How to transfer a photo to a memory card in a Xiaomi phone: 4 working ways

Transferring photos to a memory card in Xiaomi smartphones is a challenge that users face when there is a lack of internal storage. Even models with 128 GB of memory (Redmi Note 12 Pro, POCO X5 Pro) over time fill up with thousands of pictures, especially if the camera saves files in RAW or HEIF format. The microSD card becomes a salvation, but not everyone knows how to properly organize the movement without loss of quality or duplication of files.

In this article, we will analyze 4 proven methods of transferring photos to the SD-map: through the standard application MIUI Gallery, file system MIUI File Manager, third-party managers (such as Solid Explorer) and automation with Tasker (FAT32 vs exFAT) and solve common errors such as “Not enough space” or “Not supported file».

Why photos are not automatically transferred to memory cards

Many Xiaomi users wonder why the smartphone default saves a photo in internal memory, even if inserted SD-The reason is because of the settings. MIUI Camera and Android Security Policy:

• 📸 Camera Settings: By default, the Camera app saves pictures to a folder DCIM/Camera This setting can be changed manually (more on this below).
• 🔒 Android restrictions: Starting with Android 11, apps are not allowed to arbitrarily write data to external media without the explicit permission of the user. MIUI 14 follows these rules.
• 💾 Card format: If SD-map FAT32, It does not support files larger than 4 GB (relevant for video in the Internet) 4K or series).

Also, some Xiaomi models (e.g., Redmi) 10C or POCO M4 Pro) have a hybrid slot for SIM-map where the second SIM It takes place under a microSD, and in this case, the photo transfer is possible only when using one of the two devices. SIM-map.

Method 1: Transfer through the MIUI Gallery app

The easiest method is to use the standard MIUI gallery, which is suitable for single files or small photo packages, and the instructions are relevant for MIUI 12-14:

1. Open the Gallery app (icon with multi-colored squares).
2. Select an album with photos (such as Camera or Screenshots).
3. Press and hold your finger in the first photo, then mark the rest (or tap Select → Select all).
4. Tap the “More” icon** (three dots in the upper right corner) → Move.

⚠️ Note: If the Move option is inactive, check:

• 🔌 The memory card is correctly inserted and recognized by the system (check in Settings). → Warehouse).
• 📁 There is enough free space on the map (minimum 10% of the volume of transferred files).
• 🔒 Files are not secure. DRM or are not screenshots of system applications (their transfer may be blocked).

Check the vacant space on SD-map

Update the Gallery app on Google Play

Turn off battery optimization for Gallery (Settings → Applications → Gallery → Battery)

Restart your phone before transferring-->

Method 2: Use of MIUI File Manager

The MIUI file manager allows you to transfer photos in a package, including hidden files (for example,.thumb or.nomedia), which is suitable for advanced users, since it requires an understanding of the folder structure:

1. Open File Manager (Blue folder icon)
2. Go to the internal memory → DCIM → Camera (or another folder with a photo).
3. Press your finger on the file → select the rest (or click Select All).
4. Tap Move (arrow folder icon)
5. In the list of locations, select SD-map → Create a new folder (such as Photos) or select an existing folder.
6. Confirm the action with the Move button.

Important: When transferring through File Manager, do not use the Copy function, as this will create duplicates that take up space on the internal drive. If you need to save the originals, copy the files to the card first, then delete them from the internal memory manually.

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If the transfer is interrupted with the error "File corrupted", try reformatting. SD-The exFAT card is on the computer, and it solves the file size problem. >4GB and speed up read/write operations.

Method 3: Automatic transfer with Tasker

For users who regularly transfer photos to a map, automation through Tasker is suitable. This app allows you to create a task that will move new images from the map to the map. DCIM/Camera on SD-card on schedule or when connecting to Wi-Fi:

1. Install Tasker from Google Play.
2. Open the app and create a new task (+ → Task).
3. Add the action File → Move.
4. In the From field, enter /storage/emulated/0/DCIM/Camera/.
5. In the To field, point /storage/XXXX-XXXX/DCIM/Camera/ (where XXXX-XXXX — ID yours SD-The card can be found in File Manager).
6. Set a filter for the creation time (e.g. the last 24 hours) to only transfer new files.
7. Save the task and create a profile to run it (for example, when connecting to a home Wi-Fi network).

🔧 Adjust permissions: Tasker will require storage access and file management permissions to work. → Annexes → Tasker → Permissions. Also include the option to Change System Settings in the Special Options menu.

Method 4: Third-party applications (Solid Explorer, FX File Manager)

If standard MIUI tools don't work, use third-party file managers, such as Solid Explorer.

• 🔍 Two-panel mode for easy drag and drop files.
• 🔒 Encryption of portable data.
• ☁️ Integration with the cloud (Google Drive, Dropbox) for backup.
• 📊 Packet mode with filters by file type (for example, only.jpg or.png).

Step-by-step instructions for Solid Explorer:

1. Install the application and give access to the storage.
2. Open the left panel, go to the internal memory → DCIM → Camera.
3. On the right panel, select SD-map and create a folder (for example, Backup_Photos).
4. Select the files on the left panel, then drag them to the right panel.
5. In the dialog box, select Move, not Copy.

⚠️ Note: Some managers (e.g., managers, ES File Explorer may request unnecessary permissions (SMS, Before installing, check reviews in Google Play and only use proven apps that rank above 4.5.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When transferring photos to a memory card, Xiaomi users face typical problems, and consider the most common and ways to eliminate them:

If none of the methods worked, check:

• 🛠️ Status. SD-Maps: Connect it to your computer and scan it for broken sectors (e.g., CrystalDiskInfo utility).
• 📱 Updates MIUI: In older versions of firmware (below) MIUI 12) there may be no external media options.
• 🔄 Rebooting the device: Sometimes it helps to simply restart the phone after inserting the card.

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Before mass transfer of photos, always back up your PC or cloud, which will protect the data in case of a memory card failure or program error.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions