How to transfer photos from Xiaomi Redmi 9 to memory card: all working ways

Transferring photos from the internal memory of Xiaomi Redmi 9 to a microSD card is a pressing task for smartphone owners with limited storage. Even 64 GB of internal memory quickly fill up if you actively shoot photos in high resolution or save videos. The memory card allows you not only to free up space, but also to back up important photos.

In this article, we will analyze 5 proven ways to transfer photos to the SD-map, including embedded tools MIUI, Third-party applications and methods using a computer. We will pay special attention to the nuances of working with Redmi 9, where standard settings are sometimes hidden or require additional actions.

Preparation: checking the memory card and phone settings

Before you take a photo, make sure that the memory card is properly installed and recognized by the system. Xiaomi Redmi 9 supports microSD up to 512 GB (FAT32 or exFAT format) If the card is new, it may need to be formatted directly in the phone.

To check the status of the card:

1. Open the Settings → Memory.
2. Scroll down to the "Memory Map" section.
3. Make sure that the map name shows its volume and status "Ready".

If the map is not determined:

• 🔄 Reboot your phone – sometimes helps with temporary crashes.
• 📱 Check slot: remove the card and paste back (on Redmi 9 tray for the game) SIM and SD combined, located on the left end).
• 🗑️ Format the card via phone: Settings → Memory. → Memory map → Format (the data will be deleted!).

⚠️ Note: If the card was used on another device (e.g. a camera), its file system may not be compatible with Android.

Method 1: Transfer through the built-in MIUI file manager

The easiest method is to use Xiaomi's standard File Manager, which is pre-installed on all MIUI devices and does not require additional downloads.

1. Open the Files app (the folder icon on the desktop).
2. Go to Images or Cameras (where your photos are stored).
3. Press and hold your finger on any shot, then mark the rest (or tap "Select All").
4. In the lower menu, select "Move" (not "Copy"!).
5. Go back to the root directory, find the folder "SD-card (or the name of your card).
6. Create a new folder (such as “Photo”) or select an existing one, then click “Insert”.

It can take a few minutes if the photos are large or large, and while transferring, do not remove the memory card or reboot the phone, this will lead to data loss.

The destination folder on the map exists

Selected Mode Mode, Not Copy Mode

Memory card not filled (≥10% of the available space)

The phone is connected to charging (for long-term operations)-->

Method 2: Automatically save new photos to a memory card

To avoid manual transfer in the future, set up the Redmi 9 camera to save the images directly to the camera. SD-This is true for owners who often take pictures:

1. Open the Camera app.
2. Tap on. ⚙️ "Settings" (cog in the top corner).
3. Scroll to the "Place of Preservation" section.
4. Select Memory Card (if the option is inactive, make sure the card is pasted and formatted).
5. Save the changes.

All new photos and videos will be automatically recorded. SD-Pay attention to the map:

• 📸 Image resolution: when saved to the map FAT32 It is impossible to write files size >4 GB (relevant for video) 4K).
• 🔄 Speed of operation: Class of the card (Class 10, UHS-I) affects the speed of saving photos in serial shooting.

⚠️ Note: If you retrieve the memory card, the camera will automatically return to the internal memory, and once the setting card is returned, you will have to configuring again.

Method 3: Transfer over a computer (for large photo volume)

If you need to transfer thousands of photos (like after a vacation), it's easier to use a computer, which is faster and more reliable, especially when you're working with large RAW files or 4K videos.

Instructions for Windows:

1. Connect Redmi 9 to your PC via USB-cable (preferably original).
2. On the phone, select the "File Transfer" mode (in the drop-down notification after connecting).
3. On your computer, open "This Computer" and the phone will appear as a removable disk.
4. Go to Internal Storage → DCIM → Camera (there are photos).
5. Copy the files and paste them into the folder on SD-The map (it will also be visible as a separate disk).

Advantages of the method:

• 🖥️ Speed: transmission by USB 2.0 (~40 MB/s) faster than wireless protocols.
• 🔍 Control: you can sort the photo by date / folder before the penos.
• 🛡️ Security: When a copy fails, files remain intact (as opposed to “moving” on your phone).

Method 4: Using Third-Party File Managers

Xiaomi’s standard Files have limited functionality, and alternative managers like Solid Explorer, FX File Explorer, or Total Commander offer:

• 🔍 Package renaming of the photo before the penos.
• 📂 Creation ZIP-backup.
• ☁️ Integration with clouds (Google Drive, Yandex Disk).

Example of transfer via Solid Explorer:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Give access to files at the first start.
3. In the side menu, select "Inner Memory → DCIM".
4. Mark the photo, click "Move".
5. In the second window, select "SD-map and destination folder.

💡

In Solid Explorer, you can enable dual-panel mode (divide the screen into 2 parts) to drag and drop files between folders with the mouse (if connected to the PC via OTG).

Premium versions of managers (cost) ~200–300 ₽) They provide additional functions, for example:

• 🔒 Encrypting folders SD-map.
• 📊 Analysis of occupied space with visualization of large files.
• 🔄 Synchronization between internal memory and schedule map.

Method 5: Transfer over cloud storage (for backup)

If you want to not only free up your memory but also back up your photos, use cloud services, a method that is suitable for owners of Redmi 9 with slow memory cards (Class 4), where direct transfer takes too long.

Instructions for Google Photos:

1. Install the Google Photos app from the Play Market.
2. Sign in under your Google account.
3. In the settings, turn on "Backup and Synchronization".
4. Select “High Quality” (unlimited storage) or “Original” (Google Drive counter).
5. Wait until the photo is uploaded to the cloud.
6. Delete your phone photos (they will stay in the cloud).
7. Download the photo back to SD-map via the web version of photos.google.com (section "Downloads").

Alternative cloud services:

• ☁️ Yandex Disk: 10 GB free, there is an automatic download of photos.
• 📱 Mi Cloud: 5GB from Xiaomi, integration with MIUI.
• 🍎 iCloud: If you use the Apple ecosystem (5GB for free).

⚠️ Note: When uploading to the cloud in High Quality mode, Google compresses photos to 16 MP. If you have a Redmi 9 by 48 MP camera, the originals will be stripped".

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When transferring the photo to SD-Redmi 9 users are facing typical problems:

1. The memory card is not displayed in the file manager

• 🔌 Check the physical connection: Remove and paste the card again.
• 📱 Reboot the phone.
• 🗑️ Format the map through Settings → Memory (data will be deleted!).

2. You can not move the photo: the button is inactive

• 📂 Make sure there is enough space on the map (minimum 10% free space).
• 🔒 Check the access rights: in Android 11+ Applications may be prohibited from recording SD-Go to the settings. → Annexes → Files. → Permits and turn on "Storage".
• 🛠️ Update. MIUI: In older versions of the firmware were bugs with the work of the file manager.

3.Photos moved but not displayed in gallery

• 🔄 Restart your phone - sometimes MIUI Does not update the media base immediately.
• 📁 Check the destination folder: the photos should be in DCIM Or Pictures, or the gallery won't see them.
• 🛠️ Clear the gallery cache: Settings → Annexes → gallery → Warehouse → Clear the cache.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions