How to transfer data to SD-Map in Xiaomi: All ways + fixing

Owners of smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO sooner or later face a lack of internal memory - especially if the device is equipped with a 32 or 64 GB drive. SD-The map seems to be the obvious solution, but in reality. MIUI This process has nuances, from application portability restrictions to file system format problems, and in this article, we'll look at all the working ways of moving data, from photos to games, taking into account the features of the latest firmware versions.

Despite the fact that Xiaomi is gradually abandoning memory card slots in flagships (for example, Xiaomi 14 Ultra does not have it), most budget and mid-budget models (Redmi Note 12 Pro, POCO X5 Pro, Redmi A2+) But just inserting a card is not enough: you need to format it properly, configure it as an internal or external drive, and then move the data. Otherwise, you risk encountering errors such as “Insufficient memory” or “Application not installed".

We tested all methods on current versions. MIUI 14 and MIUI 15 (including HyperOS for new models), so the instructions below are relevant for devices from 2022-2026.If your smartphone is older, some points may differ - for example, in the following categories: MIUI 12 no option "Move to the port" SD-map for individual applications.

1. Preparation SD-maps: selection and formatting

Before you transfer data, you need to properly prepare the memory card itself, and an error at this stage will lead to the fact that the smartphone will either not see the drive or will not allow you to write files larger than 4 GB to it.

First, check the compatibility of the card with your device:

• 📱 Maximum volume: Most Xiaomi supports cards up to 1TB, but for models up to 2020 (for example, Redmi Note 8 Pro) the limit can be 256GB.
• 🔄 Speed class: for recording video 4K or running applications from a card need a class UHS-I (U1/U3) or A2 (For example, SanDisk Extreme A2).
• 🔧 File system: MIUI Let's choose between FAT32 (4GB max file and exFAT (no restrictions) for games and video 4K need exFAT.

Second, format the map directly on your smartphone, not on your PC. MIUI creates on the map the service folders (for example,.miui) necessary for correct operation:

1. Insert the card into the slot (if hybrid-slot is used, make sure the second one is used). SIM not established).
2. Go to Settings. → Memory. → SD-map.
3. Tap "Format" and select exFAT (recommended) or FAT32.
4. Confirm the action – all data on the map will be deleted!

⚠️ Note: If you format the card as internal memory (the option "Use as internal drive"), after extracting the card, the applications installed on it will stop working.

After formatting, the smartphone will suggest transferring the data — you can agree, but it is better to do it manually (more on this below).

• 🔌 Contact the card for contamination (wipe with alcohol).
• 📶 Slot compatibility: some models (POCO F3) do not support microSDXC cards (over 32 GB) without a firmware update.

2. transfer files (photos, videos, music) to SD-map

The easiest way to free up internal memory is to move media files. MIUI This can be done both through the built-in file manager and through application settings.

Method 1: File Manager (File Manager)

1. Open the Files app (Folder icon).
2. Go to the Images, Video or Audio section.
3. Select files (long pressing) → check-check).
4. Slip "More" (three dots) → "Move it" → choose SD-destination map and folder (e.g, DCIM/Camera).

Method 2: Automatic saving of SD-map

To make sure that new photos and videos are immediately saved to the map:

1. Open the Camera" → slip on ⚙️ "Settings".
2. Find the item "Memory" or "Place of preservation" → choose SD-map.
3. For Google Camera (GCam), the settings path may be different: → Additionally. → The way to preserve.

Method 3: Through PC (for large volumes)

If you need to transfer tens of gigabytes, it is more convenient to use a computer:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC through USB (Select "File Transfer" mode in the notification curtain).
2. Open the device folder in "This computer" → Copy files from Internal Storage into a folder SD-map.
3. Use TeraCopy or FastCopy to speed up (especially for maps). UHS-II).

⚠️ Note: When transferring over a PC, do not move Android folders, MIUI Or System, which can disrupt firmware. Avoid Cyrillic paths (e.g., Cyrillic paths, SD-Map/My photos) as some apps don't see such folders.

Table: File transfer speed depending on class SD-map

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If after transferring photos are not displayed in the gallery, update the media base: open the application "Files" → "Clean up" → "Scan. SD-map".

3. Transfer of applications to SD-map (with limitations)

V MIUI 14/15 Most applications cannot be moved to SD-The card is complete – only part of the data (cache, updates) and full transfer is possible only if the card is formatted as internal memory (see section below). 1). This restriction is due to Google’s policies and Android features. 12+.

What can be transferred:

• 📱 Application data: cache, downloaded files (for example, maps in Google Maps or levels in games).
• 🎮 Games: Some titles (e.g. Genshin Impact) allow you to choose the way to install on the game. SD-map on first launch.
• 📂 APK-files only if installed manually through ADB (see below).

How to transfer application data:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select an app (such as Telegram or Spotify).
3. Slip "Memory" → "Change" → choose SD-Card (if the option is active).

Transfer through ADB (for advanced users)

If the option is not on the menu, you can use it. ADB (Android Debug Bridge: This method doesn’t work on all models and requires an unlocked bootloader.

adb shell pm set-install-location 2

This command will force the system to install applications on SD-Default card to return settings:

adb shell pm set-install-location 0

⚠️ Note: Transfer system applications (e.g. Mi Browser or Security) to SD-The card can lead to malfunctions in the work MIUI. Also note that after retrieving the card, such applications will stop working.

4. Transfer of cache and game data

Games take up the lion's share of memory - especially Genshin Impact (15)+ GB), Call of Duty Mobile (5GB) or PUBG (Fortunately, many titles allow you to transfer the cache to the SD-map.

Instructions for popular games:

• 🎮 Genshin Impact: When you first start, select Custom Install Path" → point to the folder SD-map (e.g., map, SD-map/GenshinImpact).
• 🔫 Call of Duty Mobile: In the game settings there is a item "Storage Location" → Choose External SD.
• 🏆 PUBG Mobile: Go to Settings → Mainstream → Memory for downloads → choose SD-map.

If there is no transfer option, use the workaround:

1. Copy the folder with the game cache (usually located in the game). Android/obb or Android/data) PC-only.
2. Remove the game from your smartphone.
3. Install the game again, but cancel the process at the stage of downloading additional files.
4. Transfer the saved folder with the cache to SD-map to the same directory (e.g, SD-map/Android/obb).

Exceptions:

Some games (such as Honor of Kings or Free Fire) block the work of the game. SD-It's because of cheating, and you just have to clean the cache manually or use cloud storage.

5. Transport automation: tasks and scheduler

In order not to transfer files manually, you can configure the automatic movement of new data to the SD-This is what we're going to do, like built-in tools. MIUI, and third-party applications.

Method 1: Camera and loader settings

As mentioned in section 2, the appendix "Camera" and "Downloads" can be set SD-The map is the default save location. Also check the settings:

• 📷 Google Photos: Settings → Backup and synchronization → Memory of the device → choose SD-map.
• 🎵 Spotify/Yandex Music: In the settings there is a paragraph "Memory for downloads" or "Offline cache".

Method 2: Appendix "Automation" (built-in MIUI)

1. Open "Settings" → Additionally. → Automation (or Smart Help in New Versions).
2. Create a new challenge → Select the trigger "New File in the Folder" (e.g. Internal) Storage/DCIM/Camera).
3. Add the action "Move the file" → specify the target folder to SD-map.

Method 3: Third-party file managers

Applications like Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer can configure the rules of automatic transfer:

• 📁 In Solid Explorer: Settings → Automatic tasks → Make a rule.
• 🔄 V FX: Menus. → Automation → Add a challenge.

⚠️ Note: Automatic portability may interfere with the operation of some applications, for example, WhatsApp will not see media files unless they are stored in a standard WhatsApp Media folder. SD-map in the settings of the messenger.

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The most reliable way to automate is to set up the default save in each application separately. MIUI) It may not work well after firmware updates.

6. Solving problems in data transfer

Even after the right setup SD-Xiaomi users face errors. Let's look at the most common and ways to fix them.

Problem 1: "SD-Card damaged" or "Not supported"

Causes and solutions:

• 🔧 Incompatible file system: Format the card in exFAT via smartphone (not PC!).
• 🛠️ Physical damage: Check the card on another device. If the error repeats, replace the card.
• 🔄 Firmware failure: Update MIUI until the latest version or reset settings through Settings → The phone. → Resetting settings.

Problem 2: Appendices are not installed on SD-map

Possible causes:

• 📱 The card is formatted as an external drive (you need to select "Use as internal" when formatting).
• 🔒 The application does not support transfer (check in Settings). → Annexes → {name} → Memory).
• 🛡️ Limitations of Android 12+: On new OS versions, application transfer is blocked for security.

Problem 3: Files on SD-The map is not displayed in the gallery

Decisions:

1. Update the media base: open the "Files" → "Clean up" → "Scan. SD-map".
2. Check if files are hidden: in the "Files" enable the display of hidden folders (Settings) → Show hidden files).
3. Install an alternative gallery (such as Simple Gallery) that works better with external drives.

Problem 4: Slow application performance with SD-map

If the games or applications are slowed down after the transfer:

• 🔄 Use the class map A2 or UHS-I U3.
• 📉 Clear the app's cache: Settings → Annexes → {name} → Clear the cache.
• 🔧 Move back to internal memory critical applications (such as launcher or system services).

Table: Error codes SD-Xiaomi maps and their value

7. Alternative Memory Release Methods

If the transfer is SD-The card does not solve the problem of memory shortage, consider additional methods:

1. Clearing cache and unnecessary files

• 🧹 Built-in utility "Cleaning" (Settings) → Memory. → Clear) deletes temporary files.
• 🗑️ Files by Google finds duplicates and large unnecessary files.

2. Transfer data to the cloud

Services like Google Photos, Mi Cloud or Yandex Disk allow you to free up space by leaving only thumbnails on the device:

• 📷 In Google Photos: Turn on “Free Space” after uploading a photo to the cloud.
• ☁️ In Mi Cloud: Settings → Mi Account → Synchronization.

3.Use of OTG-accumulator

If SD-The cards aren't enough, plug in. USB-flash-drive OTG-adapter. MIUI recognizes it as an external drive, and you can transfer files to it (but not applications).

4. Root access for advanced users

With an unlocked bootloader and root rights, you can:

• 🔧 Move over /data division SD-map (risky!).
• 📂 Use it. App2SD or Link2SD portability.

⚠️ Note: Root access voids Xiaomi’s warranty and may cause system instability, and some banking applications (e.g. SberBank Online) refuse to work on rooted devices.

FAQ: Frequent questions about data transfer to SD-Xiaomi