How to transfer applications to a memory card in Xiaomi: all the ways and nuances

Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones sooner or later face a shortage of internal memory — especially if the device is budget or released a few years ago. Even after cleaning the cache and removing unnecessary files, the system stubbornly says: “Memory is full.” The solution seems obvious: transfer applications to a microSD card. But in MIUI, this process is not always intuitive, and sometimes even blocked by the manufacturer.

In this article, we will discuss all working methods for transferring applications to SD-map in Xiaomi smartphones, including models with MIUI 12, 13 and 14. You'll learn which apps can be moved and which can't, how to get around system limitations, and what to do if you push the "Move to" button. SD» We will also consider alternative methods for releasing memory if standard transfer is not possible.

We warn you right away: not all apps support external memory. For example, messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram) and banking applications most often block this feature for security reasons. And in some Xiaomi models (especially Android 10+), the port option is not at all in the settings. But don’t despair – we have solutions!

Why Xiaomi restricts the portability of applications to SD-card?

The manufacturer is making it harder to work with external memory for a reason, and here are the key reasons:

• 🔒 Data security: Annexes to the SD-It is easier to steal or replace cards, especially if the card is retrieved and connected to other devices.
• ⚡ Performance: MicroSD memory cards (even class) A2) They are slower than the built-in memory. eMMC/UFS. It can slow down applications.
• 📱 Google Policy: Starting with Android 9, Google restricts apps from external media to prevent abuse.
• 🔄 System Stability: Some applications (e.g, MIUI Launcher) when transferred to SD may cause disruption.

However, MIUI still has the option of migrating some applications, but with reservations, for example, you can't move:

• 📱 System applications (Settings, Phone, Messages).
• 💳 Banking applications (Sberbank Online, Tinkoff).
• 🎮 High Demand Games (Genshin Impact, PUBG Mobile).
• 🔄 Applications with widgets or background services.

If your app doesn't make it to this list, there's a good chance of a successful port.

Method 1: Standard Transfer through MIUI Settings

It's the easiest method, but it doesn't work on all devices. MIUI:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the app you want to port (like VK or YouTube).
3. Slip on Warehouse.
4. If the button is moved to SD-The card is active – press it and wait for the process to be completed.

⚠️ Note: On some models (for example, Redmi Note 11 with a MIUI 13) the button may be gray and inactive, meaning that either the application does not support portability or your firmware blocks the function.

If the button is active, but after the transfer the application stopped working:

• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone.
• 📥 Reinstall the app (sometimes helps).
• 🚫 Remove it from SD-Leave the cards and leave them in your internal memory.

Method 2: Formatting SD-maps as internal memory

If standard transfer is not available, you can try combining SD-This method works on most Xiaomi devices with Android 6.0+, but has important nuances:

1. Put it in. SD-smartphone-card.
2. Go to Settings. → Warehouse.
3. Tap your name on it. SD-maps (e.g. SanDisk) 64GB).
4. In the upper right corner, press three dots (⋮) and select Storage Settings.
5. Select Internal Memory → Clean and Format.
6. Confirm action. Attention: all data on the map will be deleted!
7. After formatting, select Transfer Data (optional).

Now yours. SD-The card will be perceived by the system as part of the internal memory:

• 📲 Install new applications directly on the map (in the installer settings) APK There will be an option to select memory).
• 🔄 Transfer some system data (e.g., application cache).

⚠️ Note: After this formatting, the card cannot be removed and used in other devices without being completely cleaned, and application speeds may decrease if the class card is lower. A2.

Method 3: Transfer over ADB (for advanced users)

If the first two methods did not work, you can use ADB debugging. This requires connecting the smartphone to the computer, but allows you to transfer even those applications that are usually blocked.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
• 🔌 USB-Type-C Cable (Original).
• 🛠️ Utility. ADB Tools (download from the official Google website).
• 📱 Included debugging by USB smartphone.

Steps:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version. Go back to Settings → Additional → Developer. Turn on USB Debugging.

Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm your trust in the device.

cmd

ADB

adb shell pm set-install-location 2

This command will force the system to install applications on default SD-map.

annex-specific

adb shell pm move-package com.example.app

Replace com.example.app with the application’s batch name (you can find out through App Inspector or adb shell pm list packages).

Important: After using ADB, some applications may not work properly. If errors occur after the transfer, return the application back with the command adb shell pm move-package com.example.app 0 (where 0 is internal memory).

💡

Before using ADB, back up your data via Settings → System → Backup. This will help restore the system when crashes.

Method 4: Using third-party applications (without root)

If you don’t want to mess with ADB, you can try the specialized tools from Google Play, which do not require super-user rights (root), but their capabilities are limited:

How to use AppMgr III:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Open it and give access to the storage.
3. Go to the Transfer tab on SD.
4. Select apps from the list and click Transfer.

It’s also worth checking which apps take up the most space:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Sort the list by size (slip to Size in the top panel).
3. Remove or clean the most “glutty” apps.

💡

If the internal memory is filled with 90%+, The system starts to slow down. Try to keep it at least as low. 10-15% free-space.

Errors in transferring applications to SD-map and their solutions

When trying to migrate applications, Xiaomi users often encounter errors.

If after the transfer the application does not open or leaves:

• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone.
• 📥 Reinstall the app.
• 🚫 Bring it back to your inner memory.
• 🛠️ Check it out. SD-Error map through Settings → Warehouse → SD-map → Verification.

FAQ: Frequent questions about moving apps to Xiaomi