How to transfer applications to SD-Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus card: all ways + restriction MIUI

Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus (aka Redmi Note 5) is one of the brand's most popular smartphones, but its 32 or 64GB of internal memory often becomes a bottleneck. Even after cleaning the cache and deleting unnecessary files, users are faced with a notification "Not enough memory." The solution seems obvious: port SD-But in the MIUI This process has nuances that are not always obvious.

Unlike “pure” Android, where the function of transferring applications to an external drive is available by default, in Xiaomi firmware it is either hidden or works with restrictions. SD-Redmi 5 Plus card, including official methods MIUI, roundabout ADB, We will focus on critical errors that can occur when you format your card incorrectly or use third-party utilities.

Why Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus can’t just move apps to the top of the list SD-map?

The problem is politics. MIUI Starting with Android 6.0 Marshmallow, Google introduced the concept of Adoptable Storage, the ability to “tether” to the Internet» SD-However, Xiaomi has disabled this feature in its firmware, leaving users only partial solutions:

• 📱 Limited portability: Some applications (such as instant messengers or games) can be moved through settings, but not all of them can be moved to the same location.
• 🔧 Formatting as internal memory: The card becomes part of the system, but this can cause data loss when retrieved.
• 🛠️ ADB-Manual forced movement, but requires technical skills.
• 📦 Third-party utilities: Programs like App2SD or Link2SD, But they often conflict with MIUI.

Besides, Redmi. 5 Plus works on Android. 7.1.2 Nougat (in the latest versions) MIUI 11/12 — Android 9/10), where Adoptable Storage support is incompletely implemented, the manufacturer motivates this by security (risk of data loss if the card is damaged) and performance (SD-lower-class UHS-I brake).

⚠️ Attention: If you are using SD-The card is like a portable storage (not formatted as internal memory), most applications will not be able to transfer to it.

Method 1: Transfer applications through standard MIUI settings

The simplest method, but only works for individual applications that support this feature, is suitable for MIUI 9/10/11/12:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the app you want to migrate (such as Telegram or Spotify).
3. Press Warehouse. → Change (or Move to) SD-card if the button is active).
4. Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed.

If the button is moved to SD-The card is inactive or missing, so the application does not support portability (PUBG Mobile, Genshin Impact and applications OBB-Files (e.g. Asphalt 9).

SD-The card is inserted and recognized by the system|There is enough free space on the map (at least 10% of the volume)|The application is not a system application|The "Transfer" button is active in the settings-->

16GB|32GB|64GB|128GB and more|Do not use-->

Method 2: Formatting SD-maps as internal memory

This method allows you to expand your internal memory. SD-maps, but has serious consequences:

• 🔄 The map will become an integral part of the system – it will not be retrieved without data loss.
• 🚫 When formatting, all data on the map will be deleted.
• ⚡ Class card required UHS-I (U1/U3) or A1/A2 normal-speed.

Instructions:

1. Put it in. SD-card in the slot (in Redmi 5 Plus it is hybrid - or second) SIM, memory card).
2. Go to Settings → Additional → Storage.
3. Press on. SD-map → Set up → Internal memory.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen (the system will suggest transferring data and restarting the device).

⚠️ Warning: After that, the card will be encrypted and will not be read on other devices (even on another Xiaomi smartphone).If the card fails, you will lose all data, including the transferred applications.

Method 3: Transfer applications over ADB (for power users)

If the standard methods don’t work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB) — a debugging tool that allows you to forcibly transfer applications to SD-This requires a PC and basic command line knowledge.

Preparation:

1. Download and install ADB Tools on PC.
2. Enable Developer Mode on Redmi 5 Plus: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times).
3. Activate Debugging by USB in Settings → Additional → For developers.
4. Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm the debugging permission.

Transfer commands:

adb shell pm set-install-location 2 # Set SD- map as default installation location


adb shell pm move-package com.example.app # Moves a specific application (replace com.example.app with the app package)

To find out the application package, use the command:

adb shell pm list packages | grep "appendix name"

⚠️ Attention: Not all applications support forced porting; some may stop working or reset data. ADB backup!

adb shell pm move-package com.example.app 0

Method 4: Use of third-party utilities (App2SD, Link2SD)

If previous methods didn’t work, you can try specialized apps from Google Play.

• 📌 App2SD — Analyzes applications and suggests moving supported applications.
• 🔗 Link2SD — Creates symbolic links, “deceiving” the system (requires root rights).
• 🗃️ Files by Google – helps to clear cache and transfer media files.

However, these solutions have disadvantages:

• ❌ Many utilities do not work on MIUI firmware limitations.
• ⚠️ Link2SD requires root access, which deprives of warranty and increases the risk of failures.
• 🔄 After updating MIUI symbolic references may break.

If you do decide to use Link2SD, follow the instructions:

1. Install the application and provide root access.
2. In the main menu, select the application → Create a link.
3. Transfer Dalvik Cache, Libraries and Data to the SD-map.
4. Reset the device.

💡

Third-party utilities are the last option if other methods have failed, and the risks (data loss, unstable work) often outweigh the benefits.

Errors and problems when transferring applications to SD-map

Even if the instructions are followed correctly, Redmi 5 Plus users face typical problems:

If applications crash or don’t update after the transfer, try:

• 🔄 Clear the application cache in Settings → Annexes.
• 📥 Reinstall the application (data may be lost!).
• 🛠️ Disable battery optimization for this application.

Alternative ways to free up memory in Redmi 5 Plus

If porting apps doesn’t help or isn’t possible, try other optimization methods:

• 🧹 Cache cleanup: Settings → Warehouse → Clear (you can delete up to 1-3 GB of unnecessary files).
• 🗑️ Removing duplicates: Use Files by Google or CCleaner.
• ☁️ Cloud Storage: Move Photos and Videos to Google Photos or Mi Cloud.
• 🎮 Offline cache of games: In PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty clear the cache of cards in the game settings.
• 📂 Media transfer: Music and video can be manually moved to SD-map.

Also, you should disable auto-update apps in Google Play and remove unused ones. APK-If there is a critically small amount of free space (less than 500 MB), the system will start to close the background processes on its own, which will lead to brakes.

💡

MIUI has a hidden cleaning function called Deep Clean. To turn it on, go to Settings → About Phone and 5 times click on the MIUI Version. Additional → Deep Clean will appear.

FAQ: Frequent questions about transferring applications to SD-map