How to transfer data to a memory card in Xiaomi Redmi 5: photos, videos and applications

Xiaomi Redmi 5 is one of the most popular budget smartphones of 2017-2018, which is still actively used due to its reliability and the ability to expand memory. internal memory is filled, but how to transfer data to a memory card so as not to lose files and slow down the phone? In this article, we will analyze all the current ways - from standard functions. MIUI Up to the Hidden Possibilities of Android.

The thing about Redmi 5 (codenamed rosy) is that it supports microSD up to 256GB, but not all cards work equally well, and we tested different portability scenarios, from photos to apps, and we found common bugs that cause crashes. For example, why, after the application is transferred to SD It may stop updating or why some files “disappear” when you connect the card to your computer.

Important: The instructions below are relevant to MIUI 9–14 (inclusive).If your Redmi 5 is running on an older version, update your firmware first through Settings. → The phone. → Update the system to avoid conflicts with the file system.

1. Memory card preparation: formatting and file system selection

Before transferring data, the memory card must be properly prepared. Xiaomi Redmi 5 supports two microSD modes:

• 📁 Portable storage – the card is used as a flash drive (files are available on any device).
• 🔄 Internal memory – the card becomes part of the system (applications can be ported, but the card cannot be retrieved without data loss).

For most tasks (photos, videos, music) portable mode is enough, but if you want to port applications, you have to choose internal memory, but keep in mind:

⚠️ Note: Once formatted as internal memory, the card cannot be read on a computer or other phone without completely erasing the data, and some apps (such as WhatsApp or banking) will refuse to work with the card. SD-security cards.

How to check the current card mode:

1. Open the Settings → Storage.
2. Click on your name. SD-map.
3. Look at the "Storage Type" item.

If the card is new or you want to change mode, format:

1. Go to Settings. → Warehouse → [Name of the map] → Settings (⚙️) → Formatting as an internal memory.
2. Confirm the action (the data will be erased!).
3. Wait until it is completed (it can take up to 5 minutes).

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If the card is not determined, try formatting it on your computer in the FAT32 (for cards up to 32 GB) or exFAT (for cards 64-256 GB using the utility SD Formatter from SD Association.

2. transfer of files (photos, videos, music) by standard means MIUI

The easiest way to free up internal memory is to transfer media files. MIUI There's a built-in tool for that:

Step 1. Open the Files app (Folder icon).

Step 2. Go to the Category tab → Images (or Videos, Audio).

Step 3. Click Select in the upper right corner and mark the files for transfer.

Step 4. Put the button on (⋮) → Move and select yours. SD-map.

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

• 📂 Select the entire folder (for example, DCIM/Camera).
• 🔄 Click Move and point the way to SD-map (e.g., map, /storage/1234-5678/DCIM/Camera).
• ⚡ Use the Copy option instead of moving if you are afraid of losing files.

The transfer rate depends on the class of the memory card. Here's a comparison table:

3. Transfer of applications to SD-map: restrictions and workarounds

Unlike files, transfer applications to SD Redmi 5 has limitations. MIUI It blocks this feature for most applications by default, but there are two working ways:

Method 1: Through application settings (works for part of applications):

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select an app (such as Google Maps).
3. Press Warehouse. → Change. → SD-map.

If the Change button is inactive, the application does not support the transfer.

Method 2: With the help of ADB (power-user):

This method allows you to forcibly transfer almost any application, but requires a computer and debugging. USB.

⚠️ Warning: Forced transfer of system applications (e.g. Google Play Services) can lead to a cyclical reboot of the phone!

Which applications cannot be transferred to SD:

• 🔒 Banks (Sberbank, Tinkoff, etc.) – block the work.
• 💬 Messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram) – may not send notifications.
• 🎮 Online gaming (PUBG, Free Fire - they will lay.

4. Automatic transfer of new files to SD-map

To avoid manually transferring files every time, set up automatic saving to the memory card:

For the camera:

1. Open the Camera app.
2. Press on. ⚙️ Settings → Preservation site → Phone memory.
3. Choose yours. SD-map.

For downloads from the browser:

1. In Google Chrome, click ⋮ → Settings → Downloads.
2. Select a Retention Site → SD-map.

For screenshots:

By default, screenshots are stored in internal memory to change the path:

1. Install the file manager for Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer.
2. Move to the /storage/emulated/0/Pictures/Screenshots.
3. Copy the Screenshots folder on SD-map.
4. Use the FolderSync app to sync new screenshots automatically.

You can use the Automate app (free on Google Play) to fully automate.

1. Trigger: New file in folder (select Download or DCIM).
2. Action: Move the file (specify the path to the file) SD-map).

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Automatic saving on SD Saves up to 30% of internal memory per month with active use of the smartphone.

5. Typical errors and their solutions

When transferring data to SD-Redmi 5 card users often face the following problems:

Error 1: “Memory card is damaged”

Causes and solutions:

• 🔌 Improper extraction – always use Safe extraction in the notification curtain.
• 🛠️ File system - format the card into FAT32 (up to 32 GB) or exFAT (over 32 GB).
• 💾 Physical wear and tear - check the card on another device. If the error repeats, replace the card.

Error 2: Files disappear after connecting to a PC

This is due to different access routes:

• On the phone: /storage/1234-5678/DCIM.
• On PC: This computer → [Name of the telephone] → Internal memory. → DCIM.

Solution: Use Total Commander with a plugin MTP map.

Error 3: Annexes to SD not updated

That's the limitation of Android.

• 🔄 Move the app back to internal memory before upgrading.
• 📥 Turn off automatic updates for ported apps on Google Play.
• 🛠️ Use alternative stores (such as APKMirror) to manually install updates.

Error 4: Slow application performance with SD

The reason is the slow reading speed of the map.

• 🔝 Buy a class card UHS-I U3 (For example, SanDisk Extreme).
• 🗑️ Don't put it on. SD Resource-intensive games (such as Genshin Impact).
• 🔄 Clean the app cache regularly through Settings → Warehouse → Clear the cache.

6.Alternative ways to free up memory

If the transfer is SD-The card does not solve the problem of memory shortage, consider these options:

1.Cache and garbage cleanup

• 🧹 Use the built-in Cleanup utility in Settings → Warehouse.
• 🗑️ Remove the app cache through SD Maid (requires root rights).
• 📂 Transfer the cache of Google Maps to SD: Settings → Offline maps → Settings → Preservation site.

2. Cloud storage

• ☁️ Google Photos – Automatic uploading of photos in original quality (free up to 15 GB).
• 📁 Mi Cloud – 5GB free for Xiaomi owners (set up in Settings) → Accounts. → Mi Cloud).
• 🔗 Syncthing – Synchronize files between devices without a cloud.

3. Root access and custom firmware

For advanced users:

• 🔓 Install Magisk to obtain root rights without losing warranty.
• 📱 Sweep through a custom core (such as FrancoKernel) to optimize memory.
• 🔄 Use it. Link2SD For the forced transfer of applications (requires a second section on the SD).

⚠️ Warning: Installing custom firmware on Redmi 5 could lead to loss IMEI or problems with the Wi-Fi module. Before the firmware, back up through TWRP!

7. Backup before data transfer

Before you massively transfer files or format a map, create a backup. MIUI There are built-in tools:

Method 1: Local backup

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset → Local Backup.
2. Select data to save (contacts, messages, applications).
3. Indicate the conservation path to SD-map.

Method 2: Mi Cloud

1. Log in to your Mi Account in Settings → Accounts. → Mi Cloud.
2. Activate synchronization for the desired data.
3. Click Backup and wait until it is completed.

Method 3: Third-party applications

• 📱 Titanium Backup (requires root) – saves applications and their data.
• 🖥️ Swift Backup – works without root, but with limitations.
• 📂 FolderSync – syncs selected folders with the cloud or PC.

For complete certainty, use a combination of methods.

1. Keep your contacts and SMS via Mi Cloud.
2. Copy photos on PC via USB-cable.
3. Make a local backup of system settings.

FAQ: Frequent questions about data transfer to SD redmi 5