How to insert a memory card in the smartphone Xiaomi Redmi 4: instructions with photos and nuances

Xiaomi Redmi 4 is one of the most popular budget smartphones of the brand, which is still actively used due to its reliability and the ability to expand memory. However, many users have questions: where exactly is the slot for the memory card, how to install it correctly so as not to damage contacts, and what to do if the phone does not see the microSD after installation.

In this article, you will find step-by-step instructions with a photo, understand the types of cards supported (including the maximum volume), learn how to configure the card as an internal memory or removable drive, and get tips for eliminating typical problems. Special attention is paid to the unique feature of Redmi 4: a hybrid slot that requires a choice between the second and the second. SIM-card.

Preparation: which memory card to choose for Xiaomi Redmi 4

Before you insert the card, make sure it is compatible with your smartphone. Xiaomi Redmi 4 supports microSD (not miniSD or SD!) with specifications:

• 📏 Form factor: microSD (size only) 15×11×1 Other types of cards will not physically fit.
• 💾 Maximum volume: up to 256 GB (officially confirmed by Xiaomi), but in practice, cards up to 128 GB of classes are more stable. UHS-I Class 10.
• ⚡ Speed: Class recommended 10 or UHS-I (U1/U3) videotape 4K (If supported by a camera, Class cards 4 Can be slowed down when recording heavy applications.
• 🔄 File system: FAT32 (for cards up to 32 GB or exFAT (64 GB or more). NTFS unsupported!

⚠️ Note: Some SanDisk Ultra and Samsung maps EVO 256GB Plus may not be recognized due to firmware limitations MIUI. If you need a 256GB card, check it for compatibility on forums (e.g., for example, 4PDA).

Where is the memory card slot in Redmi 4?

In Xiaomi Redmi 4 slot for memory card combined with tray for SIM-The card is a hybrid slot, which is located on the left side of the smartphone (if you look at the screen), and to open it, you need a paper clip or a special key (it comes with the phone).

📌 How to find a slot:

1. Turn the phone over with your screen.
2. On the left side, find a small hole next to the volume buttons.
3. Put the paperclip in the hole and slightly press - the tray will be pushed out.

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If you don't have a paper clip, you can use an unbended stationery brace or a thin needle, and the main thing is not to damage the tray's sealing ring, otherwise dust can get inside the case.

⚠️ Warning: Do not try to open the tray with a nail or plastic card - this can deform the mechanism. Also do not apply excessive force: if the tray is not extended, check if it is jammed due to dirt.

Step-by-step: how to insert a memory card in Xiaomi Redmi 4

Now, to the installation process itself, follow the instructions carefully so that you don't damage the contacts of the card or smartphone.

1. Turn off your smartphone. It's a must! By inserting the card into your phone, you risk damaging both the card and the smartphone's memory controller, and waiting for the card to be completely turned off (the vibration or notification indicator will go out).
2. Get the tray for you. SIM-How to do this is described in the previous section. Put the tray on a flat surface so that you don't lose the small details.
3. The Redmi 4 has a hybrid slot: you can use either two. SIM-card SIM + microSD. Decide what's more important to you: 📱 Two. SIM-Cards: if you need two numbers (e.g. work and personal). 💾 One. SIM + microSD: if the priority is additional memory.

Install a memory card

Put the tray up with the contacts (the tray has a diagram). The microSD card is installed in the top slot (if you look at the tray so that the SIM cutout is from the bottom). Carefully squeeze the card before the click - it should sit tightly, without backlash.

Put the tray back in.

Make sure that the card and SIM (if used) do not protrude beyond the edges of the tray. Insert the tray to the end until it snaps.

Turn on the phone.

After booting the system, a notification will appear about the new memory card, and if it is not installed, check if the card is installed correctly (see the section "What to do if the phone does not see the card").

Setup of the memory card after installation

Once you have inserted the card, it needs to be initialized into the system. Xiaomi Redmi 4 based on MIUI offers two use cases:

1. Portable storage (removable drive) – the card is used to store files (photos, videos, music), but applications cannot be installed on it.
2. Internal memory – the card is formatted and becomes part of the main memory of the phone, and you can install applications on it (but not all!).

How to set up the map:

1. After switching on the phone will be a notification "New" SD-I've found a map.
2. Select “Set up” → “Portable Storage” (recommended for most users) or “Inner Memory”.
3. If you've chosen internal memory, the phone will suggest formatting the card, and you'll notice that all the data will be deleted, and you'll only accept it if there's no important files on the card.
4. After formatting (if you have selected internal memory), restart your phone.

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If you choose the option of "Inner Memory", the card can not be removed and used in other devices without re-formatting, and some applications (such as WhatsApp) may not be ported to the map even in this mode.

⚠️ Note: When using the card as internal memory, its speed will be slower than that of the phone's internal memory, this can lead to lags in games or slow download of applications, we recommend that you install only light programs (messengers, readers) and store media files.

How to transfer data and applications to a memory card

If you have configured the card as a portable storage, you can manually transfer files (photos, videos, music) to it through any file manager, for example, MI File Manager (preinstalled in MIUI).

1. Open the MI File Manager.
2. Go to the section "Inner Memory".
3. Select the files you want to transfer (for example, the DCIM folder with a photo).
4. Click "Move" and select "SD-map".

For applications, the situation is more complicated:

• 📱 If the card is configured as internal memory, some applications can be moved through Settings. → Annexes → [Select an application] → Warehouse → Change. → SD-map.
• ❌ Applications with high performance requirements (games, social networks) are not recommended to be transferred - they will slow down.
• ⚠️ Google system applications and services cannot be transferred to the map.

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To free up space in internal memory, use the Cleanup function in MIUI: Settings → Memory → Cleanup. This will remove cache and unnecessary files without risk to the system.

What to do if Xiaomi Redmi 4 can’t see the memory card

If after installing the card, the phone does not recognize it, check the following points:

• 🔌 Installation correctness: take out the tray and make sure the card is inserted with contacts up and before the click.
• 🛠️ Clean contacts: wipe the card and slot contacts with dry soft cloth (such as microfiber!
• 📱 Card compatibility: check that the card is formatted in FAT32 or exFAT (see section “Preparation").
• 🔄 Rebooting: Sometimes a normal phone reboot helps.
• 🛠️ Checking on another device: insert the card into a computer or another phone, and if you can't see it there, the card is defective.

If the card works on other devices but is not recognized in Redmi 4, try:

1. Update your MIUI firmware to the latest version: Settings → About Phone → System Update.
2. Reset network settings: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings.
3. Perform reset of all settings (without deleting data): Settings → Additional → Resetting.

⚠️ Note: If the phone is making an error "SD-Map damaged, don't format it right away on your phone! Connect the card to your computer and try to recover data with programs like Recuva or PhotoRec. Formatting will delete all files without any recovery.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When working with memory cards in Xiaomi Redmi 4, users often make the following mistakes:

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions