Data transfer from SD-Xiaomi Redmi 9: full instructions with nuances

Transfer of files from SD-Xiaomi Redmi 9 memory cards are a challenge that every second owner of this smartphone faces, and the reasons range from wanting to free up space on the map to having to use files offline without the risk of losing it when extracting the drive. But standard copying through Explorer often works slowly, and some files (such as application data) are not portable at all without additional manipulation.

In this article, we will discuss 5 ways of transferring, from basic manual to automated using specialized applications. MIUI, You will also learn why the speed of copying on Redmi 9 can vary by up to 10 times depending on the method and file format chosen.

Why a data transfer to Redmi 9 could end in an error

Before you start copying, it is important to understand the key pitfalls characteristic of the Xiaomi Redmi 9 and its firmware. MIUI. The main problem is the division of memory into "internal" and "external" (SD-Maps that don’t work like other Android devices.

First of all, MIUI By default, block the transfer of certain types of files:

• 📁 Application data (cache, settings) – it can only be transferred through Settings → Annexes or by ADB.
• 🎵 DRM-Secure media files (such as music from Spotify or Netflix videos) downloaded to the map.
• 📱 System files (e.g. backup copies) MIUI log-in).

Second, the speed of copying depends on the format. SD-map:

• 🔄 FAT32 — maximum read/write speed, but file size limit (4GB).
• 🛡️ ExFAT – Supports large files but runs slower on Redmi 9 due to hardware limitations of the memory controller.
• 📱 NTFS — Not supported out of the box (root or third-party drivers required).

⚠️ Attention: If you are using SD-The card is called “internal memory” (Adoptable Storage function in the MIUI), You can't transfer files using standard methods, so you'll have to unmount the map in the settings first, losing all the data on it.

Another nuance is file fragmentation. If the memory card has been used for a long time without formatting, the read speed can drop to 5-10 MB / s (versus 80-90 MB / s on a "clean" card). SD-mapping SD Card Tester.

Method 1: Standard Transfer through a Conductor MIUI

The simplest method, which doesn't require any additional applications, is suitable for transferring photos, videos, documents and music, but doesn't work with application data or system files.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the Explorer app (the folder icon on the home screen).
2. Go to the Device section → SD-map.
3. Select files or folders that need to be moved (long press) → checkmark).
4. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Copy.
5. Return to the root directory, select Internal Memory, and specify the destination folder (such as Download or DCIM).
6. Click Insert and wait for the process to be completed.

Speed of copying through the conductor MIUI This is usually 20–40 MB/s, but can drop to 5–10 MB/s when working with small files (for example, thousands of photos in a folder:

• 🔌 Connect your phone to charge — MIUI Limits performance at low battery levels.
• 📵 Turn on Airplane Mode – background processes can inhibit copying.
• 🗑️ Close all apps through Recent (swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen).

⚠️ Note: If files are not displayed in internal memory after transfer, check the.trash folder (hidden cart) MIUI). Sometimes the system puts files in there instead of permanently deleting them. SD-map.

Close background annexes

Connect the charger

Energize aircraft mode

Check the space in the internal memory

Create a backup copy of important files-->

Method 2: Transfer through Settings → Memory (for media files)

This method is optimized for photo, video and music and works faster than standard Explorer, as it uses low-level functions. MIUI. However, it does not allow selective copying of files – only entire categories.

Instructions:

1. Open the Settings → Memory.
2. Choose. SD-map and click on the file category (e.g. Images or Videos).
3. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Move.
4. Confirm the target folder (by default — DCIM/Camera photo).

Advantages of the method:

• ⚡ Transfer speed is higher – up to 50-70 MB / s (due to optimization) MIUI).
• 📂 Automatic sorting by folder (photo in the DCIM, music in music, etc.).
• 🔄 Transferring all category files in one click.

Limitations:

• 🚫 Does not work with documents (.pdf,.docx) and archives (.zip,.rar).
• 📵 You can’t select specific files, only all category files.
• 🔒 Can't handle files that are protected DRM (For example, downloaded from streaming services).

💡

Method through "Settings" → Memory is optimal for quickly transferring large collections of photos/video, but is not suitable for selective copying or working with documents.

Method 3: Using Google Files (fast and with garbage cleanup)

Google Files (formerly Files Go) is one of the most reliable tools for working with files on Redmi 9. It not only copies data faster than standard Explorer, but also automatically finds duplicates, clears the cache and offers to compress files before transferring.

How to transfer files:

1. Install Google Files from the Play Market (unless set by default).
2. Open the app and go to the Cleanup tab.
3. Select Files on SD-map and tick the necessary elements.
4. Click Transfer and specify the destination folder in internal memory.
5. Confirm the action and wait for the completion.

The advantages of Google Files:

• 🔍 Intelligent duplicate search – you can delete duplicate files before transferring.
• 🗜️ Lossless compression – photos and videos can be reduced in size before copying.
• 📊 Location visualization – shows which files occupy the most space.
• 🔗 Cloud sync – you can upload files to Google Drive immediately after transferring.

Disadvantages:

• 📵 Requires an internet connection for some functions (e.g. cloud synchronization).
• 🛠️ Cannot tolerate hidden files (starting from a point, such as.nomedia).

💡

Before transferring large files (video) >1GB) in Google Files, enable the “Fast Transfer” option in the app settings, which will speed up the process by 15-20%.

Method 4: Transfer over Total Commander (for power users)

Total Commander – a powerful file manager with support for two-panel mode, FTP, On Redmi 9, it is more stable than standard Explorer and allows you to transfer files at speeds up to 80-90 MB / s (provided that the device is not blocked). SD-map formatted in exFAT).

Instructions:

1. Install Total Commander from Play Market.
2. Open the app and click on the icon../ in the top panel to go to the root directory.
3. In the left panel, select /storage/XXXX-XXXX (It's yours. SD-map XXXX-XXXX — serial number).
4. In the right panel, go to /storage/emulated/0/ (memory).
5. Select files in the left panel (long press) and drag them to the right panel or press. F5 (copy).
6. Confirm the transfer and wait until it is completed.

Features of Total Commander on Redmi 9:

• 🔄 Support for batch renaming – convenient if you need to bring file names to a single format before transferring.
• 🔒 Ability to work with hidden and system files (if you enable the option in the settings).
• 📡 Built-in FTP-server – you can transfer files to a PC without cable.
• 🔍 Content Search – Searches for text inside documents and archives.

⚠️ Warning: If you have a "Not enough space" error when transferring through Total Commander, try: Reboot your phone. Clear the Settings cache. → Annexes → Total Commander → Warehouse → Clear the cache. SD-card in exFAT (pre-copying data on PC).

Method 5: Transfer over PC (most reliable method)

If you need to transfer a large amount of data (tens of gigabytes) or files are not copied via your phone (for example, due to reading errors). SD-The best way to do this is to use a computer, and this is also the only method that is guaranteed to store all metadata (dates of creation, tags, access rights).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect Redmi 9 to your PC via the original USB-cable (important! Cheap cables can limit speeds to USB 2.0).
2. On the phone, select the connection mode File transfer (MTP) (A notification will appear after the connection).
3. On PC, open This computer – two devices should be displayed: Redmi 9 (internal memory) and SD-map.
4. Copy files from SD-cards to the hard disk of the PC (for example, in the folder on the desktop).
5. Transfer files from your PC to your phone’s internal storage folder.

Advantages of the method:

• 🚀 Maximum speed – up to 100-120 MB / s (when used) USB 3.0 and quality cable).
• 🛡️ Reliability – Minimum risk of interruption (as opposed to transferring directly to the phone).
• 🔧 File verification – checksums can be compared (MD5) before and after copying.
• 📁 Support for any formats, even those that are not displayed in the Explorer MIUI.

To avoid problems:

• 🔌 Use the back panel. USB PC (front ports are often limited in speed).
• 🛠️ Disable the antivirus while copying – it can slow down the process.
• 📵 Don't take it out. SD-card from your phone during transfer – this can lead to data loss.

💡

Transferring over a PC is the only method that guarantees 100% data integrity and maximum speed, and is optimal for transferring tens of gigabytes or corrupted files.

Solving common errors in transfer

Even when following the instructions, Redmi 9 users often encounter problems, and let’s look at the typical errors and how to fix them.

If none of the methods worked, check:

• 🔧 Status. SD-Maps: connect it to your PC and run the check through chkdsk (in command line: chkdsk E: /f, where E: is the letter of the map disk).
• 📱 Updates MIUI: in older versions of the firmware (below) MIUI 12.5) were bugs with the file system.

FAQ: Frequent questions about data transfer to Redmi 9