How to Free Memory for Xiaomi Redmi 9: Transferring Applications to the Xiaomi SD-map

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi 9 often face a shortage of internal memory, especially if the device has been in use for several years. Even with a 64 or 128 GB microSD card, the system defaults to install applications in the internal drive, quickly clogging it. In this article, we will analyze all the working ways to transfer applications to an external memory card, including hidden MIUI settings, ADB commands and third-party tools.

It's important to understand that Redmi 9 (codenamed lancelot) runs on Android 10/11 with MIUI 12/13, where portability is limited by Google's security policy. Not all applications can be moved - some (e.g. system or high-performance) will remain in internal memory. We tested all methods on current firmware versions and identified those that actually work in 2026.

Why Redmi 9 doesn’t allow you to move apps to the next SD-map?

The main reason is the limitations of Android 9+ and MIUI. Starting with Android 6.0 Marshmallow, Google introduced the concept of Adoptable Storage, but manufacturers including Xiaomi have disabled this feature in most models. Instead, Redmi 9 only has Portable Storage mode, where the memory card is used as a removable drive, rather than as part of internal memory.

Here are the key limitations:

• 📱 System applications (e.g. Google Play Services, MIUI Launcher cannot be moved.
• 🔒 Applications with Administrator Rights or Using Device Admin API remain in the internal memory.
• 🎮 Games with cheating protection (for example, PUBG Mobile, Genshin Impact Blocking Transfers.
• 📁 Some applications (such as WhatsApp, Telegram) store media files on the Internet. SD, But executable files are not.

Another problem is performance: UHS-I U1 memory cards (as in the base Redmi 9) are slower than the internal memory of eMMC 5.1, which can cause lags when running migrated applications, the best option is a UHS-I U3 or A2 card (for example, SanDisk Extreme or Samsung EVO Plus).

Method 1: Transfer through standard MIUI settings

The easiest method is to use built-in MIUI tools. It is suitable for most user applications (e.g. Facebook, VK, Yandex Go), but does not work for games and system services.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the app you want to migrate (like Instagram).
3. Slip on Warehouse.
4. If the option is active, click Change and select Memory Card.
5. Confirm the transfer and wait until the completion (may take up to 5 minutes).

⚠️ Note: After porting, some applications may not work as well – for example, notifications from Viber or Skype may come with a delay. MIUI Not optimized to run applications from an external drive.

Format a memory card in FAT32/exFAT (not NTFS)

Check the vacant space for SD (You need a minimum of 1.5.× size)

Disable battery optimization for a portable application

Reboot the phone after the transfer-->

If the Change button is inactive, it means:

• 🚫 The app does not support portability (e.g. Google Chrome).
• 🔧 The memory card is formatted as internal (you need to reset the settings).
• 🛡️ Protection on. MIUI Optimization (disabled in Settings) → Special facilities → MIUI Optimization).

Method 2: Transfer over ADB (for power users)

If the standard method didn't work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a debugging tool that lets you manually specify where to install applications, which requires a PC connection, but gives you more control.

What you need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original or certified).
• 📥 Utilities. ADB Fastboot (download from the official website).
• 🔧 Initiated Debugging Mode USB phone-on.

Step-by-step:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version. Tap the Version 7 times until the notification appears You became a developer!.
2. Turn on USB Debugging: Return to Settings → Additional → Developer. Activate the USB Debugging Switch.

Redmi 9

cmd

Terminal

platform-tools

adb devices

The serial number of your device should appear.

com.example.app

adb shell pm set-install-location 2

This team is setting up SD-Map as the default installation location for new applications.

adb shell pm move-package com.example.app

⚠️ Note: Some applications (e.g. Google Play Store or Google Play Store) MIUI Security) will not be transferred even through ADB. Also after the update MIUI settings may reset and applications will return to internal memory.

Method 3: Using third-party utilities (without root)

If the first two methods didn't work, you can use third-party apps from Google Play, which don't require root rights, but they're limited by Android policies.

Top 3 applications for transfer:

• 📌 AppMgr III (App 2 SD) — It analyzes which applications can be migrated, and it offers the best settings.
• 🔄 Files by Google – has a built-in application manager with the function of cleaning the cache and transferring to the SD.
• 🛠️ SD Maid – in addition to transferring, cleans garbage files, which additionally frees up space.

Instructions for AppMgr III:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Open it and give access to the Warehouse.
3. Go to the Movable tab – here you will see the applications that can be moved.
4. Select the ones you need and press Move to SD card.
5. Confirm the action and wait for the completion.

⚠️ Note: Some utility (for example, Link2SD) Root rights are required, but on Redmi 9, getting them leads to a loss of warranty and the risk of “bricking” the device.

💡

Before using third-party utilities, back up your data through Settings → System → Backup. This will help restore applications if something goes wrong.

How to format SD-The card is an internal memory (adoptable storage)

Redmi 9 officially disabled Adoptable Storage, but it can be activated via ADB. This method allows you to use the memory card as part of internal storage, but has serious disadvantages:

• 🔐 The card will be encrypted and will not be read on other devices.
• 📉 Performance may fall (especially on cheap cards).
• 🚨 When you remove the card, the phone will stop working stably.

If you are prepared for the risks, follow the instructions:

1. Connect Redmi 9 to your PC and activate Debugging over USB (see Method 2).
2. Enter the command to check connected drives: adb shell sm list-disks Remember the card ID (e.g. disk:179.64).
3. Format the card as internal memory: adb shell sm partition disk:179.64 private (replace 179.64 with your ID).
4. After formatting, restart the phone.

⚠️ Note: This method can cause loss of data on the map! also after the update MIUI The card may no longer be recognized as internal and will have to be formatted again.

What to do if the applications are not portable?

If none of these methods worked, try the following steps:

Alternative solutions:

• 🧹 Cache Clearing: Go to Settings → Warehouse → Clean up and delete unnecessary files. App cache (like YouTube or TikTok) can take several gigabytes.
• ☁️ Cloud Storage: Move media files (photos, videos) to Google Photos, Yandex Drive or MI Cloud.
• 🔄 Factory reset: The last resort if the system is clogged with debris!
• 📦 Lite versions of apps: Install lighter versions (e.g. Facebook Lite, Messenger Lite) that take up less space.

Also check if Application Protection is included in Settings. → Annexes → Application management → Application protection. It can block the transfer.

💡

If the application is critically important (for example, messenger or banking), it is better to leave it in internal memory. SD It can lead to disruptions in work.

FAQ: Frequent questions about porting apps to Redmi 9