How to transfer applications from internal memory to SD-Xiaomi card: all methods (including MIUI 14)

Xiaomi smartphone owners are facing a shortage of internal memory sooner or later, especially if the device is budget or released a few years ago. Even after cleaning the cache and deleting unnecessary files, the system stubbornly says, "Memory is full." The solution seems obvious: port SD-But here's a surprise for users: in modern versions. MIUI (Since 9th, the app portability function is often missing from the menu. Why is it happening and how to get around the restrictions?

Xiaomi, like other manufacturers, has followed Google’s Android security policy since version 6.0 of Marshmallow, migrating apps to the Android platform. SD-The card was restricted due to the risks of slowdown and data loss, however for many models (e.g. Redmi Note 8 Pro, Poco). X3 or Mi A2) The function is still available, either through standard settings or by workarounds. In this article, we'll go through all the working methods, including hidden settings. MIUI, team ADB Alternative methods for devices where transfer is blocked.

Why Xiaomi has removed the function of porting applications to the SD-map?

If you upgraded to MIUI 12/13/14 and found that the app port option disappeared, it’s not just Google’s policy that’s to blame, but also its technical limitations.

• 🔒 Security of data: SD-cards slower than internal memory (eMMC/UFS), This increases the risk of data loss when retrieving the card.
• ⚡ Productivity: Applications to SD-The card is slower, especially if the class card is 4/6.
• 📱 Architecture MIUI: Starting with MIUI 9, Xiaomi is actively promoting cloud storage Mi Cloud and optimization of internal memory.
• 🛠️ Android Restrictions: With version 9.0 Pie, Google has banned the transfer of applications to the Internet SD rootless.

However, there is a caveat: on some models (for example, Redmi 9A or Poco M3), the function remained, but hidden. It can be activated via developer mode or ADB. In addition, for older devices (before MIUI 8), the transfer is available by default.

⚠️ Attention: Transfer of applications to SD-The card can cause them to work unstable, especially if the card is low class (Class). 10 We recommend using maps. UHS-I (U1/U3) lag-minimizing.

Method 1: Standard portability through settings (for supported models)

If your Xiaomi smartphone is released before 2019 or runs on MIUI 8/9, chances are the port option is available directly.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the app you want (such as Facebook or Telegram).
3. Press Warehouse. → Move it to SD-card (if the button is active).

If there is no button, then your model does not support the function, in which case move on to the following methods.

⚠️ Note: On Android One devices (e.g. Mi) A3) The transfer works according to the rules of pure Android, however, after upgrading to Android 11.+ function may disappear.

Method 2: Transfer through ADB (for MIUI 10–14)

If the standard method doesn’t work, but you have a computer and USB-cable, you can use it ADB (Android Debug Bridge – This is a good way to go for most Xiaomi models, including the Redmi Note. 8/9/10, Poco X3 others.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
• 📱 The enabled mode of the developer on the smartphone.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original).
• 📦 Google's Platform Tools utility.

Steps:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version and press 7 times.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and confirm access to debugging.
4. Open the Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with Platform Tools.
5. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices must appear serial number of the device.
6. Find out the package name of the application (for example, for WhatsApp it is com.whatsapp). You can do this using the command: adb shell pm list packages | grep "whatsapp"
7. Move the app to SD-map: adb shell pm set-install-location 2 After that, all new applications will be installed on the map. SD default.

Important: pm set-install-location 2 It only works if it only works SD-The card is formatted as an internal storage, otherwise a Failure error will appear. [NOT_SUPPORTED].

💡

If the command doesn’t work, try formatting first. SD-card as internal memory in phone settings (Settings) → Warehouse → SD-map → Configure it as internal. Please note that the map can't be retrieved without losing data!

Method 3: Formatting SD-maps as internal memory

If MIUI It does not allow you to transfer applications, but you have SD-high-end (UHS-I U3 or A2), It can be formatted as an internal storage, so you can install applications directly on the map, but it has serious consequences:

• 🔐 The card will be encrypted and linked to the phone, and it will not be used in other devices.
• 🚫 Removing the card without first “disabling” in the settings will lead to data loss.
• ⚡ Application speed may decrease (depending on the card class).

How to do this:

1. Put it in. SD-phone-card.
2. Go to Settings. → Warehouse → SD-map → Set up as an internal.
3. Follow the instructions on the screen (the phone will prompt you to transfer the data).
4. After formatting, restart the device.

Now, when you install new applications, the system will ask you to choose a storage location, but not all applications support installation on SD — some (such as Google Play Services) will remain in internal memory.

Method 4: Use of application managers (without root rights)

If previous methods have failed, you can try third-party utilities that don't guarantee 100% results, but sometimes they help you migrate some of the data:

• 📱 AppMgr III (App 2 SD) — Shows you which applications can be transferred and suggests alternative methods (e.g., cache cleaning).
• 🗃️ Files by Google – Helps you find and delete unnecessary files, freeing up space in your internal memory.
• 🔄 Link2SD — requires root rights, but allows you to port even system applications.

Example of AppMgr III:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Open it and give access to the storage.
3. In the list of applications, find those that have an icon SD-map.
4. Click Transfer and follow the instructions.

Limitations:

• Many applications (especially system) will not be able to transfer.
• Some utilities require payment for the full version.
• On MIUI 13/14, some functions can be blocked.

💡

Third-party apps can’t get around the system-level limitations of Android; they only help optimize the space available, but they don’t replace full-scale portability.

Method 5: root rights and full memory control

If you're willing to take drastic measures, getting root rights will give you full memory control.

• Transfer any applications to SD-map (including system map).
• Use Link2SD to create symbolic links.
• Remove the built-in MIUI applications that take up space.

However, there are risks:

• 🛡️ Loss of warranty (if the device is under warranty).
• 🔓 Virus Vulnerability (root rights give applications full access to the system).
• 💥 The risk of “bricking” the phone with incorrect actions.

How to get a root rights on Xiaomi:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi website (requires a Mi Account and wait 7-30 days).
2. Install custom recovery (TWRP).
3. Squeeze Magisk to obtain root rights.

After that, install Link2SD or Titanium Backup and transfer the applications manually. For detailed instructions on unlocking the bootloader and installing TWRP, look at the 4PDA or XDA Developers forums (for your model!).

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14 and the latest chips (e.g., Snapdragon 8 Gen 2) unlocking the bootloader can lead to blocking some features, such as Widevine L1 (Downgrading streaming quality at Netflix, Disney+).

Alternative ways to free up memory without transferring to SD

If you can’t transfer applications, try these methods:

• 🧹 Cache Clearing: Go to Settings → Warehouse → Clear. Especially a lot of space is occupied by the cache of Google Play Services and social networks.
• ☁️ Cloud Storage: Move photos and videos to Google Photos or Mi Cloud (gives 5GB for free).
• 🗑️ Remove duplicates: Use Files by Google or CCleaner to find unnecessary files.
• 📦 Lite versions of applications: Install lightweight versions (Facebook Lite, Messenger Lite).
• 🔄 Factory reset: Extreme measure, but effective if phone is clogged with 'garbage".

It’s also worth checking which apps take up the most space:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Sort by size (click on the three dots in the upper right corner).
3. Delete or clear the data from the most “heavy” applications.

FAQ: Frequent questions about porting apps to SD in Xiaomi