How to transfer files from internal memory to SD-Map in Xiaomi smartphones: 5 proven ways

Xiaomi’s internal memory is clogged faster than it seems: high-resolution photos, app cache, system updates and downloaded files take up precious gigabytes. Even models with 128GB of memory (Redmi Note 12 Pro)+, POCO X5 Pro) after a year of use, they start issuing warnings about space shortages. SD-map, but in MIUI This process has nuances, especially if the card is formatted as a portable storage (rather than as internal memory).

In this article, we will discuss all working methods of file transfer – from standard tools. MIUI to hidden functions and third-party applications. We will separately dwell on the features of new firmware versions (MIUI 14/15), where the manufacturer has limited some features, and problems with applications that refuse to work with external drive. SD-card or makes an error when transferring - here you will find the solution.

Preparation: which SD-Select a map and how to connect it

Before transferring files, make sure your SD-Xiaomi smartphones support microSD cards up to 2 TB (theoretically), but in practice, drives up to 512 GB of class are stable UHS-I (U3) or A2. Class cards U1 or without labeling may slow down when recording video or transferring large files.

Important: MIUI SD-The card can be used in two modes:

• 📁 Portable storage – files are manually transferred, applications are saved to internal memory by default.
• 🔄 Internal memory – the card is formatted as part of the system (similar to Adoptable Storage in pure Android), but this mode is not recommended for Xiaomi due to encryption bugs.

To connect the map:

1. Put it in. SD-card in the tray (on most Xiaomi models it is combined with a tray for SIM).
2. After detection, a notification will appear - click Set up.
3. Choose Use as a portable storage (recommended).
4. If the card is new, the system will offer to format it - agree.

⚠️ Note: If you select the Internal Memory mode, the card cannot be retrieved without losing data. MIUI 14+ This mode may cause errors when updating the system.

2. Transfer files through the standard MIUI "Conductor"

The easiest way is to use the built-in Explorer (Files app), which allows you to move photos, videos, music and documents without any additional software.

1. Open the Files app (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 (or highlight a few), then tap the icon. ⋮ (three-point) → Cut or copy.
4. Go back to the root directory, select SD-map → Create a folder (such as Photos) or go to an existing one.
5. Press Insert.

To speed up the process:

• 🔍 Use a search in Explorer (a magnifier at the top) to find files by name or extension (for example,.mp4 video).
• 📂 Select all files in the folder: tap on any file → icon ✓ top-up → Highlight everything.
• ⚡ For large files (>1GB) connect charging - transfer can drain the battery.

⚠️ Note: If a file is not moved during transfer, check if it is not protected from writing. For example, screenshots from some applications (WhatsApp, Viber) may have limitations.

3. Automatic transfer of photos and videos through the "Gallery"

Annex Gallery in MIUI It can automatically save new photos and videos SD-To enable this function:

1. Open the Gallery → tap on your profile (avatar at the top right) → Settings.
2. Select a Retention Site → SD-map.
3. Create a folder (like Camera) or select an existing one.

Now all new images from the camera will be saved to the memory card, but the old photos will have to be transferred manually:

• 📸 In the Gallery, select an album (for example, the Camera) → ⋮ → Highlight everything → Move it → point to the folder SD-map.
• 🎥 For video: go to the Video section → highlight files → Move it.

If the option Save Place is not in the settings, update the Gallery through the Play Store or use the alternative – the Google Photos app (about it below).

💡

To save space, before transferring compress the photo in the "Gallery": highlight the pictures → ⋮ → It'll reduce their weight by 30 to 50 percent without any noticeable loss of quality.

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

Unlike files, applications are transferred to SD-map MIUI The manufacturer blocks this feature for most software, arguing that it's data protection and performance:

The safest way (without root and formatting):

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select a program (e.g. Spotify) → Storage.
3. If there is a button, change or move to SD-map -- press it.

Other applications will require ADB (instruction below) or root access, and remember that some applications (such as WhatsApp) may be migrated to the site and may cause synchronization errors.

5. Transfer files over ADB (for power users)

If standard methods don’t work (for example, to transfer game cache), you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires a computer, but allows you to move data that is not available through the interface.

Steps:

1. Turn on USB Debugging on your smartphone: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (stick 7 times to become a developer) → Go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers → Enable Debugging.
2. Connect your phone to your PC, install it. ADB-driver.
3. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:

adb shell


pm set-install-location 2 # allows installation on SD by default




pm move-package com.example.app # replace with the application package

To find out the name of the application package, use the command:

adb shell pm list packages | grep "appendix name"

To transfer the cache of games (such as Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile):

1. Copy the cache folder (/Android/obb or /Android/data) on SD-map ADB:

adb pull /sdcard/Android/obb/com.game.package /path/on/PC


adb push /path/on/PC/com.game.package /storage/XXXX-XXXX/Android/obb/

⚠️ Attention: Cache transfer through ADB It can cause a game to crash if the file path is hardcoded in its code!

6. Alternative methods: clouds and third-party applications

If the transfer is SD-The card is not possible (for example, due to file system errors), consider alternatives:

• ☁️ Cloud storage: Google Photos (unlimited space for compressed photos), Mi Cloud (5 GB free), Yandex Drive (10 GB). Autoboot will free up internal memory.
• 📱 Cleaning apps: Files by Google finds duplicates and large files SD Maid (requires root) removes unnecessary cache.
• 🔄 OTG-storage: If SD-The card is not readable, connect the flash drive through USB-C OTG-Adapter and transfer files through “Conductor».

For automatic synchronization with SD-map fit:

• FolderSync – Configures folder backup on schedule.
• Solid Explorer is a file manager with support for FTP and clouds.
• App2SD – helps to transfer the cache of applications (requires root).

If you’re a frequent user of large files (like 4K video), consider buying a smartphone that supports microSDXC (up to 2TB) — like the Xiaomi 13T Pro or POCO F5 Pro.

💡

Cloud services (Google Photos, Mi Cloud) are the best option for backup, but they won’t replace it. SD-card if you need offline access to files.

7. Problem Solving: Errors in File Transfer

Frequent mistakes and their solutions:

If the phone makes a mistake SD-map damaged:

1. Connect the card to your PC and check for errors with the chkdsk (Windows) or fsck (macOS/Linux) utility.
2. If the data is not critical, format the card in the phone: Settings → Warehouse → SD-map → Format.
3. Check the card on another device – if the error repeats, replace it.

💡

If the card is detected but the files are not opened, try scanning it with an antivirus (for example, Malwarebytes).

FAQ: Frequent questions about transferring files to SD in Xiaomi