How to transfer applications to SD-map MIUI 12: All ways

Owners of Xiaomi smartphones on the basis MIUI 12 often face a lack of internal memory, especially if the device is equipped with 32 or 64 GB of storage. SD-This feature is either hidden or limited in recent firmware versions, unlike earlier versions of Android, where the option was available out of the box, in the software. MIUI 12 The process is complicated due to Google’s security policy and optimization features Xiaomi.

In this article, we will analyze all working methods for transferring applications to an external drive - from standard settings to hidden capabilities through the use of a computer. ADB You'll learn which Xiaomi models support the feature, why some applications can't be moved, and how to get around system limitations. MIUI, smartphone model and type SD-cards (e.g. microSDHC or microSDXC).

Why in the world MIUI 12 no button "Move to" SD-map"?

Starting with Android 6.0 Marshmallow, Google introduced the concept of Adoptable Storage – the ability to format SD-The card is part of the internal memory, but in MIUI 12 (Android-based 10/11) This function is either disabled or it's selective:

• 🔒 Security policy: Google has restricted applications' access to external drives due to data leakage risks. SD-The card may work slower and less stable.
• 📱 Optimization MIUI: Xiaomi has removed the visual portability button to avoid complaints about lags (especially relevant for budget models with a weak processor).
• 💾 Type of memory card: Not all SD-The cards support Adoptable Storage, for example, class cards. UHS-I low-speed recording (Class) 4/6) may not fit.

However, the portability function is not completely removed, it can be activated through hidden settings or the command line, and then we will look at all the options available, starting with the simplest one.

Method 1: Standard portability through settings (for supported models)

Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 8 Pro, Poco) X3) They still allow applications to be transferred to SD-map through the settings menu, check if the option is available on your device:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the app you want to migrate (like Facebook or Music).
3. Click on Warehouse.
4. If the button is moved to SD-The card is active – tap on it and wait for the process to be completed.

⚠️ Note: The button will be inactive (grey) if:

• 🚫 The application is system-based (e.g. Google Play Services).
• 🚫 SD-The card is formatted as a portable storage (not as an internal memory).
• 🚫 Version. MIUI 12.0.3 (in later builds, the function is often blocked).

Method 2: Formatting SD-maps as internal memory

If standard transfer is not available, you can try combining SD-This is a card with internal memory, and it works on most devices with MIUI 12, but has critical implications:

• 🔄 After formatting, the map cannot be retrieved without data loss.
• ⚡ Applications on the map will work slower (depending on the class) SD).
• 📵 The card will be linked to the phone and will not be read on other devices.

Instructions:

1. Put it in. SD-smartphone-card.
2. Go to Settings. → Memory. → SD-map.
3. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Storage Settings.
4. Tap format as internal and confirm the action.
5. After formatting, restart the device.

Now, when you install new applications, the system will ask you to choose a storage location, so you can transfer the programs that are already installed:

1. Open the Settings → Applications.
2. Select the application and click Storage → Change.
3. Indicate. SD-card.

Method 3: Transfer over ADB (for power users)

If previous methods have failed, manually navigate through Android Debug Bridge (ADB) requires a computer and basic command line knowledge, but works even on locked versions of MIUI 12.

Preparation:

1. Download ADB Tools and unpack the archive.
2. Turn on Developer Mode on your phone: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (shap 7 times).
3. Activate USB Debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
4. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.

Transfer commands:

adb shell


pm set-install-location 2 # Install new applications on SD- default card




pm move-package com.example.app /storage/XXXX-XXXX # Packet-specific transfer (you can find out the name of the packet through the App Inspector)

⚠️ Note: Not all applications support portability ADB. For example, WhatsApp or Banking applications may fail to work after moving.Be sure to back up your data before executing commands, as there is a risk of file damage.

💡

Before using ADB, check if portability is allowed for a particular application. To do this, type pm get-install-location. If the result is 0 - transfer is prohibited, 2 - allowed.

Method 4: Using Third-Party Applications

If manual methods seem complicated, you can use the tools from Google Play.

• 📱 AppMgr III (App 2 SD) — It shows you what apps you can migrate, and it does it in one tap. MIUI 12, but requires superuser rights for some features.
• 🔧 Link2SD — It creates symbolic links, saves space on the internal drive, and it only works on rooted devices.
• 🗃️ Files by Google – helps clear cache and offers to move supported applications (feature limited).

⚠️ Attention: Annexes of type App2SD They often contain advertisements or require the purchase of Pro versions for full functionality, and they do not guarantee the stable operation of the transferred programs - there may be crashes or synchronization errors (for example, in Telegram or in the Internet). VK).

Before using third-party utilities:

1. Check out user reviews with your Xiaomi model.
2. Create a restore point (if you have a TWRP).
3. Disable the antivirus – it can block changes to system folders.

💡

The side of the transfer applications is unstable on MIUI 12.5 and newer due to tightening security policies, and it is better to use them as a temporary solution, not a permanent one.

Limitations and risks of transferring applications to SD-map

Even if you managed to move the applications, consider the following nuances:

• ⚡ Productivity: SD-cards (even class) UHS-II) slower-than-integrated memory eMMC/UFS. Apps will be longer to run, and games can slow down.
• 🔄 Auto Updates: Some apps (such as Google Maps) automatically return to internal memory after the update.
• 🚨 Security: Annexes to SD-It is easier to hack or modify the card, which increases the risk of data leakage.
• 📵 Dependence on the map: If you extract SD-The card, the transferred applications will cease to work until it is returned.

What applications can not be transferred:

• 🔐 System Utilities (Mi Security, Google Play Services).
• 💳 Banking applications (Sberbank Online, Tinkoff).
• 🎮 Games with heavy graphics (Genshin Impact, PUBG Mobile).
• 📧 Applications with constant synchronization (Gmail, Outlook).

If you are critically short of memory, consider alternatives:

• 🗑️ Cleaning the cache through Settings → Memory. → Clean up.
• ☁️ Transferring media to the cloud (Google Photos, Mi Cloud).
• 📲 Use of Lite versions of applications (for example, Facebook Lite).

FAQ: Frequent questions about transferring applications to SD-map MIUI 12