How to Configure Applications to Save SD-Map in Xiaomi: All ways

Xiaomi smartphones are getting more powerful every year, but the amount of internal memory remains a critical parameter for many users. The problem of space shortage is especially acute on budget models with 32 or 64 GB of storage, where the system and preinstalled applications take up to 50% of the space. SD-map, but in reality it is not so simple.

Smartphone manufacturers, including Xiaomi, are gradually limiting the ability to move applications to external media, due to Google’s security policy (starting with Android 6.0 Marshmallow) and the optimization of MIUI. However, there are ways to circumvent the restrictions, from standard system functions to manually mounting the partition via ADB. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods for modern Xiaomi devices (2020-2026 release) based on MIUI 12-14 and Android 10-13.

Why Xiaomi is blocking the transfer of applications to the SD-map

Starting with Android 6.0, Google introduced the concept of Adoptable Storage, a feature that allows you to format. SD-But Xiaomi, like most manufacturers, turned that option off in their firmware:

• 🔒 Security: Annexes to SD-It is easier to hack or replace the card, since external media are not encrypted by default.
• ⚡ Performance: Class Memory Cards A1/A2 slower-than-integrated memory UFS 2.1/3.0, What's holding back programs.
• 📱 Optimization MIUI: Xiaomi firmware is designed to work with fast internal memory, and transfer to the SD may cause lag.
• 💾 Data fragmentation: When removing the application from SD-Maps are left with junk files that are difficult to clean.

However, for users with limited memory, these arguments are often not convincing, and fortunately, there are workarounds, from partially transferring the cache to fully mounting the card as internal storage via ADB.

Preparation SD-maps: selection and formatting

Before setting up the application port, make sure your SD-The card meets the minimum requirements:

If the card is new, it should be formatted directly in the smartphone:

1. Put it in. SD-card to slot (some Xiaomi models require a reboot).
2. Go to Settings. → Warehouse → SD-map.
3. Click Format → Internal Memory (if available) or select Portable Storage.
4. Confirm action. Attention: all data on the map will be deleted!

⚠️ Note: Formatting the card as an internal memory binds it to a particular device, and once removed, the card cannot be read on another smartphone or PC without full formatting.

Method 1: Standard Transfer through MIUI Settings

The easiest method is to use the built-in MIUI function, which does not work for all applications, but allows you to transfer some of the data:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the app you want to migrate (such as Telegram or Spotify).
3. Press Warehouse. → Change. → SD-map.
4. Confirm the transfer. The system will copy some of the data (usually cache and media files).

Limitations of the method:

• 🚫 It only works for individual applications (not all).
• 📁 Only cache and user data are transferred, not the cache itself. APK.
• 🔄 After updating the application, it can automatically return to internal memory.

SD-The card is formatted as a portable storage|

Application supports transfer (check the button "Change")|

There is enough free space on the map (minimum 1 GB)|

Smartphone is not in energy saving mode-->

If the Change button is inactive, the application does not support the transfer, in which case move on to the following methods.

Method 2: Using ADB for Forced Transfer

For advanced users, there is a method using Android Debug Bridge (ADB). It allows you to forcibly transfer the application to SD-It's a map, even if the system doesn't allow it. It requires a PC and it's debugging on. USB.

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 smartphone to your PC, install ADB drivers (download Google’s Platform Tools).
4. Open the command line in the adb.exe folder and type: adb devices Make sure the device is defined.
5. Enter the port command (replace com.example.app with the application package): adb shell pm set-install-location 2 This command installs the SD-Map as a priority installation site for new applications.
6. To transfer an already installed application: adb shell pm move-package com.example.app

⚠️ Note: Some applications (e.g. system or high-performance) won’t migrate even through the ADB. After restarting the device, some programs can return to internal memory.

Method 3: Manual mounting SD-maps as internal memory

This method only works on devices with unlocked bootloader and root rights. It allows for full integration. SD-Map to file system, but requires technical skills.

Instructions:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (the official Xiaomi tool).
2. Install custom recovery (TWRP).
3. Download and swipe the Magisk module to obtain root rights.
4. Install App2SD or Link2SD from the Play Market.
5. In the app, select SD-map, format it in ext4 Create symbolic links to transfer data.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ Complete transfer of applications (including APK).
• ✅ The ability to choose what data to store on the map.
• ✅ Support for Automatic Portability of New Applications.

Risks:

• ❌ Loss of warranty (when unlocking the bootloader).
• ❌ Possible system failures.
• ❌ Not all applications will work correctly.

💡

Before unlocking the bootloader, back up your data via Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset. This will save your contacts, SMS and application settings.

Method 4: Manual transfer of cache and media files

If the transfer of the application itself is not possible, you can free up space by moving its cache and user data:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select an app (like Google Maps or Instagram).
3. Click Warehouse → Clear the cache (this will not delete your account details).
4. For media files (photos, videos), use the built-in settings of the application. For example, on WhatsApp: Settings → Warehouse → The Road to Media → Folder on SD-map.

For automatic transfer of photos and videos:

• 📷 In the Camera app, select Settings → Preservation site → SD-map.
• 🎵 For music, use players with support for external media (for example, Poweramp).

Problems and solutions in transposition SD-map

Even after a successful transfer, errors can occur, and let's look at the typical cases and how to fix them:

⚠️ Note: If, after transferring the application to SD-The smartphone card began to slow down, check the speed of the card using the application A1 SD Bench: Minimum recording speed must be at least 10MB/s.

💡

Transfer of applications to SD-The card is a temporary solution. For long-term use, you'd better consider buying a smartphone with a lot of memory, cleaning the cache, or using cloud storage.

FAQ: Frequent questions about porting apps to SD in Xiaomi