How to transfer applications to a memory card in Xiaomi Redmi: all ways

Why Xiaomi Redmi can’t move apps to Xiaomi SD-map?

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi smartphones (especially low-end models like Redmi 9A, Redmi Note 10 or POCO X3) often face a lack of internal memory. The logical solution is to transfer applications to a microSD card, but here users will be surprised: in MIUI this feature is either missing or works with restrictions.

It's about the Android architecture and Xiaomi's politics, starting with Android. 6.0, Google introduced the concept of Adoptable Storage, allowing you to format SD-The card is like an internal storage, but Xiaomi is in most firmware. MIUI (including current versions 13/14/15) I turned it off, and instead, I'm offering a partial solution, which is to move media files (photos, videos) and cache of some applications, but what if I want to make room for new programs?

In this article, we’ll look at all the working ways to port applications to a memory card in Redmi, from standard MIUI tools to workarounds using ADB and third-party utilities, and explain why some methods may not work on your model and how to avoid errors.

Method 1: Standard portability through MIUI settings (limited support)

The easiest method is to use the built-in MIUI tools, but it doesn't work for all applications and it's not available on all models.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the app you want (such as Facebook or Telegram).
3. Slip on Warehouse.
4. If you see the button, move to SD-You're lucky, you press it and wait for the process to be completed.

But there's a catch:

• 🔄 Not all apps support portability. System utilities, high-demand games (such as Genshin Impact) and many instant messengers (such as WhatsApp) will remain on internal memory.
• 📱 Some models don't have an option, like the Redmi Note 12 Pro.+ s MIUI 14 she's not here because of security policy.
• ⚠️ After the transfer, the application may run slower, especially if SD-class UHS-I U1 (not U3 or A2).

⚠️ Warning: If the app starts to crash or doesn’t update after the transfer, put it back in internal memory.

Memory card formatted in FAT32 or exFAT|

SD-Card inserted into the slot (not via adapter) OTG)|

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

The application is not system or secure

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Method 2: Formatting SD-The card is an internal memory (adoptable storage)

This method allows you to expand your internal memory. SD-maps, but has critical limitations:

• 🔧 It only works on Android 6.0-9.0 (in MIUI 10-12) In newer versions MIUI 13+ opportunity.
• 📛 After formatting, the card will not be used in other devices (it will become "tied" to the phone).
• ⚡ The speed of work depends on the class. SD-You need to work properly. UHS-I U3 or A2.

If your Redmi is running Android 9 or older, try:

1. Put it in. SD-phone-card.
2. Go to Settings. → Memory. → SD-map.
3. Slip on the three dots in the top right corner and select Storage Settings.
4. Click Format as internal and confirm the action.

Once formatted, all data on the map will be deleted! backup is mandatory.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone starts to brake after formatting, go back to standard use SD-Cheap memory cards (e.g. Class) 10 marking A1/A2) Not designed to work as an internal storage facility.

Method 3: Transfer over ADB (for power users)

If the standard methods don’t work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method allows you to forcibly move applications to SD-map, even if in MIUI There's no such option, but it takes care!

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB-Drivers (you can download from the Android Developers website).
• 📱 Included Debugging by USB phone-on.
• 💾 SD-card formatted as portable storage (not internal!).

Instructions:

1. Connect Redmi to your PC and start the command line (Win + R → cmd).
2. Check the connection command: Adb devices should appear the name of your device.
3. Find out the batch name of the application (for example, for Telegram it is org.telegram.messenger). | find"telegram"
4. Move the app to SD-map: adb shell pm set-install-location 2 Then adb shell pm move-package org.telegram.messenger

If you see a message Success, the application has been moved. Check through Settings → Applications.

⚠️ Note: Not all applications support this method, system utilities (such as Mi Browser or Security) cannot be moved. MIUI settings may reset.

💡

Before using ADB, back up your data through Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset. This will help restore the system in the event of a crash.

Method 4: Use of third-party applications (App Mgr III, Link2SD)

If the previous methods didn't work, you can use third-party utilities.

• 📌 App Mgr III (App 2 SD) — It allows you to port applications, clear cache, and manage autoload. It works without root rights, but with limitations.
• 🔗 Link2SD — It's a more powerful tool, but it requires root access, and it allows you to create symbolic links, saving space on internal memory.

Instructions for App Mgr III:

1. Download the app from Google Play.
2. Open it and give access to Special Features (required for application management).
3. Select the application from the list and tap Move to SD-map.
4. If the option is inactive, the application does not support the transfer.

For Link2SD:

1. Install the application and grant root rights.
2. Create a second section on SD-Map (via MiniTool Partition Wizard on PC).
3. In Link2SD, select the app and click Create a link.

💡

The side of the application does not guarantee 100% success. Many modern programs (especially games) block the transfer to the Internet. SD-Card for protection against piracy.

Method 5: Transfer cache and media files (alternative)

If you can’t move the application itself, you can free up space in other ways:

• 📷 Photo and video portability: Use Xiaomi Gallery or Google Photos to automatically upload media files to a memory card.
• 🗃️ Cache cleaning: In Settings → Apps select the program and click Clear cache. For example, on Facebook or Instagram, the cache can take several gigabytes.
• 🎮 Data transfer games: Some games (e.g, PUBG Mobile allows you to save downloaded files to SD-Check the game settings.

How to transfer media files automatically:

1. Open the Gallery and tap three dots in the upper right corner.
2. Select Settings → Photo preservation.
3. Indicate. SD-map as default save place.

To clean the cache of all applications at once:

1. Go to Settings → Memory → Cleanup.
2. Click Deep Clean and select unnecessary files.

⚠️ Note: Do not clear the cache of system applications (such as Miui Daemon or Android System) – this can cause malfunctions in the phone.

Why some applications cannot be moved to SD-map?

Even if you use all of these methods, some programs will remain in your internal memory.

• 🔒 Piracy protection: Games and apps with paid content (such as Netflix or Spotify) often block the transfer to avoid hacking.
• 🛡️ Security: Banking applications (e.g. SberBank Online) store data in internal memory to protect against leaks.
• ⚡ Performance: Apps that require fast work (such as Google Maps or Camera) may slow down when running from the Internet. SD-map.
• 📱 Limitations MIUI: Xiaomi blocks the transfer of system utilities (for example, Phone, Messages).

What do we do in such cases?

• 🗑️ Remove unnecessary apps through Settings → Annexes.
• ☁️ Use cloud storage (such as Google Drive or Mi Cloud) for backups.
• 🔄 Move it to SD-map only media files (photo, music, video).

💡

If the internal memory is full, and you can not transfer applications, consider buying a phone with a large amount of storage (for example, Redmi Note 13 Pro + 512 GB).

FAQ: Frequent questions about transferring applications to SD-map