How to transfer a photo to a memory card in Xiaomi smartphones: 5 proven ways

Transferring photos to a memory card in Xiaomi smartphones is a challenge that every second user of the brand faces. Even with 128 GB of internal memory, the gallery quickly clogs, and automatic saving to SD is disabled by default in MIUI 12-14. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways, from standard settings to hidden file managers functions and even transfer through the computer.

It’s important to understand that the procedure differs depending on the model (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro+ supports microSDXC up to 1TB, while POCO X3 only up to 512GB) and the firmware version. We tested the instructions on MIUI 14.0.5 (Android 13) and HyperOS 1.0 (Android 14) — all methods work, but with nuance. If your smartphone is released before 2018, check card compatibility: older models (Redmi 4A, Mi A1) don’t support exFAT, only FAT32.

1.Preparation: checking the memory card and settings

Before transferring photos, make sure that the memory card is properly formatted and recognized by the system. Go to Settings → Storage → Memory Map. If the partition is missing, the card is not inserted or faulty.

• 📁 FAT32 — Compatible with all devices, but limited to files up to 4 GB. Suitable for photos, but not for video in the video 4K.
• 📁 exFAT - Supports files >4GB, optimal for modern smartphones (Xiaomi) 11T, Redmi K50 newer).
• 🚫 NTFS — Cannot be read on Android without root rights.

If the card is defined as “damaged”, format it directly in your smartphone: Settings → Storage → Memory Map → Format → As internal storage (only for MIUI 12+). Once formatted as internal memory, the card cannot be retrieved without losing data – the system encrypts it for a specific device.

⚠️ Note: Formatting erases all data on the map. If it has important files, copy them to the PC first via the computer. MTP-Protocol (the mode "File transfer" when connecting to the USB).

2. Transfer through standard gallery settings

The easiest way is to use the built-in “Move to Memory Card” feature in the Gallery app. It works on all Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 11 and later, but has a limitation: it only transfers files made by the smartphone camera (not downloaded from instant messengers or the Internet).

Instructions:

1. Open the Gallery and select Camera album or All photos.
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → Select.
3. Tag the photo (you can tap the date to select all the pictures for the day).
4. Put it on the icon. ⋮ → Move it to the memory card.
5. Confirm action. The files will move to the DCIM/Camera folder on SD.

⚠️ Note: If the option Move to the memory card is inactive, check: 🔹 The card is inserted and recognized (see section 1). 🔹 There is enough space on the map (minimum 10% free volume). 🔹 Photos not protected DRM (For example, screenshots from banking applications).

Check the vacant space on SD|Update the Gallery app in Play Market|Turn off battery optimization for the gallery|Reboot your smartphone if the option is inactive-->

3. Use of a file manager (for all file types)

If you want to transfer not only photos from the gallery, but also downloaded images, screenshots or files from messengers, use Files (standard Xiaomi manager) or Total Commander. This method is universal and works even on older models (Redmi 5, Mi 8).

Step-by-step instructions for the Files:

1. Open the Files app (the folder icon on the desktop).
2. Go to Internal Storage → DCIM → Camera (for photos) or Pictures (for downloaded images).
3. Press your finger on the file → select the others or click Select All.
4. Slip Move (the arrow folder icon).
5. Select Memory Map → create a folder (like Photos) or select an existing one.
6. Click Insert and wait until it is completed.

For Total Commander, the algorithm is similar, but with advanced options (for example, you can archive photos before transferring), the main advantage of third-party managers is support for batch renaming and filtering by date / size.

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If the transfer is interrupted with the error "Insufficient memory", try to move files in small batches (on the Internet). 50-100 This is due to the cache restriction in MIUI.

4. Automatically save new photos on SD

To save new photos to the memory card, change the camera settings:

1. Open the Camera app.
2. Put it on the icon. ⚙️ (setting) → Preservation site.
3. Select a Memory Card and confirm.
4. Restart the camera (important for application of changes).

On HyperOS models (Xiaomi 14, Redmi K60), the path is different: Camera settings → Additional → Storage → Memory Map. If you don't have an option, update your firmware or use a workaround:

Important: while maintaining the SD RAW-files (.dng format) may not be written - this is a limitation MIUI. To get around, install Adobe Lightroom Mobile and set up export directly to the map.

5. Transfer via computer (for large volumes)

If you have to move thousands of photos (for example, when cleaning the memory before selling a smartphone), it is more convenient to use a PC, which is also relevant if the smartphone is glitchy or the card is not recognized in the phone.

Instructions for Windows/macOS:

1. Connect Xiaomi to your computer via USB-Cable (original or certified).
2. On your smartphone, select File Transfer (MTP) mode in the connection notification.
3. On PC, open This Computer (My Computer) → find a Xiaomi device.
4. Go to Internal Storage → DCIM → Camera.
5. Copy files (Ctrl+C) and paste (Ctrl+V) into a folder on the memory card (it will appear as a separate drive).

To speed up the process:

• 🖥️ Use TeraCopy (Windows) or rsync (macOS/Linux) lossless.
• 🔌 Connect through USB 3.0 (port of blue) – transfer speed will increase from 10 to 60 MB / s.
• 📂 Before copying, sort the photo by folder (for example, 2023_Vacation, 2026_Family – it is easier to manage files on SD.

⚠️ Note: If your computer does not see the memory card in your smartphone, check it: 🔹 The map is formatted in exFAT (Windows 10)+ Supports it out of the box, for Windows 7 you need to install an update KB955704). 🔹 In the developer settings (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 taps) Debugging option enabled USB.

6. Cloud Transfer (if the map is not read)

If your memory card is damaged or your smartphone doesn't recognize it, use cloud storage as an intermediate, a method that's also useful for backing up before you reset your phone.

Algorithm:

1. Upload the photo to the cloud: 🌥️ Google Photos: Open the app → Choose a photo → Save it in the cloud. ☁️ Mi Cloud: Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → gallery → Synchronize.

Install the memory card in another smartphone or connect it to the PC through a card reader.

• For Google Photos: web version photos.google.com → highlight photos → More → Download.
• For Mi Cloud: i.mi.com → Gallery → Select → Download.

FAQ: Frequent questions about transferring photos to Xiaomi