How to transfer applications to SD-Map from internal memory Xiaomi Redmi: all ways

Xiaomi Redmi smartphone owners often face a shortage of internal memory, especially on budget models with 32 or 64 GB of storage. Even after cleaning the cache and removing unnecessary files, the system stubbornly signals: "Memory is full." The solution seems obvious - to move the applications to the portable device. SD-The map, but here users are waiting for an unpleasant surprise: starting with Android 9 (and the corresponding versions). MIUI 10+) Google has restricted this feature, and why it happened, and how to circumvent it, we'll look at this guide.

Many people think that it is enough to insert a memory card and click "Move" in the application settings, but in practice the button may be inactive or absent at all. The reason lies in the Adoptable Storage security policy, which Xiaomi has disabled in its firmware. However, there are workarounds - from standard MIUI tools to manual mounting through ADB. We tested all methods on Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10, POCO X3/M4 models and are ready to share working solutions.

Important: Not all applications can be ported: system utilities, widgets and some games (for example, Genshin Impact or. PUBG Mobile) will remain in the internal memory. Also note that the transfer to the SD-grade-up A1/U1 Can lead to brakes and app errors – check your card speed before starting.

Why Xiaomi restricts the portability of applications to SD-card?

Before Android 6.0 Marshmallow, porting apps to an external drive was standard, but with the introduction of Adoptable Storage, it was a feature that was designed to be used to support the system. SD This has changed, and Xiaomi, like other manufacturers, has abandoned this feature in the company. MIUI for several reasons:

1. Data security. Applications to SD-It is easier to steal or replace the card, especially if the card is retrieved and connected to other devices. MIUI This is considered a vulnerability.

2 Performance: Even fast UHS-I/U3 cards are slower than the built-in eMMC/UFS memory. Launching applications with SD can cause lags, which spoils the user experience.

Fragmentation of the file system. Frequent write operations SD-The card reduces its life, and Xiaomi does not want to be responsible for the premature failure of the drive.

4. Google Policy: Starting with Android 9 Pie, Google recommends that manufacturers abandon Adoptable Storage in favor of cloud solutions (such as Google Drive).

But there are limitations, and then we'll look at all the ways that we can do that, from simple to advanced.

Preparation: what SD-map suitable for transferring applications?

Not every memory card can handle the load of the application, but you need a fast read/write drive to work, and here are the key requirements:

• 🔹 Speed class: minimum A1 (optimally A2). Class cards C10/U1 It is only suitable for lightweight applications.
• 🔹 Capacity: from 32 GB (16 GB is not enough space after formatting).
• 🔹 File system format: exFAT or FAT32 (It is better to format it directly on the phone).
• 🔹 Manufacturer: avoid no-name cards. Optimal options - SanDisk Ultra, Samsung EVO, Kingston Canvas.

📌 How to check the speed SD-map?

Use the A1 SD Bench app (available on Google Play). If the write speed is below 10MB/s, the card is not suitable for porting applications.

Method 1: Standard porting through MIUI settings (for older versions)

If your Redmi is running MIUI 9 or older (like the Redmi 4X/5A), there's a chance that the port option is still available.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the application you want (such as Telegram or VK).
3. Press Warehouse. → Change.
4. If the option is available SD-Select the card and confirm the transfer.

⚠️ Attention.

On MIUI 12/13/14 (Android 10+), this method does not work - the Change button will be inactive or absent. If you have a new firmware, move on to the following methods.

If the option is available, but after the transfer, the application stopped working:

• 🔄 Reboot the phone.
• 🔧 Try to migrate another app (some games don't support it) SD).
• 🗑️ Remove and install the app again – sometimes it solves the problem.

Insert SD-slot-card|Check the free space on the map|Update the application to the latest version|Make a backup copy of the data-->

Method 2: Formatting SD-The card is an internal memory (adoptable storage)

This method works on Android 6-8 (respectively MIUI 8-9). On newer versions, Xiaomi blocks this feature, but if you have an older model (like the Redmi Note 4/3), try:

1. Put it in. SD-phone-card.
2. Go to Settings. → Warehouse.
3. Click on the title. SD-map → Three dots (menu) → Storage settings.
4. Select Internal Memory → Clean and Format.
5. Once formatted, the system will suggest moving the data. Choose Move now.

⚠️ Attention.

After Formatting as Internal Memory SD-The card cannot be retrieved and used on other devices without being completely cleaned, and it will be encrypted and the data will become unavailable when connected to the PC.

📊 Comparison of formats SD-map:

If your model does not support Adoptable Storage, go to the ADB method.

Method 3: Transfer through ADB (for MIUI 10–14)

This is the most reliable method for modern Redmi on Android 9-13, and you will need a computer with ADB drivers installed and USB debugging enabled on your phone.

🔧 Preparation:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times).
2. Enable USB debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and confirm your trust in your computer.
4. Download Platform Tools (includes adb.exe).

💻 Instructions for Windows:

1. Open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd).
2. Go to the folder with adb: cd C:\platform-tools
3. Check the phone connection: Adb devices (the name of your Redmi should be displayed).
4. Enter the port command (replace package.name with application ID, such as com.whatsapp): adb shell pm set-install-location 2 This command allows applications to be installed on the SD by default.
5. Transfer a specific application: adb shell pm move-package com.whatsapp /sdcard

📱 How do you know? ID applications?

Install App Inspector from Google Play or look at Settings → Apps → [name] → More.

⚠️ Attention.

Some applications (such as Google Play Services or MIUI System) cannot be moved, causing system errors, and settings may reset after the MIUI update.

💡

If the pm move-package command gives you a Failure error, try first to manually transfer the application through the settings (even if the button is inactive), and then repeat the command.

Method 4: Using application managers (without root)

If ADB seems complicated, try specialized utilities. They don't give 100% warranty, but sometimes they help you migrate some applications.

• 📱 AppMgr III (App 2 SD) — It shows you what apps you can migrate, and it does it in one click. MIUI 12/13, requires ADB for extended functions.
• 📱 Files by Google – Built-in file manager with cache clearing and media transfer option (not apps, but frees up space).
• 📱 Link2SD — A powerful tool, but requires root rights to work properly.

🔍 How to Work with AppMgr III:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Open the Moving tab - compatible applications will be displayed here.
3. Click on the app. → Move it to SD-map.
4. If an error occurs, follow the utility’s prompts (ADB connection may be required).

❌ Limitations:

• Most games (such as Call of Duty Mobile) are not portable.
• MIUI system applications remain in place.
• After a reboot, some applications can “fly” back into internal memory.

Method 5: Manual TWRP Transfer (for Advanced Users)

If your Redmi has a custom recovery installed TWRP, You can manually transfer application folders to SD-This method is risky, but effective at freeing up memory.

🛠️ Instructions:

1. Download to TWRP (turn off phone → pinch Power + Volume Up).
2. Connect your phone to your PC via USB (enable MTP in Mount).
3. Copy the folder. /data/app/[package.name] on SD-map.
4. Create a symbolic link (via ADB or terminal in TWRP): ln -s /sdcard/[package.name] /data/app/[package.name]
5. Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Attention.

Incorrectly creating simlinks can lead to bootloop.Before experimenting, backup through TWRP!

🔹 Alternative: if TWRP No, use Root Explorer (root required) to copy folders manually.

What do you do if nothing works?

If none of these methods worked, consider alternative ways to free up memory:

• 🗑️ Cache cleanup: Settings → Warehouse → Clear cache (can be removed up to 1-3 GB).
• 📁 Transferring media files: photos, videos and music are easy to move to SD Gallery or Files by Google.
• ☁️ Cloud storage: Google Photos (compression photo), Mi Cloud (5 GB free for Xiaomi users).
• 🔄 Reset to factory settings: extreme method, but clears all internal memory (make backup!).

💡 Tip: If you’re critically short on memory, consider buying a Redmi with a large storage capacity (like the Redmi Note 12 Pro).+ 256 GB) Price is slightly different, and memory problems will not be.

💡

Transfer of applications to SD-Xiaomi Redmi map officially blocked, but workarounds (ADB, TWRP) This is a partial solution, and the key is to use a fast memory card and avoid transferring system utilities.

FAQ: Frequent questions about porting apps to SD in Xiaomi