How to transfer applications to a memory card in Xiaomi: the complete guide

Xiaomi smartphones have made a solid top-selling debut over the past decade thanks to a combination of price and functionality. But even the flagship models with 256 GB of memory sooner or later face a shortage of space — especially if you actively install games like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile, which weigh 10-15 GB each. A microSD card seems like the obvious solution, but here’s the problem: Android and MIUI limit the portability of applications by default. Why this happens and how to circumvent restrictions — let’s sort it out in order.

Many users mistakenly believe that it is enough to insert a card into the slot and click "Move" in the application settings: MIUI (Xiaomi’s shell blocks the transfer for most programs, and some models do not support Adoptable Storage – Android technology that allows you to “tether” to the Internet» SD-In this article, we will look at all the working methods, including hidden settings and workarounds for Redmi, POCO Mi-series, and also explain why some applications can not be moved.

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Why Xiaomi is blocking the transfer of applications to the SD-map

At first glance, the limitations seem artificial, but they have technical reasons: first, the performance of memory cards (even class). A2) into 5-10 less than the built-in flash memory UFS 2.2/3.1, This means that the transferred application will be running longer, and games can slow down or fly out, MIUI Google's policy: with the Android version 6.0 portability SD This option is allowed only if the developer has explicitly added this option to the manifest. APK-file.

Another reason is data security, because memory cards are easier to retrieve or lose, which means that sensitive information (like the cache of banking applications) can fall into the wrong hands, which is why MIUI automatically blocks the transfer to:

• 🔒 Applications with administrator rights (antiviruses, password managers)
• 💳 Banking and payment services (Sberbank, Tinkoff, Google Pay)
• 🎮 Online multiplayer games (due to cheating risk)
• 📱 System utilities (calls, messages, settings)

Finally, it is worth considering the feature of hybrid slots in Xiaomi: if your model supports Dual SIM + microSD, the memory card will run slower than in devices with a dedicated slot (for example, the memory card will run slower, POCO X3 Pro or Redmi Note 11 Pro+). This is due to the limitations of the memory controller, which “divides” bandwidth between the two. SIM-card-and-storage.

⚠️ Attention: Transfer of applications to SD-class A1 Or lower, it'll lead to critical lags, and you need a drive at least as low as it can run properly. A2 (preferably UHS-I U3).

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What memory cards are suitable for Xiaomi

Not every microSD can do the job of extending memory for applications.

• 📏 Volume: From 32 GB (optimum) 64-128 GB). Less cards 32 GB is often formatted in FAT32, which does not support files anymore 4 GB – This will cause errors when installing games.
• ⚡ Class speed: A2 or higher (marked on the map). A1 It is suitable only for storing photos/videos.
• 🔄 Type: UHS-I or UHS-II. Class 10 cards without markings UHS will slow down.

Recommended models (tested on Xiaomi):

Before buying, check the card for authenticity with H2testw (Windows) or SD Insight (Android). Counterfeiting often poses as branded models, but they work at times slower. Also avoid cards labeled HC (High Capacity) - they are formatted in FAT32, which is unacceptable for applications.

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Preparation of a memory card before transfer

So SD-The map is now a storage app, and you need to format it properly. Importantly, this will delete all the data on the map, so pre-copy it on your PC.

Step 1: Formatting to NTFS or exFAT

1. Insert the card into your smartphone and open Settings → Storage.
2. Tap by the name of the card (for example, SD-map: 119GB).
3. Select Format → As internal storage (if option is available).
4. Confirm the action and wait until it is completed (may take 5-10 minutes).

If the option “As internal storage” is missing, then your Xiaomi model does not support Adoptable Storage, in which case format the card in exFAT via PC:

1. Connect the card to the computer through the card reader.
2. Open this computer (Windows), right-click on the map → Format.
3. Select the exFAT file system, the cluster size is 4096 bytes.
4. Click Start and wait until it is completed.

⚠️ Note: Once formatted as an internal storage card, it cannot be retrieved and used in other devices without completely erasing the data.

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Method 1: Transfer through standard MIUI settings

This method works for applications that support transfer (usually lightweight utilities, messengers without encryption, offline games). MIUI 12-14:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the application you want to transfer (such as Telegram or VLC).
3. Slip on Warehouse.
4. If the option is available, click Change → Memory Card.
5. Confirm the transfer and wait until it is completed (may take a few minutes).

Limitations of the method:

• 🚫 It does not work for system and secure applications.
• 🔄 After updating the application, it can automatically return to internal memory.
• 📱 On some models (Redmi) 9A, POCO M3) There is no option even for supported applications.

If the “Transfer” button is inactive, try clearing the app’s cache before transferring:

1. In the same Warehouse menu, click Clear Cache.
2. Reboot your smartphone.
3. Repeat the transfer attempt.

💡

If the application is unstable after transfer, return it to internal memory. Some programs (such as WhatsApp) may not correctly process the path to files on the computer. SD-map.

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Method 2: Using ADB for Forced Transfer

For applications that don't support menu porting, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a debugging tool that requires a PC and enabled USB debugging.

Step 1. Enable debugging over USB

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap 7 times on the MIUI version until the notification “You became a developer” appears.
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
4. Activate Debugging via USB and confirm the action.

Step 2: Connect your smartphone to your PC and execute commands

1. Download ADB Tools and unpack the archive.
2. Open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd).
3. Go to the folder with ADB: cd C:\platform-tools
4. Check the device connection: Adb devices (the serial number of your Xiaomi should be displayed).
5. Run the port command (replace com.example.app with the application batch name): adb shell pm set-install-location 2 adb shell pm move-package com.example.app

To find out the batch name of the application, use the command:

adb shell pm list packages | find "appendix name"

For example, for Telegram it is org.telegram.messenger.

⚠️ Note: Not all applications work properly after forced porting through ADB. For example, Google Play Store may stop updating the transferred programs.

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Method 3: Forced formatting as internal memory (Adoptable Storage)

If your Xiaomi doesn’t offer the option “Format as internal storage”, it can be enabled via a hidden menu, which works on MIUI 12-14 and requires root rights or ADB.

Instructions via ADB (without root):

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and activate debugging over USB (see the previous section).
2. Adb shell sm set-force-adoptable true
3. Reset the device.
4. Now in the storage settings should appear the option of formatting the map as an internal one.

After formatting:

• 🔄 The card will be encrypted and tied to the device.
• 📱 Some applications (such as Google Maps) will be automatically installed on the Internet. SD.
• ⚠️ The speed of the application may decrease by 20-40% (depending on the class of the card).

Important: On some models (Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO F3) After this process, the Dual function ceases to function. SIM + microSD if you care about two. SIM-maps, use alternative methods.

💡

Formatting a card as internal memory is the most reliable way to port applications, but it irreversibly binds the drive to a single device.

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What to do if the application is not portable

If none of these methods worked, try the following:

1. Use the “lightweight” versions of the applications

• 📱 Facebook Lite, Messenger Lite, Spotify Lite are in the 2-3 lesser.
• 🎮 Games like this PUBG Mobile Lite or Free Fire Lite are optimized for weak devices and take up to three hours. 1 GB instead 4-5 GB.

2. Transfer only cache and media files

Some apps (such as WhatsApp or VK) allow you to only transfer media:

1. Open the application settings.
2. Find the Warehouse and Data section → Memory.
3. Select the option “Move media to the SD-map (if available).

3.Remove unnecessary system applications MIUI clogs memory with preinstalled software that can be removed without root:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner → Show all the applications.
3. Find unnecessary programs (such as Mi Video, Mi Music, Browser) and choose Delete or Disable.

4.Use cloud storage

To save space, transfer your photos/video to Google Photos, Mi Cloud or Yandex Drive.

1. Open Google Photos → Settings → Backup and Sync.
2. Choose High Quality (unlimited storage) or Original Quality (place counter).
3. Activate the option “Delete after copying”.

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FAQ: Frequent questions about porting apps to SD in Xiaomi