How to transfer applications to SD-Map in Xiaomi Redmi: all the ways and nuances

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

Xiaomi Redmi smartphone owners (especially budget models of the Note, A or series) POCO) And they often have a lack of internal memory, and the logical solution is to move applications to the next level. SD-The map, but here users are waiting for an unpleasant surprise: in modern versions MIUI (starting from 12) standard option "Move to SD" It disappeared from the menu?

It's about Android's limitations and Xiaomi's policies. Since Android 6.0 Marshmallow, Google has banned the arbitrary movement of apps to external drives for security and stability reasons. Manufacturers have been given the right to implement this feature themselves - but Xiaomi has neglected it in most cases. However, this does not mean that there is no solution: there are at least 3 working ways to get around the restrictions, but each has its own nuances.

In this article, we will analyze all available methods - from official (for older versions) MIUI) before alternatives (using the ADB You will also learn which applications cannot be ported to SD-Map, why it can slow down your smartphone, and how to properly prepare your memory card for maximum performance.

Method 1: Standard transfer (only for MIUI 11 and older)

If your Xiaomi Redmi is running MIUI 11 or earlier (like Redmi 8/8A/Note 8 on factory firmware), you may still have access to the built-in portability feature.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the app you want (such as Facebook or Telegram).
3. Slip on Warehouse.
4. If there is a button, move to SD-map - you're lucky!

However, even in this case, there are limitations:

• 🔄 Not all apps support portability (especially system and cache games).
• 📱 After transferring some of the data may remain in internal memory.
• ⚡ The app will be slower if SD-class UHS-I U1 lower.

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 12/13/14 This method does not work – the button “Move to” SD" It's hidden even for compatible applications. If you have a new version of the shell, move on to the next method.

Method 2: Transfer over ADB (for power users)

The most reliable way to transfer applications to SD-Map of modern Xiaomi Redmi - use Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method requires connecting a smartphone to a computer, but it works on all versions. MIUI (including MIUI 14 on the Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5).

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed Xiaomi and ADB-tools drivers.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to tap → Return to the Extra → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 💾 SD-map FAT32 ExFAT (preferably exFAT) for files >4GB).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm the debugging permission.
2. Open the command line (Win + R → cmd) and type:

adb shell


pm set-install-location 2

This command forces the system to install new applications on the SD-Default map. To migrate applications that are already installed, use:

adb shell pm move-package com.example.app /sdcard

(Replace com.example.app with a real application package, such as com.whatsapp).

Install ADB-tools on PC|

Enable debugging by USB on your smartphone |

Connect the phone with the original cable |

Check that SD-map formatted in exFAT-->

⚠️ Note: Some applications (such as Google Play Services or Mi Account) cannot be ported, which will cause system failures. ADB may need to reboot.

Method 3: Use SD-The card is an internal memory (adoptable storage)

Adoptable Storage (Acceptance) SD-Maps as internal storage) appeared in Android 6.0, but Xiaomi turned it off in the MIUI. However, it can be activated manually – this will allow you to install applications on the memory card as internal memory, without restrictions.

Advantages of the method:

• 📲 Applications are faster than normal transfers.
• 🔧 No need to ADB — Everything is set up through the menu.
• 📁 The card is encrypted and becomes invisible to other devices.

Disadvantages:

• 🔒 The card cannot be removed without resetting the settings.
• 🛠️ Formatting is required (all data will be deleted!).
• 📉 The speed of work depends on the class. SD-maps (recommended) UHS-I U3 or A2).

How to activate:

1. Put it in. SD-smartphone-card.
2. Go to Settings. → Warehouse → SD-map.
3. Shoot three points (⋮) → Storage settings → Internal memory.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen (the map will be formatted!).

What applications cannot be transferred to SD-map?

Even if you managed to transfer the app to SD-Some of them are not worth touching:

• 🔐 Security: applications with superuser rights (Magisk, Root Explorer) may lose access to system files.
• 🔄 Background work: widgets, geolocation services (Google Maps, Yandex.Maps) will slow down.
• 📱 System Stability: Relocating Miui Home or Google Play Services to the Internet will lead to system failure.

List of "prohibited" applications (may vary depending on the model):

• 🚫 System utilities: com.miui.home (launcher), com.android.settings (settings).
• 🚫 Google Services: com.google.android.gms, com.google.android.gsf.
• 🚫 Banking applications: SberBank, Tinkoff, VTB (due to security requirements).
• 🚫 Online gaming: PUBG Mobile, Genshin Impact (the risk of ban for cheating").

💡

If the app stopped working after the transfer, try clearing its cache (Settings → Apps → Storage → Clear the cache). If this doesn’t help, return the application back to internal memory.

How to speed up the work of applications with SD-map?

If after the transfer of the application began to "slow down", the problem is most likely in the class SD-Cheap cards (Class 10 or) U1) They have low read/write speeds, which is critical for games and heavy applications:

1. Buy an A2 or U3 card, like SanDisk Extreme or Samsung EVO Plus, which are optimized for apps.
2. Format the map in exFAT. This will reduce file fragmentation.
3. Use Adoptable Storage. How to do this, read Method 3.
4. Limit background activity. In Settings → Battery → Performance Mode, turn off optimization for portable applications.

To check the speed SD-maps use the app A1 SD Bench (available on Google Play) Optimum metrics:

• 📊 Reading: >80 MB/s (for A2/U3).
• 📊 Recording: >30 MB/s.
• 📊 IOPS (4K):** >1000 (critical for gaming).

💡

If your speed is SD-cards below 40MB/s, porting applications will not only not help, but also worsen their work).

Frequent problems and their solutions

When transferring applications to SD-Xiaomi Redmi card users face typical errors. Let's analyze the most common:

If none of the methods worked, check:

• 🔌 Is it inserted correctly? SD-map (sometimes contacts are oxidized).
• 📋 Does your Redmi model support application portability (e.g. Redmi)? 7A Does not support Adoptable Storage).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions