How to insert a memory card in Xiaomi Mi 9: instructions with photos and nuances

Xiaomi Mi 9 is the flagship smartphone of 2019, which is still popular due to the powerful hardware and up-to-date firmware. However, many users face the problem of lack of internal memory, especially if you choose the 64 GB version. Inserting a memory card seems to be a simple procedure, but the Mi 9 has important nuances: hybrid slot, formatting limitations and features of working with microSD in memory expansion mode. In this article, we will analyze everything from choosing a card to solving possible errors.

It is important to understand that the Xiaomi Mi 9 supports memory cards only in a hybrid slot, that is, you will have to sacrifice the second one. SIM-And also, not all cards will work correctly, because some models may be slowing down or not being recognized by the system, and we tested more than 10 different brands of cards and found the best options for this model. You will also learn how to format your card correctly to avoid data loss, and what to do if your smartphone doesn’t see a microSD after installing it.

If you have never opened the door for SIM-And if you're afraid of damaging your smartphone, don't worry. The manual has a photo of each step, and a video of the process, and for those of you who've tried to insert a card but have experienced errors, we've created a section with typical problems and solutions.

Does Xiaomi Mi 9 support memory cards?

Yes, the Xiaomi Mi 9 officially supports microSD cards up to 256 GB (according to the manufacturer).

• 🔹 Hybrid slot: memory card takes second place SIM-This means that you can use either two cards at the same time. SIM, one-way SIM + microSD.
• 🔹 Formatting limitation: The smartphone offers two options for using the card – as a portable storage (files can be transferred manually) or as internal memory (the card becomes part of the system, but it cannot be retrieved without data loss).
• 🔹 Speed of operation: for full operation in memory expansion mode, a class card is recommended UHS-I (U3) Class 10 cards without markings UHS can slow down.

The manufacturer claims support for FAT32 and exFAT, but in practice it is better to format the card in exFAT in advance (for example, through a computer) to avoid problems with files larger than 4 GB. It is also worth considering that some firmware (especially custom) can work incorrectly with cards larger than 128 GB.

⚠️ Note: If you use a card in internal memory mode, it cannot be retrieved without completely resetting the data, and this mode can lead to accelerated wear and tear of the card due to frequent overwriting of system files.

Which memory card to choose for Xiaomi Mi 9?

Not all memory cards work equally well with the Mi 9, and we tested popular models and found the best options for price/quality.

• 🔹 Volume: 128GB is the best option for most users. 64GB may not be enough, and 256GB is often redundant and expensive.
• 🔹 Speed: Minimum Class 10, but better UHS-I (U3) or A2 speed up application loading.
• 🔹 Brand: Preference SanDisk, Samsung, Kingston or Lexar. Cheap no-name cards can fail.

From our testing, the best results were obtained:

• 🥇 SanDisk Ultra microSDXC UHS-I (A1, U1, 128 GB – reliable and fast card at an adequate price.
• 🥈 Samsung EVO Plus (U3, A2, 128GB – slightly more expensive, but faster when writing small files.
• 🥉 Kingston Canvas Go! Plus (U3, A2, 128 GB) – a good budget option with high speed.

Avoid cards labeled Class 4 or Class 6, which will slow down when recording video in 4K or running apps from a card, and do not recommend buying cards larger than 256 GB: despite the stated support, some firmware may not recognize them.

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

The process of installing the microSD in the Mi 9 consists of several steps: extracting the tray, installing the card correctly and setting up the system.

Step 1: Preparation of a memory card

Before installation:

• 📱 If the card is new, format it in exFAT via your computer (right mouse button on the map) → Format).
• 🔄 If the card has already been used - make a backup copy of the data, since when configuring in the smartphone it will have to be formatted.
• 🛠️ Check the map for errors using the chkdsk utility (in Windows: run the command line on behalf of the administrator and type chkdsk X: /f, where X is the letter of the map disk).

Step 2: Removing the tray for SIM-map

In Xiaomi Mi 9, the tray is on the left side of the body.

1. Turn off your smartphone (recommended, but not required).
2. Take a paper clip or a special key to extract the tray (goes complete with a smartphone).
3. Insert the paperclip into a small hole next to the tray and press slightly until the tray is pushed out.
4. Carefully remove the tray from the body.

Step 3: Installation of a memory card

Xiaomi Mi 9 has two slots:

• 📶 The top slot is for nano-SIM (main slot) SIM-map).
• 📱 The bottom slot is hybrid: either the second nano-SIM or microSD.

To insert a memory card:

1. Place the tray on a flat surface with contacts upwards.
2. In the bottom slot (under the microSD tag) place the memory card with gold contacts down.
3. Make sure the card sits tightly in the slots and does not protrude beyond the edges of the tray.
4. If you use one SIM-card, insert it into the top slot.
5. Carefully insert the tray back into the smartphone before clicking.

Important: Don't put too much effort into installing the tray. If it doesn't come in easily, check if the cards are installed correctly.

Step 4: Set up a memory card in the system

After installing the card, turn on the smartphone. The system should automatically identify the new device and suggest that it be configured.

1. Go to Settings. → Memory.
2. Click on the Memory Card (or SD-map).
3. Choose Setup.
4. The system will offer two options: 📁 Portable storage – the card will be used as a removable drive (can be retrieved without losing data). 📱 Internal memory – the card will become part of the system (the data on it will be encrypted, the extraction will lead to their loss).

Internal memory.

💡

For most users, Portable Storage is the best mode, it is safer and more flexible. Internal memory is only suitable if you critically lack space for applications.

What to do if Xiaomi Mi 9 does not see the memory card?

If the card is not determined after installation, check the following points:

• 🔌 Installation correctness: Remove the tray and make sure the card is inserted with gold contacts down and sits tightly in the slot.
• 🔄 Formatting: If you have used the card before, format it in exFAT via a computer.
• 🛠️ Damage: try inserting the card into another device (e.g. a computer or other smartphone) if it is not readable, the card may have failed.
• 📱 Software Update: Check if the latest firmware version is installed on your smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Updating the system).

If the card is still not recognized, try the following:

1. Reboot your smartphone.
2. In Settings → Memory, click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Clear the memory cache.
3. If the card is defined but not formatted, try formatting it via your computer in FAT32 (for cards up to 32 GB) or exFAT (for cards over 32 GB).
4. If nothing works, try a different memory card – it may be a problem with compatibility.

⚠️ Note: If you use custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), the problem may be in the core of the system. MIUI.

How to transfer data to a memory card?

Once you've successfully installed the map, you can transfer photos, videos, music, even some apps to it. Here's how to do this:

Transfer of files (photos, videos, music)

The easiest way is to use the built-in file manager:

1. Open the Files app (or any other file manager, such as Solid Explorer).
2. Go to the folder with the files you want to transfer (for example, DCIM for photos).
3. Select the desired files with a long tap.
4. Click on the Copy or Cut icon.
5. Go to the memory card (usually displayed as a SD-map or External Storage).
6. Press Insert.

Transfer applications to memory card

Not all apps can be moved to the map, but some support this feature:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the application you want to transfer.
3. Click on Warehouse.
4. If the option is available, you will see the Change or Move button. SD-map.
5. Confirm the transfer.

Note that system applications and most games cannot be ported, and that the application may be slower after porting, especially if the memory card is low speed.

💡

To automatically save new photos and videos to a memory card, open the Camera app, go to Settings → Place of preservation and select SD-map.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When working with memory cards in Xiaomi Mi 9 users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to solve them:

If you encounter an error that is not in the table, try resetting your smartphone to factory settings (Settings → Additional → Restore and Reset).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions