Xiaomi Redmi 9 is equipped with a microSD card slot up to 512 GB, but many users face the problem of how to transfer photos to an external drive to free up internal memory and not lose data. Unlike flagship models, budget Redmi have limitations in MIUI on working with files — for example, you can not just drag photos in the gallery to the map. This article will help you understand the nuances and choose the best method.
We'll look at 5 proven ways, from a standard file manager to a PC and cloud service, and focus on the common mistakes that can make photos disappear after moving, and explain how to avoid loss of quality when copying. If your Redmi 9 can't see the memory card, there's a separate section at the end of this article to address this problem.
1.Preparation: checking the memory card and phone settings
Before transferring photos, make sure that the microSD card is correctly installed and recognized by the system. Insert it into the slot (on Redmi 9 it is located on the left under the tray for the user to use the device). SIM-maps) and follow the following steps:
- 🔍 Check the format of the map: FAT32 exFAT. MIUI Supports both, but for files >4GB exFAT required.
- 📱 Open the Settings. → Memory and make sure the card is displayed in the External Drive section».
- 🔄 If the card is not determined, restart the phone or format it (data will be deleted!).
Important: Redmi 9 does not support Adoptable Storage, so photos can only be copied or moved manually, and if you see the "Use as internal memory" option, this is not recommended for photos, as when you extract the card, the data will become unavailable.
2. Method 1: through the standard MIUI file manager
The fastest method is to use the built-in File Manager (Files by Google or standard from Xiaomi).
- Open the Files app (the folder icon on the desktop).
- Go to Images or DCIM → Camera (where the camera photos are stored).
- Select the desired files with a long tap, then click More → Copy.
- Go back to the root directory, select SD-Create a folder (for example, Photos).
- Click Insert and wait for the copy to be completed.
⚠️ Note: If you choose to cut instead of copy, the photos will disappear from the internal memory immediately after moving, we recommend first copy, then check the integrity of the files on the map, and only then delete the originals.
All photos selected | Created folder on memory card |Card not retrieved during copying |Censored free space on SD
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3. Method 2: Using the Xiaomi Gallery
The MIUI Gallery allows you to move photos directly, but with limitations.
- Open the Gallery app and select an album (e.g. Camera).
- Put it on the icon. ⋮ → Select and tag the photo.
- Click More → Move (or Copy)
- In the list of locations, select SD-map and specify the destination folder.
🔹 Nuance: In some versions MIUI Move may not be available, in which case use the file manager (Method 1) or connect your phone to your PC.
Why are the photos not displayed in the gallery after the transfer?
4. Method 3: computer-transfer (Windows/macOS)
If you don't have enough space on your phone or need to transfer a lot of photos, you'll be more comfortable using a PC. Connect Redmi 9 to USB and follow the steps:
- 🖥️ On PC: Open This computer (Windows) or Finder (macOS). The phone should appear as a removable disk.
- 📁 Go to the Internal Storage folder → DCIM → Camera (internal memory) and SD Card (card).
- 📋 Copy the photo from the first folder to the second (for example, in the SD Card → Photos).
⚠️ Note: When you first connect, select File Transfer Mode (MTP) If your PC doesn't see Redmi 9, try another one. USB-cable (original from Xiaomi) or port.
| Problem. | Decision |
|---|---|
| The computer can't see the phone. | Enable USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (tap 7 times), then Settings → Additional → For Developers. |
| Memory card is not displayed on PC | Remove and paste the card back or reboot the phone. |
| Photos copied with errors | Check the card for errors via chkdsk (Windows) or Disk Utility (macOS). |
5. Method 4: Cloud Services (Google Photos, Mi Cloud)
If you have a slow memory card or don't have a PC adapter, you can upload photos to the cloud and then download them to SD. For example, through Google Photos:
- Install the Google Photos app and log in to your account.
- Enable Backup in the settings (select Original Quality to avoid compression).
- After downloading, open the photo in the application, click ⋮ → Save to the device and select SD-map.
🔹 Advantage: Photos will be saved in the cloud as a backup. Disadvantage: With a weak Internet, downloading will take a long time. 4G We recommend using Wi-Fi.
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If you often transfer photos, create a DCIM → Camera folder on the memory card – then new pictures from the camera will automatically be saved to SD (setting in the Camera → Settings → Save Place).
6. Method 5: Specialized applications (ES Explorer, Solid Explorer)
Third-party file managers offer more features than standard Xiaomi Files, for example, Solid Explorer allows you to:
- 🔄 Use two-panel mode for easy copying.
- 🔍 View hidden files (enable in settings).
- 📦 Archive photos in ZIP before transfer (saves space).
Instructions for ES Conductor:
- Open the application and give access to the files.
- Go to /storage/emulated/0/DCIM/Camera.
- Select the photo, click More → Copy in and point the way to SD-map.
⚠️ Attention: Some applications (e.g, ES Explorer) display ads and may request unnecessary permissions. Check reviews on Google Play before installing.
7.Typical mistakes and how to avoid them
When transferring photos, Redmi 9 users often face the following problems:
- 📛 Photos missing after moving: Chances are you used Cut instead of Copy. Check the basket in the gallery (Albums) → Recycle Bin - files are stored there for 30 days.
- 🔳 Memory card is not defined: Try formatting it in your phone (Settings) → Memory. → SD-map → Format).
- 🖼️ Photos open with artifacts: This is a sign of card damage. Copy all data on a PC and replace the microSD.
🔹 Tip: Regularly check the memory card for errors. To do this, connect it to the PC and start the command (Windows):
chkdsk X: /fwhere X is the letter of your disk SD-map.
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Always check the integrity of files after transfer! open a few photos from the memory card in the gallery or on the PC to make sure they are not corrupted.
8 What to do if the phone does not see the memory card
If Xiaomi Redmi 9 does not recognize microSD, follow these steps:
- Reboot: Remove the card, restart the phone and insert it back in.
- Clean contacts: Wipe the gold contacts of the card with a soft cloth (no alcohol!).
- Formatting: Connect the card to a PC and format it in FAT32 (if ≤32GB) or exFAT (if >32GB).
- Slot check: Try inserting the card into another phone or PC adapter, if it doesn't work everywhere, it's faulty.
🔹 Note: Redmi 9 supports microSDXC cards up to 512GB, but some models may not recognize cards with a volume >256GB. Check compatibility on Xiaomi website before buying.