How to install applications on a memory card in Xiaomi: 3 proven ways

Why Xiaomi is blocking the installation of SD-map and how to get around

Xiaomi smartphones based on MIUI It's a traditional limitation to installing apps on a memory card, which is either missing from settings or error-prone. Android architecture: since version 6.0, Google has banned any entry on the device. SD-However, manufacturers (including Samsung and Huawei) have found workarounds, and Xiaomi chose to ignore them - officially only individual models on Android Go (for example, Redmi Go or Poco) support the port of applications. C31).

In this article, we will discuss three working methods that will help install applications on a memory card even on new devices (Redmi Note 12, Poco X5, Xiaomi 13T, etc.) with MIUI 14. The methods vary in complexity: from standard settings to manually mounting a partition through ADB. Importantly, not all applications can be transferred - some (for example, WhatsApp or Google Play Services) block work from external memory by default.

Before you start, check two things:

• 🔹 The memory card is formatted as an internal storage (if not, see Section 2).
• 🔹 The device has developer rights (how to enable – see below).
• 🔹 Version. MIUI at least 12 (the old firmware may not work teams) ADB).

Method 1: Formatting SD-maps as internal storage

The most reliable way is to make the system perceive the memory card as part of the main drive, which will allow you to install applications directly, but has critical consequences:

• 📛 The card will be encrypted and will not be read on other devices.
• 🔄 After extracting the map, the application will stop working on it.
• ⚠️ All data on the map will be deleted (take backup copy!).

Instructions:

1. Put it in. SD-smartphone-card.
2. Go to Settings → Memory → Memory Map.
3. Slip on the three dots in the top right corner and select Storage Settings.
4. Click Format as Internal → Clean and Format.
5. After restarting the device, the card will be ready for use.

⚠️ Note: If you extract the card, the system can start automatically removing the cache of applications, which will lead to failures. 64 GB UHS-I (U1/U3).

Save important files from the card to the PC|Check the speed class of the card (minimum) U1)|Charge the phone to 50%+|Disable two-factor authentication in applications (during the procedure)-->

Method 2: Transfer applications through MIUI settings (limited support)

Some versions of MIUI (e.g. Redmi 9A or Poco M3) have a built-in application portability feature that doesn’t work with all programs and may not be available on flagships (Xiaomi 13 Pro, Mix Fold 3).

Open the Settings. → Annexes → Manage applications, select the desired application and see if there is a button to Move to SD-If you don't have one, go to method 3.

Limitations of this method:

• 🚫 You cannot migrate system applications (e.g. Mi Browser or Security).
• 📱 Some of the data (cache, updates) will still remain in the internal memory.
• 🔄 After updating MIUI Ported applications can automatically return to internal memory.

💡

If the button is moved to SD-The card is inactive, try clearing the Settings app cache through Settings → Annexes → All applications → Settings → Clear the cache.

Method 3: Manual mounting via ADB (for power users)

This method requires developer rights and command-line work, but allows you to port applications even on new devices (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Redmi Note 12 Pro).+). The method is to force the system to specify that SD-The card is part of the internal storage.

Step 1: Enable debugging over USB:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone and tap 7 times on the MIUI version to activate the Developer Mode.
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
3. Activate USB Debugging and OEM Unblocking (if any).

Step 2: Connect your phone to your PC and execute the commands:

adb shell


sm set-force-adoptable true




sm partition disk:179,64 private

After the device is restarted SD-The card will be mounted as an internal storage, and it is important that this method can cause errors in the operation of some applications (for example, banking), as they check the integrity of the storage.

⚠️ Note: On some devices (Xiaomi) 12S, Redmi K50) After this procedure, access to the DCIM (To return access, run the command: sm partition disk:179,64 public

What applications cannot be transferred to SD-map

Even if you manage to mount the card as an internal storage, some applications will fail or be permanently reset. Here is a list of categories that are best left in internal memory:

• 🏦 Banking applications (SberBank, Tinkoff, VTB) – block the launch due to security requirements.
• 🎮 Online Authorization Games (PUBG Mobile, Genshin Impact, Call of Duty – can fly out when you check your license.
• 📱 System services (Google Play Services, Mi Account) – their transfer will lead to malfunctions in the phone.
• 📸 Camera apps (including the standard Xiaomi Camera) – may not save photos/video.

Also, avoid porting apps that:

• 🔄 Use background processes (messengers, health trackers).
• 🔒 Working with DRM-Protection (Netflix, Disney)+).
• 📊 Store local databases (Telegram with a large number of chats).

💡

If the application starts to slow down or crash after transfer, return it to internal memory. Memory cards (even UHS-II) slower than the built-in UFS 2.2/3.1 flash memory, which is critical for heavy applications.

Optimization of application work on SD-map

If you have already moved apps to the map, follow these tips to minimize problems:

1. Use A2 or U3 cards, which are optimized for application use and have high random write speeds (like the SanDisk Extreme A2 or Samsung EVO Plus).
2. Turn off automatic updates for ported applications, updates can "reset" them in internal memory.
3. Clean the cache regularly through Settings → Memory. → Clean up, cash on. SD-The map fragments faster.
4. Don’t fill up more than 80% of the card, which reduces the speed and increases the risk of errors.

To check the speed of the map, use applications like A1 SD Bench (available on Google Play).

• 📈 Reading: at least 80 MB/s.
• 📉 Recording: at least 30 MB/s.
• ⚡ IOPS (4K QD32): 1,000 operations per second.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When working with SD-Xiaomi users are faced with typical problems. Here's how to solve them:

If after transferring applications the phone began to slow down, check:

• 🔋 Battery charge – at a level below 15%, the system can force applications to close on the device. SD-map.
• 🔥 Processor Temperature – Working with a Slow Card Increases the Load on the Chipset.
• 📶 Background Processes – Turn off AutoRun for Moved Applications in Settings → Permits → Auto-start.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions