How to install apps on a memory card in Xiaomi: all the ways 2026

Xiaomi smartphone owners often face a shortage of internal memory, especially on budget models Redmi or POCO with 32/64 GB of drive. microSD card seems logical solution — cheap storage expansion to 1 TB. But here's the problem: by default, MIUI blocks the installation of applications on external media, and standard Android settings offer only the transfer of data, not a full installation. Why is this and how to get around the restrictions?

The case in the architecture of Android and Xiaomi policy: starting with the version MIUI 12 (Android 10+) The company has abandoned the Adoptable Storage function (transformation). SD-The cards are part of the internal memory to avoid performance and security issues, but there are workarounds, from manual transfer through settings to use. ADB-In this article, we will discuss all the current methods for MIUI 14/15 Android 12-14, including specific model nuances (Redmi Note) 12, POCO X5 etc.).

Why Xiaomi is blocking the installation of applications on the SD-map?

At first glance, the restriction seems artificial, but it has technical reasons:

• 🔋 Low read/write speeds for most microSDs (class) A1/A2 vs UFS 2.2/3.1 The applications on the slow card will slow down or fly out.
• 🛡️ Security: External media is easier to fake or infect with malware. MIUI Blocks the installation of.apk with SD default.
• 📱 Fragmentation of files: Frequent overwriting on microSD reduces its lifespan (especially on cheap cards).
• 🔄 Retrieval conflicts: If you take out the card while the application is running, it will crash and the data may get damaged.

However, for many users, migrating applications to SD is the only way to free up internal memory, and then working methods to address these limitations.

Method 1: Standard Transfer through MIUI Settings

The easiest way is to use the built-in function of transferring application data to SD-It's suitable for most games and programs, but it has limitations:

⚠️ Note: Not all applications support portability. (Google Play Services, MIUI Launcher and some games (Genshin Impact, PUBG Mobile will remain in internal memory.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the application you want (such as Telegram or Spotify).
3. Click Warehouse → Change → Memory Map.
4. Confirm the transfer and wait until it is completed (may take a few minutes).

What's transferable:

• 📁 Cache and temporary files (free up to 50% of space).
• 🎮 Game data (saves, textures).
• 📷 Media files (photos, video from the gallery).

What's NOT tolerable:

• 🚫 Application.apk files (remain in internal memory).
• 🚫 System Application Data (Google Play, Settings).
• 🚫 OBB-Some game files (manual installation required).

Formatting a memory card in FAT32/exFAT|Create a backup copy of important data|Charge your phone at least to 50%|Disable battery optimization for portable applications-->

Method 2: Using ADB for Forced Transfer

If the standard method didn’t work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a debugging tool that allows you to force the installation of applications, which works on all Xiaomi smartphones with Android 8+, but requires a connection to a PC.

Step-by-step:

1. Enable Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Click 7 times on MIUI Version. Go back to Settings → Additional → Developer. Activate USB Debugging.

ADB Tools

adb devices

Make sure the device is identified (should appear its serial number).

package.name

com.whatsapp

adb shell pm set-install-location 2

2

Google Play

To return the installation to internal memory, use:

adb shell pm set-install-location 0

⚠️ Note: Some applications (such as Banking Apps or Google Pay) may refuse to work with the Internet. SD-security cards, also after the update MIUI setting ADB may throw off.

Method 3: Forced formatting SD-The card is an internal memory (adoptable storage)

Before Android 9, Xiaomi had Adoptable Storage feature that allows you to “tether" SD-card to the phone as part of the internal storage MIUI 12+ This option is hidden, but it can be returned through ADB third-party.

Advantages:

• 📲 Annexes shall be installed on SD automatically (as if it were internal memory).
• 🔄 No need to manually transfer data.

Disadvantages:

• 🚫 The map becomes incompatible with other devices (it can not be read on a PC without formatting).
• 🐢 Productivity falls on 20-40% (class-dependent SD).
• 🔄 When you remove the map, the applications will stop working.

Instructions:

1. Put it in. SD-map (class recommended) A2 or UHS-I).
2. Connect your phone to your PC and start the ADB.
3. Adb shell sm set-force-adoptable true
4. Go to Settings → Storage → Memory Map.
5. Choose Use as internal memory (option will appear after). ADB-team).
6. Follow the instructions on the screen (the map will be formatted!).

After that, all new apps will be installed on the SD by default. To return the card to normal mode, do:

adb shell sm set-force-adoptable false

💡

Before formatting your card as internal memory, check its speed with the A1 SD Bench app. If the read speed is below 40 MB/s, the apps will slow down.

Method 4: Install applications on SD through third-party launchers

If previous methods failed, alternative launchers (like Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher) can be used to specify the default install path, which does not require root rights, but does not work on all Xiaomi models.

Instructions for Nova Launcher:

1. Install Nova Launcher from Google Play.
2. Click the empty space on the home screen → Settings → Apps and notifications.
3. Select the default setting → Memory card.
4. Download the application.apk file (for example, with APKMirror) and install it via Nova Launcher.

Limitations:

• 📌 It only works for manually installed.apk files (not from Google Play).
• 📌 Some apps (such as Netflix or Google Maps) block installations on the Internet. SD.

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

To determine the best way, compare all options on key parameters:

For most users, the best solution is a combination of standard transfer (to free up space) + ADB (Adoptable Storage is only suitable for class maps. A2/UHS-I And if you don't plan on getting it out of your phone.

💡

If your goal is to simply make room for new applications, start with standard data porting through MIUI settings.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When transferring applications to SD-Xiaomi users face typical errors. Let's analyze the most common:

⚠️ Warning: If the app stops working after the transfer, check if you have removed the memory card. VK) Requires re-authorization after relocation.

Problem 1: The “Move to SD” button is inactive

• 🔹 Reason: Application does not support portability (system or modification protection).
• 🔹 Solution: Use ADB or install.apk manually through the launcher.

Problem 2: The app crashes after the transfer

• 🔹 Reason: low speed SD-cards (class) A1 lower).
• 🔹 Solution: Replace the card with a class A2/UHS-I Or transfer only the data, leaving the.apk in the internal memory.

Problem 3: You can’t install an update for a ported application

• 🔹 Reason: Google Play is blocking updates for apps SD.
• 🔹 Solution: temporarily transfer the application back to internal memory, update, then move again to the map.

Problem 4: After the MIUI update, the transfer reset

• 🔹 Reason: Resetting settings ADB or Adoptable Storage.
• 🔹 Solution: Repeat the settings through ADB Or format the map again.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions