How to transfer data from internal memory to SD-Xiaomi Redmi 5: All the ways

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi 5 They often have problems with internal memory, especially if the device has been in use for several years, and even after cleaning the cache and deleting unnecessary files, the free space is melting away because of automatic application updates, messenger cache and media files. data transfer SD-This is a map, but it's a nuanced one, unlike modern smartphones, Redmi. 5 base-work MIUI 9/10 (Android 7.1.2), where the transferability is limited by the manufacturer.

This article will not just list the standard methods, but will reveal the hidden functions. MIUI Redmi 5, which allows you to bypass the limitations of the system, and we'll look at the official methods (for beginners), manual tricks (for advanced users), and alternative solutions (if nothing works). SD-map – it depends on the policy of the developer, but media files, documents and some software move quite realistically.

Why Redmi 5 doesn't see why SD-map as an internal memory?

The main problem Xiaomi Redmi 5 — the lack of Adoptable Storage (expandable storage), which appeared in Android 6.0. SD-card as part of internal memory, but Xiaomi has blocked this option in its firmware:

• 🔒 Security policy: MIUI think SD-cards are unreliable for storing system data (risk of data loss during retrieval).
• 📉 Performance: Class 10 cards are slower than the 5.1 eMMC internal memory, which slows down the system.
• 🛠️ Technical Limitations: Redmi 5’s Android Core Doesn’t Support Full Storage Mergers.

But there are workarounds, for example, you can manually specify a save path for specific applications or use it to do this. SD-The map is like a portable storage (no formatting) and then we'll look at all the options available, from simple to complex.

⚠️ Attention: If you are using SD-card as internal memory on another device (for example, through an adapter), after formatting in Redmi 5, it will become unreadable on a PC without additional software.

Method 1: Manual file transfer (photos, videos, documents)

The most secure and versatile method is manually copying data through MIUI Explorer, which does not require superuser rights and works even on locked devices.

1. Open the Explorer application (the folder icon on the desktop).
2. Go to Internal Memory → select a folder (for example, DCIM for photos or Download for downloads).
3. Press and hold the file/folder → select Allocate (if you want to move everything).
4. Slip the Copy icon (or Cut if you want to remove the originals).
5. Go back to the root of the guide. → choose SD-map → press Insert.

To speed up the process, you can use the selection mode: swipe to the right on the file and hold your finger to highlight several items at the same time.+ Photos: It is better to use PC + USB-cable, so the process will go faster.

Photos and videos (DCIM folder)

Music (Fader Music)

Documents (PDF, DOC, XLS)

Archives (ZIP, RAR)

Downloads from the browser (Download folder)-->

After transfer, check if there are any “tails” left – some applications (such as WhatsApp or Telegram) store thumbnails in hidden folders. To see them, turn on the display of hidden files in the Explorer settings (Three dots → Settings → Show hidden files).

Method 2: Configure the default saving to SD-map

To allow new files to be automatically saved to SD-This won't carry the old data, but it will prevent the internal memory from filling up in the future.

Note that some apps (such as Instagram or TikTok) ignore these settings and always store data in internal memory, requiring manual portability or specialized utilities (discussed below).

Camera (photo/video)

Messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram)

Social networks (Instagram, TikTok)

Games (PUBG, Genshin Impact)

Other-->

⚠️ Attention: If you extract SD-The card, the applications that saved the data to it, may start to give out errors (for example, the camera will refuse to take photos.

Method 3: Transfer applications to SD-map (with limitations)

Xiaomi Redmi 5 can only transfer some of the installed applications — those that support this feature at the Android level. Most modern programs (especially games) block the transfer, but for lightweight utilities there is a chance.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the app you want (like Facebook Lite or VLC).
3. Slip on Warehouse.
4. If the Change button is active, press it and select it. SD-map.

List of applications that most often manage to transfer:

• 📱 Facebook Lite, Messenger Lite (social networks)
• 🎵 VLC, MX Player (media players)
• 📖 Moon+ Reader, FBReader (readers)
• 📁 ES Solid Explorer (File Manager)

Important: After transferring the application can work slower – this is normal, since the read speed with the speed of the app is very slow. SD-If the program starts to crash, put it back in your internal memory.

💡

Before you pen the app, clear its cache (Settings → Applications → Storage → Clear the cache) and this will reduce the amount of data you carry and reduce the risk of errors.

Method 4: Use SD-Cards as internal memory (a workaround)

Although Xiaomi has officially blocked Adoptable Storage, it can be activated via the app. ADB-This is a method that's suitable for advanced users and requires a PC connection. SD-map as part of internal storage, and most applications will be installed on it.

Step-by-step:

1. Install ADB and Fastboot on PC (or use Mi PC Suite).
2. Turn on the phone Debugging by USB (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version → 7 times tap on version → return to Additional → For developers).
3. Connect Redmi 5 to your PC and type in the command line: adb shell sm list-disks Remember the disk ID (e.g., disk:179.64).
4. Run the formatting command (all data on the map will be erased!): sm partition disk:179,64 private
5. Reset the phone. Once you turn it on. SD-The card will be displayed as part of the internal memory.

Cons of the method:

• ⚠️ The map will become unreadable on other devices without formatting.
• ⚠️ System speeds may drop (especially if a Class 4 or Class 6 card is a problem).
• ⚠️ When you remove the map, some applications will stop working.

Method 5: Alternative solutions (if nothing helps)

If standard methods don’t work, consider these options:

1. Cloud storage: Move rarely used files to Google Drive, Mi Cloud or Yandex Drive. For example, archives or backups can be stored in the cloud, and only current data on your phone. Xiaomi has a built-in cloud of 5 GB — enough for documents or a piece of photos.
2. Cleaning apps: Utilities like Files by Google or CCleaner help you find and remove duplicates, old ones APK-files and garbage. 5 Often unnecessary files are stored in the folder. /Android/data — They can be safely removed.
3. Root access + Link2SD: If you are ready to get root rights, the application Link2SD It allows you to transfer almost any program to SD-The downside is the risk of losing the warranty and disrupting the security of the system.

For users who often work with large files (e.g. video in the Internet) 4K), The best solution is external. SSD-adapter USB-C/OTG. Modern portable disks (such as Samsung) T7) Provide speed of reading to 1000 Mb/s is in 20 times faster than the SD-Class card 10.

💡

If the internal memory is 90%+ full, the system starts to slow down, and the optimal level of filling is no more than 70-80%.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When you move data, Redmi 5 users have a typical problem, and here's how to solve it:

If after transferring files they are not displayed in the gallery or player, update the media base: open Explorer → Three points. → Settings → Update the media files. That'll force the system to rescan the content. SD-map.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions