Transferring data from internal memory to SD-Map in Xiaomi smartphones: 5 working ways

Owners of Xiaomi smartphones sooner or later face a lack of internal memory – especially if the device from the budget line of Redmi or the other devices. POCO s 32/64 Even after cleaning the cache and deleting unnecessary files, the system continues to issue overflow notifications. The solution often lies on the surface: transferring data to the computer. SD-But here, users are facing pitfalls: not all files can be moved by standard means, and some applications refuse to work with an external drive.

In this article, we will discuss 5 Proven ways of transferring data - from simple (photos, videos, music) to advanced (applications and their cache). MIUI 12-14, You will also learn which Xiaomi models support Adoptable Storage and where the feature is blocked by the manufacturer — FAQ with responses to frequent errors of type "SD-card not defined" or "files disappeared after transfer".

Preparation: which SD-Choose a map for Xiaomi

Before transferring data, make sure your SD-card complies with Xiaomi requirements.Mader recommends using class drives UHS-I (U1/U3) class 10 record-rate 10 MB/s. For video recordings in 4K or frequent transfer of applications it is better to take a map U3 or V30 — They guarantee speed from 30 MB/s.

Important: Xiaomi models with support for Adoptable Storage (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro or POCO X3 Pro) require cards with a capacity of 16 GB. For budget devices like Redmi 9A, 8 GB will suffice, but note: after formatting for internal memory, part of the volume will be occupied by system files.

• 🔹 For photo/video: SanDisk Ultra (A1) Samsung EVO Plus – optimal for price/speed.
• 🔹 For applications: SanDisk Extreme (A2) Lexar Play (A2) — Provide high speed reading/writing.
• 🔹 For archives: any Class 10 card - speed is uncritical.

⚠️ Note: ExFAT cards are not supported in Adoptable Storage! for full memory expansion Xiaomi requires formatting in the formatting system. EXT4 (automatically executed by the system).

2. Method 1: Transfer photos and videos through the "Files"

The easiest method is to use Xiaomi’s standard File Manager app, which is suitable for moving media files, documents and downloads, but does not affect applications or their data. MIUI 12-14:

1. Open the Files app (the folder icon on the desktop).
2. Go to the Internal Memory section → DCIM (for photo) or Downloads.
3. Select files with a long tap, then press More → Move.
4. In the list of locations, select SD-map → Destination folder (such as Pictures or Downloads).
5. Confirm the transfer with the button Ready.

If the folders are SD-The card is missing, the system will prompt you to create them automatically. To speed up the process, you can use batch mode: highlight all the files in the folder (check in the upper right corner), then select Move Move.

Backup important photos | Check free space on SD| Charge your phone at least 30% | Disable battery optimization for Files

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⚠️ Note: When transferring files through Files, Xiaomi does not store metadata (shoot date, geotags). To avoid loss of information, use third-party managers like Solid Explorer or other third-party managers. FX File Explorer.

Method 3: Setup the camera to save to SD

If you are actively shooting photos / videos, it is more logical to immediately set the camera to save files on the camera. SD-This will eliminate the need for manual transfer. MIUI:

1. Open the camera and tap on it. ⚙ Settings (cog in the upper right corner).
2. Scroll down to the Storage section.
3. Choose. SD-Map in option Save photo/Save video.
4. Confirm the choice – now all new pictures will be saved to an external drive.

Please note: some models (e.g. Redmi Note 11) allow you to flexibly configure storage space for photos and videos separately. SD-card:

• 📌 Make sure the card is formatted as a portable storage (not as internal memory).
• 📌 Make sure there is enough space on the map (at least 1 GB for video in the map). 4K).
• 📌 Restart your phone - sometimes MIUI does not recognize the card immediately after insertion.

💡

If photos are not displayed in the gallery after transfer, clear the cache of the Gallery application in the settings (Settings → Applications → Application Management → Gallery → Storage → Clear the cache).

Method 3: Transfer applications to SD (with limitations)

Unlike media files, applications are transferred to SD-Xiaomi's map is more complicated, and the manufacturer blocks this feature for most programs because of the risk of performance decline, but some applications (usually games or utilities) can be moved through settings:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select an app from a list (like Google Maps or Spotify).
3. Slip it on the Warehouse.
4. If the option is available, click Change → SD-map.

Important: in MIUI 14, the application transfer to SD is possible only if the card is formatted as an internal memory (Adoptable Storage), while some system applications (for example, Phone or Messages) will still remain in internal memory.

5. Method 4: Using Adoptable Storage (memory extension)

If your Xiaomi supports Adoptable Storage, you can turn it into a new one. SD-This allows you to install applications directly to the map and automatically transfer media files there!

Instructions for MIUI 13/14:

1. Put it in. SD-card to the slot (at the first connection, a notification will appear).
2. Open the Settings → Storage.
3. Tap on. SD-map → Set up → Internal memory.
4. Confirm the formatting (all data will be deleted!).
5. Wait until the process is completed (it can take 5-10 minutes).

After activating Adoptable Storage:

• 🔧 Applications will be installed by default on SD (if there is enough space).
• 🔧 The files are automatically distributed between internal and external memory.
• 🔧 In the storage settings, a single section Total volume will appear.

⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi models (e.g, POCO X4 Pro) after activation of Adoptable Storage may reduce the speed of applications with SD-This is due to the limitations of proprietary firmware. MIUI.

💡

Adoptable Storage is the only way to migrate system apps to SD in Xiaomi, but it is only suitable for U3/A2 cards and requires full formatting.

Method 5: Transfer over PC (for large amounts of data)

If you need to move tens of gigabytes of data (like movies or backups), it’s easier to use a computer, which will also help if Xiaomi doesn’t recognize the data. SD-card.

Procedure:

1. Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable (select File Transfer Mode in the Notification Curtain).
2. Open This Computer on a PC, and there will be two disks: internal memory and SD-map.
3. Copy files from internal memory (folders) DCIM, Downloads, etc.) on SD-map.
4. After you complete the copy, check the integrity of the files on your phone.

To speed up the process, you can use programs like Teracopy (lossless copying) or FastCopy (for large files). SD-map:

• 🖥️ Reconnect the cable or try another one. USB-port.
• 🖥️ Update Xiaomi drivers through Device Manager.
• 🖥️ Format the card in exFAT (if it is more than 32 GB via PC.

7. Solving errors in data transfer

When working with SD-Xiaomi users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

If the gallery doesn’t update after you move, clear the cache (Settings → Apps → Gallery → Storage → Clear cache) or use alternative viewers like Google Photos.

To diagnose problems with SD-Xiaomi can use hidden test menu:

##4636## → Testing → SD- Map

Here you can see the state of the drive, read/write speed and possible errors.

FAQ: Frequent questions about data portability to SD in Xiaomi