How to transfer information from Xiaomi phone to memory card: all ways of 2026

Why Xiaomi Owners Face Data Transfer Problem

The memory cards in Xiaomi smartphones are not just additional storage, but often the only way to free up clogged internal memory. MIUI restricts data transfer: somewhere the “Move” button is inactive, somewhere files are copied, but not deleted from the phone, and applications completely refuse to work with the mobile phone. SD-The reason lies in the policy of Google and the features of the firmware Xiaomi.

Android 6.0 (and MIUI 12+ is built on it) has created a separation of access rights to memory cards: they are now formatted as internal storage or remain portable. In the first case, the card becomes part of the system and is encrypted, in the second it works as a flash drive, but with restrictions. Xiaomi defaults on the second option, which creates problems. Next, we will discuss how to circumvent these restrictions and transfer data of different types.

Method 1: Transfer files through the built-in file manager

The most obvious method is to use the standard Files app (or File Manager in global firmware) that works for photos, videos, music and documents, but doesn’t work with apps. The important thing is that if the memory card is formatted as a portable one, you can only copy files, not move them (the originals will stay on the phone).

Instructions:

• 📱 Open the Files app (the folder icon on the desktop).
• 🔍 Go to the Internal Storage section → Select a folder (for example, DCIM for photo or downloading).
• 📋 Press and hold the file(s) to highlight → Tap "More" (three dots) → "Copy".
• 💾 Go back to the root and choose SD-map → specify the destination folder → "Insert".
• 🗑️ To delete the originals, go back to the files. → highlight them → "Delete".

If the Move button is inactive, it means that the card is formatted as portable, in which case you will have to use workarounds (see Method). 3). Also note: some system folders (e.g, Android/data) Hidden - to display them in the "Files" click ⋮ → Settings → Show hidden files.

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If you transfer photos from Google Photos, first download them to your phone: open the album → highlight the pictures → "Save it to the device. Only then can you copy it to the device. SD-map.

Method 2: Automatically transfer photos and videos through camera settings

For Xiaomi owners with MIUI 13+, there is a hidden feature that automatically saves media files to a memory card. It only works for new photos and videos, but eliminates manual copying. Importantly, if the card is slow (U1 class or lower), shooting in 4K can slow down.

How to set up:

1. Open the Camera app.
2. Touch the badge. ⚙️ (setting) → "Warehouse".
3. Choose "SD-card" (if the option is inactive, see Method 3).
4. Restart the camera and new images will be saved to the map.

Note that if you shoot in RAW or Pro Mode, some Xiaomi models (such as the Redmi Note 12 Pro+) will still save files to internal memory, due to the performance limitations of microSD cards.

Method 3: Formatting a card as an internal memory (Adoptable Storage)

This method allows us to use SD-The card is part of the system, which unlocks the Move function for applications and files:

• 🔒 The card is encrypted and linked to the phone – it will not be read on another device without formatting.
• 🐢 System speed may drop if class map U1 class 10 (recommended U3/A2).
• ⚠️ After the map is extracted, some applications will stop working.

Instructions:

1. Put the card in the phone.
2. Go to Settings. → Warehouse → SD-map.
3. Tap "Format as internal" → "Clean and format."
4. After the restart, the phone will offer to transfer the data - select the desired files.

⚠️ Note: After formatting as internal memory, the card will not be used in other devices (cameras, laptops) without completely erasing the data. SD-data map for security reasons.

Method 4: Transfer applications to a memory card (with limitations)

Unlike files, applications are transferred to SD-Xiaomi has made maps almost impossible, with Google blocking the feature in new Android versions, and Xiaomi removing it from the Android app. MIUI 12+. However, there is a workaround for some models (e.g. Redmi). 9A, Poco X3):

Steps:

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

If you don’t have an option, you can try an alternative method using ADB (for advanced users):

adb shell pm set-install-location 2

This command forces the system to install applications on SD-The default card, however, does not work on all models and can cause errors.

Method 5: Using a PC to transfer data

If there is not enough space on the phone to temporarily copy files, it is more convenient to connect Xiaomi to a computer and transfer data over a wired connection, which is suitable for large volumes (for example, transferring 50 GB of photos).

Step-by-step:

• 🖥️ Connect your phone to your PC through USB-C Cable (original or certified).
• 📱 On your phone, select File Transfer Mode (if a notification appears).
• 📁 On the PC, open "This computer" → Find a Xiaomi device (usually a Redmi or Mi Phone).
• 🗃️ Copy files from Internal Storage folders into a folder SD Card.
• 🔄 Use programs like TeraCopy or FastCopy to speed up.

⚠️ Note: When connecting through USB 2.0 (old ports on PC) transfer speeds can drop to 5-10 MB/s. To avoid data loss, do not remove the cable during copying - this can damage the exFAT file system on the map.

If your computer can’t see your phone, check:

• 🔌 Cable: Try another (not all cables support data transfer).
• 🔄 Connection Mode: Xiaomi notification curtain may have Charging option instead of File Transfer.
• 🖱️ Drivers: Windows may require Mi installation PC Suite.

Risks and Limitations When Working with Memory Cards in Xiaomi

Transfer of data to SD-The map seems simple, but it contains a few pitfalls, which Xiaomi is silent about:

1. Read/write speed: Class maps U1 class 10 can slow down 4K-Video or application launch. You need a standard to work comfortably. U3/A2 (for example, Samsung EVO Plus or SanDisk Extreme).
2. Memory cards have a limited overwriting resource (especially cheap models), and when used intensively, they fail after 1-2 years.
3. Security: When formatted as internal memory, the data on the card is encrypted, and if the phone breaks, it will be extremely difficult to restore files.
4. Compatibility: Some apps (such as WhatsApp or Telegram) refuse to save media on their mobile devices SD-Map, citing Google's policy.

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If you use a memory card as your primary storage, backup your computer or cloud at least every 3 months. SD-The cards are not designed to store a single copy of important data for long-term periods.

It’s also worth considering that Xiaomi in some models (such as the Mi 13 Ultra) is abandoning the memory card slot in favor of increasing internal storage.If your phone doesn’t support microSD, consider alternatives:

• 📁 Cloud Storage: Google Drive, Mi Cloud (gives 5GB for free).
• 💽 External SSD: adapter USB-C (for example, Samsung T7).
• 🔄 Memory optimization: in Settings → Warehouse → Cleaning can remove cache and unnecessary files.

FAQ: Frequent questions about data transfer to SD-map