How to transfer applications from internal memory to memory card in Xiaomi: 5 proven ways

Owners of Xiaomi smartphones sooner or later face the problem of lack of internal memory — especially if the device is equipped with a modest 32 or 64 GB. Even after cleaning the cache and removing unnecessary files, the system persistently signals overflow. The solution seems obvious: move applications to a microSD card. But here users are waiting for an unpleasant surprise — in modern versions of MIUI (starting with 12) the standard option of porting applications disappeared from the interface.

Why did this happen? It's the limitations of Android 9.+, where Google has banned the arbitrary porting of applications to external drives for security and performance reasons, POCO X5, Mi 11 Lite, etc.) are working workarounds - from hidden functions MIUI beforehand ADB In this guide, we will look at all the current methods, their pros and cons, and explain why some applications cannot be transferred to the main site. SD-map.

Why Xiaomi has removed the function of porting applications to the SD-map?

Before we go. MIUI 12 (based on Android 10) in the settings of Xiaomi smartphones was the option to Move to SD-The map is in the app information menu. It's not even in the app right now. MIUI 15 based on Android 14. Reasons for this decision:

  • 🔒 Google policy: starting with Android 9 Pie, porting apps to the Internet SD-The card is blocked at the system level due to security risks (substitution) APK-Files) and performance declines (slow class memory cards) UHS-I slow down applications).
  • ⚡ Productivity: Even maps UHS-II They are slower than the built-in memory. UFS 2.2/3.1, This leads to lags in games and heavy applications (such as Genshin Impact or Lightroom).
  • 📱 Optimization MIUI: Xiaomi is actively promoting cloud storage Mi Cloud and features such as App Vault, where some data is stored in compressed form.

However, the restriction is not absolute: some applications (for example, WhatsApp, Telegram) allow you to manually specify the path for saving media files to the Internet. SD-And for a full transfer. APK And these applications will have to use alternative methods.

📊 What Xiaomi model do you use?
Redmi Note 12/Pro
POCO X5/F5
Mi 11/12 series
Redmi 10/9 Series Series
Another model

Method 1: Transfer over hidden MIUI settings (for selected applications)

Although there is no explicit option, MIUI 14/15 still has the ability to transfer individual applications through a hidden menu, which does not work for all programs, but can free up to 1-3 GB of memory.

Instructions:

  1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
  2. Select the app you want to migrate (like Facebook or Spotify).
  3. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Application Information.
  4. If the Warehouse option is active, click on it. In some cases, the Move to button will appear here. SD-map (usually gray).
  5. If the button is inactive, try clearing the app cache and try again.

⚠️ Note: This method only works for applications that support external storage, MIUI Launcher) and security games (PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty will not be able to transfer.

☑️ Preparation for the portability of applications

Done: 0 / 4

Method 2: Formatting SD-maps as internal storage

If your Xiaomi supports Adoptable Storage (built into Android 6-8, but partially available in newer versions), you can “cheat” the system, making it perceive it. SD-This will allow you to install applications directly to the card.

How to do this:

  1. Put it in. SD-Card to smartphone (class recommended) UHS-I U3 or higher, for example, SanDisk Extreme).
  2. Go to Settings. → Warehouse.
  3. Tap your name. SD-maps, then select Settings (cog icon).
  4. Click Format as internal storage (if the option is missing, see spoiler below).
  5. Confirm the action – all data on the map will be erased!
  6. After formatting, restart the device.

Now, when you install new applications, the system will ask you to choose a storage location, so you can transfer the programs that are already installed:

  1. Go to Settings → Apps.
  2. Select the app and click Storage.
  3. If the option is available, click Change and specify SD-map.
What if the option "Format as internal storage" is not available?
If your MIUI version does not have this option, try: 1. Use a memory card with a capacity of at least 32 GB (on some devices the minimum threshold is 64 GB). 2. Update MIUI to the latest version (in some firmware the option is hidden, but available through ADB). 3. Insert the card into another smartphone (for example, on pure Android), format it there as internal storage, then return to Xiaomi.

Advantages of the methodDeficiencies of the method
Applications are stable (the map is integrated into the system)The card cannot be removed - it is tied to the device.
Supported by most applications (except system)When resetting the settings, the card may become unreadable
Doesn't require root rightsSpeed is lower than that of the built-in memory
Frees up to 50% of internal memoryNot all Xiaomi models support Adoptable Storage

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

If the previous methods did not work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB) — a debugging tool that allows you to manually specify to the system which applications to move to SD-This method requires connecting the smartphone to a PC.

Step-by-step:

  1. Download and install ADB Tools on your computer.
  2. On your smartphone, activate Developer Mode: go to Settings → About Phone and tap the MIUI version 7 times.
  3. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
  4. Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable (select File Transfer Mode).
  5. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB and type:
adb devices

(The name of your device should appear).

adb shell pm set-install-location 2

(This command forces the system to install new applications on the SD-default-card).

To transfer an already installed app (such as Instagram), use:

adb shell pm move-package com.instagram.android

🔹 List of popular packages:

  • 📱 Facebook: com.facebook.katana
  • 🎵 Spotify: com.spotify.music
  • 📷 VK: com.vkontakte.android
  • 💬 Telegram: org.telegram.messenger

💡

If the pm move-package command returns the error [INSTALL_FAILED_INVALID_INSTALL_LOCATION], So the app doesn't support portability. Try rolling it back to an older version through APK Or use a method that formats the card as an internal storage device.

⚠️ Attention: After use ADB Some applications may not work as well (e.g. Google Pay or banking software) and it is not recommended to port system utilities as this can cause crashes. MIUI.

Method 4: Use of third-party applications (without root)

If you don't want to mess with ADB, you can use third-party utilities from Google Play that automate the transfer process.

  • 📲 AppMgr III (App 2 SD) — It shows you what apps you can migrate, and it does it in one tap. MIUI 14/15, but requires the debugging on USB.
  • 🔄 Files by Google – has built-in memory analysis and can suggest migrating rarely used apps to the Internet SD-Card (the function does not work on all devices).
  • 🗃️ SD Maid – Clears the cache and suggests optimizing storage, including data transfer.

How to use AppMgr III:

  1. Install the app from Google Play.
  2. Open it and give access to the storage.
  3. In the Move to SD section, you will see a list of compatible apps.
  4. Choose the right ones and press Move.

⚠️ Note: Some apps from Google Play (for example, Link2SD) require root rights that void warranty on Xiaomi.We do not recommend using them unless absolutely necessary.

💡

The portable app side only works with programs that initially support external storage, and they cannot bypass the system-level limitations of Android.

Method 5: Manual transfer of application data (media, cache, downloads)

If you can't move the app, you can free up space by moving the data -- downloads, cache, media -- that doesn't require root rights, and it works on all Xiaomi models.

How to transfer data:

  1. For instant messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber): Open the messenger settings. Find the Storage and Data (or Memory) section. Choose Change the save path and specify the folder to SD-map.
  2. For browsers (Chrome, Firefox): In the browser settings, find Downloaded files. Specify the path to SD-map, /storage/XXXX-XXXX/DCIM/Downloads).
  3. For games (Genshin Impact, Honor of Kings): Use the built-in data portability (if any) or copy the cache folder (Android/obb) on SD-manually through the file manager.

🔹 How to find a way SD-map:

Open any file manager (e.g. Mi File Manager) and go to SD-And you can copy the path from the address bar. It usually looks like this: /storage/1234-5678/ (where 1234-5678 — unique identifier).

Which applications cannot be transferred to SD-map?

Even with ADB or map formatting as internal storage, some applications are fundamentally not portable.

  • 🔐 System applications: MIUI Launcher, Google Play Services, Security (Xiaomi Antivirus).
  • 💳 Banking and payment services: Sberbank Online, Tinkoff, Google Pay, Mir Pay.
  • 🎮 Protected games: PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty: Mobile, Free Fire (use anticheat, which blocks work from external memory).
  • 📡 Background synchronization apps: Gmail, Google Maps, Mi Fit.
  • 🔄 Widgets and Services: Any programs that display widgets on the home screen.

Critical information: transfer of banking applications to SD-The card can lead to the blocking of the account on suspicion of hacking. Most banks (including Sberbank and Tinkoff) prohibit the storage of data on external media.

FAQ: Frequent questions about moving apps to Xiaomi

Can applications be moved to SD-formatting-free?
Yes, but only those applications that initially support external storage (e.g. Spotify or Spotify) VLC). For this: Go to Settings → Apps. Select the app you want and click Warehouse. SD-The card is active, click on it. The rest of the applications will need either ADB, or formatting the card as an internal storage.
Why does the app slow down or fly out after the transfer?
This is due to the low reading/writing speed. SD-Solutions: Use the class map UHS-I U3 or UHS-II (for example, Samsung EVO Plus or SanDisk Extreme Pro.Don't carry heavy games or apps with constant sync (like Google Maps).If the card is already formatted as internal storage, try moving the app back to internal memory.
How to return the app back to internal memory?
Methods: Settings → Applications → [Select App] → Storage → Transfer to internal memory. Through ADB: adb shell pm move-package --user 0 com.example.app (where com.example.app is an application package). If the application was ported through formatting the map as internal storage, just reinstall it.
Can I use it? SD-The card as an internal memory of Xiaomi MIUI 15?
Yes, but with reservations: Adoptable Storage is not officially supported on all models (e.g., it works on the Redmi Note 11, but may not be available on POCO F5). On some devices, the option is hidden and requires activation via ADB: adb shell sm set-force-adoptable true After that, the ability to format the card as an internal one will appear in the storage settings.
What happens if you take it out? SD-A card formatted as an internal storage?
Consequences: Applications installed on the card will stop working, the system may produce errors such as "Application not installed", re-inserting the card will require a reboot, but some data may be lost. In the worst case (if the card is damaged) you will have to reset your smartphone to factory settings. 🔹 Tip: Before retrieving the card, transfer all critical applications back to internal memory.