How to insert a memory card in Xiaomi Mi A1: instructions with photos and tips

Xiaomi Mi A1 is one of the brand’s most popular smartphones, released in 2017, but still in demand thanks to its clean Android One and reliable “iron” base. However, 32 or 64 GB of internal memory eventually cease to seem sufficient: high-resolution photos, apps and cache take up space, and you do not want to delete important files.

But here owners Mi A1 waiting feature: slot for the card is combined with a tray for SIM, and the installation process requires accuracy. In this article, we will discuss not only how to physically insert the card, but also how to format it, what nuances to consider when choosing a drive, and what to do if the smartphone does not see the microSD. Separately dwell on the unique problem of the Mi A1 with “hot” reboot when using cards with a volume of more than 128 GB – this point is often missed even in official instructions.

Preparation: which memory card to choose for Xiaomi Mi A1

Not every microSD is suitable for the Mi A1.The smartphone supports microSDXC cards (up to 2 TB in theory), but in practice there are limitations:

• 🔹 Speed class: minimum Class 10 (UHS-I U1). To record video 4K Frequent file transfer is better to choose UHS-I U3 or V30.
• 🔹 Volume: Officially supported up to 256GB, but with 128 cards+ GB is possible (see section below) The best option is 64 or 128 GB.
• 🔹 Brand: avoid no-name cards.Recommended manufacturers: SanDisk Ultra, Samsung EVO Plus, Kingston Canvas Go!.

Important: Mi A1 does not support adoptable storage due to the features of Android One. The card will be displayed as a removable drive, and applications can not be ported to it (except for individual files manually).

Before buying, check the card for authenticity with utilities like H2testw (Windows) or F3 (Linux/macOS).

Where is the memory card slot in the Mi A1?

In Xiaomi Mi A1 a hybrid tray (slot 2) is used, which allows you to install or SIM-It's a card or a memory card, which means you can use two at the same time. SIM MicroSD is not allowed, you have to choose priority.

The slot is located on the left end of the smartphone (if you hold the screen to yourself), you will need a paper clip or a special key (included), the hole to extract the tray is small - do not use sharp objects (needles, toothpicks) so as not to damage the mechanism.

If you have never opened the tray, do so carefully:

1. Turn off your smartphone (recommended, but not required).
2. Put the paperclip in the hole before clicking - the tray will be pushed out a little.
3. Take it out completely without making any effort.

Step-by-step: how to insert a memory card

Now, to the main thing, microSD installation, follow the instructions carefully so that you do not damage the contacts:

1. Place the tray on a flat surface with the contacts upwards. At the bottom, you'll see a microSD slot (it's wider than SIM).
2. Put the memory card down with gold contacts, bent to the left, and it should sit tightly in the groove without backlash.
3. If you install the card instead of the second SIM, remove the SIM from the top slot (if necessary).
4. Carefully insert the tray back into the smartphone before the click. Don't push hard -- it should come in smoothly.

After installation, turn on the smartphone. After 10-30 seconds, a notification will appear in the status bar Preparation SD-If it's not there, check it out:

• 🔍 Is the card inserted correctly (turn the tray over and see if it has fallen out).
• 🔍 Is there any damage to the contacts of the card or tray.
• 🔍 Does the smartphone support the size of your card (see the table below).

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If your smartphone doesn't see the card, try inserting it into another device (like a laptop with a card reader), and if it's not detected there, the card is faulty.

Formatting a memory card: when and how to do it

In most cases, the Mi A1 will automatically prompt you to format the card when you first connect, but sometimes you have to do it manually.

• 📛 The card was previously used on another device (especially Windows or camera).
• 📛 The file system is incompatible (for example, NTFS or exFAT instead of FAT32).
• 📛 There are reading errors on the map.

To format the card directly in the smartphone:

1. Go to Settings. → Warehouse.
2. Click on your name. SD-maps (e.g. SanDisk) 128GB).
3. In the top menu, select Format (or Settings → Format as internal memory, but this option doesn’t work on the Mi A1 due to Android One).
4. Confirm the action.

Important: formatting will remove all data from the card, and if it has important files on it, pre-copy them on the PC.

If you format a card on a PC, choose exFAT for volumes over 32GB. FAT32 does not support files larger than 4GB, which can be critical for video or backups.

Typical problems and their solutions

Even if you install the memory cards correctly on the Mi A1, there can be problems.

⚠️ Note: If the card is inserted and the smartphone starts to spontaneously reboot or warm up, the problem is most likely incompatibility of the card controller.+ The solution is to replace the card with a model from a proven brand (for example, SanDisk Ultra).

1.The smartphone doesn't see the memory card

Causes and solutions:

• 🔌 Bad contact: take out the tray and check if the card is tight. Sometimes it helps to bend the card contacts lightly (carefully!).
• 🔌 Incompatible file system: format the card in exFAT on PC.
• 🔌 Damaged card: check it on another device. If it doesn't work, replace it.

2.The map is determined, but the files are not read

Possible causes:

• 📂 Files are written in an incompatible format (e.g, NTFS).
• 📂 The map is formatted with a non-standard cluster size (optimally 32 KB for exFAT).
• 📂 File system damaged: check on PC using chkdsk (Windows) or fsck (Linux/macOS).

3. Slow card operation

If the reading/write speed is significantly lower than the stated speed:

• 🐢 A low-class card (such as Class 4) is the solution to replace it with a low-class card. UHS-I U3.
• 🐢 Map fragmented: format it (pre-copying data).
• 🐢 The smartphone has enabled battery optimization for apps that work with the card. → Battery → Optimizing the battery.

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If the card is only running slowly on the Mi A1 but is normal on other devices, the problem may be the slot controller, in which case only the service center will help.

How to transfer data to a memory card

Since the Mi A1 does not support adoptable storage, it is not possible to transfer applications to the map.

• 📁 Photos and videos: use Google Gallery or Files (embedded app). → Move it → choose SD-map.
• 📁 Music and Documents: Similar to Files or My Files (from Xiaomi).
• 📁 Backups and APK: Copy it via PC or use Total Commander.

To automate the transfer of photos:

1. Open the camera. → Settings (cogs).
2. Find the location (or the location) of the store.
3. Choose. SD-map.

Note that some apps (like WhatsApp) don’t allow you to transfer media files directly to the map.

1. Copy the WhatsApp/Media folder to the map manually.
2. In WhatsApp settings, turn off automatic media saving to the gallery.

Frequent Questions (FAQ)