How to transfer applications to Xiaomi SD-map: all ways and nuances

Why Xiaomi can’t move apps to Xiaomi SD-standard-map?

Owners of smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO They often have problems with internal memory, especially on budget models with 32 or 64 GB of storage. SD-map, but in MIUI This function is either missing or it's limited?

It's about Google's policy and shell features MIUI. Starting with Android 6.0 Marshmallow, Google has banned the transfer of applications to the Internet SD-map FAT32 (Xiaomi has gone further: in newer versions, due to performance and security issues. MIUI 12/13/14 The portability is either hidden or only available for individual applications. But there are workarounds, and we'll look at them all.

It’s important to understand that even if you manage to transfer an application to a memory card, it may run slower and some features (such as notifications or widgets) may disappear. SD-cards (even class) A2) They are inferior in speed to the built-in memory eMMC/UFS.

What are they? SD-Maps are suitable for transferring applications to Xiaomi

Not every memory card can handle the application storage task, but you need a fast read/write model to work smoothly.

• 🔹 Speed class: not lower UHS-I (U1), better U3 or A2 (specially).
• 🔹 Capacity: from 64 GB (32 GB may not have enough space for system files).
• 🔹 Format: exFAT or NTFS (but MIUI may require FAT32 compatiblely).
• 🔹 Brand: SanDisk Extreme, Samsung EVO Plus, Kingston Canvas Go! Plus - proven options.

⚠️ Attention: Cheap cards without certification often fake speed classes. Before buying, check reviews on AliExpress or Amazon, where users test real speed using apps like AliExpress or Amazon. A1 SD Bench.

Method 1: Transfer through MIUI settings (if the function is available)

In some Xiaomi models (for example, Redmi Note 8 Pro or POCO X3) portability SD-The map is saved but hidden:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the app you want (such as Facebook or Telegram).
3. Slip on Warehouse.
4. If there is a button, change or move to SD-map -- press it.

⚠️ Note: Even if the button is active, some apps (such as WhatsApp or bank customers) may stop working after the transfer.This is due to Google Play Protect's security policy, which blocks code execution from external drives.

Method 2: Use of the SD-The card is an internal memory (adoptable storage)

Adoptable Storage (embedded storage) allows formatting SD-It's the most reliable way to port applications, but it has critical flaws:

• 🔹 The card will be encrypted and will not be read on other devices.
• 🔹 After the map is removed, the applications will stop working.
• 🔹 Not all Xiaomi models support this feature (e.g., on Redmi). 9A She's gone).

Instructions for setting:

1. Put it in. SD-smartphone-card.
2. Go to Settings. → Warehouse.
3. Tap by name. SD-map → Three dots (menu) → Storage settings.
4. Choose internal memory (or format as internal memory).
5. Confirm the formatting (all data from the card will be deleted!).
6. After the reboot, go to Settings → Applications and transfer the desired programs.

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Before formatting your card as internal memory, check its speed in the A1 SD Bench application. If the write speed is below 10 MB/s, the applications will slow down.

Method 3: Transfer applications over ADB (for power users)

If MIUI doesn’t have a portability feature built in, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a method that works on most Xiaomi models but requires a computer connection.

Steps:

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap the MIUI version 7 times until the notification appears.

Settings → Additional → For Developers

USB debugging

ADB

Google

Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:

adb shell pm set-install-location 2

This command will force the system to install new applications on the SD-Default card. To transfer programs that are already installed, use:

adb shell pm move-package com.example.app /sdcard

(Replace com.example.app with a batch name for the app, such as com.whatsapp).

⚠️ Note: Some system applications (such as Mi Home or Security) cannot be moved, which will cause a malfunction. MIUI.

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Method ADB does not guarantee the operation of all applications. Bank clients, games with protection (for example, PUBG Mobile and messengers can block the launch from SD-map.

Method 4: Transfer by Root Rights (Root)

If you are ready to get root access, you can transfer any applications to the root. SD-mapping with applications like Link2SD or App2SD. However, this method has risks:

• 🔹 Loss of warranty (if the device is under warranty).
• 🔹 The ability to “brick” the smartphone in case of error.
• 🔹 Security issues (bank applications will not work).

Instructions:

1. Unlock the bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool (requires a Xiaomi account and wait 7-15 days).
2. Install the custom TWRP recavator.
3. Squeeze Magisk to obtain root rights.
4. Install Link2SD from Google Play and follow the app’s instructions.

What to do if applications are not portable or do not work with SD-map

Even after a successful transfer, you may encounter problems, and consider common mistakes and their solutions:

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If the application slows down after transfer, try clearing its cache in the settings (Settings → Applications → Select the application → Clear the cache).

Alternative solutions: how to make room without transferring to the SD-map

If the applications are transferred SD-The card is impossible or ineffective, consider other ways to free up memory:

• 🔹 Cache cleaning: In Settings → Warehouse → Cleaning can delete unnecessary files (cache, temporary data).
• 🔹 Transfer of media files: Photos, videos and music are easy to transfer to SD-a hand-held card through any file manager (e.g., Mi File Manager).
• 🔹 Using cloud storage: Google Photos, Mi Cloud or Yandex Drive automatically upload photos and videos, freeing up space.
• 🔹 Removing duplicates: Apps like Files by Google or CCleaner find duplicate files.
• 🔹 Disable Preboot: In Google Play, turn off auto-update apps or limit background activity.

Critical information: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro) feature porting applications to the mobile app SD-The card is completely locked at the firmware level, and in this case, the only working solution is to use the software. ADB ortho.

FAQ: Frequent questions about transferring applications to SD-map