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

Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones sooner or later face a shortage of internal memory — especially if the device is equipped with a modest 32 or 64 GB. Even after cleaning the cache and removing unnecessary files, the system stubbornly says: “Memory is full.” The solution seems obvious: transfer applications to a microSD card. But in MIUI, this feature does not work like in “pure” Android, and sometimes it is not on the menu. Why is this and how to get around the restrictions?

The manufacturer deliberately blocks the possibility of full-fledged transfer of applications to the SD-card in most Xiaomi models (except for some lines with Adoptable Storage support: MIUI I don't trust external drives because of the risk of data corruption and system slowdowns, but there are workarounds, from standard tools to commands. ADB In this article, we'll look at all the current methods, their pros and pitfalls.

Why Xiaomi can’t transfer applications to a memory card in the standard way

If you are trying to find the option "Move to the SD-The map in the app settings (like the older versions of Android) is probably not found. MIUI 12/13/14 This function is either hidden or it's selective:

• 🔒 Security policy MIUI: Xiaomi follows the recommendations of Google, which with Android 6.0 limited support for Adoptable Storage (formatting a card as an internal drive). SD-map.
• 📉 Performance: Class Memory Cards UHS-I class 10 slower-than-integrated memory eMMC/UFS. Transferring applications to them can cause lags.
• 📱 Hardware restrictions: Budget models (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO C31) Adoptable Storage is not physically supported, even if the card is formatted as an internal one.

However, there are exceptions. Some devices (e.g., Xiaomi Mi A1/A2 on Android One or the old Redmi Note 4/5) allow you to transfer applications through the Settings menu → Apps → [Select App] → Memory → Change. But in modern smartphones (2022 and later), this path is usually blocked.

⚠️ Note: Even if you have managed to transfer the application to SD-The map, it can work unstable, especially messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram) and games, which often give out errors when running from an external drive.

Method 1: Formatting a memory card as an internal storage device (Adoptable Storage)

This is the most reliable method, but it doesn't work on all Xiaomi models. SD-The card becomes part of the internal memory, and the system allows you to install applications on it.

Instructions:

1. Insert the memory card into the smartphone and open Settings → Memory.
2. Tap by name. SD-maps (e.g. SanDisk) 128GB) and select "Settings" (cog in the upper right corner).
3. Click "Format as an internal drive" (if you don't have an option, your device doesn't support the function).
4. Confirm action. The system will warn you that all data on the map will be erased.
5. After formatting, restart the phone.

Now, when you install new applications, the system will ask you to choose a storage location, so you can transfer the programs that are already installed:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the desired application and tap "Memory".
3. If the "Change" option is active, click it and select it. SD-map.

Make a backup copy of the data with SD-map|Use a class card UHS-I or higher (recommended) U3)|Make sure there is enough free space on the map (minimum 10 GB)|Charge your phone 50% or more to avoid crashes-->

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If the option "Format as internal drive" is missing, try pasting the card into another smartphone (for example, on a pure Android) and formatting it there. Then return the card to Xiaomi - sometimes the system recognizes it as internal.

Method 2: Transfer applications over ADB (without root rights)

If your Xiaomi doesn’t support Adoptable Storage, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a debugging tool that lets you manually tell your system where to install apps.The method works on most Android 6.0 and newer devices, but requires a computer connection.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on Developer Mode on your phone: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version (you will be notified that you are a developer). Go back to Settings → Additional → Developer. Activate USB Debugging.

ADB Tools

Connect your phone to your PC through USB-Cable (use the original cable for stability).

ADB

adb devices

If the device is displayed in the list, the connection is established.

com.example.app

adb shell pm set-install-location 2

This command tells the system to install applications on SD-default-card.

adb shell pm move-package com.example.app

Note

Failure [NOT_MOVED: Operation not allowed]

How to find out the batch name of the application? Install the App Inspector utility from Google Play or use the command:

adb shell pm list packages | grep "keyword"

For example, WhatsApp is com.whatsapp.

⚠️ Note: After using pm set-install-location 2, all new applications will be installed on the site. SD-map, but this can cause problems with the operation of some programs (for example, widgets or system utilities).To return the default settings, run: adb shell pm set-install-location 0

Method 3: Use of third-party applications (App2SD, Link2SD)

If previous methods didn't work, you can use specialized utilities from Google Play, which do not require root rights, but their capabilities are limited by MIUI policies.

• 📱 App2SD (Free version with ads: allows you to transfer supported applications and clear cache.
• 🔗 Link2SD (requires root: creates symbolic links, "deceives" the system, plus: transfers even those applications that normally do not support movement.
• 🗃️ Files by Google: Does not port apps, but helps to free up space by removing unnecessary files and duplicates.

Instructions for App2SD:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Open it and give access to the memory.
3. In the list of applications, find the one you want to transfer and tap on it.
4. If the "Move to" button SD-Map is active, press it. If not, the app doesn't support portability.

For Link2SD (for advanced users only):

1. Get root rights on your phone (for example, via Magisk).
2. Install. Link2SD Follow the instructions for creating the second section on SD-map (formatting required).
3. Select applications for portability and create links.

Which apps can be ported and which ones can’t be ported

Not all programs work well with SD-These are the main limitations:

Best to carry:

• 📖 Reading apps (such as Moon)+ Reader or FBReader).
• 🎵 Musical Players (Poweramp, VLC).
• 📺 Video players (if files are also stored on the map).
• 📝 Simple utilities (calculators, notes).

It is not recommended to transfer:

• 🔐 Banking applications (for example, SberBank Online, Tinkoff) – the risk of blocking the account.
• 🎮 Online-authorized games (Clash of Clans, Brawl Stars) – possible ban for cheating".
• 📱 Launchers and widgets – will stop working after the card is removed.

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Transfer of applications to SD-The card is always a compromise between free space and stability of work, and if the application is critical (messaging, banking), it is better to leave it in the internal memory, even if you have to remove something less necessary.

What to do if the transfer does not work: alternative solutions

If none of these methods work, consider alternatives:

1. Cleaning Internal Memory: Remove the App Cache in Settings → Memory. → Clear the cache. Use the built-in cleanup utility in MIUI (Broom icon in the memory menu. APK-files from the Download folder.
2. Transfer media files: Move photos and videos to the Gallery → highlight files → "Move it to SD-Set the camera to save the pictures directly to the map: Camera settings → Warehouse → SD-map.
3. Cloud Storage: Upload rarely used files to Google Drive, Mi Cloud or Yandex Disk. Use Google Files to automatically clear your cache.

Reset to factory settings

• Make a backup copy of the data.
• Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
• After reset, install only the necessary applications.

If there is a shortage of space, consider buying a smartphone with a large amount of memory (for example, the Redmi Note 12 Pro).+ 256 GB) or use OTG-storage device USB-C). The latter option allows you to connect external disks without retrieval SIM-map.

FAQ: Frequent questions about transferring applications to SD-map