How to transfer applications from phone to memory card on Android Xiaomi: all ways

Xiaomi smartphone owners often face a shortage of internal memory, especially on budget models with 32 or 64 GB of storage. Even after cleaning the cache and removing unnecessary files, the system can display a warning “Memory is filled” by blocking the installation of new applications. The microSD card seems to be the obvious solution, but MIUI imposes strict restrictions on the portability of applications – many programs simply do not have the option “Move to SD”.

In this article, we will discuss all the working methods of transferring applications to a memory card in Xiaomi, including official methods through settings, circumventing restrictions using ADB, as well as alternative solutions for models on MIUI 12/13/14. Special attention will be paid to the nuances of formatting a card as an internal drive and the risks that this carries. If you use Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4 or flagship Xiaomi 12/13, here you will find the current instructions.

Why Xiaomi is blocking the transfer of applications to the SD-map?

The manufacturer deliberately limits the ability to move applications to external media for several reasons:

• 🔹 Performance: MicroSD memory cards (even class) A2) They are slower than the built-in memory. eMMC/UFS. This can cause lags in applications, especially in games or instant messengers.
• 🔹 Security: MIUI encrypts the user's data. SD-Card increases risk of leakage when device is lost or card is removed.
• 🔹 Stability: Poor quality memory cards can cause app failures, which can ruin the user experience.
• 🔹 Google policy: Starting with Android 6.0, Google has tightened the rules for working with external drives, banning the full portability of applications without root rights.

However, MIUI has a loophole for moving some applications through the settings menu, as well as hidden ADB commands that allow you to bypass restrictions.

Method 1: Official transfer via MIUI settings

This method works for a limited number of applications that support portability, and is suitable for MIUI 12/13/14 without any additional manipulation.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the application you want to transfer (such as Telegram or VK).
3. Click on Warehouse.
4. If the option is available, the Change → Memory Map button will appear.
5. Confirm the transfer and wait for the process to be completed.

⚠️ Note: Most system applications (Mi Browser, Mi Video) and games (PUBG Mobile, Genshin Impact do not support this method, and after transferring some data may remain in internal memory.

Buy a Class A2 Memory Card (SanDisk, Samsung)

Format your card in FAT32/exFAT via phone

Create a backup copy of important data

Charge your phone at least 50%-->

Method 2: Formatting SD-maps as internal memory

This method allows the memory card to be used as part of the internal storage, but has critical drawbacks:

• 🔸 The card will be encrypted and will not be read on other devices.
• 🔸 When you remove the map, the applications will stop working.
• 🔸 The speed of operation depends on the class of the card (A1 won't fit!).

Instructions:

1. Put the memory card in the smartphone.
2. Go to Settings → Memory → Memory Map.
3. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → Storage settings.
4. Select Internal Memory → Clean and Format.
5. Once formatted, the system will suggest moving the data. Choose Move now.

💡

If after formatting as internal memory, the phone began to slow down, return the card to portable storage mode through Settings → Memory → Memory card → Portable device.

Method 3: Transfer over ADB (for power users)

The method requires connecting the phone to a computer and using Android Debug Bridge (ADB).

Steps:

1. Enable Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Click 7 times on MIUI Version. Go back to Settings → Additional → Developer. Activate USB Debugging.

ADB-tools

adb.exe

adb devices

(Your device should be displayed).

com.example.app

adb shell pm set-install-location 2

adb shell pm move-package com.example.app

⚠️ Note: Some applications (such as WhatsApp or Google Play Services) may stop working after the transfer, and this method does not guarantee 100% memory freedom - some of the data will remain in internal storage.

Method 4: Using third-party applications (without root)

If the previous methods didn’t work, you can try the specialized utilities from Google Play:

• 📱 AppMgr III (App 2 SD) — Shows you which applications can be ported and suggests alternative ways to do so.
• 📱 Files by Google – helps to clear cache and unnecessary files, freeing up space.
• 📱 SD Maid – removes junk files, including remnants of deleted applications.

Note that these programs will not be able to port system applications or games with protection (for example, Call of Duty Mobile), their main task is to optimize the available space.

💡

The portable app side only works with programs that initially support the moveToSD function in Android, and they do not circumvent the limitations of MIUI, but only simplify the process.

What to do if the application is not portable?

If none of these methods worked, consider alternative solutions:

• 🔄 Cache Clearing: Go to Settings → Apps, select a program and click Clear Cache. For example, Facebook or Instagram can take up several gigabytes of cache.
• 🗑️ Remove Unnecessary Files: Use the Built-in Cleanup Utility MIUI Files by Google to find large files.
• ☁️ Cloud Storage: Move photos and videos to Google Photos or Mi Cloud to make room.
• 📦 Lite versions of apps: Install lightweight versions of instant messengers (such as Facebook Lite or Messenger Lite).

If there is critically little space available and transfer is impossible, consider resetting your phone to factory settings (don't forget to back up!) This is a radical method, but it completely clears the memory of unnecessary data.

FAQ: Frequent questions about porting apps to SD in Xiaomi