How to transfer data to a memory card in Xiaomi smartphones: 5 proven ways

Owners of smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO Sooner or later, they face a lack of internal memory, especially if the device is equipped with a computer. 32 or 64 GB drive. MicroSD card seems like the obvious solution, but transferring data to it MIUI It has nuances: from the limitations of Android 13/14 before the features of the file system exFAT/FAT32. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods - from standard tools to hidden functions. MIUI 14/15, Helps to free up the space without losing data.

It is important to understand that not all files can be transferred to the SD-For example, applications in newer versions of Android are installed only in internal memory by default, and the cache of messengers (such as WhatsApp or Telegram) often remains “tied” to the system partition. We will show you how to get around these restrictions without resorting to root rights, and tell you what map formats Xiaomi supports in 2026.

1. Memory card preparation: formatting and file system selection

Before transferring data, the memory card must be properly prepared. Xiaomi smartphones support three file systems for the storage of the memory card. SD-map:

• 🔹 FAT32 — It is compatible with all devices, but is limited to files up to 4 GB. It is suitable for photos and music, but not for video in the video. 4K or large archives.
• 🔹 ExFAT is the best choice for Xiaomi on Android 10+. Supports files up to 16 EB (almost unlimited) and works faster FAT32.
• 🔹 NTFS — It is rarely used on mobile devices, but some POCO-The models recognize it. It can cause errors in the recording.

If the card is new or has been used in other devices (for example, in the camera), it is better to format it directly in the smartphone.

1. Insert the card into the slot (in models with a hybrid slot you will have to choose: the second SIM or SD).
2. Go to Settings → Memory → Memory Map.
3. Click Format → As internal memory (if you want to expand memory for applications) or as a portable device (file only).

⚠️ Note: Formatting as internal memory will tie the card to the smartphone, which cannot be read on other devices without completely erasing the data, and can also reduce card speed by 10-15%.

2. Transfer files through the "Conductor" (standard method)

The easiest method is to use the built-in MIUI Explorer (Files app) that allows you to move photos, videos, documents and music without any additional software.

1. Open the Files app (the folder icon on the desktop).
2. Go to the Internal Memory section and select a folder (e.g. DCIM for photos or Download for downloads).
3. Press and hold the file(s) to highlight, then tap More → Move.
4. In the list of locations, select Memory Map (SD) and specify the target folder.

To speed up the process, packet allocation can be used:

• 📁 Click on three dots in the upper right corner → Highlight everything.
• 🔍 Use search by extensions (e.g..jpg or.jpg.mp4) filter.

⚠️ Note: When transferring a photo from the folder DCIM/Camera Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note) 12) You may lose connection to the gallery. To avoid this, open Settings after the transfer. → Annexes → gallery → Memory and press Clear data (cache will remain).

3. Transfer applications to a memory card (with the limitations of Android 13/14)

In the latest versions of Android (starting with the 9.0) portability SD-The map is very limited. MIUI 14/15 It is possible to move some of the data applications, but not themselves APK-Here's how to do it:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select an app (like Spotify or Netflix).
3. Click Warehouse → Change → Memory Map.

Important nuances:

• 🚫 Not all apps support portability – many (including WhatsApp, Instagram) block this feature.
• 📱 After transfer, the performance of the application can drop by 20-30% due to slower reading speed. SD-cards (especially class) UHS-I).
• 🔄 When you remove the card, the application will stop working until it returns.

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If you want to make room for new applications, you should use the Cleanup function in Settings → Memory. The system will automatically find unnecessary files (cache, duplicate photos, unused APKs) and prompt them to delete them.

4. Automatic transfer of photos and videos through the "Gallery"

Annex Gallery in MIUI It can automatically save new photos and videos SD-To enable this function:

1. Open the Gallery → Settings (cog icon).
2. Select a Retention Site → Memory map.
3. Please specify the folder (by default DCIM/Camera).

This method only works for new images, so you can transfer old photos.

1. In the Gallery, highlight the album (for example, Screenshots or Downloads).
2. Click More → Move → Memory Map.

Pay attention to the formats:

• 📸 Photo in HEIF (Xiaomi 13/14) borrow 40% less space, but not all SD-The cards are properly supported, and when transferred, these files can be converted to JPEG.
• 🎥 Video in the video 4K@60fps require a class card UHS-I U3 Or higher, or there will be a lag in the record.

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Automatic saving on SD-The card saves space in the internal memory, but can slow down the opening of photos in the gallery for 1-2 seconds (depending on the class of the card).

5. Using a computer for mass data transfer

If you need to move tens of gigabytes (like movies or backups), it’s easier to use a PC. Connect Xiaomi to your computer via USB-C and follow the instructions:

1. On your smartphone, select the File Transfer (MTP) connection mode (a notification will appear when you connect the cable).
2. On PC, open this computer – the device will appear as a removable disk (for example, Redmi Note 11).
3. Copy files from Internal Storage folders into the SD Card folder.

Advantages of this method:

• 🚀 The transfer speed is 2-3 times higher than through MIUI Conductor.
• 🔍 You can use Total Commander or FastCopy to rename and sort packets.
• 🔄 All files are supported (unlike files of any size). FAT32 phone-on).

⚠️ Note: When connecting through MTP Some antiviruses (such as Kaspersky) may block access to Xiaomi files due to “suspicious activity.

If the computer can't see SD-smartphone-card:

• 🔌 Try another one. USB-cable (original from Xiaomi supports) USB 2.0/3.0).
• 🔄 Restart your phone and PC.
• 🛠️ B Settings → Additionally. → For developers, turn on debugging by USB (if not previously activated).

6. Alternative methods: cloud services and third-party applications

If standard methods don't work, you can use cloud services or third-party file managers, and let's look at both.

Cloud Transfer (via Google Drive/Mi Cloud):

1. Upload files to Xiaomi’s internal memory in Google Drive or Mi Cloud.
2. Remove the originals from your phone’s memory.
3. Download files back by selecting as a save location SD-map.

Party file managers:

• 📂 Solid Explorer - Supports FTP-server and dual panel mode for easy transfer.
• 🔄 FX File Explorer - can archive folders "on the fly" and unpack directly on the SD-map.
• 🔍 Root Explorer (requires root) – gives access to system folders, but is risky for beginners.

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To transfer music to Spotify or Yandex Music to SD-Map use the settings of the applications themselves: Settings → Quality. → This saves up to 5 to 10 GB of internal storage.

7. Problem Solving: Memory card is not defined or data is not portable

If Xiaomi can't see SD-card or errors occur when transferring, check the following:

adb shell pm set-install-location 2

This command forces the system to install new applications on an external drive. Attention: it does not work on all Xiaomi models and may cause errors.

adb shell pm set-install-location 0

If your memory card is physically damaged (for example, after a phone drops), try:

• 🛠️ Connect it to your PC via a card reader and check it with CrystalDiskInfo.
• 🔄 Formatting in exFAT with the help of SD Formatter (official utility from the SD Association).
• 🚫 If the card is not readable on any device, replace it (a service like Hetman Partition Recovery can help to recover data, but it is a paid service).

FAQ: Frequent questions about data transfer to SD-map