Transferring WhatsApp to SD-The map in Xiaomi smartphones is a challenge that users face when there is a lack of internal memory. Despite the fact that the messenger does not support official migration to an external drive through standard Android settings, there are workarounds. In this article, we will discuss all working methods for devices on the MIUI 12–14, including the Redmi Note models 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4/X5 Others, and why some methods may not work on newer firmware versions.
It's important to understand that WhatsApp blocks the transfer through the Move to SD function in the application settings because of the risk of data loss when you extract the card. However, with the help of MIUI system tools and third-party utilities, the problem is solved. Next, step-by-step instructions based on the features of the firmware and model of your Xiaomi.
Why WhatsApp doesn’t want to move to the SD-map?
When you try to move your messenger through Settings → Apps → WhatsApp → Memory → Change, many users see a gray field that says “Unavailable.”
- 🔒 WhatsApp policy: developers ban transfer because of database encryption SD-The messenger may lose access to chats.
- 📱 Limitations MIUI: Xiaomi has disabled Adoptable Storage (binding) SD It was like internal memory that ran on pure Android.
- 🛠️ Technical risks: SD-Class Class Class Cards 4/6 Often cause lags when working with the WhatsApp database, which leads to failures.
However, workarounds do exist. Below we’ll look at the techniques that work on most Xiaomi devices, including low-end models with a small amount of internal memory (16-32 GB).
Method 1: Transfer through the "Storage" to MIUI (for older versions)
This method worked on MIUI 11 and earlier, but MIUI 12-14 often removes it. If you have old firmware, try:
- Open the Settings → Storage.
- Put it on WhatsApp in the list of apps.
- Select Move to Move to SD-Card (if the option is active).
- Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed (may take 5-10 minutes).
⚠️ Note: Do not remove after transfer SD-The card without first returning WhatsApp to internal memory, otherwise the messenger will cease to open, and chats will be unavailable until re-installation.
What if the “Move” option is inactive?
Method 2: Use the function of "SD as internal memory" (Adoptable Storage)
This method requires formatting. SD-maps and works only on Android 6–9 devices (in MIUI 10-12) On new Xiaomi smartphones (with Android 10)+) The function is often disabled:
- Put it in. SD-smartphone-card.
- Go to Settings. → Warehouse → [Name of name SD-map] → Three dots (menu) → Storage settings.
- Select Format as Internal (all data on the map will be deleted!).
- After formatting, restart the device.
- Install WhatsApp again – the system will automatically prompt you to save data to SD.
⚠️ Attention: After binding SD-The card as internal memory cannot be used in other devices without re-formatting, and this method can cause lags if the card is slow (recommended). UHS-I Class 10 or higher).
| Advantages of the method | Deficiencies of the method |
|---|---|
| WhatsApp will work steadily | SD-The card will be "tied" to the phone. |
| Automatically save media files on SD | Risk of data loss when retrieving a card |
| Suitable for devices with small memory | Does not work on new MIUI versions (13–14) |
☑️ Preparation SD-peg-card
Method 3: Transfer through file manager (manual movement)
If the system methods do not work, you can manually transfer some of the WhatsApp data to the Internet. SD-It won't free up the internal memory completely, but it will save space with media files:
- Open Files (standard MIUI manager)
- Go to Internal Storage → WhatsApp → Media.
- Select the WhatsApp Images, WhatsApp Video, WhatsApp Audio folders.
- Click Move and select SD-target.
- In WhatsApp settings, turn off auto-download media: Settings → Storage → Auto-download media.
💡 Useful tip: to WhatsApp does not create duplicate files, after transfer, create the root SD-Map the WhatsApp folder and move all the media there. Then, in the messenger settings, specify the path to this folder as the place to save new files.
This method does not carry the chat database (it will remain in internal memory), but will free up to 1-3 GB due to photos, videos and voice messages.
Method 4: Use ADB (for advanced users)
If you're ready to work with the command line, you can force WhatsApp to SD via Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a method that requires a PC and enabled USB debugging.
Instructions:
- Turn on Developer Mode on Xiaomi: go to Settings → About Phone and tap the MIUI version 7 times.
⚠️ Note: This method can cause errors in WhatsApp’s operation if SD-The card is slow or unstable. Before executing, back up the chats via Settings. → chat → Backup copy.
💡
If the pm move-package command is an error, try first transferring WhatsApp to internal memory via pm move-package com.whatsapp 0, then try again.
Frequent mistakes and their solutions
When transferring WhatsApp to SD-Xiaomi users often face problems. Consider the most common:
- 🚫 "Unavailable in the portability settings: means that your version MIUI It does not support this function. Use Method 2 or 3.
- 🔄 WhatsApp stops working after being removed SD: Return the messenger to internal memory through Settings → Annexes → WhatsApp → Memory. → Change.
- ⚠️ "Not enough space when updating WhatsApp: temporarily free up 1-2 GB of internal memory, then update the messenger.
- 📱 Lags and freezes after transfer: the cause is usually slow SD-Replace it with a model with a class. UHS-I/U3.
If WhatsApp does not open after transfer, try:
- Delete and reinstall the messenger (chat data will be saved if there was a backup).
- Clear cache: Settings → Apps → WhatsApp → Clear cache.
- Check it out. SD-Map for errors via PC (use chkdsk in Windows).
💡
Before any manipulation of WhatsApp, always back up your chats through Settings → Chat → Backup → Save. This will keep you from losing data when crashes occur.
Alternative solutions to save memory
If the transfer is SD-The card is not helpful or impossible, consider other ways to vacate space:
- 🗑️ Clearing WhatsApp cache: go to Settings → Annexes → WhatsApp → Memory. → Clear the cache. This can release up to 500 MB-1 GB.
- ☁️ Autoboot to Google Drive: In WhatsApp settings, enable Backup to Google Drive and delete local copies.
- 📁 Transfer media to the cloud: upload photos and videos from the folder WhatsApp/Media Google Photos or Mi Cloud, then delete them from your phone.
- 🔄 Lite version: Install WhatsApp Business or GBWhatsApp (unofficial customers often weigh less).
💡 Useful tip: if you often receive large files (video, documents), set a limit on auto download on WhatsApp. → Warehouse → Autoboot Media and Turn Off Download for Mobile Data and Wi-Fi.