How to transfer photos and videos to Xiaomi memory card: 5 proven ways

Transferring photos and videos to a memory card in Xiaomi smartphones is a task that every user sooner or later faces. SD-The card is a lifeline for those who don't want to delete valuable memories, but not everyone knows how to do it correctly: some simply copy files through the Explorer, others use third-party applications, and some do not even know about the built-in features. MIUI, simplifies.

In this article, we’ll look at 5 working ways to transfer media files to a memory card, from standard tools to advanced methods for power users, how to avoid errors when moving, what card formats Xiaomi supports, and what to do if the system does not see an external drive, and why you should never use a memory card as internal memory on budget models Redmi and Poco.

1.Preparation: Which Memory Card Should I Choose for Xiaomi?

Before transferring files, you need to make sure your SD-Xiaomi smartphones support microSD, microSDHC and microSDXC cards, but there are nuances:

• 📱 Budget models (Redmi) 9A, 10A, Poco M3) — MicroSDHC is usually limited to 32–128 GB).
• 📱 Mid-segment (Redmi Note 11, Poco) X4 Pro – support microSDXC (up to 512 GB-1 TB).
• 📱 Flagships (Xiaomi 13, 14 Ultra) – work with cards up to 1TB, but often without a slot (hybrid only).

It is important to check the card speed class: to record video in 4K or 8K, you need a UHS-I U3 or V30/V60 class. If the card is slow (for example, Class 10 without UHS marking), there may be hangings when transferring large files.

⚠️ Note: If your Xiaomi can't see the memory card, check it on another device. MIUI only works with FAT32 (up to 32 GB) and exFAT (from 64 GB). NTFS unsupported!

2. Method 1: Transfer through the standard MIUI "Conductor"

The easiest method is to use the built-in Explorer (Files), which is available on all devices with MIUI 12 and later.

1. Open the Files app (the folder icon on the desktop).
2. Go to the Images or Videos section.
3. Press and hold your finger on the file, then select the rest (or tap Select All).
4. Click More (three points) → Move to.
5. Choose. SD-map → destination folder (e.g, DCIM/Camera).
6. Confirm the transfer.

If the DCIM folder is not on the card, the system will prompt you to create it. Don't move the files to the root of the card, this can lead to read errors.

Check the vacant space on SD-map

Battery charge > 30%

Close all applications that use files (gallery, editor)

Create a backup of important media files-->

⚠️ Note: When transferring through Files MIUI It can forget the metadata of the photos (date of shooting, geotagged). If it's critical, use the method. №3 (via Google Photos).

Method 2: Automatic transfer through camera settings

If you want all new photos and videos to be immediately saved to a memory card, set this up in the Camera app:

1. Open the camera. → slip on ⚙ Settings (cogs).
2. Select a Rescue Site.
3. Indicate. SD-map and folder (usually) DCIM/Camera).
4. Save the changes.

Now, all the images will be recorded directly to the external drive, and note that this method doesn't transfer old files, it only changes the place of saving for new ones.

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If the camera still saves files to internal memory after changing the settings, restart the smartphone. Sometimes MIUI resets the settings after the update.

Method 3: Transfer through Google Photos (with metadata saved)

Google Photos not only saves media files in the cloud, but also allows you to transfer them to the cloud. SD-map without loss of data (dates, geolocations, albums:

1. Install Google Photos from Play Market (if not installed).
2. Open the application → select a photo / video → More → Save to the device.
3. In the window that appears, select SD-map and folder.
4. Confirm the retention.

The advantage of this method is to save all metadata, as opposed to standard Explorer. minus - you need an Internet connection to synchronize (if the files have not previously been uploaded to the cloud).

5. Method 4: Using a PC (for large files)

If you want to transfer tens of gigabytes of media files (for example, video in 4K), it is more convenient to do it through a computer.

1. Connect Xiaomi to your PC via USB-cable (use the original cable!).
2. On your phone, select File Transfer (MTP) mode.
3. Open this computer. → Find your smartphone.
4. Go to Internal Storage → DCIM (or Pictures/Movies) folder.
5. Copy the files and paste them into the folder on SD-map (e.g., map, SD Card → DCIM).

To speed up the process, use archiving: highlight files → right-click → Add to archive (ZIP) → transfer the archive to a map, and then unpack it directly on your phone (for example, via RAR or ZArchiver).

Method 5: Transfer over ADB (for power users)

If the standard methods do not work (for example, MIUI It does not allow access to files, it can be used ADB-This is a skill-based approach, but it's 100% control over the process.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB and Fastboot Tools.
• 📱 Included Debugging by USB on Xiaomi (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times tap to unlock Developer Settings).
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).

Transfer commands (enter Command Prompt or Terminal):

adb pull /sdcard/DCIM/Camera/ C:\Xiaomi_Backup\ # Copy files on PC


adb push C:\Xiaomi_Backup\ /storage/XXXX-XXXX/DCIM/Camera/ # Move to SD- card

Replace. XXXX-XXXX your real identity SD-maps (you can find it by adb shell ls command) /storage/).

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB It can cause data loss. Don't transfer system files (/system/, /data/) Do not change the access rights (chmod) without understanding the consequences.

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ADB is the most powerful, but also the riskiest method, and only use it if other methods have failed and you are confident in your actions.

7. Frequent errors and their solution

When transferring files to SD-Xiaomi users face typical problems. Consider the most common problems:

• 🚫 «Not enough space" - even if the card is empty. Solution: Format the card in exFAT (via PC) or check it for errors (chkdsk in Windows).
• 🚫 «File is not supported" when transferring video.Solution: Convert video to MP4 (H.264) through VLC HandBrake.
• 🚫 The card is not determined after the transfer. Solution: Remove and paste the card again or reboot the phone.
• 🚫 Photos in the gallery are displayed without thumbnails.Solution: Update the media base through the Gallery app (Settings) → Update media files).

If files have disappeared from internal memory after transfer, but did not appear on the map, check the.trash folder on the map. SD-map. MIUI Sometimes it temporarily puts deleted files there.

8 What should I do if transfer is not possible?

In some cases MIUI block the transfer of files to SD-Causes and solutions:

If none of these methods worked, try alternative file managers, such as:

• 📁 Solid Explorer – supports cloud storage and FTP.
• 📁 FX File Explorer – can work with root folders (root).
• 📁 MiXplorer - optimized for MIUI.

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Before using third-party file managers, turn off battery optimization for them (Settings → Applications → Permissions → Battery Optimization).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions