Transfer data from internal memory to memory card in Xiaomi Redmi

Xiaomi Redmi smartphone owners often face a lack of space, especially if the device is equipped with 32 or 64 gigabytes of internal storage. Overcrowded memory leads to slowdown of the system, inability to install updates and the camera to take new pictures. The solution is the use of a microSD card, which allows you to significantly expand the available volume for multimedia and documents.

In this article, we will discuss in detail how to correctly transfer files and even some applications to an external drive in the shell of MIUI. You will learn about the nuances of formatting, the features of working with different versions of Android and how to automate the process of saving data. Proper file system management will help to avoid losing important photos and speed up the work of your gadget.

Before you start taking action, make sure your device supports memory cards.Most Redmi Note series and budget versions have a separate slot or a combined tray for the SIM card and drive. Make sure the card is inserted correctly and is defined by the system in the settings menu.

Preparation of memory card and compatibility check

Modern Xiaomi smartphones usually support cards up to 256 GB or even 512 GB, but for stable operation it is recommended to use drives class speeds Class 10 or higher (UHS-I, UHS-II).

Once the card is installed in the tray and the phone is turned on, the system will automatically try to recognize the new media. If the card has been previously used in another device or camera, it may have files on the unsupported file system. In this case, Android will suggest formatting the drive. Formatting will completely remove all data from the card, so be sure to back up important files on your computer before starting the procedure.

The preparation process also includes checking the state of the drive itself, and it is recommended to perform read and write speed tests using specialized applications from Google Play to make sure that there are no defective sectors, and if the memory card is damaged, the system may constantly require it to be re-formatted or not display files at all.

⚠️ Note: When formatting a card inside your smartphone, select the option "Use as a portable storage" if you plan to transfer the card between different devices.

For exFAT or FAT32 file systems (which use Android) to work properly, the cluster size must match the size of the drive. If you format a card larger than 32 GB on a computer, choose an exFAT file system to support files larger than 4 GB. This is especially true for those who shoot high-resolution 4K video.

Manually move photos and videos through the Explorer

The easiest and most reliable way to free up space is to manually move media files. MIUI This is done using the standard File Manager app, which makes it easy to manage files, sort them by type, and move between internal memory and other parts of the system. SD-card.

To transfer photos, open Explorer and go to Images. Select the folders or individual files you want, click More (three dots or menus) and select Move. As your target directory, specify your memory card. Similar actions can be performed with video files, which often occupy the lion's share of space.

When moving large amounts of data (such as a few gigabytes of video), the process can take anywhere from minutes to an hour. Do not turn off the screen or run heavy applications during copying, so as not to interrupt the process. In the event of a power failure or reboot, some files may be damaged, which will require a repeat operation.

For video recordings, the path is usually in the DCIM/Camera or MIUI/Video folder. After transferring, make sure the files open correctly from the new location. If you use third-party galleries, you may need to re-scan the media library to ensure that the thumbnails are displayed correctly.

Automatic Save in Xiaomi Redmi

To avoid manually transferring files every time, you can set up automatic storage of new data directly to the memory card, not only for photos, but also for browser downloads, instant messengers and voice recordings, which eliminates the need for constant monitoring of free space.

In the standard Camera app, go to the settings (cog icon or three stripes). SD-Now, all new images and videos will be recorded by default to an external medium, bypassing internal memory.

For Chrome or Mi Browser, the settings are in the download settings menu. SD-In messengers such as Telegram or WhatsApp, the way to save media can also be changed under "Data and Storage" by selecting an external map.

However, it’s worth considering that some system applications may ignore these settings after major Android or MIUI updates. Check the settings periodically to make sure that automatic saving is still active.

Transfer applications to a memory card: opportunities and limitations

The issue of porting installed apps (APKs) to a memory card in modern versions of Android has been ambiguous. Since Android 6.0, Google has implemented Adoptable Storage, but manufacturers including Xiaomi often hide or restrict its use for stability and security reasons.

With standard MIUI, you can’t move the application completely, you can only move some of its data (cache, media files). To do this, go to Settings → Applications → All applications, select the desired program and click on “Memory.” If the Move button is active (the gray does not burn), then the developer has authorized such an operation.

There are methods to activate full port via USB debugging mode and ADB commands, but they require a computer and certain technical knowledge. Using such methods can lead to unstable system operation, so it is recommended that ordinary users limit themselves to transferring only media files.

Using Cloud Services as an Alternative

If you don't have a physical memory card or it's already full, you should consider cloud storage. Services like Google Photos, Yandex.Disk or Mi Cloud allow you to automatically upload media files to the Internet, freeing up space on your device, which is especially useful if you lose or break your phone.

Set up automatic upload of photos and videos when connected to Wi-Fi. Many services offer a “Clear Device Space” feature that removes local copies of files already stored in the cloud. It is an effective way to keep internal memory free without buying additional accessories.

But cloud storage has its downsides: Internet connection speed and tariff restrictions: free rates typically provide 5 to 10 GB, and more is a monthly cost, and family video archives can be a significant expense.

💡

Use the "Free Space" feature in Google Photos to remove photos from your phone that are already safely stored in the cloud, which will instantly free up gigabytes of space.

Cleaning system debris and optimizing storage

Even after transferring files to the card, memory can remain occupied by system debris. MIUI has a powerful cleaning tool built in that analyzes cache, residual files of deleted applications and duplicates. Regular use of this tool helps keep the system in good shape.

Run the Security app and select Cleanup. The system will prompt you to delete temporary files that are not needed for the programs to work. It is also worth checking the Android/data folder, where some applications (such as maps or streaming services) can accumulate gigabytes of cached data.

⚠️ Warning: Be careful when manually cleaning your Android folder. Deleting important files can result in app resets or loss of game progress. Only delete files you are sure of assigning.

Third-party utilities like Files by Google can find similar images, old screenshots and forgotten downloads for deep cleaning, and a comprehensive cleaning approach can win an additional 2-5 GB of free space, which is critical for devices with low storage capacity.

💡

Regular cleaning of cache and transfer of media files to SD-The card is the only way to comfortably use a smartphone with a small amount of internal memory in the long run.