Xiaomi’s full internal memory is a problem faced by most users of the budget and mid-budget models of the Redmi series, POCO Even 128 GB can quickly run out if you actively shoot video in the video. 4K, installing heavy games or storing offline cards seems like an obvious solution: transferring data to the computer. SD-But here, users are in the nuances of the constraints. MIUI to the specifics of formatting the drive as internal or external.
In this article, we will discuss all working methods of data transfer – from simple copying files through the Explorer to setting up SD-We will focus on the portability of applications, which is not possible on all models, and explain why some files cannot be moved without root rights. MIUI 12/13/14 and Android-based devices 10–14, including the Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4/X5 and flagship Xiaomi 12/13/14.
Preparation: what kind SD-Choose a map for Xiaomi
Before you move data, make sure your microSD card meets the requirements. Not all drives are equally useful: cheap Class 4 or Class 6 models can slow down the system when used as internal memory, and cards larger than 512 GB are often not supported by budget smartphones.
The best features for Xiaomi:
- 🔹 Class speed: UHS-I (U1/U3) or A1/A2 (Applications. Maps. A2 Faster work with small files, which is critical for the cache of applications.
- 🔹 Size: 64GB to 1TB (but check the maximum for your model in specs).For example, the Redmi Note 10 Pro supports up to 512GB.
- 🔹 Brand: SanDisk Extreme, Samsung EVO Plus, Kingston Canvas – reliable options without fakes.
- 🔹 Format: exFAT (for files) >4 GB) or FAT32 (If the card is used as an external).
⚠️ Note: Class 10 cards without marking UHS or A may not be suitable for installing apps. Before buying, check compatibility on Xiaomi's website or in reviews for a particular smartphone model.
Method 1: Transfer files through built-in conductor
The simplest method is to manually copy files (photos, videos, music, documents) through a standard Files by Google or MIUI File Manager, which does not require card formatting and is suitable for one-time memory release.
Step-by-step:
- Put it in. SD-card to slot (or adapter if the smartphone does not support hybrid) SIM).
- Open the Files app (the folder icon on the desktop).
- Go to Internal Memory → select a folder (for example, DCIM for photos or Download for downloads).
- Press and hold the file(s) to highlight → tap More (three dots) → Copy.
- Go back to the root of the guide, select SD-map → Enter the destination folder (or create a new one).
- Click Insert and wait until it is completed.
💡 Tip: To speed up the process, use the Select Everything in the folder, but note that some system files can not be copied without root rights. USB-cable and transfer files through my computer (in file transfer mode).
☑️ Preparation for file transfer
Method 2: Formatting SD-maps as internal memory
If you want to install applications on SD-You can either save your data to it automatically (like a game cache), you need to format it as an internal drive:
| Advantages | Deficiencies |
|---|---|
| ✅ Applications can be transferred to the map (partially) | ❌ The map is tied to the device – will not be read on other gadgets |
| ✅ Automatically save photos/videos on SD | ❌ Speed is lower than that of internal memory (especially on budget cards) |
| ✅ Internal storage is released | ❌ When you remove the map, some applications may stop working. |
| ✅ Adoptable Storage Support for Android 6–9) | ❌ Not all Xiaomi models support this mode (for example, some models do not support this mode). POCO It's off) |
⚠️ Note: After formatting as internal memory, all data on the card will be deleted, and the card will become incompatible with other devices (for example, cameras or PCs) without re-formatting. We recommend using this method only for permanent memory expansion, not for temporary file storage.
Formatting instructions:
- Put it in. SD-smartphone-card.
- Go to Settings. → Memory. → SD-map (or Warehouse).
- Tap Format as internal (on some models, the item may be called Settings). → Additionally. → Warehouse → SD-map).
- Confirm the action and wait until it is completed (may take 5-10 minutes).
- After formatting, the system will prompt to Transfer Data – select this option to automatically move supported files.
What to do if the settings do not include the item "Format as internal"
Method 3: Transfer applications to SD-map (with limitations)
Even after formatting the map as an internal one, not all applications can be ported. Xiaomi (like other manufacturers) blocks this feature for system programs and some games.
How to move applications:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Select an app from a list (such as Telegram or Spotify).
- Slip the vault. → Change (if the button is active).
- Choose. SD-map and confirm the transfer.
📌 Limitations:
- 🚫 You cannot transfer system applications (e.g. Camera, Settings).
- 🚫 Some games, for example, PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact block transfer due to cheating protection.
- 🚫 After the transfer, the application may run slower (depending on the class). SD-map).
- 🚫 Application updates can be automatically installed in internal memory.
Critical information: On devices with MIUI 14 and Android 13+ portability SD-The card may be completely disabled due to Google's security policy, in which case the only way out is to use root rights or ADB-Teams (see next section).
Method 4: Transfer data over ADB (for power users)
If standard methods don't work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a debugging tool that lets you manually specify where to install applications, which requires a PC connection and basic command line knowledge.
Instructions:
- Download ADB Tools and unpack it into a folder on your PC.
- On your smartphone, turn on Developer Mode (7 times tap the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone) and activate Debugging over USB.
- Connect your phone to your PC, open the Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
- Enter the commands in order: adb devices (should display your device) adb shell pm set-install-location 2 (this will force the system to install applications on the device). SD-default-card)
- Reboot your smartphone.
⚠️ Note: The pm set-install-location 2 command does not work on all versions. MIUI. On some firmware, it can cause application installation errors. To return default settings, use:
adb shell pm set-install-location 01. Install Xiaomi USB Drivers drivers.
2. switch the connection mode from Charging to File Transfer.
3. Use another USB-cable (preferably original).-->
Method 5: Automatically save new files to SD-map
To ensure that new photos, videos and downloads are immediately saved to the SD-map, configure the appropriate parameters in the applications:
For the camera:
- Open the Camera app.
- Tap on. ⚙ Settings (cog in the corner).
- Select a Retention Site → SD-map.
- Specify the folder (for example, DCIM/Camera).
For downloads:
- Open the browser or Google Chrome.
- Go to Settings → Downloads.
- Show the way to SD-map (e.g., map, /storage/XXXX-XXXX/Download).
📌 Note: Some apps (such as WhatsApp or Telegram) do not allow you to save media files to your home. SD-Default card: In this case, the files will have to be manually transferred (see Method 1).
Frequent mistakes and their solutions
When transferring data to SD-Xiaomi users are facing typical problems, and here are the most common and ways to fix them:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| SD-map not defined | Bad contact, incompatible format or damaged card | Try transposing the card, formatting it in FAT32/exFAT on your PC, or checking it on another device. |
| "Not enough space" during transfer | There is little free space on the map or it is formatted not as an internal one. | Free up space or format the card as an internal one (see Method 2) |
| Applications are not portable to SD | Limitations of MIUI or Android | Use ADB (see Method 4) or root rights |
| The map became "damaged." | Incorrect extraction or failure in formatting | Connect to your PC, check for errors (chkdsk in Windows) and format again |
⚠️ Note: If after formatting SD-As the internal memory of the card, the smartphone started to slow down, return the settings back. → Memory. → SD-map → Format it as a portable. Please note that all data on the map will be deleted!
💡
Before any manipulations with SD-Back up important data with a card, and even reliable maps can fail if formatted frequently or the recording process is interrupted.