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

Xiaomi smartphone owners are facing a shortage of internal memory sooner or later. Even 128GB models are filled with high-resolution photos, heavy games and an app cache. A microSD card is a lifeline, but not everyone knows how to properly transfer data to it without losing quality or malfunctioning the phone.

The main problem

MIUI 14/15

We’ll look at not only basic methods (moving files manually), but also advanced ones – like how to get your phone to use it. SD-map as an internal drive (with reservations for Xiaomi). Separately, we will analyze the nuances with formats FAT32 and exFAT, and also warn against typical errors, which can "fly" after updating the system.

Memory card preparation: format and compatibility

Before transferring data, make sure your microSD card is compatible with your phone. Xiaomi officially supports cards up to 2TB, but there are nuances:

• 📌 FAT32: It works with all devices, but limits the size of a single file to 4 GB. It is suitable for photos and music, but not for video files in the Internet. 4K.
• 📌 exFAT: removes the file size limit, but may not be readable on older models (e.g. Redmi) 4A).
• 📌 NTFS: Xiaomi doesn’t support out of the box — you’ll need root or third-party apps.

To check the current format:

1. Connect the card to the PC through the card reader.
2. Open Disk Management (Win + R → diskmgmt.msc).
3. Find your drive - the format is indicated in the column "File system".

⚠️ Note: If you format the card in your phone as internal memory, it can't be retrieved without losing data.

For video files and games, it is better to choose exFAT, but first check the compatibility:

Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI

MIUI 12 and later support exFAT without additional drivers.

2. Transfer files through a standard conductor

The easiest way is to use the built-in File Manager, which allows you to move photos, videos, music and documents without installing third-party applications.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the Files app (the folder icon on the desktop).
2. Go to Device → select a folder (e.g. DCIM for photo).
3. Press and hold the file (or select a few), then tap More → Move.
4. In the list of locations, select yours. SD-map (usually displayed as a SD-map).
5. Create a new folder (if necessary) and confirm the transfer.

To speed up the process:

• 🔄 Use the Select All function (three dots in the upper right corner).
• 📁 Sort files by date or size to carry only current ones.
• ⚡ Connect your phone to charge – when moving large volumes, the battery discharges faster.

⚠️ Note: Do not carry the Android folder manually, it can disrupt the application. there is a separate method for them (see section 4).

Memory card formatted in exFAT/FAT32|

Battery charge over 50% |

Important files are backed up on PC|

Background applications disabled (energy savings)-->

3. Automatic transfer of photos and videos

If you shoot regularly on your phone, it is more convenient to set up automatic saving of new media files to the map.

In the annex, the Chamber:

1. Open the settings (cog in the upper right corner).
2. Find the item in the save folder or storage.
3. Choose. SD-map → confirm.

For the gallery (Google Photos or MIUI Gallery):

• 📷 In Google Photos: Settings → Backup and synchronization → Device folder (select the device folder) SD-map).
• 🖼️ V MIUI Gallery: Settings → Folders. → Add a folder (indicate the path to the SD).

Important: when choosing SD-maps as the main storage for the camera video recording speed 4K It can drop by 10 to 15 percent because of microSD interface limitations. If you're shooting professional video, it's better to use internal memory.

💡

Before you shoot a big event (wedding, concert) check the speed of recording on the map. 4K-Video for 1 minute – if you get lag, go back to your internal memory.

4. Transfer of applications to SD-map (with limitations)

Unlike Samsung or Huawei, Xiaomi severely restricts porting apps to a memory card, and even if the feature is available, it doesn't work with all programs.

Method 1: Through application settings

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the desired application → Warehouse.
3. If the Change option is available, tap it and select it. SD-map.

Method 2: With ADB (for Advanced)

1. Activate Developer Mode (7 times tap the MIUI version in your phone settings).
2. Enable USB debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Connect the phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell pm set-install-location 2 This will cause the system to install applications on the SD by default.

⚠️ Attention: After use ADB Some system applications (such as Mi Home) may not work well. Before experimenting, back up through Settings → System system → Backup.

List of applications that cannot be transferred to SD:

• 🚫 System utilities (Settings, Phone, Messages).
• 🚫 Applications with a widget on the desktop.
• 🚫 Anti-cheat games (e.g, PUBG Mobile, Genshin Impact).

5.Use of SD-maps as internal memory

Some Xiaomi models (e.g., POCO X3 Pro, Redmi Note 10) can format the card as an internal drive, allowing you to install applications on it and save data by default.

How to activate:

1. Put the card in the phone.
2. When a notification is received, a new SD-Map tap set up.
3. Select Internal Memory → Clean and Format.
4. Wait until it is completed (it can take up to 10 minutes).

Limitations and consequences:

When to use this method:

• 📱 You have a phone with 16/32 GB of internal memory.
• 🎮 You install a lot of lightweight games (up to 1 GB).
• 📸 You only store photos/videos and do not use professional apps.

💡

Formatting SD-It's like internal memory, it's permanently linked to the phone, and once it's extracted, it's not available even on a PC without a dedicated utility.

6. Alternative methods: cloud and OTG

If the transfer is SD-The card is not possible (for example, due to restrictions). MIUI), consider alternatives:

Cloud storage:

• ☁️ Google Photos: Unlimited storage of compressed photos (up to 16 MP).
• ☁️ Mi Cloud: 5GB free, integration with MIUI.
• ☁️ Yandex Disk: 10 GB free, automatic photo download.

Use of the OTG-storage:

1. Connect the flash drive through OTG-cable.
2. In the Explorer, select the files and move them to the flash drive.
3. For permanent use, set up the camera autosave on OTG-storage device (root required).

The advantages of cloud solutions:

• 🔒 Data protected against phone loss/theft.
• 📱 Access from any device.
• 🔄 Automatic synchronization.

Disadvantages:

• 📶 Requires a stable Internet for downloading / downloading.
• 💰 Free rates are limited (e.g. Google Photos will not offer unlimited storage in original quality as of June 1, 2021).

7.Typical mistakes and how to avoid them

Error 1: Memory card is not determined

Causes and solutions:

• 🔌 Bad contact: Remove the card, clean contacts with a pin, insert back.
• 🗃️ Incompatible format: format in exFAT via PC.
• 🔋 Energy savings: Turn off the Battery mode → Energy saving for the file manager.

Error 2: Files are corrupted after transfer

What to do:

1. Check the speed of the card (U3 or V30 for 4K video).
2. Use Safe Retrieval in the storage settings.
3. For important files, back up to your PC before transferring.

Error 3: Applications don’t work after SD transfer

Decisions:

• 🔄 Reboot the phone.
• 📥 Reinstall the app.
• 🚫 Put it back in your internal memory (if critical).

⚠️ Note: If, after transferring the application to SD The phone started to brake, check the speed of the card using the SD Card Tester (available on Google Play) If the write speed is below 10 MB/s, it is best to use the card only for storing media files.

FAQ: Frequent questions