Modern Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones are famous for their excellent specs, but built-in storage is often not enough for all the necessary programs. Users are looking for a way to download Xiaomi apps to a memory card to free up space, but are faced with a rigid policy of Android 6.0 and higher, as well as shells. MIUI. The default system prohibits installation APK-files directly to external storage for security and stability purposes.
However, there are proven methods to circumvent these restrictions, allowing you to SD-The key is that for most methods to work, the memory card must be formatted as an internal storage device, which will completely erase all the data on it. The process requires care, as errors can lead to loss of information or unstable operation of the device.
In this article, we will explore the technical details of the Android file system, how to transfer already installed programs and how to force new applications to be installed on an external medium, learn about the risks of using slow memory cards and understand why some system applications are categorically impossible to move.
Why Android and Why MIUI lock-in SD-map
Since Android 6.0, Google has introduced Adoptable Storage, which theoretically allows memory to be combined. However, many manufacturers, including Xiaomi, Samsung and Huawei, have hidden this feature in the standard interface, because the read and write speeds on cheap memory cards are significantly lower than those of the built-in eMMC or UFS flash module.
If the application starts from a slow map, it will lead to interface lags, long loads and possible system freeze. MIUI additionally restricts access to system partitions so that an inexperienced user does not accidentally delete critical files or disrupt the operation of drivers. SD-map".
And then the apps that are installed in this way are connected to a particular device and encrypted, and you can't just take out the card and paste it into another phone to run the programs, and the data becomes unreadable without the appropriate encryption keys stored in the internal memory of the smartphone.
Preparation of memory card and smartphone for work
Before you try to change your system settings, you need to make sure that your drive is suitable. App installation requires a Class 10 speed card, ideally a UHS-I or UHS-II standard. Using slow cards will cause the phone to run slower than without them.
Back up all important files, as the preparation process requires full formatting. Put the card in the slot and wait for the system to notify. If the card was used on another device, it is better to clean up to avoid file system conflicts.
☑️ Checking the readiness of the memory card
It is important to check the health of the memory card, if the drive is old or has broken sectors, the system may not allow it to be used as internal storage, in such cases it is better to purchase a new card from a proven brand, for example, SanDisk or Samsung.
Activation of the developer mode and debugging via USB
To make changes to the system, you need to access hidden features. The first step is to turn on the developer mode. Go to Settings → About the phone and find the MIUI version. Click on it 7-10 times in a row until the notification "You became a developer" appears.
Then go to Settings → Advanced Settings → Developer, you need to find the USB Debugging and activate the switch. The system will warn you of the risks, confirm the action. Without this step, the computer will not be able to send commands to the phone.
⚠️ Warning: Do not connect your smartphone to unknown public chargers with debugging enabled USB. This can allow attackers to access your data or install malware.
Also in the developer menu, you should check the setting "By default" USB-configuration" and select "File transfer" (MTP). This will provide a stable connection when working with the computer, and some users recommend that you also enable the option "Do not turn off the screen when charging" so that the device does not fall asleep while executing commands.
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If the "For Developers" item is missing after the reboot, just press 7 times on "Version" again quickly. MIUI" under the heading “On the telephone".
Using ADB to format a card as internal memory
The most reliable way to make the system see the card as internal memory is to use the ADB (Android Debug Bridge) toolkit. You will need a computer (Windows, macOS or Linux) and installed drivers for your smartphone. Download platform tools from the official Google website.
Connect your phone to your PC with a cable. Open the command line or terminal in the ADB folder and type in the adb device command. The phone screen will see a request for debugging permission — click "Allow." If a device with device status appears on the list, the connection is established.
adb shell sm list-disksThis command will show your memory card ID (e.g., disk:179.64). Write it down. Next, you need to create partitions. The sm partition disk:XXX private 100 command will format the card and allocate 100% of the space for the applications. After that, the phone will restart, and the card will be determined as internal memory.
| ADB Team Team | Description of action | The result |
|---|---|---|
| adb shell sm list-disks | Displays a list of connected drives | Obtaining a card ID (disk:XXX) |
| adb shell sm partition disk:XXX private 100 | Formatting a map for applications | 100% of memory is available for programs |
| adb shell sm set-force-adoptable true | Compulsory incorporation of the regime | Appearance of the transfer button in the settings |
| adb shell pm get-install-location | Check of the current installation site | 0 (auto), 1 (in), 2 (external) |
Once you've done the operations in the storage settings, you'll be able to move data. Note that the speed will now depend on the quality of your memory card. If the phone starts to work slowly, the card may not be able to handle the load.
Transfer of installed applications through settings
If you have successfully activated internal memory mode or your phone model supports native porting, you can move programs already installed. Go to Settings → Applications → All applications. Select the desired program from the list.
In the app menu, find the Memory or Storage section. If the map is formatted correctly, it will show the "Move" or "Change" button. Press it and select it. SD-The system will copy the files and update the paths to them.
Why can the "Move" button be gray?
Not all apps can be moved completely. Some of the data, including cache and settings, often stays in internal memory to ensure performance, which is normal Android behavior that cannot be circumvented without root rights.
⚠️ Note: After transferring applications, do not remove the memory card without first disabling in the settings ("Unmount"). This will lead to program startup errors and loss of saves.
Alternative methods and work with file managers
There are third-party file managers, such as Total Commander or FX File Explorer, which allows you to change the default download path in some browsers and instant messengers, for example, in Telegram or WhatsApp, you can specify the folder on the settings of the browser. SD-a card to save media files, which will free up the main memory.
To download files from the Internet, use browsers with flexible path settings. in Chrome or UC Browser in the download settings, specify the folder on the external media. APK-files and documents will immediately get to the map, bypassing the internal storage.
Some users use specialized utilities like App2SD, but their effectiveness on newer versions of MIUI and Android is extremely low without superuser rights, they can only move cache or create links, which does not give a real gain in volume.
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The most effective way to free up space is not to transfer programs, but to configure save ways for photos, videos and downloads from the browser.
Risks and limitations of using the map for applications
Use of the SD-The main drawback of the card as a system partition is the reduction in the overall speed of the smartphone when filling out the card. The file system on external media fragments faster, which over time leads to a decrease in performance.
There is also a risk that the card will fail, and if the drive dies, all the apps installed on it will stop working and have to be reinstalled, and it is almost impossible to recover data from an encrypted partition without a working smartphone.
System updates to MIUI can reset developer settings or change partition structure, which will require reconfiguration, and memory cards have a limited resource of overwrite cycles, and active use of applications quickly exhausts this resource.