How to transfer applications to a memory card in Xiaomi Redmi 6A: the complete guide

Why at Redmi? 6A It is not possible to transfer applications to SD-map?

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi 6A often face the problem of lack of internal memory, especially if the smartphone has a lot of apps or games. The logical solution is to transfer some of the software to a microSD card, but here users are waiting for an unpleasant surprise: in standard settings MIUI port option may not be available or work selectively.

The fact is that since Android 6.0 Marshmallow, Google has changed its security policy to limit the ability to migrate applications to external drives. Manufacturers, including Xiaomi, have gone even further: in some firmware, the feature is either hidden or only works for individual applications. However, this does not mean that the task is impossible โ€” there are at least 3 working ways to get around the restrictions, and we will analyze them in as much detail as possible.

It is important to understand that not all applications can be ported, for example, system utilities (Settings, Phone, Messages) remain in internal memory in any case, and some games (especially those with anti-piracy protection) block the transfer to the computer. SD-But even with these limitations, you can free up to 50 to 70 percent of the space you're using if you get the memory card right and use alternative methods.

Preparation of a memory card: formatting and selection of a file system

Before you try to migrate applications, you need to properly prepare the microSD card, and this step depends on whether the programs can run from the external drive without failure.

  • ๐Ÿ”น Card size: for Redmi 6A Best use cards from 16GB (grade 10 or higher) cards less than 8GB may not support formatting as internal storage.
  • ๐Ÿ”น File system: by default Xiaomi offers FAT32, But for the transfer of applications, it is better to choose exFAT or format the card as internal memory (more about this below).
  • ๐Ÿ”น Recording speed: Class recommended for games and heavy applications UHS-I (U1/U3) โ€” This will reduce the lag when working with SD-map.

If you plan to use the card for applications only, you need to format it as internal storage.

  1. Insert the card into your smartphone and go to Settings โ†’ Storage.
  2. Tap your name on it. SD-maps (e.g. SanDisk) 32GB).
  3. In the upper right corner, press three dots (โ‹ฎ) and select Storage Settings.
  4. Choose Format as internal and confirm the action.

โš ๏ธ Warning: Once formatted as internal storage, the card will not be retrieved and used on other devices without being completely cleaned. 6A It can offer to transfer some data to it automatically โ€“ agree, it will speed up the process.

๐Ÿ“Š How you use a memory card in your smartphone?
Photo and video only
For apps and games
Like an internal storage facility.
I don't use it.

Method 1: Standard Transfer through MIUI Settings

In some versions of MIUI (especially Android 8.1 Oreo, which runs Redmi 6A), the app port option is available but hidden.

  1. Open the Settings โ†’ Applications.
  2. Select the app you want (like Facebook or WhatsApp).
  3. Slip on Warehouse.
  4. If the option is available, you will see the Change or Move button. SD-map.

This method has serious limitations:

  • ๐Ÿšซ It doesnโ€™t work for all apps (many games and social media block the transfer).
  • ๐Ÿšซ After updating the application, it can automatically return to internal memory.
  • ๐Ÿšซ Some functions (such as notifications) may not work properly.

โ˜‘๏ธ What to check before transferring the application

Done: 0 / 4

If the buttons are moved to SD-card is not, which means that either the application does not support portability, or your firmware MIUI It blocks the function. In this case, move on to the following ways.

Method 2: Using ADB for Forced Transfer

For advanced users, there's a more reliable method, forced transfer over ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires connecting your smartphone to your computer, but allows you to bypass the limitations of MIUI.

  • ๐Ÿ–ฅ๏ธ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Included debugging by USB on the Redmi 6A (Path: Settings โ†’ The phone. โ†’ Version. MIUI โ€” Tap 7 times, then go back to Settings โ†’ Additionally. โ†’ For developers).
  • ๐Ÿ”Œ USB-Type-C cable (original or high-quality analogue).

Instructions for transfer:

  1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and open the command line (Win + R โ†’ enter cmd).
  2. Check the connection command: Adb devices should show the serial number of your Redmi 6A.
  3. Enter the port command (replace com.example.app with your appโ€™s packet name, which can be found through App Inspector or Package Name Viewer from Google Play): adb shell pm set-install-location 2 adb shell pm move-package com.example.app

โš ๏ธ Note: some applications (such as Google Play Services or banking programs) may stop updating or crash after forced porting. โ†’ System system โ†’ Backup.

How to find out the batch name of the application without third-party programs?
Open Google Play, find the app you want, and copy the URL. It'll look like this: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.example.app -- part after id= and there's a batch name.

Method 3: Transfer through third-party applications (without root)

If the first two methods didn't work, you can use specialized utilities from Google Play. They don't require root rights, but their capabilities are limited by Android's security policy. 6A:

AnnexFeaturesLimitations
AppMgr IIIAllows you to transfer applications, clear cache, manage autoload.It does not work with system and secure applications.
Files by GoogleBuilt-in file manager with memory cleaning and space analysis function.It canโ€™t tolerate apps, but it helps you find heavy files to delete.
SD MaidDeletes junk files, optimizes storage, finds duplicates.Application portability requires ADB or root.

Example of AppMgr III:

  1. Install the app from Google Play.
  2. Open the Move to SD-card tab.
  3. Select the apps that you can move (they will be marked in green).
  4. Press Move and confirm the action.

Important: Even after transferring some of the application data may remain in internal memory. To free up space completely, regularly clean the cache through Settings โ†’ Storage โ†’ Clear the cache.

๐Ÿ’ก

If the application is slow after transfer, try to return it to internal memory. Some programs (for example, messengers) require quick access to data, and SD-The card may not be able to handle the load.

What to do if transfer is not possible: alternative solutions

If none of these methods worked, donโ€™t despair โ€“ there are workarounds:

  • ๐Ÿ“ Transfer of media files: photos, videos and music can be manually moved to SD-This will free up to 5-10 GB of internal memory.
  • โ˜๏ธ Cloud storage: Google Photos, Mi Cloud or Yandex Drive automatically upload photos and videos, saving space.
  • ๐Ÿ—‘๏ธ Cache cleaning: in Settings โ†’ Warehouse โ†’ Cache data can be deleted unnecessary temporary files.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Factory reset: extreme method if smartphone is littered with garbage!

Also, consider buying Redmi. 6A with a large amount of internal memory (if your model is 16 GB) or use OTG-For example, the 64GB SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive is inexpensive and connects via a computer. USB-OTG adapter.

๐Ÿ’ก

Transfer of applications to SD-map 6A If standard methods don't work, combine memory cleanup, cloud services and media transfer, and it will have no less effect.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When trying to migrate apps, Redmi 6A users often face typical problems.

Mistake.Reason.Decision
The "Transfer" button is inactive.The app does not support portability or the card is formatted as portable.Format the card as an internal storage or use ADB.
App dyes after transferSD-The card is too slow or damaged.Check the card for errors through the PC or replace it with a faster one.
There's not enough space on the map.Applications take up more space than expected.Clear the app cache or remove unnecessary files from the card.

Another common mistake is losing data after formatting the card as internal memory.

  1. Copy all important files from the card to the computer.
  2. Use a card reader, not a smartphone, to copy (faster and more reliable).
  3. After formatting, check the map for the presence of broken sectors of the CHKDSK utility (on PC).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I transfer WhatsApp to WhatsApp? SD-map 6A?
WhatsApp does not officially support the transfer of SD-The card, as it is contrary to the security policy of the messenger, however, you can: Transfer media files (photos, videos, voice messages) manually through the Files โ†’ WhatsApp โ†’ Media. Use. ADB For forced transfer (but this can cause malfunctions).It is better to clean WhatsApp cache regularly in Settings โ†’ Warehouse โ†’ WhatsApp โ†’ Clear the cache.
Why does the app take up internal memory again after the transfer?
This is due to app updates. When you update through Google Play, the system can automatically return the program to internal memory. To avoid this: Turn off auto-update for ported apps in Google Play โ†’ Settings โ†’ Auto-update applications. After each update manually transfer the application back to SD-map.
How to transfer games to a memory card?
Most games, especially with 3D-schedule) does not support the transfer to SD-Alternatives: Use cloud-based saves (e.g. in games from Gameloft or in games from Gameloft) EA). Only transfer the game cache (folder) Android/obb) Remove unused games and install them again on the map (if supported). PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile portability is not possible โ€“ they always take up internal memory.
Can I use it? SD-The map as an internal memory of Redmi 6A formatless?
No, Xiaomi requires that you format your card before using it as internal storage, and that's because of: Security (data is encrypted), performance optimization (map works faster after formatting), and if you don't format the card as internal, you can only store files (photos, videos, music) on it, but not apps.
What happens if you take it out? SD-A card formatted as an internal storage?
The smartphone will stop seeing the transferred applications, and they can: Stop running. Reset to factory settings (loss of progress in games); disappear from the menu (until you insert the card back). Always correctly extract the map through Settings. โ†’ Warehouse โ†’ Extract SD-map.