Transfer of applications to SD-The map in Xiaomi smartphones is a challenge that users face when there is a lack of internal memory, despite the fact that the manufacturer limits this feature in recent versions. MIUI, In this article, we will discuss official and alternative methods of transfer, including nuances for different models (Redmi, POCO, Mi) and firmware versions.
It is important to understand that not all applications can be transferred - some system utilities and secure games (for example, Genshin Impact or banking applications) will remain in internal memory. SD-The cards may be lowered, especially if you use a Class 4 or Class 6 card — UHS-I Class 10 or A2.
If you’re using Xiaomi on Android 10 and later, the standard port option may not be available in the settings, which will require additional manipulations, which we’ll discuss below, starting with the simplest way, through the built-in MIUI tools.
1. Official method: transfer via MIUI settings
This method works on most Xiaomi devices with MIUI 12-15, but may not be available on flagship models (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi K60).
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Select the app you want to migrate (such as Telegram or Spotify).
- Slip on Warehouse.
- If the option is available, a button will appear to Move to SD-Change or change the map (on some firmware).
⚠️ Note: On Android 9 and later, this option is often hidden. If it is not available, move to the next section with alternative methods. Also note that after transfer, the widgets of the application may stop working - they will have to be reconfigured.
Alternative method: use of SD-maps as internal memory
If standard portability is not available, you can format SD-This is a good way to do things with Android 6.0-9.0, but it has serious limitations:
- 🔄 The card will be encrypted and will not be read on other devices.
- 📉 Application speeds can drop by 20-40% (depending on the card class).
- ⚠️ When you remove the map, the application will stop working on it.
Instructions:
- Put it in. SD-smartphone-card.
- Go to Settings. → Warehouse → SD-map.
- Slip on the three dots in the top right corner and select Storage Settings.
- Click Format as Internal and confirm the action.
- After formatting, select Move Data Now (optional).
⚠️ Note: This method irreversibly deletes all data from the SD-Also, once formatted, the map cannot be used in other devices without being completely erased. MIUI 14/15 This method may not work – the manufacturer removed support for Adoptable Storage.
☑️ Preparation SD-formatting
3. Transfer over ADB (for advanced users)
If previous methods didn’t work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a technique that requires connecting your smartphone to your PC and basic command line knowledge, but allows you to migrate even those applications that don’t normally support moving.
Steps:
- Turn on Developer Mode on Xiaomi: go to Settings → About Phone and tap on MIUI Version 7 times.
- Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and activate Debugging over USB.
- Connect your phone to your PC, install it. ADB-Drivers and open the command line in the folder with the platform-tools.
- Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices should display the name of your device.
- Find out the package name of the application (for example, for WhatsApp it is com.whatsapp) using: adb shell pm list packages
- Move the app to SD-Map command: adb shell pm set-install-location 2 After that, new applications will be installed on the map by default.
⚠️ Note: Not all applications work correctly after porting through ADB. For example, Google Play Services or Mi Account can cause system crashes. MIUI settings may reset.
What if the ADB can’t see the device?
4. Transfer of cache and media files of applications
If you can't move the app, you can make room by moving the cache and user data, which works for instant messengers (Telegram, Viber), social networks (TikTok, Instagram), and streaming services (YouTube, Spotify).
Instructions:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Select the app you want (like Instagram) and tap Storage.
- Click Clear cache (this is secure, account data will not be deleted).
- For media files (photos, videos) in the application settings, find the option Save to SD-Map (for example, WhatsApp: Settings) → Warehouse → The way to preserve).
| Annex | Max. Cache volume. | Can I transfer media to SD? |
|---|---|---|
| Telegram | 5GB | Yeah (in chat settings) |
| 2GB | Yes (in Settings → Storage) | |
| Spotify | up to 10GB (offline tracks) | Yes (in Settings → Sound Quality → Save to SD) |
| TikTok | up to 1.5GB | No. |
Important: Some apps (such as Netflix or Disney)+) Block the content from being saved SD-owing DRM-In this case, you just have to clean the cache manually or use cloud storage.
5.Use of third-party applications for portability
If the built-in MIUI tools don't work, you can use third-party utilities.
- 📱 AppMgr III (App 2 SD) — Shows you which applications can be transferred and suggests alternative methods (e.g., cache cleaning).
- 🔧 Link2SD — Creates symbolic links for data transfer (requires root rights).
- 🗃️ Files by Google – helps you find and delete unnecessary files, freeing up space.
Example of AppMgr III:
- Install the app from Google Play.
- Open it and give access to the storage.
- In the Moving section, select the application and tap Transfer to SD-map.
- If the option is inactive, try Cache Cleanup or Remove Unnecessary Files.
⚠️ Attention: Apps like Link2SD require root access, which cancels the warranty on Xiaomi and can lead to malfunctions MIUI. Use them only if you understand the risks.
💡
Before using third-party utilities, check the reviews from the past month – some portable apps contain adware or haven’t been updated in years.
Errors and their decisions when transferring to SD-map
When migrating applications, Xiaomi users often encounter errors, and consider the most common and ways to eliminate them:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Failed to resent the application | The application does not support the transfer or SD-card too slow | Use a Class A2 card or clear the app's cache |
| SD-map not found | The card is not formatted or damaged | Format your card in FAT32 or exFAT via PC |
| Not enough space on the device | SD-The card is filled or has a limit on the number of files | Delete unnecessary files or format the card in NTFS (requires root) |
| The app stopped after the transfer | Incompatibility with external storage | Move the app back or reinstall it |
If the application does not start after the transfer, try:
- Reboot the smartphone.
- Clear the application data in Settings → Applications.
- Transfer it back to your internal memory.
💡
Before transferring critical applications (banks, instant messengers), make a backup copy of the data – some of them may lose access to saved files.
7.Memory optimization without application portability
If the transfer is SD-The card is impossible or ineffective, use alternative ways to free up memory:
- 🧹 Cache cleaning: in Settings → Warehouse → Cleaning Up to 1-3 GB of Unnecessary Files.
- ☁️ Cloud Storage: Move Photos and Videos to Google Photos or Mi Cloud (gives 5GB for free).
- 🗑️ Removing duplicates: Use Files by Google or CCleaner to find duplicate files.
- 🔄 Dalvik cache reset (recovery required): helps with "cluttering" the system.
MIUI also has a built-in Light Mode (Settings → Special Options → Light Mode) feature that reduces memory load by simplifying animations, which won't free up gigabytes, but will help "unload" the device.
If the free memory is less than 500 MB, the system automatically closes the background processes, which leads to brakes, in which case it is better to remove several large applications or transfer their data to the cloud.