Transfer of applications to SD-Xiaomi smartphone map is a pressing task for owners of devices with limited internal memory, despite the widespread opinion of “closed" MIUI, There are several working ways to free up space in the system, but each one has nuances. In this article, we will examine all available methods, from standard functions to hidden opportunities for advanced users.
It’s important to understand that since Android 6.0 (and the corresponding versions of MIUI 8+), Google has limited the ability to fully port applications to external drives. Manufacturers, including Xiaomi, have gone even further by blocking this feature for most programs. However, workarounds exist – and we will analyze them in detail, specifying the risks and limitations for each model (from Redmi Note 8 to Xiaomi 13 Ultra).
Why Xiaomi is blocking the transfer of applications to the SD-map?
The main reason is productivity and safety. SD-cards (even class) A2) They are much slower than the internal memory. eMMC/UFS, resulting:
- 🐢 Slowing down the launch of apps (especially games and social networks)
- 🔄 Frequent failures in multitasking
- 🛡️ Risk of data loss when retrieving a card during the program operation
Xiaomi also follows Google’s policy, which is 2019 In the past year, the de facto ban on the transfer of applications to SD In pure Android (except for some manufacturers like Samsung with Adoptable Storage, but it is unstable). MIUI 12-14 The possibility of transfer is only for:
- 📱 Separate system utilities (for example, recording conversations)
- 🎮 Some lightweight games (usually up to 100MB)
- 📁 Cache files (not the cache itself) APK)
⚠️ Attention: On Redmi models 9/10 And a newer attempt to migrate through standard settings often leads to the error "The application does not support moving." It's not a bug, it's a restriction. MIUI.
Method 1: Standard Setting Transfer (not for everyone)
This method is suitable for individual applications that support portability. Check it first, it is the most secure and does not require superuser rights.
Instructions:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Select the application you want (such as Telegram or VK).
- Slip on Warehouse.
- If the option is available, the "Change" button will appear" → "SD-map".
The application is not a system application
APK less than 1 GB
SD-The card is formatted as internal memory (if you use Adoptable Storage)
There is enough free space on the map (at least 20% of the application volume)-->
Limitations of the method:
- 🚫 It does not work for Google Play Services, MIUI System and other system components.
- 🎮 Games (e.g., games, PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact cannot be transferred – only cache.
- 🔄 After the transfer, some notifications may come with a delay.
💡
If the transfer button is inactive, try clearing the app's cache (Settings → Apps → Storage → Clear cache).
Method 2: Formatting SD-The card is an internal memory (adoptable storage)
This is the only way to transfer most applications to the SD-The card is in Xiaomi, but it has critical flaws, and it becomes part of the internal storage, and it can't be retrieved without a data reset.
Step-by-step:
- Put it in. SD-map (class recommended) A2 or UHS-I).
- Go to Settings. → Warehouse → SD-map.
- Slip on the three dots in the top right corner and select "Storage settings."
- Click "Format as internal" (all data on the map will be erased!).
- After formatting, select "Move Data" (optional).
| Advantages | Deficiencies |
|---|---|
| ✅ Transfer of most applications (except system applications) | ❌ The card is tied to the device – it doesn’t work on other phones |
| ✅ Increase in total memory capacity | ❌ The speed of the application is reduced by 30-50% |
| ✅ Automatically save new applications to SD | ❌ When you remove the map, the applications stop working. |
⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi models 11T/12 Pro and newer Adoptable Storage can be hidden to activate it before insertion SD-cards execute command in ADB: adb shell sm set-force-adoptable true
Yeah, as an extra vault.
It is like an internal memory (adoptable storage).
No, I'm missing the built-in memory.
I tried it, but there were problems.-->
Method 3: Transfer over ADB (for advanced users)
If standard methods don’t work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which bypasses the limitations of MIUI, but requires a PC connection and command knowledge.
What you need:
- 🖥️ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB
- 📱 Included debugging by USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (tap 7 times) → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB)
- 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original)
Instructions:
- Connect your phone to your PC and start the command line (cmd).
- Check the connection command: adb devices (the name of your device should be displayed).
- Enter the port command (replace package.name to the application package name, such as com.whatsapp): adb shell pm set-install-location 2 adb shell pm move-package package.name
How to find out the name of the application package?
Limitations of the method:
- 🚫 It does not work for system applications (MIUI Launcher, Security, etc.).
- 🔄 After updating MIUI transference.
- 🛠️ Requires re-execution of commands after resetting settings.
💡
The pm set-install-location 2 command forces the default system to install new applications on the system. SD-To get it back, use pm set-install-location 0).
Method 4: Transfer of cache and application data (alternative method)
If the application itself cannot be moved, you can free up space by moving its cache and user data (for example, uploaded files to Telegram or YouTube).
How to do this:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Select an app (like Google Chrome).
- Go to the Warehouse. → Management of space.
- Slip on "Clear cache" (this is safe - the data will not be deleted).
- For some applications (such as Netflix) the option "Move to" is available. SD-map for uploaded content.
Examples of applications that support data transfer:
- 🎵 Spotify (offline playlists)
- 📺 YouTube Premium (downloaded videos)
- 📖 Google Play Books (Downloaded Books)
- 🗺️ Google Maps (offline maps)
⚠️ Attention: B MIUI 14 Xiaomi models 12/13 The cache transfer option may be hidden in the series. To return it, turn off the function "MIUI Optimization in the settings for developers (Settings) → Additionally. → For developers → Shut down. MIUI Optimization).
Frequent problems and their solutions
When transferring applications to SD-Xiaomi users are faced with typical errors. Let's look at the most common and ways to fix them.
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Error "The application does not support moving" | Developer Limitation or MIUI | Use ADB or transfer only the cache |
| SD-The card is not defined as an internal memory. | Incompatible format or damaged map | Format the map in FAT32/exFAT on PC |
| Apps dyed after transfer | Low reading/writing speed SD-map | Use the A2/UHS-I class card or move it back |
| The "Move to SD" button is inactive. | No rights or card not formatted | Check storage settings and access rights |
If none of these methods worked, consider alternative ways to release memory:
- 🧹 Remove unused applications (use Settings) → Annexes → Size-based sorting).
- ☁️ Transfer your photos/video to the cloud (Google Photos or Mi Cloud).
- 🔄 Clear the cache of system applications (MIUI Security often takes up several gigabytes).
- 📥 Turn off automatic media download in messengers (WhatsApp, Viber).