Owners of Xiaomi smartphones sooner or later face a lack of internal memory – especially if the device is budget or released 2-3 Even after cleaning the cache and deleting the files, the system insists on saying, "Memory is full." The solution seems obvious: move the applications to the computer. SD-But here's a surprise for users: in modern versions. MIUI (Android in general, this feature is either hidden or works with limitations.
In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to transfer applications to a memory card in Xiaomi phones, including models on the mobile phone. MIUI 12/13/14 You'll learn why the standard method stopped working, how to get around the limitations with the help of the ADB, What applications can be moved and what applications can’t be moved, and what to do if the system refuses to see SD-The card is an internal storage device, and we'll also look at alternatives to free up memory if you can't transfer it.
We warn you right away: not all apps support portability, and some methods require developer rights or root. But even without them, you can save a lot of space — just follow the instructions and take into account the nuances of your Xiaomi model.
Why Xiaomi doesn’t have a “Move to” button SD-map»?
If you upgrade your smartphone to MIUI 12 or later (or bought a device with Android 10)+), You may have noticed that the option of transferring applications to SD-The map disappeared from the settings. It's not a bug, it's a deliberate decision by Google and Xiaomi:
- 🔹 Android Restrictions: Starting with Android 6.0 Marshmallow, Google Bans App Portability SD-map FAT32 (The system requires formatting the card as an internal storage, which is not always convenient.
- 🔹 Productivity: SD-Cards (especially Class Class Class Classes) 4/6/10) They're slower than the internal memory. Application transfers can cause lags.
- 🔹 Security: Annexes to SD-It is easier to steal or damage the card (for example, when retrieving the card while the program is running).
- 🔹 Xiaomi: The company is actively promoting cloud storage Mi Cloud and memory optimization through the MIUI Optimizer, therefore, removed the “extra” functions.
But that doesn't mean that transfer is impossible. There are workarounds, from formatting. SD-The card as internal memory before use ADB (We will discuss each method in detail.
⚠️ Attention: Transfer of applications to SD-This can cause them to work in an unstable way, especially messaging apps (WhatsApp, Telegram), online save games and system utilities!
Method 1: Formatting SD-maps as internal storage
This is the official method that works on all Xiaomi smartphones with Android 6.0+. Essence: SD-The card becomes part of the internal memory, and the system allows you to install applications on it).
Instructions:
- Put it in. SD-Card to smartphone (cards are supported to 2 TB, but optimally 64–256 GB A1/A2 or UHS-I).
- Go to Settings → Memory (or Storage).
- Tap by name. SD-map → Three dots (menu) → Storage settings.
- Select Format as Internal → Erase and Format.
- After formatting, restart the phone.
Now, when you install applications, the system will ask you to choose a storage location, so you can transfer the programs that are already installed:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Select the desired application → Warehouse.
- If the option is available, tap Change and select SD-map.
| Advantages | Deficiencies |
|---|---|
| ✅ It works without root and ADB | ❌ The card is tied to the phone (not readable on PC) |
| ✅ Supports most applications | ❌ Slower internal memory (lags in games) |
| ✅ Frees up to 80% of internal memory | ❌ When you remove the map, the applications will stop working. |
⚠️ Note: After formatting as internal storage SD-The card cannot be formatted back into FAT32 Use this method only if you are sure that the card will be permanently on the phone.
☑️ Preparation SD-formatting
Method 2: Transfer over ADB (without map formatting)
If you don't want to format SD-The card is an internal memory, and can be used ADB (Android Debug Bridge is a debugging tool, and this method allows you to transfer individual applications without tying a card to your phone, USB-cable and developer mode enabled.
Steps:
- Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version (you will be notified "You've become a Developer"). Return to Settings → Additional → Developer. Activate USB Debugging.
Connect your phone to your PC
- Download ADB Tools (or use Mi PC Suite)
- Connect your phone via USB, select File Transfer mode.
- On PC, open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd).
- Check the connection: Adb devices Your Xiaomi Serial Number should appear. If not, install Xiaomi USB Drivers.
- Transfer the application: adb shell pm set-install-location 2 This team is asking SD-To transfer a specific application (e.g. Facebook), use: adb shell pm move-package com.facebook.katana Unique packet ID can be found through the command adb shell pm list packages | find "facebook" (for Windows) or adb shell pm list packages | grep "facebook" (for Mac/Linux).
After the command is executed, the application is transferred to SD-Check this in the settings. → Annexes → [name] → Warehouse.
List of popular application packages
⚠️ Note: Not all applications support portability ADB. System utilities (Mi Home, Security) and some games (PUBG, Genshin Impact will block this feature, also after the update. MIUI It may be necessary to repeat the procedure.
Method 3: Using Application Managers (without root)
If the previous methods seem complicated, you can use third-party utilities, which do not give a 100% guarantee, but sometimes help to migrate some applications.
- 📱 AppMgr III (App 2 SD): Shows you what applications you can migrate, and suggests you do it in one click. MIUI 12-14, but requires rights ADB certain functions.
- 📱 Files by Google: Google’s built-in file manager can analyze memory and offer optimizations, including data transfer to the computer. SD-map.
- 📱 SD Maid: A utility for cleaning garbage, but the pro version has an application portability function (does not work on all Xiaomi models).
How to use AppMgr III:
- Download the app from Google Play.
- Open it and give access to the storage.
- In the Movable section, you will see a list of apps that can be moved.
- Tap on the app. → Move to SD card.
If the transfer button is inactive, the application is locked, in which case only ADB or formatting the card as internal memory will help.
💡
Before using third-party managers, check their ratings and reviews. Some utilities (such as "Super Cleaner") may contain advertising software or viruses.
Which applications cannot be transferred to SD-map?
Even if you use ADB or format your card as internal memory, some applications are not portable, due to their technical or developer policies, and here is a list of "unbearable" categories:
- 🔒 System applications: Mi Security, Mi Account, Settings, Phone Services, etc. These can cause system failures.
- 🎮 Online Authorization Games: PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty, Genshin Impact. They require a constant license check that could be breached when you move.
- 💬 Encrypted messengers: WhatsApp, Signal, Viber.Transfer can break notifications or backups.
- 🎵 Streaming services: Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, cache data in internal memory to speed up work.
- 📱 Apps with widgets: If an application has a widget on the home screen, moving it may cause the widget to disappear.
Also, some apps (such as Google Play Services or Miui Daemon) can automatically return to internal memory after updates, in which case you will have to repeat the transfer manually.
💡
If the application is transferred to SD-The card starts to fly out or doesn't update -- put it back in your internal memory, which is a sign that it's not designed to work with external storage.
Alternative ways to free up memory on Xiaomi
If the applications are transferred SD-The card is impossible or doesn’t solve the problem, try these methods:
- 🗑️ Cache Clearing: Go to Settings → Memory. → Clean (or Settings) → Annexes → [select the application] → Clean the cache. Use it for deep cleaning. MIUI Optimizer (built-in utility).
- ☁️ Transfer media to the cloud: Activate Mi Cloud (Settings) → Accounts. → Mi Cloud) and enable photo/video sync. or use Google Photos (free up to 15 GB).
- 📁 Removing duplicates and debris: Files by Google finds unnecessary files (cache, duplicates, large files). manually check Download folders, DCIM/.thumbnails, Android/obb (Here are the heavy game files).
- 🔄 Reset to factory settings: Extreme method: Settings → The phone. → Reset settings. Before reset, back up through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset.
Also, look for easy alternatives to popular apps:
- Facebook is called Facebook Lite or Hermit.
- Instead of Google Chrome, Chrome Lite or Bromite.
- Instead of Instagram, it is a web version via PWA (Progressive Web App).
Frequent mistakes and their solutions
When transferring applications to SD-Xiaomi users are facing typical problems. Let's analyze the most common problems:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| "We failed to move the app." | The application is blocked by the developer or system. | Try to transfer through ADB or refuse to transfer. |
| SD-map not defined | The card is damaged, incompatible or incorrectly inserted. | Check the card on another device, format it in FAT32 (if not internal memory). |
| The app leaves after the transfer | SD-The card is too slow (class below Class 10). | Return the app to internal memory or buy an A1/A2 card. |
| There's not enough room for SD-map | The map is formatted as internal but filled. | Clear the card through Settings → Memory or transfer files to your PC. |
| ADB does not see the device | There are no drivers installed or USB debugging enabled. | Install Xiaomi USB Drivers, check the USB debugging in the developer settings. |
If, after transferring the application to SD-The phone is starting to slow down, try it:
- Disable animation in the developer settings (Window animation scale = 0.5x).
- Clear the cache of system applications (Settings → Applications → Show All → Three Dots → Reset App Settings).
- Restart the phone to Safe Mode (press the shutdown button → Restart in Safe Mode) and check if the lags are saved.