How to move files to SD-Map in the phone Xiaomi: all the ways

Transfer of data to SD-Map in Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi and POCO) — The reason is trivial: internal memory is stuffed with photos in the computer. 4K, App cache or heavy games like Genshin Impact, but even with a 512GB card, many wonder why the system doesn't let you flip files freely — MIUI There are limitations, and Android 13+ tightened the rules for working with external drives.

In this article, we will analyze 5 proven methods of data transfer – from standard tools MIUI to hidden functions for power users, and we will focus on the portability of applications to SD-This map bypasses Google's limitations (this doesn't work on all models, but we'll show you where it works), and we'll also find out why the map may not be identified, and how to fix the error «SD-Card damaged without data loss.

Preparation: which SD-Choose a map for Xiaomi

Not every memory card is suitable for Xiaomi. The manufacturer recommends using microSD classes UHS-I U1/U3 or A1/A2 — they are optimized for recording small files (as is the case with the app cache). Class 10 cards without UHS or A marking can slow down when recording video in 4K or working with games.

The volume is also important: Redmi Note 12 and newer models support cards up to 1 TB, and the old Redmi 9A only up to 512 GB. Check the specifications of your model on mi.com. Also note that MIUI formats the card in exFAT (for cards > 32 GB) or FAT32 - this will delete all data!

• 🔹 For photo/video: UHS-I U3 or A2 (SanDisk Extreme, Samsung EVO Plus).
• 🔹 For applications: only A2 (Lexar 667x, Kingston Canvas Go! Plus).
• 🔹 Budget option: Class 10 U1 (Transcend, Silicon Power, but expect lags.

⚠️ Attention: Maps UHS-II (Two-row contacts will not physically fit into the Xiaomi slot – it only supports UHS-I.

Method 2: Standard Transfer through the MIUI Conductor

The easiest method is to use the built-in Explorer (aka Files) that allows you to move photos, videos, music and documents, but not apps. MIUI 14/15:

1. Open the Files app (the folder icon on the desktop).
2. Go to Device → select a folder (e.g. DCIM for photo).
3. Press your finger on the file → mark the right → click Move.
4. In the top menu, select SD-map → specify the destination folder (for example, Pictures).
5. Confirm the transfer with the Insert button.

If the option to move is inactive, check:

• 🔹 The card is formatted as a portable storage (not an internal one).
• 🔹 There's plenty of room on the map (MIUI It blocks the transfer if it is free. < 10%).
• 🔹 Files are not secure. DRM (For example, screenshots from Netflix cannot be transferred).

Map inserted and recognized by the system |

Files not open in other applications |

There's a file-receiving folder on the map.|

Power saving mode is disabled (may interrupt copying)-->

⚠️ Note: When moving folders (for example, the entire WhatsApp directory) MIUI Before surgery, check the hidden files through the menu. ⋮ → Showing the hidden.

Method 2: Transfer applications to SD-map (App2SD)

Android version 6.0 Google has banned the transfer of applications SD-However, Xiaomi leaves this feature for some models on the map. MIUI 12/13. You can check the support like this:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select an app (such as Facebook).
3. If there's a storage item → Change – Your model supports App2SD.

If you don’t have an option, try the workaround:

• 🔹 For root users: use the App2SD or Link2SD (root).
• 🔹 No root: Move only the app cache through Settings → Memory. → Cash (not all models).
• 🔹 For games: Some titles (such as Minecraft) allow you to manually point the path to the game. SD-map.

Method 3: Transfer over a computer (USB OTG)

If the phone does not see the card, MIUI Block operations, connect Xiaomi to the PC through USB-This method is more reliable for large amounts of data (for example, transferring 100 GB of photos):

1. Connect your phone to your computer, select File Manager (MTP) mode.
2. On PC, open this computer. → Find the Xiaomi device and SD-map (it will appear as a separate disk).
3. Copy files from your phone folder (e.g. Internal Storage\DCIM) to your SD Card\Pictures.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔹 Transmission speed higher (USB 3.0 vs. slow copying through MIUI).
• 🔹 You can use TeraCopy or FastCopy to verify file integrity.
• 🔹 It works even if the card is not detected in the phone (but visible on the PC).

⚠️ Note: If the card is formatted as an internal storage, it will not be visible on the PC as a separate disk.

💡

Before the shutdown USB Click on the notification bar Safe Device Removal.This will prevent file system damage to the SD-map.

5. Method 4: Automatic transfer of photos and videos

MIUI It has a hidden function of auto-saving media files on SD-It works for the camera and screenshots:

1. Open the Camera app → press ⚙️ Settings.
2. Find the Warehouse. → choose SD-map.
3. For screenshots: Settings → Additionally. → Screenshots → Save it on. SD-map.

Limitations:

• 🔹 It only works for new photos/videos (old ones need to be hand-ported).
• 🔹 Some models (such as Xiaomi 13 Pro) block this option for video in the video. 8K.
• 🔹 When you remove the card, the camera will automatically switch to internal memory.

💡

Automatic saving on SD-The card saves space, but increases the risk of data loss if the card is damaged!

Method 5: Transfer over ADB (for power users)

If the standard methods do not work, use them. ADB-This will allow you to transfer even system files, but requires the inclusion of debugging on the USB:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times).
2. Enable USB debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Connect your phone to your PC, open Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (Mac/Linux).
4. Enter the commands: adb shell pm set-install-location 2 (this will force the system to install applications on the site). SD-default-card).

For the portability of a specific annex:

adb shell pm move-package com.example.app /mnt/expand/...

⚠️ Note: Not all applications support portability ADB. System utilities (e.g, MIUI Launcher) can not be moved - it will lead to the collapse of the interface.

• 🔹 Pros: Works on models without support App2SD.
• 🔹 Cons: requires knowledge of teams, risk of errors.
• 🔹 Alternative: AppMgr app III (simplified interface ADB-team).

7. Problem Solving: Card not defined or files not portable

If Xiaomi can't see SD-card or makes an error, check it out:

If the card is physically damaged (for example, after a phone drop), try:

1. Connect it to the PC through the card reader.
2. Use Recuva or PhotoRec to recover files.
3. If it doesn’t work, bring it to the service (e.g. Xiaomi Service Center), but the chances of data recovery are minimal.

FAQ: Frequent questions