumes Find the line with private or mixed in the output - this is your microSD. Remember it ID (for example, 179_65).
- Format the map as portable: adb shell sm partition 179_65 public Replace 179_65 yours ID.
What if the ADB can’t see the device?
Step 3: Completion of the procedure
After the command is executed:
- Reboot your phone (adb reboot).
- Open Settings → Memory and check that the card now appears as portable.
- If the card is not determined, remove it and paste it back.
⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro) may require a full reset (Wipe Data in Fastboot) after the sm partition command. MIUI. Before resetting, make a backup copy!
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ADB-The method is the most reliable way to return the microSD to portable storage mode, but requires care!
Method 3: Forced formatting on a PC (if the phone can't see the card)
If Xiaomi doesn’t recognize the microSD at all (for example, after a failed extraction or failure), and it doesn’t appear in the settings, it only remains formatting through a computer, and you will need a card reader (or adapter for a microSD).
Important: This method erases all data without the possibility of recovery. If there were important files on the map, first try to restore them using programs like Recuva or Disk Drill.
Instructions for Windows:
- Insert the card into the card reader and connect to the PC.
- Open Disk Management (Win + X → Disk Management).
- Find your microSD in the disk list. It can show up as: 🟢 Correct (RAW) — filesystem is damaged. ⚫ Not distributed - the map is not formatted. 🔴 Unidentified - physical injury.
Click on the disk with the right button and select “Format”.
Specify the FAT32 file system (for cards up to 32 GB) or exFAT (for cards up to 64 GB or more).
Press “OK” and wait until it is completed.
| File system | Max, card size. | Compatibility | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| FAT32 | Up to 32GB. | All devices. | File size limit (4 GB) |
| exFAT | Up to 128 TB | Android 6.0+, Windows, macOS | Not supported by some older devices |
| NTFS | No restrictions. | Windows only (root rights are required for Android) | Not readable on most smartphones |
If Windows doesn't see the map:
- 🔧 Use the DiskPart utility:
- 🛠️ Try specialized programs: SD Formatter, HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool.
- 🚨 If the card is defined as 0MB, it's physically damaged.
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After formatting on your PC, paste the card back into your phone and format it again through Settings → Memory. This will help avoid conflicts with the MIUI file system.
What to do if the card is not formatted?
Sometimes microSD refuses to format on either the phone or the PC.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The card is defined as “0 MB”. | The memory controller burned down | Replacement only (recovery is not possible) |
| The error is “Windows can’t complete the formatting” | Damaged sectors | Use HDD Low Level Format Tool |
| The card heats up when connected | Short circuit. | No use, no risk of damage to the phone |
| The phone is writing «SD-map damaged» | Incompatible file system | Formatting in FAT32 on PC |
Emergency measures:
- 🔥 Freeze the card: Put the microSD in the bag and put it in the freezer for 1-2 hours. Sometimes this helps to temporarily restore access to copy data.
- 🔧 Contact soldering: If the card is not determined due to oxidized contacts, gently clean them with eraser or alcohol.
- 🛠️ Controller firmware: For power users, utilities like Flash Drive Information Extractor can help you reflash the chip (risky!).
⚠️ Warning: If the card is physically damaged (cracks, chips, burn marks), do not try to restore it! Connecting such a microSD can disable the memory card slot in the phone.
How to avoid microSD problems in the future?
In order not to face repeated “absorption” of the card system, follow these rules:
- 📵 Don’t use microSD as internal memory – buy a phone with a lot of internal memory.
- 🔄 Regularly copy data from the map to the PC or cloud (for example, Google Drive or Mi Cloud).
- 🛡️ Use class maps A1/A2 — They are optimized for smartphones and less warm.
- ⚡ Securely extract the map through the Settings menu → Memory. → Extract SD-map.
- 📉 Don’t fill 100% of the card – leave at least 10% free space for stable work.
Recommended MicroSD Models for Xiaomi (2026)
- 🏆 Best pick: Samsung EVO Select (A2, U3, V30) — high speed and reliability.
- 💰 Budget option: SanDisk Ultra (A1, U1) — optimally for photography and music.
- 🚀 For 4K-Video: Lexar Professional 1066x (A2, U3, V60).
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If you’re critically short on memory, consider buying a smartphone with UFS 3.1 (like the Xiaomi 14 or POCO F6 Pro). microSD will always be slower than internal memory, even the A2 class.