Xiaomi smartphones today have a huge amount of built-in storage, but for many users, itβs still not enough. Installing a microSD memory card becomes the only solution for storing thousands of photos, music and videos. Once the media is physically installed, the user is challenged to properly configure the system and access files.
The MIUI shell or the new HyperOS have its own external storage features. Often, beginners don't understand where the new storage capacity is missing or how to switch from internal storage to external storage. In this article, we'll go into detail all the ways to access files.
We will look not only at standard methods through the file manager, but also at more advanced customization options that allow you to use the file manager. SD-This will help to avoid overflowing of the main partition and speed up the operation of the device.
β οΈ Warning: Always use the Safe Retrieval feature in the settings before retrieving the memory card, otherwise there is a high risk of losing all stored data or damaging the file system.
Physical installation and primary activation of the carrier
The process begins long before you start looking for files on the menu. The first step is to physically fit the card properly into your Redmi or Poco slot. Modern models often use a combined tray where the memory card shares space with the second. SIM-Be careful when installing, so as not to damage the contacts.
Once you've inserted the drive and turned on the phone, the system automatically detects the new device, and the screen will display a notification, if that hasn't happened, check the density of the card in the tray, sometimes you need to wipe the microSD contacts with soft dry cloth.
When you first connect, the system will suggest you choose the type of use you want, so you can leave the card as a portable storage device or format it for internal use, and the first option is preferable if you plan to move the card to other devices or computers often.
- π Make sure the phone is completely off before removing the tray.
- πΎ Use only quality memory cards from proven brands like SanDisk or Kingston.
- βοΈ Pay attention to the speed class of the card, for recording 4K A minimum of Class 10 is required or U3.
βοΈ Pre-installing check
Use of a standard file conductor
The easiest way to log into the contents of a memory card is to use the built-in Explorer app, which is pre-installed on all Xiaomi smartphones and does not require any additional software installation, and can be found on your desktop or in the Tools folder.
Once you start the app, you'll see a few tabs, and you'll need a tab that's usually indicated by the folder icon or called Files, and at the top of the screen or side menu, you'll see a list of available storages. SD-card or name of your drive.
The Explorer interface allows you to sort files by type, date or size, which makes it much easier to navigate when you have gigabytes of information on the map, so you can copy, move and delete files using long-term clicking on the object.
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Quick access to frequently used folders on SD-Add them to the βFavoritesβ in the conductor side menu by clicking on the asterisk next to the folder name.
If you don't see the files that should be on the map, check if they're hidden. There's a hidden file option in the Explorer settings, and you should make sure that you're in external storage instead of looking at the phone's internal memory.
Configuring the card as internal memory
One of the most useful features of Android on Xiaomi devices is the ability to combine an external card with internal memory, a process called adaptive storage. SD-Card as an integral part of the phone.
To activate this function, go to the device settings. The path usually looks like this: Settings β Memory. β SD-In the menu that opens, you need to find the option "Format" and select the option "Use as internal storage", and the system will warn you that all data will be deleted.
Once formatted, the card is encrypted and linked to a particular device, so you can't just take it out and paste it into your computer without losing access to the data, but it allows you to install heavy apps and games directly onto the map, saving precious space in the system partition.
| Parameter | Portable storage | Internal storage |
|---|---|---|
| Portability | You can move it to other devices. | Linked to the same phone |
| Installation of applications | Limited or impossible | Full support |
| Speed of operation | Depends on the class of the card. | Optimized by the system |
| Risk of data loss | Low on extraction | High in formatting |
β οΈ Note: It is not recommended to use old or slow memory cards in internal storage mode, as this can significantly slow down the entire interface. MIUI.
Access problems and their solution
Users often experience a situation where the phone sees the card but can't log in. The system may give an error "damaged" or "required formatting." In such cases, there is no need to panic. Often the problem lies in the file system that the phone can't read.
Try to connect your smartphone to your computer through USB-Cable. Select the mode of operation. MTP (If the computer sees the card, copy the important data to the hard drive, and then format the card directly into the phone menu.
Another common reason is file system incompatibility. Android works best with FAT32 or exFAT. If the card is formatted in NTFS, the phone can see it, but won't let you write files or even open a partition.
- π Check the card for viruses with the help of antivirus on your computer.
- π Use the utility. SD Card Formatter for deep structure restoration.
- π± Make sure that the date and time settings are automatically updated, this affects the security certificates.
In rare cases, the problem can be hardware: If the phone can't see any memory card, the slot itself in the device may have become contaminated or oxidized.
Working with multimedia and camera
After a successful setup, many users want to start shooting photos and videos on a new map. The camera in Xiaomi smartphones allows you to flexibly adjust the save path. Go to the camera settings, find the Save section and switch the switch to the new card. SD-map.
But you have to keep in mind the speed limits. If you're shooting high-resolution video, like 4K at 60 frames per second, a normal map may not be able to record the data stream, which will cause recording to be interrupted. For professional shooting, use cards labeled V30 or higher.
Music players and video players also require customization of paths to libraries, and popular applications like VLC or Mi Music require you to manually specify a folder on an external medium to show tracks in the shared list, otherwise the app will scan only internal memory.
Why are the photos being saved in the wrong place?
Transfer of applications to SD-map
The issue of porting installed programs worries owners of budget models with a small amount of internal memory. In modern versions of Android, this feature is limited to application developers. Not all programs can be moved to an external drive.
To check for portability, go to Settings β Annexes β All applications. Select the program you want and find the "Move to" button. SD-If the button is active, you can make room in the system. If the button is grey or missing, you can't move without root rights.
It's important to understand that even after you transfer some of the application's data, it's still in the internal memory, and it's system files and cache, which are necessary for fast work, and you can't completely unload heavy games to the map, but you can do it 50-70% of the space.
β οΈ Note: When removing the application from the phone data on SD-Periodically check the external storage for folders with the names of remote programs.
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Use of the SD-Cards as internal memory is the best way to permanently solve the problem of space shortage, but requires a high-quality and fast storage device.