Owners of Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X often face a shortage of internal memory, especially if the device is used with a 16 GB version. Even after cleaning the cache and removing unnecessary files, the system can give a notification "Memory is filled", blocking the installation of new applications. The solution is to transfer applications to a microSD card. However, in MIUI this feature does not work as clearly as in "pure" Android.
In this article, we will discuss three working methods of transfer: through standard settings. MIUI, assisted ADB-You will also learn which applications cannot be portable, how to avoid errors and what to do if the system does not see. SD-All instructions tested on the Redmi Note 4X firmware MIUI 8–14.
⚠️ Important: Transfer of applications to SD-The card can slow them down, especially if the Class 4 or Class 6 card. UHS-I (Class 10 or higher.
1.Preparation: Which memory card is right for the Redmi Note 4X
Not every microSD card is compatible with the Redmi Note 4X. The device supports cards up to 256 GB, but there are nuances:
- 🔹 Format: Only FAT32 exFAT. NTFS unsupported.
- 🔹 Speed class: Minimum Class 10 (U1). For games and heavy applications — UHS-I (U3).
- 🔹 Manufacturer: Recommended by SanDisk Ultra, Samsung EVO It's called Kingston Canvas, and cheap no-name cards often cause errors.
- 🔹 Adapter: If you use a card via an adapter, make sure it supports microSDXC (for cards). >32GB).
Before buying, check the card for authenticity with the help of the utility H2testw (Windows or F3 (Linux/macOS). Counterfeiting of well-known brands often have a real volume in the 2–4 less than the stated.
Method 2: Transfer through MIUI settings (without root)
The easiest method is to use the built-in MIUI function, which is suitable for most applications, but has limitations:
- Insert the memory card into the Redmi Note 4X slot (supports a hybrid slot - either a second SIM or a microSD).
- Go to Settings → Applications → All applications.
- Select the app you want to migrate (like Facebook or Telegram).
- Click on Warehouse → Change → Memory Map.
- Confirm the transfer and wait until the completion (may take up to 5 minutes).
⚠️ Note: Not all applications support portability. (Google Play Services, MIUI Launcher and some games (PUBG Mobile, Genshin Impact will not be available for moving.
Memory card formatted in FAT32/exFAT|
There is enough free space on the map (minimum) +20% of the size of the application)|
The application is not system |
Device not discharged (charge >30%)
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Limitations of the method:
- 🚫 You can’t move widgets, they will stop working.
- 🚫 Some applications may be error-prone after the transfer (such as WhatsApp or banking programs).
- 🚫 After updating the application, it can automatically return to internal memory.
Method 3: Linking a memory card as an internal storage device (Adoptable Storage)
This method allows you to combine a memory card with an internal storage, but has critical consequences:
- 🔹 The card will be encrypted and will not be read on other devices.
- 🔹 After extracting the map, the application will stop working on it.
- 🔹 Not all cards support this mode (especially cheap models).
Instructions:
- Insert the card in Redmi Note 4X and go to Settings → Storage.
- Click on Memory Map → Three dots (menu) → Storage settings.
- Select Internal Memory → Clean and Format.
- Once formatted, the map will become part of the internal storage, and now when you install new applications, the system will suggest saving them to the SD.
What happens if you take the map out after you tie it?
On the Redmi Note 4X with MIUI 9+, Adoptable Storage may be blocked. If the settings do not have "Internal Memory", use Method 3 (ADB).
Method 3: Transfer over ADB (for power users)
If standard methods don’t work, you can force apps to migrate using Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a method that requires a PC and basic command line knowledge.
Step 1: Preparation
- 🔧 Install. ADB and Fastboot Tools on PC.
- 🔧 Turn on Debugging. USB on the Redmi Note 4X:
Step 2. Transfer of the annex:
- Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (Linux/macOS) and type: adb devices Make sure the device is identified (its serial number should appear).
- Find out the package name of the application (for example, for Telegram it is org.telegram.messenger). This can be done through the App Inspector or the command: adb shell pm list packages | grep "application name"
⚠️ Note: Some applications (e.g. Google Play Store or Google Play Store) MIUI Security will block the transfer and issue a Failure error [INSTALL_FAILED_INVALID_INSTALL_LOCATION].
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If the command doesn’t work, try first installing the app on the map via adb install -s package.apk, where -s stands for SD installation.
5 What applications cannot be transferred to the memory card
Not all programs can be safely transferred to SD-Here's a list of categories that are not allowed to be moved:
| Type of application | Reason for limitation | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| System utilities | Could cause MIUI to fail | MIUI Launcher, Security, Google Play Services |
| Widgets | They will stop showing up on the desktop. | Weather, Calendar, Yandex.Weather |
| Banking applications | Security breach (risk of data theft) | SberBank Online, Tinkoff, VTB Online |
| Online Authorization Games | You can block your account for cheating. | PUBG Mobile, Free Fire, Clash of Clans |
| Applications with push notifications | Notifications may be delayed | VK, Instagram, Facebook Messenger |
If you still moved a prohibited application and it stopped working, return it back through Settings → Apps → Storage → Change → Internal Memory.
6. Frequent errors and their solutions
When porting applications, Redmi Note 4X users often face problems.
- 🔴 "Not enough space on the map" Solution: Format the card in exFAT (supports files) >4 GB) or delete unnecessary files.
- 🔴 "Application is not portable Solution: Check if it's system-based. Try the method with ADB.
- 🔴 "Memory card not detected Solution: Reboot your phone. Check the card on another device. Update your firmware MIUI last-minute.
"The app dyes after the transfer"
Solution: Return it to internal memory or clear the cache (Settings → Apps → Clear the cache).
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If the app is slow after porting, try using a memory card with a higher speed class (e.g. UHS-I U3 instead of Class 10).
7. Alternative ways to free up memory
If porting apps hasn’t helped or isn’t possible, try these methods:
- 📱 Cache Clearing: Go to Settings → Warehouse → Clean. It can release up to 1 to 3 GB.
- 📱 Removing duplicate files: Use Files by Google or CCleaner.
- 📱 Media Transfer: Photos, videos and music can be moved manually to the map via Explorer.
- 📱 Disable pre-installed applications: Some system programs (Mi Video, Mi Music) can be disabled in Settings → Annexes (do not delete!).
- 📱 Using Cloud Storage: Move rarely used files to Google Drive, Yandex Disk or Mi Cloud.
⚠️ The application itself will remain in internal memory.