How to transfer files to a memory card in Xiaomi: photos, videos and applications

Transferring data to a memory card in Xiaomi smartphones is a challenge that every second user faces. Even models with 128 GB of internal memory (Redmi Note 12 Pro+, POCO X5 Pro) over time are filled with high-resolution photos, 4K video and an app cache. The microSD card becomes a salvation, but not everyone knows how to use it correctly. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways of transferring files, from standard MIUI tools to hidden functions for power users.

It is important to understand that not all files can be moved to SD-So, for example, apps that are installed as system apps (Google Play, Mi App Store) can't be moved, which is a restriction of Android, not Xiaomi, but media files, documents and even cache of some games move without problems. MIUI 13/14 (Android 12/13) They are the ones that work consistently.

If you’re just planning to buy a memory card, pay attention to its speed class. To record 4K video you need UHS-I U3 or V30, otherwise the smartphone will slow down while shooting. For photos and music, Class 10 will suffice. Also check whether your model Xiaomi supports memory expansion – in some flagships (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra) there is no microSD slot.

1. Transfer of files through the "Conductor» (MIUI File Manager)

The easiest way is to use Xiaomi’s built-in file manager, which is pre-installed on all devices and supports packet data transfer, and the instructions are relevant for MIUI 12-14:

1. Open the Explorer app (the blue background folder icon).
2. Go to Categories → select the file type (such as Images or Videos).
3. Press and hold your finger on any file, then mark the rest (or tap Select All).
4. Click More (three points) → Move to.
5. In the list of locations, select SD-map → Enter the destination folder (or create a new one).
6. Confirm the transfer with the Move button.

If the folder on the memory card is not created automatically, do it manually: in Explorer go to SD-map → New folder (badge «+» For convenience, call it the same as the original (e.g., the lower right, DCIM/Camera photo).

- Is there enough room? SD-map (see Settings in Settings) → Warehouse)

- Is the card formatted in FAT32 or exFAT (NTFS not supported)

Is the card connected as a portable storage (not as internal memory)

- Is there a lock on the card record (switch on the adapter)

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Limitations of the method:

• 📁 You can’t transfer hidden files (such as app cache) – they don’t appear in Explorer.
• 🔄 When moving Google Photos albums sync may be lost (photos will disappear from the cloud).
• 📱 In some models (POCO F4, Redmi 10C) The conductor doesn't show SD-map - a reboot is required.

2. Automatic transfer of photos and videos through camera settings

If you shoot on Xiaomi often, set up automatic media storage on the memory card.

1. Open the Camera app.
2. Tap on. ⚙️ Settings (cog in the upper right corner).
3. Scroll to the Warehouse section → choose SD-map.
4. Confirm the selection (the system may ask to restart the camera).

Now all new photos and videos will be saved directly to the memory card, and importantly, this method does not transfer existing files, only new ones. For old media, use the method from the first section.

1.The card is formatted as a portable storage (not as an internal memory).

2. the smartphone has the official firmware installed (custom MIUI can remove this feature).

3. Is the camera firmware updated (go to Settings) → The phone. → Update of the PO).-->

What to do if the option is inactive?

• 🔧 Restart your smartphone – sometimes the system does not recognize the card immediately after insertion.
• 📱 Check the card on another device (it may be damaged).
• 🔄 Format the card via phone: Settings → Warehouse → SD-map → Format.

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

Unlike media files, applications are more difficult to transfer to a memory card, and MIUI allows you to do this only for a part of the programs, and with reservations:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the app you want to port (like Spotify or VLC).
3. Slip the vault. → Change (if the option is active).
4. Choose. SD-map and confirm.

List of applications that cannot be moved:

• 🚫 System applications (Settings, Phone, Messages).
• 🚫 Applications with widgets (for example, Weather or Calendar).
• 🚫 Anti-cheat games (e.g, PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact).
• 🚫 Programmes using OBB-Files (e.g. Asphalt 9).

What if the “Change” option is inactive?

⚠️ Note: Not all memory cards support app installation. SD-The card is formatted as a portable storage, not as internal memory, and the application portability will not be available. To fix this, you will have to format the card again (all data will be deleted!):

1. Go to Settings. → Warehouse → SD-map → Settings (three points) → Storage settings.
2. Choose Format as an internal memory.
3. Follow the system instructions (reboot will be required).

After formatting as internal memory, you’ll be able to carry more applications, but:

• 🔐 The card cannot be retrieved without losing data (it will become part of the system).
• 📉 Application speed may decrease (SD-cards slower than internal memory).
• 🔄 When resetting the phone to factory settings, the card will also be cleared.

4. Transfer of files through a computer (USB-card-reader)

If there is little room for file manipulation on your smartphone, connect it to your PC, which is convenient for transferring large amounts of data (such as movies or backups).

Method 1: Through USB-cable

1. Connect Xiaomi to your computer via the original cable (it’s better to use the USB 3.0 port on your PC).
2. On your phone, select File Transfer (MTP) mode in the connection notification.
3. On PC, open This Computer → Find a Xiaomi device.
4. Copy files from your phone’s folders (Internal Storage) SD-map (SD Card).

Method 2: Through the card reader

If the smartphone is not recognized by the computer, remove SD-card and insert it into the card reader:

1. Turn off the phone and take out the memory card.
2. Insert it into the adapter (if using nano-SD) and connect it to the PC.
3. Copy files directly to the card, bypassing the phone.

Advantages of the method:

• ⚡ Faster than transferring via phone (especially when you are on the phone) USB 3.0).
• 🔍 All files are visible, including hidden files (e.g..nomedia).
• 🛠️ You can use synchronization programs (e.g. FreeFileSync).

⚠️ Note: Do not remove the memory card from your phone while recording data (e.g. while shooting a video) This may damage the file system. If the card is not read after being removed, format it via your phone: Settings → Warehouse → SD-map → Format.

5.Use of Third-Party File Managers

Xiaomi’s standard Explorer isn’t always convenient, and alternative file managers offer more features:

How to transfer files through Solid Explorer:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Open it and give access to the storage.
3. In the left panel, select Internal Memory, in the right — SD-map.
4. Drag files from one panel to another (or use the Copy/Move button).

Why do you need a third-party manager?

• 🔍 Hidden files are visible (e.g.,.thumbnails or.thumbnails) Android/data).
• 🔄 You can set up automatic folder synchronization.
• 📂 Support for network folders (SMB, FTP) backup NAS.

6.Moving over cloud services (bypass)

If the physical transfer of files is not possible (for example, a broken slot for the file is not possible). SD-Use cloud services as an intermediate storage:

1. Upload files to the cloud (Google Drive, Mi Cloud, Yandex Drive).
2. Install the cloud service app on your phone.
3. Download files directly to SD-map (in the download settings specify the path) /storage/XXXX-XXXX/SD-map).

Which service should I choose?

• 🌍 Google Drive: 15GB free, Android integration.
• ☁️ Mi Cloud: 5GB free, but only syncs photos/contacts.
• 📁 Yandex Drive: 10GB free, no restrictions on file types.
• 🔗 Telegram: You can send files up to 2 GB to Save Messages».

⚠️ Note: When uploaded to the cloud, some files are compressed. For example, Google Photos defaults to convert 16 MP photos and videos to 1080p. To avoid quality loss, select Original Quality in Google Photos settings (but it takes up space in your cloud storage).

7. Solving problems when transferring files

Sometimes transfer files to SD-Xiaomi map is accompanied by errors:

What to do if the memory card is “protected from recording”?

This error occurs if:

• 🔒 On the microSD adapter, a mechanical lock is enabled (switch to the Lock position).
• 📛 The map is formatted in NTFS (Xiaomi only supports the support FAT32/exFAT).
• 🦠 Map infected with a virus (scan through Google Play Protection).

How to recover data from a damaged card?

If the files are SD-map became unreadable:

1. Connect the card to the PC through the card reader.
2. Use Recuva, PhotoRec or DiskDigger recovery software.
3. If the card is not determined, try chkdsk in the Windows command line:

chkdsk E: /f

(where E: is the letter of your disk SD-map).

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If the memory card is constantly giving out errors, don't risk the data - transfer important files to the PC and replace the card. A damaged microSD can cause all data to be lost without the possibility of recovery.

FAQ: Frequent questions about file transfers to Xiaomi