How to move the game to a memory card on Xiaomi: a step-by-step guide

Modern mobile games take up gigabytes of free space, and Xiaomi smartphone owners often face a shortage of internal memory.The MIUI system or the new HyperOS by default tend to install in internal storage for maximum download speed. However, when the bill goes to megabytes, there is an urgent need to move bulk files to an external drive.

The process of data porting is not always obvious, as manufacturers restrict direct access to system files for the sake of security. However, there are several proven ways to free up valuable space. In this article, we will discuss current methods that will help you move the game to a memory card on a Xiaomi device without losing progress and performance.

It’s worth noting that the effectiveness of the method depends on the version of Android and the specific model of your gadget. Some older versions of firmware allow you to do this with regular means, while newer ones require the use of special tools. The internal memory of a smartphone is often faster than a microSD card, so it is important to balance the space saving and the speed of applications.

Preparation of memory card and file system

Before trying to move any data, make sure your memory card is ready to work as an additional storage.A poor or incorrectly formatted card can lead to games hanging or even system damage.It is recommended to use UHS-I or UHS-II class drives with high write speed.

Put the card in the slot and wait for the system to notify you. If the card is new, the smartphone will suggest you set it up. Here it is important to choose the right mode of use. For porting games, formatting as Portable storage is best, since it makes it easy to extract the card and transfer data to the PC without a complicated formatting procedure every time.

However, if you plan to use the card all the time and you don't take it out, you might consider the "Internal Storage" option, a process called Adoptable Storage, in which case the system encrypts the card and it becomes part of the system partition. Attention: once the card is formatted as internal storage, it won't read on other devices without a full reset.

• 📱 Make sure the card is inserted correctly and is identified in the Settings menu → The phone. → Warehouse.
• 💾 Back up important files as formatting will delete all data on the map.
• ⚡ Check the speed of the card with test apps to make sure it pulls heavy games.

⚠️ Caution: Cheap memory cards with low write speeds (Class 4 and below) can cause strong friezes and long loads in modern memory systems. 3D-Use maps from trusted brands.

The standard method of transfer through Android settings

The easiest and most secure way to run on many versions of MIUI and pure Android is to use an integrated application manager, which does not require root rights or third-party software, but its functionality is often limited by the manufacturer’s desire to leave data on a fast internal drive.

To start, go to your device's settings menu. Find the application management section. The path may vary slightly depending on the shell version, but the logic remains the same: we look for a particular application and try to change the storage location.

If the motion button is active, the system allows you to transfer most of the application data to an external medium. Unfortunately, for many system and mission-critical games, this option can be blocked (darked), which means that the game developer has banned installation on the device. SD-map.

Consider the step-by-step algorithm of actions for standard transfer:

1. Open Settings and select the App item.
2. Click All Apps and find the game you want in the list.
3. Select the item Storage (or Memory).
4. If available, click the Change or Move button SD-map.

Once the process is complete, some of the game's data will be on an external drive, but the system files will still remain in the internal memory, a compromise solution that allows you to win some free space, but does not free the smartphone from the game completely.

Using a Developer Mode for Forced Transfer

If the standard method didn’t work, you can activate the hidden features of the operating system. Android has a special option for developers that allows you to install applications on external drives, even if the developer of the game has prohibited it.

To activate this mode, you must first unlock the Developer Menu. Go to Settings → About Phone and find the MIUI Version (or OS Version) bar. Click on it quickly 7-10 times in a row until you get a message that you have become a developer.

Then you go through advanced settings, and you have to find a point that controls how applications behave when they're installed, and activating this function changes the logic of the packet manager, forcing it to have an external drive when there's free space.

Instructions for activation of the function:

Settings → Additional settings → For developers → Enable “Allow applications to be saved on external drive”

Once this option is enabled, you need to restart the device. Only after the reboot will the changes take effect. Now, if you install a new game or move the existing one through the settings (as described in the previous section), you may find that the system has become more loyal to external drives.

⚠️ Warning: Forced portability can cause an application to run unstable. If the game stops running or crashes, return the developer settings to their original state and move the game back.

Transferring game cache data with file managers

Often the bulk of the space is not occupied by the application itself (APK-The file, and the cache is graphics, sounds and levels. Many modern games, like Genshin Impact or PUBG Mobile allows you to manually specify the path to additional files at the first start or through the settings inside the game.

If the game doesn’t have a built-in path selection feature, you can try moving files manually, requiring a powerful file manager like MT Manager, Total Commander or standard, but with system folder permissions (which may require USB or MIUI connection).

The main directory for these games is usually located on the Android/data/ or Android/obb/ path. Inside these folders are subfolders with packet names (for example, com.pubg.imobile).

The manual transfer algorithm is as follows:

1. Copy the game cache folder from internal memory to the corresponding directory on the SD-map.
2. Delete the original folder in the internal storage (pre-made backup).
3. Create a symbolic link (Symlink) on the site of the remote folder leading to the memory card, which requires the use of a terminal or applications like Termux.

This is considered advanced, and it tricks the system into thinking that the files are inside, even though they're physically on the map, but when you update the game, the files can go back to their place and you have to repeat the procedure.

Comparison of methods of transferring games

The choice of the right method depends on your technical skills and the stability requirements of the smartphone. Below is a table comparing the main characteristics of the methods considered.

As you can see from the table, regular methods are safer but less effective. Manual manipulations give you the best result in freeing up space, but require a deep understanding of the Android file system.

Optimization of games from an external map

After a successful transfer, it is important to ensure a comfortable game. Memory cards, especially if they are more than 80% full, can run slower, defragment regularly (if the file system allows), or simply check for errors.

It is also worth considering that when connecting a smartphone to a computer through USB, Access to the transferred games may be restricted by security systems. USB-Adjust or use the “Only Charge” mode during the game.

For maximum performance, it is recommended not to store too many heavy applications on one card.Distribute the load: leave the most demanding games in internal memory, and move the less resource-intensive projects to SD.

💡

Use the SD Maid or Files by Google app to clean up your memory card regularly, which will prevent fragmentation and speed up the read-through of games.

Keep an eye on the temperature of the device. When you work with external memory and processor, the smartphone can get hot, and a good thermal case or no case during long gaming sessions will help you avoid trotting.

Possible problems and solutions

During the transfer process, users may encounter various errors, the most common of which is the message "Application not installed" or "Mission error." This often indicates the file system of the card. Make sure it is formatted in exFAT or FAT32, as NTFS may not be supported without third-party drivers.

Another problem is that game icons disappear after portability, in which case it helps to reboot the device or clear the launcher cache. If the game stops updating on Google Play, try temporarily returning it to internal memory, updating and re-moving it.

If you are faced with a cyclical reboot after manipulating system files, Safe Mode will help remove the problem application. To log in to it, you usually need to press the off button, and then press the “Stop” option on the screen for a long time.

💡

Stability is more important than saving space. If the memory card game is error-prone, it is better to delete some of the photo or video, but return the game to internal memory for proper operation.