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

Owners of Xiaomi smartphones sooner or later face a lack of internal memory, especially if the device is equipped with a modest 32 or 64 GB. One of the obvious solutions is the transfer of applications to a microSD memory card. MIUI This process has its own peculiarities: since Android 6.0, Google has limited the ability to freely move programs, and Xiaomi has added its own nuances. SD-map for different Redmi models, POCO and Mi, and explain why some programs can’t be moved and how to get around the restrictions.

It is important to understand that not all applications support external storage, such as system utilities, games with high performance requirements (like Genshin Impact or other applications). PUBG Mobile, as well as programs that actively use background processes (messengers, bank clients) often block this feature.However, for most user applications - from social networks to multimedia players - portability is possible. MIUI alternative methods.

1.Preparation: Which Memory Card Is Right for Xiaomi

Before you port applications, make sure your microSD card meets the requirements:

• 🔹 Speed class: minimum class 10 (UHS-I/UHS-II Class Class cards are preferred. 4 class 6 can cause lag.
• 🔹 Volume: 16GB (optimally 32–128GB) Cards less than 16GB often don’t support formatting as internal storage.
• 🔹 Format: FAT32 (by default or exFAT (for cards) >32GB. To transfer applications, you will need to reformat to Adoptable Storage (internal storage).
• 🔹 Brand: SanDisk, Samsung cards are recommended EVO, Kingston Canvas – Cheap no-name cards can fail in intense recording.

If you plan to use the card as an internal storage (Adoptable Storage mode), consider:

⚠️ Note: Once formatted as internal memory, the card cannot be retrieved without losing data, it will become part of the system and be encrypted, and the card will not be read on other devices (PCs, cameras) without first being retrieved from the smartphone.

Before buying, check the compatibility of your Xiaomi model with memory cards. For example, the Redmi Note 10 Pro supports microSD up to 512 GB, and the POCO X3 NFC up to 256 GB. Information can be found in the official specifications on the Xiaomi website.

Method 2: Transfer over MIUI settings (for supported applications)

It's the simplest method, but it only works for applications that allow portability. MIUI 12–14:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the app you want to port (like VK or Spotify).
3. Slip on Warehouse.
4. If the option is available, the Change → button will appear, select Memory Card.
5. Confirm the transfer and wait until the process is complete (may take up to a few minutes).

If the Change button is not available, the application does not support portability, in which case try alternative methods (described below).

On some models (e.g. Redmi 9A or POCO M3), the path to settings may be different:

Settings → Applications → Select the Application → Additional → Storage → Change

⚠️ Note: After transferring an application to a memory card, it may run slower, especially if the card is low-end.This is due to microSD read/write speed limitations compared to the built-in eMMC or UFS.

Method 2: Formatting a card as an internal storage (Adoptable Storage)

This method allows the memory card to be used as part of the internal storage, but has serious limitations:

• 🔹 The card will be encrypted and tied to the device, and it can't be retrieved without being reset.
• 🔹 Not all applications will be able to work from external storage (especially system and games).
• 🔹 When you remove the map, the application will stop working on it.

Instructions for MIUI 12-14:

1. Insert the memory card into the slot (if a hybrid slot is used, make sure the second one is used). SIM-map extracted).
2. Go to Settings. → Warehouse.
3. Tap by the name of the card (for example, SD-map).
4. In the upper right corner, click on three dots → Storage settings.
5. Select Internal Memory → Clean and Format.
6. Confirm the action. The process can take a few minutes.

After formatting, the system will suggest transferring some of the data to the map, and you can do this later manually through Settings → Applications.

Method 3: Transfer over ADB (for power users)

If standard methods don’t work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires connecting your phone to a PC and basic command line knowledge.

Steps:

1. Turn on Developer Mode on your phone: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (shap 7 times).
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and activate Debugging over USB.
3. Connect your phone to your PC through USB-Cable (use the original cable for stability).
4. Download and install ADB Tools on PC.
5. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB and type:

adb devices

(Your device should be displayed. If not, check the drivers or cable.)

adb shell pm set-install-location 2

This command forces the system to install applications on the memory card by default. To return the settings to the original, use:

adb shell pm set-install-location 0

To transfer already installed applications, use:

adb shell pm move-package com.example.app /sdcard

(Replace com.example.app with a real application package, which can be found through App Inspector or adb shell pm list packages.)

⚠️ Note: Some apps (such as WhatsApp or Google Play Services) may stop working after being forced to migrate through the app. ADB. Before experimenting, make a backup copy of the data.

💡

If ADB Does not recognize the device, try reinstalling Xiaomi drivers USB Drivers or using other drivers USB-port (preferably) USB 3.0).

5. Method 4: Use of root rights (for advanced ones only)

If none of these methods work, you have the option of getting root rights, which gives you complete control over the system, but it takes away the warranty and can lead to unstable phone operation.

To transfer applications from root, use:

• 🔹 App2SD (Requires root and supports forced transfer).
• 🔹 Link2SD (Creates symbolic links to a memory card).
• 🔹 FolderMount (transfers only application data, not app data) APK-file).

Instructions for Link2SD:

1. Install Link2SD from Google Play.
2. Open the application and provide root access.
3. Select the application from the list → Create a link.
4. Check the APK, Data and Cash → Move.

Important: Once ported through root, some applications (such as banking or DRM-protected) may block work on rooted devices.

6 Why some applications cannot be transferred to a memory card

Not all programs support the transfer to SD-Here's the main reason:

If the app cannot be moved, consider alternatives:

• 🔹 Remove unnecessary cache files in Settings → Warehouse → Clean up.
• 🔹 Transfer only media files (photos, videos, music) to the map through the File Manager.
• 🔹 Use Google Drive (Mi Cloud) for backups.

💡

Even if an app cannot be ported in its entirety, it is often possible to move its data (such as downloaded maps to Google Maps or music to Spotify) through the app’s settings.

7. Frequent problems and their solutions

When you transfer applications to a memory card, Xiaomi users encounter typical errors.

Problem 1: The “Change” button in the application settings is inactive.

• 🔹 Reason: The application does not support portability or the card is formatted as portable (not internal).
• 🔹 Solution: Try formatting the card as an internal storage (method 3) or use it ADB (4).

Problem 2: After the transfer, the application crashes or does not open.

• 🔹 Reason: Low speed memory card or conflict with MIUI.
• 🔹 Solution: Return the app to internal memory or use a class card UHS-I.

Problem 3: The system does not see the memory card.

• 🔹 Cause: Card, slot or contacts malfunction.
• 🔹 Solution: Check the card on another device, clear the contacts in the phone slot, try another card.

Problem 4: Once formatted as an internal storage, the card is not defined.

• 🔹 Cause: Encryption failure or incompatibility with MIUI.
• 🔹 Solution: Reset your phone settings (with data saved) or format the card again.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions