How to transfer applications to the memory card in Xiaomi Redmi 4: all the ways and nuances

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi 4 with 16 GB of internal memory sooner or later face a shortage of space. Even after cleaning the cache and removing unnecessary files, the system stubbornly issues a notification “Memory is full.” The solution seems obvious: transfer applications to a microSD card. But in MIUI, this process is not always intuitive, and standard Android methods work with limitations.

In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to transfer applications to SD-map 4 (including Redmi models 4 Pro and Redmi. 4X), sensitizing MIUI 8/9/10 Android versions 6.0/7.0. You will learn which applications can be ported, how to bypass system limitations, and what to do if the “Move to” button is used. SD» And we'll also look at alternative methods for root users and for those who would sacrifice speed for free space.

Why Redmi 4 can’t be used to transfer all applications to the SD-map?

Before you start the instructions, it’s important to understand the technical limitations, not Xiaomi’s greed, but Android architecture and security policy.

• 📱 Limitations of Android 6.0+: Since Marshmallow, Google has banned the portability of system applications and those that use native code (such as games with native code). 3D-This is done to protect against piracy and to ensure stability.
• 🔒 Politics MIUI: Xiaomi further blocks the transfer of its branded applications (Mi Store, Themes, Security) and Google services (Play Market, Google Play Services).
• ⚡ Productivity: SD-cards (even class) A1 or A2) They run 5 to 10 times slower than internal memory.
• 📁 File system format: Maps FAT32 • do not support files larger than 4GB, and exFAT may not be readable on some devices.

It's not that you can't transfer it, you just have to choose the right method depending on your goals, like messaging apps (Telegram, WhatsApp) and games (PUBG Mobile, Genshin Impact) will need root or alternative solutions.

⚠️ Attention: Transfer of applications to SD-The card can cause them to work unstable, especially if the card is low class (Class). 4/6). In the worst case, the application will dye or lose data when you extract the card.

Method 1: Standard transfer through MIUI settings (without root)

It's the easiest method, but it doesn't work for all applications, and it's suitable for users who don't want to risk data or get root rights.

The instructions are relevant for MIUI 8/9/10 on Redmi 4 (including the Pro and X versions):

1. Open the Settings → Applications.
2. Tap on the desired application (for example, Facebook or VK).
3. Press Warehouse.
4. If the button is changed or moved to SD-The card is active, select it. If not, see Method 2.
5. Confirm the transfer and wait until the completion (may take up to 5 minutes).

After the transfer, some of the data will remain in the internal memory (usually cache and settings). To free up maximum space, manually clear the cache:

Settings → Applications → [Select App] → Clear the cache

The memory card is formatted as an internal storage (if not, see Method 3)

There is enough free space on the map (at least 1.5× of the application size).

The application is not system or secure (see below for a list)

Phone connected to charging (transferring large applications drains the battery)

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List of applications that cannot be transferred in the standard way:

⚠️ Note: If the app stops updating through the Play Store after the transfer, return it to internal memory. APK removable.

Method 2: Formatting SD-The card is an internal memory (adoptable storage)

This method allows us to combine SD-It's a card with internal memory, which allows you to carry more applications, but it has some serious drawbacks:

• 🔄 The card will be encrypted and will not be read on other devices (even on PCs).
• 📉 Application speeds will drop (especially if a Class 10 or lower card is available).
• 🚫 After extracting the map, the application will stop working on it.
• 🔧 Not all cards are supported (recommended) UHS-I or A1/A2).

If you are prepared for these restrictions, follow the instructions:

1. Put it in. SD-map in Redmi 4.
2. Go to Settings. → Additionally. → Warehouse → SD-map.
3. Slip on the three dots in the top right corner and select Storage Settings.
4. Click Format as internal.
5. Confirm the action (all data on the map will be deleted!).
6. After formatting, select Transfer Data (optional).
7. Reboot the phone.

Now, when you install new applications, the system will ask you to choose a storage location to migrate the existing ones:

Settings → Appendices → [Select Appendix] → Storage → Change → SD- Map

Important: Once you format the card as internal, it can't be retrieved without losing data. If you need to temporarily use the card on another device, first transfer all the applications back to internal memory.

Method 3: Transfer over ADB (for power users)

If the standard methods don’t work and you don’t want to get root rights, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which allows you to migrate some applications that MIUI blocks, but requires a connection to a PC.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 🛠️ Utility. ADB Tools by Google.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on Redmi 4.

Steps:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (Tap 7 times)
2. Enable USB Debugging: Settings → Additional → For Developers → Debugging by USB
3. Connect your phone to your PC and confirm your trust in the device.
4. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (Linux/macOS) in the folder with ADB.
5. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your Redmi 4.
6. Find out the batch name of the application (for example, for Facebook it is com.facebook.katana): adb shell pm list packages -f
7. Move the app to SD-map: adb shell pm move-package com.facebook.katana If the team returns Success - application moved.

List of popular packet names:

Standard through MIUI settings

Formatting SD as internal memory

Through ADB

With root rights

No, I haven't tried.

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If the team returns a Failure error [INSTALL_FAILED_INVALID_INSTALL_LOCATION], This means that the application cannot be transferred even through ADB. In this case, only root will help.

Method 4: Transfer with root rights (for advanced)

Root access provides the maximum memory management capabilities, but requires caution. Incorrect actions can lead to data loss or device blink.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ Transfer of any application (including system).
• ✅ Possibility to use Link2SD or App2SD deep-integration.
• ✅ Control over cache and application data.

Disadvantages:

• ⚠️ Loss of warranty (if the phone is under warranty).
• ⚠️ Risk of disrupting the system.
• ⚠️ Some banking applications will stop working.

Instructions:

1. Get root rights with Magisk or SuperSU (TWRP is the best method for Redmi 4).
2. Install Link2SD or App2SD from the Play Store.
3. In the application settings, select Create a link or Move to SD.
4. Select applications for transfer (it is recommended to start with light, for example, instant messengers).
5. Reboot the phone.

💡

Before getting root, make a full backup via TWRP or Mi Cloud.This will help restore the phone in the event of a crash. Also check your Redmi 4 model's compatibility with your chosen root method on the XDA forum.

To port system applications (such as Mi Store), use the root access command in ADB:

adb shell


su




pm move-package com.xiaomi.market

⚠️ Note: Transfer of system applications to SD-If the card is not turned on after transfer, delete the card. SD-map and reset through Recovery.

Method 5: Alternative solutions (if transfer is not possible)

If none of these methods work, consider alternatives:

• 🗑️ Cache and data cleanup: Many apps (like Facebook or TikTok) accumulate gigabytes of cache. Regularly clean through Settings → Annexes → Warehouse → Clearing the cache will free up 1-3 GB.
• ☁️ Cloud Storage: Move photos and videos to Google Photos, Mi Cloud or Yandex.Disk. Set up automatic download.
• 🔄 Lite versions of apps: Replace heavy apps with lightweight ones: Facebook Lite instead of Facebook; Messenger Lite instead of Messenger. Twitter Lite (PWA) instead of a formal client.
• 📦 APK-extractor: Save APK If you have installed applications on your memory card, delete the originals, and if necessary, install them from the card. APK Extractor.
• 🔧 Factory reset: The last resort if the phone is full of unnecessary files. pre-backup through Mi Cloud or TWRP.

If you are critically short of space, consider replacing internal memory. Redmi 4 uses eMMC 5.1 for 16/32/64 GB. You can replace it in the service center, but it will cost 3-5 thousand rubles (depending on the amount of new memory).

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When transferring applications to SD-Redmi 4 users often face problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

If after transferring applications the phone began to slow down, try:

1. Disable animation in the developer settings (Windows animation scale → No animation).
2. Clear the cache with Recovery (Wipe → Wipe Cache).
3. Remove unused applications from SD-map.

💡

If after all the manipulations the phone began to work worse – return all applications to internal memory and format SD-The problem is, in most cases, the slow map or the conflict of the transferred applications.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions