How to transfer applications to a memory card in Xiaomi Redmi: all ways and life hacks

Why Redmi can’t move apps to Redmi SD-map?

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi smartphones often face the problem of lack of internal memory, especially if the device is equipped with 32 or 64 GB of storage. The logical solution is to transfer applications to a memory card, but here users are waiting for an unpleasant surprise: in the future, the device is equipped with a 32 or 64 GB of storage. MIUI This feature is either missing or it's very limited, and it's all about Google and Xiaomi, starting with Android 6.0, moving apps to the Internet. SD-The card is blocked at the system level for security and performance reasons.

However, there are workarounds, both official (for individual models) and non-obvious. In this article, we will discuss all working methods, including configuring the card as an internal drive, using the internal drive. ADB-We also explain why some applications are fundamentally unpatchable, and how to optimize memory without risk to the system.

For example, on the Redmi Note 10 Pro with MIUI 14, the algorithm of actions will differ from the Redmi 9A on MIUI 12. So read the instructions carefully and check compatibility with your model.

Preparation: Which memory card is right for Redmi?

Before you try to move apps, make sure yours is yours. SD-The card meets Xiaomi requirements. Wrong choice can lead to errors, slowdown or even data loss.

Basic criteria:

• 🔹 Speed class: minimum class 10 (UHS-I/UHS-II Class cards are preferred. 4/6 Not suitable – applications will slow down.
• 🔹 Volume: from 32 GB (on cards less than 16 GB, the transfer function may not be available).
• 🔹 MicroSD format only (Hybrid slots do not support simultaneous use of two) SIM + SD).
• 🔹 Brand: SanDisk, Samsung are recommended EVO, Kingston Canvas. - Cheap no-name cards often cause crashes.

Important: If you plan to use the card as an internal drive (the Adoptable Storage method), it will be formatted and will not be read on other devices.

Method 1: Configure SD-Cards as an internal storage device (Adoptable Storage)

This is the most reliable method, but it doesn't work on all Redmi models. Xiaomi blocks this feature in some firmware, especially on budget devices.

1. Put the memory card in the slot.
2. Go to Settings. → Memory.
3. Tap by name. SD-map.
4. If you have a “Use as an internal drive” item, you’re in luck.

If the option is available, follow the instructions:

Backup the data from the card (they will be deleted)

Connect the charger (the process will take 5-10 minutes)

Make sure the battery is at least 50% charged.

Close all working applications-->

Next:

1. Select "Use as an internal storage device".
2. Confirm the formatting (the map will be formatted in ext4 or f2fs).
3. After the device is restarted SD-The card will be part of the internal memory.
4. Applications can now be moved through Settings → Applications → [Select App] → Memory → Change.

Limitations of the method:

• 🚫 The card will be encrypted and will not work on other devices.
• 🚫 Some apps (such as WhatsApp, Google Play Services) cannot be moved.
• 🚫 Speed of application with SD-cards are lower than internal memory.

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If applications start to slow down after transferring, try returning them back to internal memory or use a card with a higher speed class (UHS-II).

Method 2: Transfer applications over ADB (for power users)

If your firmware does not have Adoptable Storage option, you can use it. ADB-This method requires connecting a smartphone to a PC and basic command line knowledge.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install Android SDK Platform-Tools on your PC.
2. Turn on USB Debugging on your smartphone: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (tap 7 times to activate Developer Mode), then Settings → Additional → Developers → Debugging over USB.
3. Connect Redmi to the PC via USB-cable and select File Transfer Mode.
4. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:

adb devices

(Your device should be displayed. If not, check the drivers.)

adb shell

sm list-disks

(Remember the disk ID, such as disk:179.64.)

sm partition disk:179,64 private

(Replace 179.64 with your ID.)

After you've done the commands, reboot your smartphone. SD-The card will be used as internal memory, and you can transfer applications through the standard menu.

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB-If you're not sure what you're doing, you should use another method or consult a specialist.

Method 3: Manually transfer application files (without root)

If the previous methods didn’t work, you can try to migrate only the application data files (not the APKs themselves), which won’t free up much space, but it will save you a few gigabytes.

Instructions:

1. Install a file manager with access to root folders, such as FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer.
2. Open the folder. /Android/data/ inner-memory.
3. Find a folder with the name of the application package (for example, com.whatsapp for WhatsApp).
4. Copy it on. SD-file-card /Android/data/.
5. Remove the original folder from your internal memory.
6. Restart the application – it should pull data from the map.

Important nuances:

• 📌 Not all apps support this transfer (e.g. Google Play Store will refuse to work).
• 📌 After updating the application, the data can be stored again in internal memory.
• 📌 Some games, for example, PUBG Mobile) blocks the launch if files are stored on SD-map.

Method 4: Use of third-party utilities (with root rights)

If you have root access, you can use specialized applications such as: App2SD or Link2SD. They allow you to carry APK-Files and data on the memory card even without Adoptable Storage support.

The following is the Link2SD algorithm:

1. Install Link2SD from Google Play.
2. Launch the application and provide root access.
3. Select the app from the list.
4. Click “Create a link” and select the port options (APK, data, cache).
5. Confirm the action and restart the device.

Important: After transferring applications via Link2SD, updating them via Google Play may not work properly, and it is recommended to disable auto-update for such applications.

Which applications cannot be transferred to SD-map?

Even if you’ve successfully set up a memory card as an internal drive, some apps are fundamentally unpatchable, due to Google’s limitations and MIUI’s peculiarities.

List of “non-integrated” applications:

• 🔒 System applications (MIUI Launcher, Security, Settings).
• 🔒 Google Play Services, Google Play Store, Google Chrome).
• 🔒 Encrypted messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal) – data transfer can disrupt encryption.
• 🔒 Annexes with DRM-Protection (Netflix, Disney)+, banking applications).
• 🔒 Anticheat games (PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty Mobile, Free Fire).

If you try to migrate an app like this, the system will either block the action or the app will stop working, and in some cases (like WhatsApp) you can only transfer media files, but not the chat data itself.

⚠️ Note: Transfer of banking applications (for example, SberBank Online or Tinkoff) to SD-The card may result in account locking on suspicion of hacking.

What if the application transfer does not help?

If you’ve tried all the methods but your memory is still running out, consider alternative optimizations:

• 🧹 Cache Cleanup: Go to Settings → Memory. → Clear the cache. This can release up to 1 to 3 GB.
• 🗑️ Remove Unnecessary Files: Use the Built-in Cleaner or Files by Google app to search for garbage.
• ☁️ Cloud Storage: Move photos and videos to Google Photos, Mi Cloud or Yandex Drive.
• 🔄 Factory reset: an extreme measure, but sometimes helps to return a "clean" system.
• 🛒 Replacement of memory card: If you have a 32GB card installed, consider buying a 128GB or 256GB card.

It's also worth checking which apps take up the most space.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Sort the list by size.
3. Remove or transfer the most “heavy” applications (for example, games or social networks with a large cache).

FAQ: Frequent questions about transferring applications to SD-map

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Transfer of applications to SD-If your smartphone supports Adoptable Storage, use it. Otherwise, it is better to optimize internal memory in other ways (cleaning the cache, cloud storage, removing unnecessary applications).