Transfer of applications to SD-Xiaomi card via computer: 3 working methods

Owners of smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO Often face a shortage of internal memory, especially on budget models with 32-64 GB of storage. Even after cleaning the cache and removing unnecessary files, the system can issue a notification "Memory is full", blocking the installation of new applications. SD-map, but in modern versions MIUI (12–14) this option is hidden or disabled by default.

Unlike older versions of Android, where porting apps to an external drive was available in two clicks, today it requires additional manipulation. Moreover, some methods (such as through phone settings) may not work smoothly or even completely on new devices, and computer-to-computer transfer is one of the most reliable ways to get around the restrictions. MIUI and manually manage application files.

In this article, we will analyze 3 proven methods of transferring applications to the SD-card via PC: using ADB, Each method is suitable for different situations, from simple memory release to full-fledged "binding" of applications to an external drive. Not all programs can be ported (e.g., system or modification-protected), but for most games and custom utilities, methods will work.

📊 What App Transfer Method Have You Tried Before?

Through phone settings

With ADB

Manual file copying

Never tried.

Another way.

Why Xiaomi is blocking the transfer of applications to the SD-map?

Xiaomi’s current MIUI-based smartphones limit the ability to migrate applications to external drives for a reason, and here are the key reasons for such restrictions:

⚡ Productivity: SD-cards (even class) A2) They are slower than the built-in memory. eMMC/UFS. This can lead to lags in games and applications.
🔒 Security: Annexes to SD-It is easier to copy or modify the card, which increases the risk of hacking (for example, for paid programs).
📱 Google Policy: Starting with Android 6.0, Google has limited support for Adoptable Storage SD-maps to part of internal memory), which forced manufacturers to look for workarounds.
🔄 System Stability: When Removing SD-Maps “tied” to it applications can crash or stop running.

However, the limitations MIUI You can get around it. For example, in older versions of the firmware (up to) MIUI 11) the item “Move to the SD-map" in the app settings. It's hidden now, but you can activate it through the app settings. ADB Other models (e.g. Redmi Note 8 Pro or POCO X3 NFC) support formatting SD-cards as an internal drive, but this requires a complete data reset.

Important: Transferring system applications (e.g. com.miui.home or com.android.settings) may cause your phone to fail.Do not edit files with the.odex extension or /system folder.

Preparation: What you need to transfer over PC

Before you start the transfer, make sure you have everything you need:

🖥️ Windows computer 10/11 or macOS (for the ADB need a terminal).
📱 Xiaomi smartphone with unlocked USB-Debugging (how to include - see below).
💾 SD-class A1/A2 (recommended amount of 32 Class cards C10 or below it may not be.
🔌 Cable USB (It is preferable to be original, as cheap cables often do not transmit data).
🛠️ Tools: ADB Fastboot (official utilities from Google), drivers for Xiaomi (if the PC does not recognize the device), file manager with root rights (for example, Solid Explorer or other software). FX File Explorer – for the manual method.

Also check that on SD-If the card is new, format it into a new card. FAT32 or exFAT via computer (not phone:

Put the card in the PC card reader.
Open "This computer» → right-click SD-map → «Format».
Select the exFAT file system (supports files >4GB) and click Start.

On. USB-phone-debugging

Installed ADB drivers on PC

SD-map exFAT/FAT32

Downloaded utilities ADB and Fastboot

Backup of important data is made-->

⚠️ Attention: If you are using SD-The card as a portable drive (not as part of internal memory), some applications may not be portable or work with errors, in which case you will need to link the card as internal memory, but this will lead to its encryption and inability to use on other devices.

Method 1: Transfer through ADB (without root)

Method by using ADB (Android Debug Bridge is the most versatile and works on most Xiaomi devices without the need for root rights. SD-a part of internal memory for specific applications.

Step instructions:

Turn it on. USB-Debugging on the phone: Go to Settings → About the phone. Tap 7 times on the "version" item. MIUI», until the notification “You became a developer!” appears. → Additionally. → For developers. Activate the switches «USB-debugging and debugging USB (security)».
Connect your phone to your PC and select File Transfer (MTP) mode.
Open the command prompt on PC: On Windows: press Win + R, enter cmd and press Enter. On macOS/Linux: open the Terminal.

Check the connection.

adb devices

If the device is displayed (e.g., 1234abcd device), go ahead. If not, install the drivers or reconnect the cable.

Run the transfer command.

adb shell pm set-install-location 2

This command forces the system to install new applications on the SD-Default card. Use the installed programs to transfer them:

adb shell pm move-package com.example.app /storage/1234-5678

(where com.example.app is the batch name of the application, and /storage/1234-5678 — path SD-map; you can find out the way through adb shell ls /storage).

⚠️ Note: Not all apps support portability. If you see a Failure error after the command [INSTALL_FAILED_INVALID_INSTALL_LOCATION]», It means that the program is blocked for transfer, PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact may require additional files on internal memory even after transferring.

To get it all back, do this:

adb shell pm set-install-location 0

(This will reset the default location to internal memory.)

adb kill-server


adb start-server

-->

Method 2: Manual transfer of application files (from root)

If your Xiaomi has root rights (for example, after unlocking the bootloader and installing Magisk), you can manually transfer application files to the site. SD-This is a more laborious method, but it allows you to control what data is moving.

Algorithm of action:

Install a file manager with root access (such as Solid Explorer or Root Explorer).
Find the folder with the application: Open the manager and go to /data/app (there are user programs stored here). Find the folder with the name of the package (for example, com.whatsapp-1 for WhatsApp).
Copy the folder to SD-Map: Create a folder on the map Android/obb (If it's not there, move the application folder to /storage/1234-5678/Android/obb (where 1234-5678 — ID yours SD-map).

Create a symbolic link

su


ln -s /storage/1234-5678/Android/obb/com.whatsapp /data/app/com.whatsapp

Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Note: When you update a ported application via Google Play, files may automatically return to internal memory. To avoid this, disable auto-update for such programs or use alternative stores (for example, APKMirror).

This method is suitable for large applications (for example, games with cache in /Android/obb), but does not guarantee stable operation. If after transfer the program crashes, try to return files back or use ADB.

Transfer method	Root is required.	Difficulty	Suitable for	Risks.
ADB (set-install-location)	❌ No.	⭐⭐ (middle-class)	Any user applications	Not all programs are portable
Manual file transfer	✅ Yes.	⭐⭐⭐ (high-pitched)	Large Cache Games, APK+OBB	There may be errors when updating
Formatting SD as internal memory	❌ No.	⭐ (low-key)	All applications (except system)	The card is tied to the phone, the data is erased
Third-party utilities (AppMgr III)	❌ No.	⭐⭐ (middle-class)	Applications with portability	Possible bugs in the work of the programs

Method 3: Formatting SD-maps as internal memory

If your Xiaomi supports Adoptable Storage (available on some Android 6-9) models, you can format it. SD-It's a card that's part of the internal drive, and it allows you to install applications directly on it, without any further manipulation:

🔐 The card will be encrypted and linked to the phone – it will not be used on other devices.
⚠️ When you remove the map, the applications will stop working.
🗃️ All data on the map will be deleted during formatting.

If you are satisfied with this, follow the instructions:

Put it in. SD-phone-card.
Go to Settings. → Memory.
Tap it on. SD-map → «Settings" (three dots in upper right corner) → «Warehouse».
Select “Inner Memory” → “Clean and Format.”
Wait until the process is completed (may take a few minutes).
After formatting, go to Settings → Apps, select the program and click "Move to" SD-card (if the option is available).

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro) POCO F3) The option of formatting as internal memory may not be available. ADB hand-carry.

If you decide to return SD-card in portable storage mode, go to Settings → Memory. → SD-map → Settings → Portable storage. All data on the map will be erased!

What if the option “Inner Memory” is not available?

On new Xiaomi devices (with Android 10)+) Adoptable Storage is often disabled at the firmware level, in which case you can try: 1. Install custom recovery (for example, TWRP) Manually format the card as internal storage via sm partition disk:179,64 private. 2. Used ADB for forced mounting: adb shell sm set-force-adoptable true (requires superuser rights). 3. Update firmware to an older version MIUI, where the function is available (for example, MIUI 11 instead MIUI 13).

Frequent mistakes and how to fix them

When transferring applications to SD-And this is a map where users often have problems. Here are the most common mistakes and their solutions:

🚫 Error "Not enough space" when transferring: Make sure to SD-enough free space (at least 20% more than the weight of the application) format the card in exFAT (supports files) >4GB).
🔄 App crashes after transfer: Check if the program requires mandatory placement in internal memory (e.g. Google Play Services). ADB: adb shell pm move-package com.example.app 0
📱 The phone can't see. SD-map after formatting: Reboot the device. Check the card on another device, it may be damaged. If the card is formatted as internal memory, it will not be visible on the PC.
🔧 ADB Does not recognize the device: Make sure it is on USB-debugging and mode selected MTP. Update drivers via Mi PC Suite or manually (download drivers for Xiaomi). USB-cable.

If none of the methods worked, check if the manufacturer has blocked the port for your model. for example, on the Xiaomi Mi 11 or Redmi. K40 The function may be disabled due to the use of fast memory UFS 3.1. where the difference in speed c SD-card-too-large.

💡

If the application is unstable after transfer, try clearing its cache (Settings → Apps → Storage → Clear cache).

Alternative ways to free up memory

If the applications are transferred SD-The card is not helped or impossible, consider alternative methods of memory release:

🧹 Cache Clearing: Go to Settings → Memory. → Clean. Use utilities like this. SD Maid or CCleaner for deep cleaning.
☁️ Transfer media to the cloud: Upload photos and videos to Google Photos, Mi Cloud or Yandex Drive. Enable autosynchronization in your app settings.
📁 Use of external storage: Connect USB-storage OTG-You can transfer heavy files (movies, music) to the cable and use a Type-C flash drive to store data permanently.
🔄 Factory reset: If memory is clogged with system debris, reset via Settings → The phone. → Reset settings. Back up important data before resetting!

It is also worth checking which files take up the most space.

Open the Settings → Memory.
Slip on the Apps or Files section to see the details.
Delete or transfer the largest files (e.g. downloaded movies to /Download or game cache to /Android/obb).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can system applications (e.g. Gallery or Camera) be transferred to SD-map?

No, system applications (com.miui.gallery, com.android.camera, etc.) are blocked for transfer, their modification can lead to the inoperability of the phone, except for custom firmware with root rights, but there too the transfer of system programs is fraught with errors.

After the transfer, the app stopped updating. How do I fix it?

This is because Google Play defaults updates to internal memory Solutions: Disable auto-update for this app in Google Play. download APK updates manually (like with APKMirror) and install it through the file manager. Return the app back to internal memory via ADB.

How to find out the batch name of the application for the ADB team?

There are several ways: through Google Play, open the app page in your browser, the URL will have its ID (e.g. com.whatsapp for WhatsApp), through ADB: adb shell pm list packages | grep, "keyword word" (e.g., adb shell pm list packages | grep whatsapp).

Will the transferred application work if removed? SD-map?

Depending on the transfer method: If the card is formatted as internal memory, the application will not start. If the card is portable and the application is ported over ADB or manually, it may work with errors or not open at all. Games with cache in /Android/obb will lose data when the card is extracted (for example, save in Genshin Impact).

Can applications be moved to SD-computer-assisted?

Yes, but with limitations: On older versions MIUI (11) was the option to “Move to the SD-map in the application settings. You can use applications like AppMgr. III (Some launchers (like Nova Launcher) allow you to hide the icons of applications, but do not physically carry them. ADB Manual file editing, so methods will be less reliable.