How to quickly transfer photos from Xiaomi Redmi to a memory card: all ways in 2026

Transferring photos from Xiaomi Redmi to a memory card is a challenge that every smartphone owner of this line faces. Even models with a large amount of internal memory (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G at 256 GB) over time get clogged with thousands of images, and transferring them to a microSD makes room for new files and speeds up the gallery. But how to do this correctly, so as not to lose quality, not to disrupt the structure of folders and not face errors like “Inadequate rights”?

In this article, we'll look at 5 proven ways to transfer photos, from standard MIUI tools to old models (Redmi 4X, Redmi 5A), which is the fastest method, how to avoid duplicate files, and what to do if the phone does not see the memory card after moving. And for those who are afraid of losing data, we've added FAQs to answer frequent errors.

1. Transfer through the built-in “File Manager” MIUI

The most obvious way is to use the standard Files app (yellow folder icon), which works on all Redmi models with MIUI 12 and later, including the Redmi Note 11, Redmi 10C and the flagship Redmi K50.

Instructions:

1. Open the Files app → go to the Category tab → select Images.
2. Press. ⋮ (three dots in the upper right corner) → Choose.
3. Check the required photos or folders (for example, Camera or Screenshots).
4. Tap Move (Folder icon with arrow) → choose SD-map → Specify your target folder (or create a new one).
5. Confirm the action with the Move Here button.

Memory card formatted in FAT32 or exFAT (for files >4 GB)

There is enough free space on the map (photos take ~3-5 MB each)

- The phone settings allow access to SD-map for the Files application

The battery is charged at least 30% (for models with a slow card)

-->

⚠️ Note: If the error “File not moved” appears when moving, check if the card is installed as internal memory (in this case, the card is not moved). MIUI To fix this, go to Settings. → Memory. → Settings SD-map → Format as a portable device (the data on the map will be deleted!).

2.Use of the Gallery app for selective transfer

If you only need to transfer individual images (e.g., from a trip or from a specific date), it is more convenient to use the standard Gallery, which is suitable for models with MIUI 13/14, where the gallery is integrated with the Mi Cloud.

Step-by-step:

• 📷 Open the gallery. → Find an album with the right photos (for example, Camera or Downloaded).
• 🔍 Press and hold your finger in the first photo. → Check the rest (or tap the top).
• 📤 Press More (three dots) → Exports → Save in.
• 💾 Choose. SD-map → specify the folder (for example, DCIM/Camera) → Save.

Important: When exported through the gallery, photos are copied, not moved - the originals will remain in internal memory. To delete them after transfer, return to the album, highlight files and click Delete.

Through Files.

Through the Gallery.

I'm connecting to the computer.

Using the cloud.

Another option-->

3. Transfer over a computer (the most reliable method)

If the phone is short or the memory card is slow (such as Class 4), transfer over the PC will be faster and safer, a method that is universal for all Redmi models, including outdated ones (Redmi 3S, Redmi 4 Pro).

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
• 🔌 Cable USB (It is preferable to be original, as cheap cables can limit speed).
• 💾 Cartridge (if the phone does not support) OTG card-connection).

Instructions:

1. Connect Redmi to your PC via USB → in the phone’s notification curtain, select File Transfer (MTP) mode.
2. On your computer, open This computer (Windows) or Finder (macOS) → find the Redmi device.
3. Go to Internal Storage → DCIM → Camera (or another one where the photos are stored).
4. Copy files (Ctrl)+C) → insert them into the folder SD-map (e.g., map, SD Card → DCIM → Camera).
5. Wait for the copy to be completed → safely remove the device.

💡

If photos are copied too long, check the memory card format: exFAT is faster than FAT32, but is not supported on some older Redmi models (e.g. Redmi 2).

4. Automatic transfer via camera settings

If you want all new photos to be saved to a memory card instead of internal memory, set that up in camera settings. This is true for models that support microSD as primary storage (e.g. Redmi 9A, Redmi 10).

How to set up:

1. Open the Camera app.
2. Tap on. ⚙️ Settings (cog in the upper right corner).
3. Find the item Storage or Memory → choose SD-map.
4. Confirm the change (camera reboot may be required).

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi Note 8 Pro, Redmi) K30) This option may not be available if the card is formatted as internal memory, and then you'll have to use other portable methods.

5.Move over cloud services (for backup)

If you need to not only transfer photos to the map, but also create a backup, use cloud services: Mi Cloud, Google Photos or Yandex.Disk. This method is suitable for owners of Redmi with limited memory (for example, Redmi A1 32 GB).

Instructions for Google Photos:

• 📱 Install Google Photos from Play Market.
• 🔗 Sign in to your Google account → Enable Backup and Synchronization.
• 📤 Wait for the photo to be uploaded to the cloud (it can take hours with slow internet).
• 💾 Connect. SD-computer-card → Download photos from photos.google.com → Put them on the map.

Advantages: photos do not take up space on the phone, are available from any device. Disadvantages: originals can be compressed (in the free tariff Google Photos quality is limited to 16 MP), you need a stable Internet.

Alternative methods: OTG-adapter and third-party applications

If standard methods do not work (for example, on Redmi 6 with a damaged system). USB-by port, try the roundabouts:

Method 1: OTG-adapter + card reader

Buy it. OTG-adapter (stands) ~200₽) And connect the microSD card reader to the phone:

1. Insert the card into the card reader → connect to Redmi via OTG.
2. Open the files. → Find the connected device (will appear as USB-accumulator).
3. Copy the photo from the internal memory to the map.

Method 2: Applications for file management

If the built-in File Manager is buggy, install alternatives:

• 📁 Solid Explorer (paid, but with trial period).
• 🗃️ FX File Explorer (free, supported) ROOT-access).
• 🔍 ES Conductor (outdated but running on old Redmis).

⚠️ Note: When using third-party applications, give them permission to access memory and SD-On the map. MIUI 14 This is done in Settings → Annexes → Permits → Warehouse.

💡

The fastest way to get a lot of photos is to transfer them over a computer. + manual SD-card 1 time per month.

FAQ: Frequent questions and errors when transferring photos