How to transfer photos and videos from Xiaomi phone to memory card: all working ways

Xiaomi smartphones are getting more advanced cameras every year, and the volume of photos and videos taken is growing exponentially. Even models with 256 GB of internal memory sooner or later face a lack of space — especially if you shoot in 4K or RAW. The solution lies on the surface: transfer media files to a microSD card. But how do you do it correctly, so as not to lose data and not face errors?

In this article, we will analyze 5 proven ways to move photos and videos from Xiaomi phone to the Internet. SD-map - from standard functions MIUI To the hidden capabilities of the file manager, we will pay special attention to the nuances of working with different versions of the shell (from the MIUI 12 to MIUI 14), map formats (FAT32, You will also learn why files sometimes “disappear” after transfer and how to avoid it.

1. Automatic recording to memory card in camera settings

The easiest way to save space in internal memory is to set up a Xiaomi camera so that new photos and videos are immediately saved to the camera. SD-This method is suitable for all models that support memory cards (for example, Redmi Note 11 Pro, Poco). X4 Pro, Mi 11 Lite).

To activate the function:

• 📷 Open the Camera app and tap the icon ⚙️ Settings (or swipe left in the main menu).
• 💾 Find the Save Place section (in some versions) MIUI It's called a memory or a storage facility).
• 🔄 Select a Memory Card SD If the option is inactive, check if the card is inserted correctly.

When you change your settings, all new photos and videos will be saved to the SD-map, but the old files will remain in the internal memory. To transfer them, use the methods from the following sections.

⚠️ Note: If you are shooting video in resolution 4K@60fps use a format HEIF/HEVC, Make sure the memory card is formatted in exFAT, otherwise the files may not be saved or damaged.

2. Transfer through the standard MIUI Conductor

Built-in File Manager in MIUI It allows you to move files between the phone’s memory and SD-It's a universal, and it works even on budget models like Redmi. 10A POCO M4 Pro.

Step instructions:

1. Open the Explorer app (the folder icon on the desktop).
2. Go to the Internal Memory → DCIM → Camera (camera photos and videos are stored here).
3. Select the files you want with a long tap, then tap All or select specific media.
4. Slap the icon. ⋮ → Move (not copy!).
5. In the list of locations, select SD Memory Map → DCIM → Camera (or create a new folder).
6. Confirm the transfer with the Insert button.

The process can take a few minutes if there are many files. Do not interrupt it or remove the memory card before it is completed!

3. Using a computer for mass transfer

If you need to move hundreds of gigabytes of data (like a Xiaomi 12 Pro to a 512GB card), it’s easier to use a computer. SD-map MIUI.

Connect your phone to your PC through USB-Cable (preferably original) and follow the steps:

• 🖥️ On the phone, select the file transfer mode (MTP) plug-in.
• 📁 Open this computer (Windows) or Finder (Mac) – there will appear two disks: internal memory and internal memory. SD-map.
• 📤 Copy files from the Internal Storage folder → DCIM → Camera in SD Card → DCIM → Camera.
• 🗑️ After copying, delete the originals from your phone (so that they don’t take up space).

The advantage of the method is that it is easier to sort files by date or format before transferring, for example, you can only copy 4K videos separately or photos in RAW.

⚠️ Note: If the memory card is formatted in FAT32, You will not be able to copy files larger than 4GB (typical for long-form video) 4K). Solution: Reformat the card to exFAT via phone settings (Settings) → Memory. → Map. SD → Formatting as an internal).

4. Transfer through the Gallery app (hidden function)

Few people know, but the standard Xiaomi Gallery has a built-in function of exporting media to the Internet. SD-It's convenient if you just need to transfer selected photos or videos without digging into the file manager.

How it works:

1. Open the Gallery and select an album (such as Camera or Video).
2. Slap the icon. ⋮ → Exports (or Share) → Save in new versions MIUI).
3. In the list of locations, select the SD Memory Card and specify the destination folder.
4. Confirm the export. Files will be copied, not moved - the originals will remain on the phone.

An important nuance: in some firmware (e.g. MIUI 13 for Redmi Note 10 Pro), the export option is only available for photos, not for videos.

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If the gallery does not see the files on SD-map after transfer, restart your phone or update your media base via Settings → Annexes → gallery → Memory. → Clear the data (without deleting files).

5. Third-party applications for advanced transfer

If standard methods don’t work (for example, you need to transfer files on a schedule or compression), use specialized utilities. We tested the 3 best applications for Xiaomi:

• 📱 Files by Google – automatically offers to free up space by transferring old media to the Internet SD-It supports compression without loss of quality.
• 🔄 Solid Explorer is a two-panel manager with support for cloud storage and FTP. Can move files in the background.
• 📁 FX File Explorer – allows you to configure automatic transfer rules (for example, all videos over 30 days).

Example of settings in Files by Google:

1. Open the app and go to the Cleanup tab.
2. Choose to vacate the seat → Move it to SD-map.
3. Mark the file types (photos, videos, screenshots) and confirm the action.

Warning: Some apps (e.g. ES Explorer) ask for unnecessary permissions. Check reviews and rankings on Google Play before installing.

6. Problem Solving: Files are not portable or disappear

Xiaomi users sometimes experience file transfer errors, and consider typical scenarios and ways to fix them:

If the files “disappeared” from the Gallery after transfer, but occupy a place on the map:

1. Check the SD Card →.thumbnails folder – sometimes thumbnails don’t get updated.
2. Remove the cache Gallery: Settings → Applications → Gallery → Memory → Clear the cache.
3. Reboot the phone.

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Before a mass penos, always check the integrity of the files on the memory card! open up some random photos and videos to make sure they are not damaged.

FAQ: Frequent questions about transferring files to SD-map