How to transfer applications to SD-Map in Xiaomi Mi 9: a complete guide with nuances

Owners of Xiaomi Mi 9 often face a lack of internal memory, especially if the device has a lot of applications or games. SD-The map seems to be a logical solution, but in MIUI And unlike other Android devices, you can't just move any application, because it places restrictions on the map format, the type of application, even the firmware version.

The problem is complicated by the fact that the Mi 9 does not support Adoptable Storage (Android technology, allowing you to use the device). SD-This means that the transfer is only possible for individual applications that support this function themselves. In this article, we will discuss all working methods, from standard settings to workarounds using the use of the system. ADB.

Important: The procedure may differ depending on the version MIUI (global, Chinese, EU-firmware) and root rights states. If you use custom firmware, some steps may not work.

Preparation SD-maps: format and requirements

Before transferring applications, you need to properly prepare a memory card. Xiaomi Mi 9 supports microSD up to 256 GB (officially), but in practice, and cards for 512 GB.

1. File system format: the card must be formatted in FAT32 exFAT. NTFS If the card is new, you can format it directly on your phone through Settings. → Warehouse → SD-map → Format.

2. Speed class: for normal operation of applications, a class card is recommended UHS-I (U1/U3) class 10. Slow cards (Class) 4/6) Can cause lags when you run portable applications.

Status of the card: if SD-The map was previously used in other devices (e.g., a camera) and should be formatted again, which will eliminate possible reading errors.

• 📌 Check the speed of the card using the application A1 SD Bench (available from Play Market) Minimum recording speed must be at least 10MB/s.
• 🔄 Formatting erases all data! backup important files before the process.
• 🛠️ If the phone doesn’t see the card, try restarting the device or pasting it into another slot (if there’s an adapter).

⚠️ Note: Not all applications will work with SD-Maps! System applications (Google Play Services, MIUI Launcher and part of the games (e.g, PUBG Mobile, Genshin Impact cannot be moved.

Standard way to transfer through MIUI settings

The easiest method is to use the built-in MIUI tools, which work without root rights, but only for applications that support the transfer themselves.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.

2. Select the application you want to migrate (e.g. Telegram or Spotify).

3.Click on Warehouse. → Change (or Move to) SD-card if the option is active).

4. Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed.

If the Transfer button is inactive or not, the application does not support this function, in which case only the ADB method (described below) will help.

List of applications that usually support portability:

• 📱 Messengers: Telegram, Viber, WhatsApp (only media files, not chats!)
• 🎵 Music Players: Spotify, VLC, Poweramp
• 📖 Readers: Moon+ Reader, FBReader
• 🎮 Some lightweight games: Among Us, Brawl Stars (but not AAA-project!)

⚠️ Note: After the transfer, the application may run slower, especially if the application is not SD-Low-grade card. Test performance after surgery!

Transfer applications over ADB (for power users)

If the standard method didn’t work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a method that allows you to force-transfer almost any application, but requires a computer connection and basic command line knowledge.

Step 1: Enable debugging over USB

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Click 7 times on the MIUI version to activate the developer mode.
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
4. Activate Debugging on USB.

Step 2: Connect your phone to your PC and execute commands

Download ADB Tools and connect Xiaomi Mi 9 to USB. Then, in the command line (or Terminal), type:

adb devices

(Your device should show up. If not, check the drivers.)

Next, use the port command (replace com.example.app with the app package):

adb shell pm set-install-location 2


adb shell pm move-package com.example.app

To find out the application package, use:

adb shell pm list packages | grep "appendix name"

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ It does not work for system applications.
• ❌ Some apps (like Facebook) may crash after a transfer.
• ❌ After updating the application, it can automatically return to internal memory.

💡

If the move-package command is a Failure error [INSTALL_FAILED_INSUFFICIENT_STORAGE], Try to remove and reinstall the application first by selecting SD-map.

Use of the SD-Cards as internal memory (a workaround)

As mentioned earlier, the Xiaomi Mi 9 does not support Adoptable Storage out of the box, but there is a workaround using root rights and apps. App2SD or Link2SD. This method is risky, but allows you to expand your internal memory at the expense of SD-map.

Pre-launch warnings:

• 🔓 Requires unlocked bootloader and root access (Xiaomi warranty will be lost!).
• 💥 Mistakes can result in data loss or device “brick.
• 🐢 Performance may fall if the card is slow.

Steps for experienced users:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool.
2. Install Custom Recavers (TWRP) and get root with Magisk.
3. Download. Link2SD from the Play Market and follow the instructions of the application to create a second partition on the SD-map.
4. Move applications through the Link2SD interface.

⚠️ Attention: After use Link2SD SD-The card will be tied to the device, and if you take it out, the applications will stop working until you re-insert it!

Optimizing memory after transfer

Transfer of applications to SD-The card is only half the way, and in order for the system to work, you need to optimize memory usage:

1. Cache cleanup: After transferring, clear the app cache through Settings → Storage → Clear the cache. This will free up extra space.

2. Auto Cleanup Configure: Enable the Waste Cleanup function in MIUI Security (Security app).

3. Media file transfer: Photos, videos and music can be transferred to SD-a hand-held card through any file manager (e.g., Mi File Manager).

4. Disable unnecessary apps: Freeze or remove pre-installed Xiaomi apps that you don’t use (e.g. Mi Music, Mi Video).

Memory monitoring applications:

• 📊 SD Maid – removes unnecessary files and duplicates.
• 🔍 Files by Google – Helps you find and delete large or old files.
• 📉 AppMgr III — Shows which applications can be transferred to SD.

Addressing common mistakes

When transferring applications to SD-Xiaomi Mi 9 users often encounter errors. Here are the most common problems and their solutions:

1. "Move to the button" SD-card

✅ Reason: The application does not support transfer or SD-map NTFS.

✅ Decision:

• Reformat the card to FAT32 or exFAT.
• Try to migrate another app (like Telegram).
• Use the ADB method (described above).

2. "Insufficient space on the device" error during transfer

✅ Reason: SD-The card is not free enough or it is damaged.

✅ Decision:

• Check the free space on the map.
• Re-format the map.
• Try another one. SD-map (preferably class) U3).

3.The appendix is crumbling after transfer

✅ Reason: SD-The card is too slow or the application is not compatible with external storage.

✅ Decision:

• Transfer the app back to internal memory.
• Update the app to the latest version.
• Try another one. SD-map (e.g. SanDisk Extreme).

4.The phone can't see. SD-map

✅ Cause: File system damage or firmware conflict.

✅ Decision:

• Reboot the phone.
• Remove and re-insert the map.
• Check the card on another device.

💡

If the application is unstable after transfer, it is better to return it to internal memory. Some applications (for example, banking) can block access when a startup is detected. SD-map.

Alternative ways to free up memory

If the transfer is SD-The card didn’t help or isn’t possible, consider alternative memory freeup methods on Xiaomi Mi 9:

1. Use of cloud storage

📁 Transfer photos and videos to Google Photos, Mi Cloud or Yandex Drive>. Set up automatic downloads so that new media files are immediately saved to the cloud.

2. Connection OTG-storage

🔌 Buy it. USB OTG-adapter and plug in the flash drive. Some applications (e.g, VLC) They can work directly with external storage devices.

Cleaning up system debris

🧹 Use the built-in utility MIUI Cleaner (Security) → Cleaning) or third-party applications like CCleaner.

4. Reset to factory settings

⚙️ Extreme method if nothing helps.Before reset, back up through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

FAQ: Frequent questions about transferring applications to SD-map 9