How to insert a memory card into the smartphone Xiaomi Mi 9T: instructions with photos and tips

Why you need a memory card in Xiaomi Mi 9T and what nuances it is important to know

Xiaomi Mi 9T (also known as Redmi K20 in some regions) is equipped with a hybrid slot for microSD cards, which allows you to expand the internal memory to 256 GB. However, many users face difficulties in the first installation: the phone does not see the card, gives a formatting error or the slot seems inaccessible. In this article, we will discuss the step-by-step insertion process, compatible card types, as well as typical problems and their solutions.

It is important to understand that Mi 9T It only supports a hybrid slot, which means that when you use a microSD, you donate a second slot. SIM-If you're critically important with two SIMs, you'll have to choose between them and extra memory, and it's also worth considering that not all cards work equally well with Xiaomi: some budget models can slow down or cause errors when writing files.

Before you start the installation, check:

• 📱 The firmware version of your Mi 9T (topical MIUI Supports microSD better).
• 💾 Class of memory card - for recording video in 4K need UHS-I U3 or A2.
• 🔧 File system format: Xiaomi recommends exFAT for cards over 32GB.

Which memory cards are compatible with Xiaomi Mi 9T: technical requirements

Not all microSDs are equally useful for the Mi 9T. The manufacturer officially supports cards up to 256GB, but in practice some 512GB models also work (though not guaranteed).

Pay special attention to counterfeits: there are many underrated cards on the market, for example, a card labeled U3 can actually be Class 10. You can check the real speed using applications like A1 SD Bench (available on Google Play).

⚠️ Note: If you use a card from an old phone, be sure to format it directly in Mi 9T — This will eliminate file system conflicts. Formatting on a PC can leave tails that Xiaomi doesn't recognize.

Step-by-step: how to insert a memory card in Xiaomi Mi 9T

The microSD installation process in the Mi 9T takes 2-3 minutes, but requires carefulness.

1. Turn off the phone. This is a must: hot card change can damage the slot contacts.
2. Find a SIM/microSD slot. In the Mi 9T, it's on the left end (if you look at the screen), use a clip or a special key from the kit to remove the tray.
3. Place the card in the tray. the microSD is installed in the top slot (above) SIM-Make sure the map is settled before clicking.
4. Put the tray back in. It should enter without effort -- if you feel resistance, check if you have the cards installed correctly.
5. Turn on the phone. When you download it, you'll notice a new memory card.

If the phone does not see the card, follow the following steps:

• 🔄 Reset the device.
• 📲 Check if the slot contacts are clogged with dust (you can gently blow or wipe with alcohol).
• 💾 Try formatting the map through settings: Settings → Warehouse → Memory map → Format.

Is the phone off?

Is there a paper clip/key to remove the tray?

Is the map formatted in exFAT?

Contacts card clean (no dust/fat)?-->

What to do if Xiaomi Mi 9T does not see the memory card: diagnosis of problems

If the map is not identified after installation, the reasons may be both software and hardware.

1. the card is not recognized at all (does not appear in the settings)

• 🔌 Check the density of the contacts: remove the tray and make sure the card does not hang out.
• 📱 Update the firmware: in older versions MIUI There were bugs that supported microSD. Check the updates in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🛠️ Test the card on another device (for example, on a PC through a card reader). If it does not work there, the card is defective.

2.The map is visible, but the files are not read or disappear

• 🗃️ Format the map directly on your phone (not on PC!). → Warehouse → Memory map → Formatting as internal (or external).
• 🛡️ Check the map for errors using the app SD Card Tester (available on Play Market).
• 🔍 If files are lost after the card is removed, it may be fake (the actual amount is less than the stated amount). H2testw check out.

⚠️ Note: If you format a card as "internal memory", it cannot be retrieved without data loss! This mode is only suitable for permanent use".

How to transfer data to a memory card in Mi 9T: apps, photos, music

Once the card is successfully installed, it needs to be configured correctly to free up space in the internal memory, and MIUI has built-in data porting tools:

1. Portability of annexes

• 📱 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Select an application → Warehouse → Change. → Memory map.
• ⚠️ Not all apps support portability (especially system and secure games).
• 🔄 After the transfer, restart the phone – some apps may not work without it.

2. Photo and video transfer

• 📷 In the Gallery app, select files → More. → Move it → Memory map.
• 🎵 For music, use Music or any file manager (e.g. Mi File Manager).

3. Automatic save on the map

To save new photos and videos to microSD:

1. Open the chamber. → press on ⚙️ Settings → Preservation site.
2. Select Memory Card.
3. For WhatsApp and other instant messengers, the save path changes in their settings (Store section).

💡

If the app is slowed down after transferring, try clearing their cache: Settings → Apps → Select the app → Clear the cache. Class A1/A2 cards solve this problem by 80%.

Frequent Mistakes in Mi 9T Memory Cards and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that lead to data loss or card failure, and the most common ones are:

Another common problem is that the card is not defined after the MIUI update, because newer versions of the firmware can reset the storage settings.

1. Reboot the phone.
2. If it doesn’t work, remove the card, paste it back in and format it via your phone.
3. In extreme cases, do a reset (but it will delete all the data from the phone!).

💡

Never buy a memory card by eye, even if it looks identical to the original. SanDisk or Samsung fakes often have 2-3 times less real volume and fail after a few months.

Alternatives to memory card for Xiaomi Mi 9T: cloud storage and OTG-drives

If you don't want to sacrifice the second SIM-If you have a card or are afraid of losing data on a microSD, consider alternative ways to expand memory:

1. Cloud storage

• 🌥️ Google Drive (15 GB free), Mi Cloud (5 GB), Yandex Drive (10 GB).
• ⚡ Automatic photo upload: Xiaomi Gallery has a function Backup in Mi Cloud.
• ⚠️ Cons: to access files need the Internet, and large volumes paid.

2. OTG-storage devices USB-C)

• 🔌 Connect through USB Type-C (requires an adapter if the flash drive is normal) USB).
• 📁 They work like a removable disk, but occupy the charging port.
• 💡 Suitable for temporary file transfer (for example, when moving).

3. Wireless storage devices

Devices like SanDisk Connect or WD My Passport Wireless create their own Wi-Fi network that the phone connects to.

• 📶 You don't have to put anything in the phone.
• 🔋 They are battery-operated (up to 10 hours).
• 📱 You can connect several devices at the same time.

Minus - high price (from 5 000 rubles for 1 TB).

FAQ: answers to frequent questions about memory cards in Xiaomi Mi 9T