How to transfer data from memory card to Xiaomi Mi 9C: 5 proven ways

Why transfer files from memory card to phone?

MicroSD cards are a convenient way to expand your smartphone memory, but sometimes you need to transfer data directly to the internal memory of the Xiaomi Mi 9C. For example, when applications can not see files on an external drive, or you want to make room for new photos. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways, from a standard file manager to using PC and cloud services.

The Mi 9C features support for cards up to 256GB (depending on the region), but read/write speeds may differ from internal memory. Data porting will help speed up access to frequently used files, such as music tracks or documents. It is important to note that some apps (such as WhatsApp or Telegram) do not allow you to directly move media files - they will require workarounds.

If you plan to completely replace or format your memory card, it will be a must-have, otherwise you risk losing important files, and then you'll have step-by-step instructions for different scenarios.

Method 1: Using an Integrated File Manager

The easiest method is to use Xiaomi’s standard File Manager app, which is pre-installed on the Mi 9C and supports basic file operations, including copying and moving.

To move the data:

1. Open the Files app (folder icon).
2. In the Device section, select SD-map (or External Storage).
3. Find the right files or folders, hold your finger on one of them for selection.
4. Click More (three dots) → Copy or Cut.
5. Return to the root directory, select Internal Memory, and specify the destination folder (such as Download or DCIM).
6. Click Insert and wait until it is completed.

If there are many files, the process can take several minutes. Do not interrupt the operation - this can lead to data corruption. To speed up, it is recommended to close the background applications through Settings → Applications → Launched.

Disable mobile internet (if you copy large files)

Close all applications except Files

Check the space in the internal memory

Connect the charger (for long-term operations)

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Method 2: Transfer through a computer (USB-cable)

If you have tens of gigabytes of data on your memory card, you'll find it more convenient to use a PC or a laptop, and this is also a good technique if the file manager on your phone is unstable. USB-cable (preferably original from Xiaomi) and computer running Windows, macOS or Linux.

Algorithm of action:

1. Connect the Mi 9C to your computer via USB.
2. On the phone, in the notification that appears, select File Transfer (or MTP) mode.
3. On PC, open This Computer (My Computer) where two drives will appear: the phone’s internal memory and the phone’s internal memory. SD-map.
4. Copy files from the memory card to any folder on your computer (for example, to the desktop).
5. Then transfer them back to the phone’s internal memory folder (e.g. Internal Storage → Download).

The advantage of this method is high transfer speed (especially when using USB 3.0) and the ability to work with large amounts of data. However, note that some files (for example, hidden system folders) may not be displayed. To see them, turn on the display of hidden files in the Explorer settings.

File manager on the phone

Through the computer (USB)

Cloud services (Google Drive, Mi Cloud)

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Method 3: Cloud services (Google Drive, Mi Cloud, Yandex Disk)

If you don't have access to your computer but you have a stable Wi-Fi connection, you can use cloud storage, which is suitable for transferring small files (up to 10-15 GB), as it depends on Internet speed. On the Mi 9C, Google Drive and Mi Cloud are available by default, but you can use other services (Yandex Disk, Dropbox).

Instructions for Google Drive:

1. Install the Google Drive app from the Play Market unless it is pre-installed.
2. Open the app and log in to your Google account.
3. Click + → Download and select files from the memory card.
4. Wait until the download is complete (time depends on the speed of the Internet).
5. Then download the files back to the phone’s internal memory.

For Mi Cloud (cloud from Xiaomi):

• 📁 Go to Settings. → Mi Account → Mi Cloud.
• 🔄 Enable synchronization for the desired file types (photos, videos, documents).
• 📥 After downloading, the files will be available in the Mi Cloud app, from where they can be downloaded to internal memory.

⚠️ Note: When using mobile internet (not Wi-Fi), downloading large amounts of data can lead to additional traffic costs.

Method 4: File Management Applications (Solid Explorer, FX File Explorer)

Xiaomi’s standard file manager isn’t always easy to handle large amounts of data. Alternative applications like Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer offer advanced features such as packet migration, archiving, and remote management via FTP.

How to transfer files through Solid Explorer:

1. Install the app from the Play Market and open it.
2. Select from the side menu SD-map.
3. Hold your finger on the file/folder to highlight, then click Copy or Cut.
4. Go to internal storage and paste the files into the folder.

Advantages of Third-Party File Managers:

• 🔍 Support ROOT-Access (if the phone is unlocked).
• 📂 The ability to create ZIP-archives right on the phone.
• 🔄 Built-in FTP-server for transferring files over a local network.

⚠️ Attention: When in use ROOT-There is a risk of damaging the firmware. Do not change files in folders /system or /data without understanding the consequences.

Method 5: Transfer through OTG-adapter (for microSD cards)

If your Xiaomi Mi 9C supports OTG (On-The-Go), you can connect the memory card directly through the adapter, which is true if the phone does not recognize the card in the slot or you need to transfer data from another microSD.

What you need:

• 🔌 OTG-adapter (connector) USB-C for Mi 9C).
• 📁 MicroSD cardholder (if the adapter is not built-in).

How to transfer files:

1. Connect the adapter to the phone and insert the memory card into the card reader.
2. Open the file manager – the card will appear as an external drive.
3. Copy files into internal memory as in Method 1.

This method is useful if the memory card slot on your phone is damaged or you want to transfer data from another device’s card (e.g. a camera). USB 2.0/3.0 steady-work.

Comparison of data transfer methods

To choose the best method, compare them by key parameters:

For most users, the best solution is a file manager/computer combination: one for small files, one for large files, and cloud services are convenient if you want to save backup or share files with other devices.

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To transfer files larger than 20 GB, it is recommended to use a computer or OTG-Adapter is faster and more reliable than cloud services or an embedded file manager.

Frequent mistakes and their solution

When you transfer data from a memory card to a Xiaomi Mi 9C, users face typical problems. Let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

1.The phone doesn't see the memory card

• 🔧 Check if the card is inserted correctly (contacts should be facing upwards).
• 🔄 Reboot the phone.
• 📱 Check the card on another device – if it doesn’t work, it may be damaged.
• 🛠️ Format the map in FAT32 or exFAT via computer (data will be deleted!).

2. lacks space in the internal memory

• 🧹 Clear the app cache in Settings → Warehouse → Cleanup.
• 🗑️ Delete unnecessary files (such as old photos or videos).
• 🔄 Move some applications to a memory card (if supported).

3. Files are copied for too long

• ⚡ Close all background applications.
• 🔌 Connect your phone to charge (long-term operations drain the battery).
• 📶 If you use the cloud, connect to Wi-Fi instead of mobile internet.

4. After the transfer, files are not opened

• 🔍 Check the file extension (e.g..jpg instead of.jpeg).
• 📥 Make sure the files are fully copied (don’t interrupt the process).
• 🛠️ Try opening files through another application (e.g, VLC video).

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If the memory card often turns off during data transfer, try using an externally powered card reader (via a data transfer card). USB-This is true for cards with a capacity of more than 128 GB, which consume more energy.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions