SD-Map as internal memory on Xiaomi: detailed instructions and nuances

Why Xiaomi users want to use it SD-map as an internal memory

Xiaomi smartphone owners often face a shortage of internal memory, especially on the budget models of the Redmi or POCO series with 32/64 GB of storage. When the system takes up half the space and applications and cache the rest, even basic operations become a problem. The solution seems obvious: use the microSD card as internal memory, thereby expanding the available space for installing programs and storing data.

But it's not that simple. Unlike older versions of Android, where Adoptable Storage was out of the box, modern firmware is now available. MIUI (particularly Android-based 10+) They limit that capability, and manufacturers argue that it's productivity and stability: SD-cards (even class) A2) slower-than-integrated memory eMMC/UFS, And that leads to lags and failures. But there are workarounds, and we're going to go through them in as much detail as possible.

It is important to understand: transformation SD-It's not just copying files to internal memory, it formats the drive into an encrypted format, attaching it to a particular device, and then you can't read it on another phone or PC without completely erasing the data. It is also worth considering that not all Xiaomi models support this feature officially, and on some it works with reservations.

What Xiaomi models support using SD as internal memory?

The functionality of Adoptable Storage depends on the version of Android, MIUI firmware and hardware limitations. Below is the compatibility table for popular devices:

If your model is not on the list, check the support as follows:

1. Put it in. SD-smartphone-card.
2. Go to Settings. → Warehouse → [Name of name SD-map].
3. If there is an option "Format as internal" - the function is supported.
4. If there is no option but there is a Data Transfer, it is not the same (only media files are transferred).

Requirements for SD-card to be used as internal memory

Not every microSD is going to be a good internal storage device, but here are the criteria.

• 🔹 Speed class: minimum UHS-I (U1) or A1, better A2. Class cards C10 marking U/A They are not suitable – they are too slow to install applications.
• 🔹 Volume: 16 GB (64-256 GB is recommended). Cards less than 16 GB may not be accepted by the system.
• 🔹 Format: exFAT only or FAT32 (the system itself is reformatted into ext4 or f2fs).
• 🔹 Manufacturer: SanDisk, Samsung brands are preferred EVO, Kingston Canvas. - Cheap no-name cards often fake speed class.

How to Check Real Speed SD-pre-use:

1. Insert the card into a PC or laptop through a card reader.
2. Download CrystalDiskMark or H2testw.
3. Run a sequential recording test (Seq Q32T1). For A2, the norm is 40 MB/s.

⚠️ Warning: If the write speed is below 10MB/s, the card will slow down the system when installing apps or updates. In the worst case, the phone will start to restart at random moments, especially when multitasking.

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Before the purchase SD-Check the card for authenticity using the application SD Insight (available on Play Market) will show the real-life manufacturer and speed class, even if the sticker is faked.

Step-by-step instructions: how to do SD-Internal memory card on Xiaomi

If your model supports the function, follow the instructions. All data on the map will be erased!

Make a backup of data from the card to the PC

Charge your phone at least 50%

Use the original card reader (not adapter)

Disable the antivirus and optimizers (they can interrupt the process)-->

Method 1: Through standard settings (for supported models)

1. Put it in. SD-smartphone-slot.
2. Open the Settings → Storage.
3. Tap by name. SD-maps, for example, SD-map: 128GB).
4. In the upper right corner, click on three dots → Storage settings.
5. Select Format as Internal → Erase and Format.
6. Wait until it is completed (it can take 5-15 minutes).
7. After restart, go to Settings. → Appendices and transfer programs to SD-hand-write.

Method 2: ADB (for models without menu options)

If there is no formatting option in the settings, try enabling it via ADB:

adb shell sm set-force-adoptable true


adb shell sm partition disk:179,64 private

Where 179.64 is the card ID (you can find it by adb shell sm list-disks command). After you execute the commands, restart the phone and check for the formatting option in the menu.

⚠️ Attention: Wrong commands ADB This can cause data loss on your phone or a firmware failure, and if you're not sure, use the first method or consult a specialist.

What happens after formatting SD-maps as internal memory

After successful transformation SD-The following changes will occur in the internal memory:

• 📱 Memory Combination: In the storage settings SD-The card will appear as part of internal memory (e.g., internal memory: 64GB) + 128GB).
• 🔒 Encryption: The map will be encrypted with a key attached to the device, and without formatting, it will not be read on another phone.
• 📥 Autoinstall applications: New programs can be installed on the default SD-map (configured in Settings) → Annexes → Place of installation).
• ⚠ Restrictions: Some system applications (such as Mi Home or Google Play Services) cannot be migrated to the Internet. SD-map.

How to transfer applications to SD-map:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the desired application → Warehouse.
3. Click Change and select SD-map.
4. Confirm the transfer (these applications will be copied).

Not all apps support portability, for example, instant messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram) and online-authorized games often block this feature.

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After formatting SD-The card as internal memory cannot be retrieved without first "safely shutting down" in the settings, otherwise you risk losing data or damaging the file system.

Risks and disadvantages of use SD-maps as internal memory

Before making a decision, evaluate the key disadvantages of this approach:

• ⚡ Declining productivity: Even class maps A2 into 3–5 time-slower than the built-in memory UFS 2.1/2.2. This is noticeable when running heavy apps or multitasking.
• 🔄 Frequent reboots: On budget models (Redmi) 9A, POCO C31) The system can "hang" during heavy use. SD-map.
• 🛑 Unretrievable: The card cannot be used in other devices without full formatting.
• 📉 Reduced service life: Frequent rewriting of data SD-The card causes its wear faster than when storing media files.

Critical: On some Xiaomi models (such as the Redmi Note 8 Pro or Mi 9T), Adoptable Storage will no longer work after upgrading to MIUI 13+, even if it was previously available, due to Google’s policy to stop supporting this feature in new versions of Android.

Alternative solutions for memory expansion:

• 📁 Use it. SD-card for storing only media files (photos, videos, music) through the option Transfer data in settings.
• ☁ Connect to Google Drive, Mi Cloud and set up autosynchronization.
• 🔌 Use it. OTG-USB flash drive with adapter (supported by most Xiaomi models).

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When you set up SD-And the problem with these cards is that people have a common problem with internal memory:

If the phone starts to brake after formatting, try the following steps:

1. Turn off the auto-installation of applications on SD-map in Settings → Annexes → Place of installation.
2. Move the most used applications back to internal memory.
3. Clear the cache of system applications (Settings → Apps → Show Everything → [Application] → Clear the cache).

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If, after transferring the applications to SD-The card starts to fly out, try to disable the function MIUI Optimization in the settings for developers (Settings) → Additionally. → For developers → MIUI Optimization).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions