How to transfer a photo from internal memory to SD-Map in Xiaomi Redmi 9: detailed instructions

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi 9 often face a lack of free space on the internal drive, especially if you actively use the camera. SD-Photo cards are stored in internal memory by default, taking up precious gigabytes. Transferring files to an external medium solves the problem, but it is not always obvious how to do it correctly - without loss of quality and with the preservation of the folder structure.

In this article, we will discuss three working methods for transferring photos: through a standard Explorer. MIUI, And you can use the Gallery app and you can connect to your computer, and you can do it all in a different way, from speed to format support. HEIF and RAW. You will also learn how to avoid common mistakes (such as losses). EXIF-data when migrating through some third-party applications) and what to do if the system does not see SD-map.

Why photos are stored in internal memory, not in the SD-map?

By default, Xiaomi Redmi 9 (Like other smartphones on the MIUI) saves media files to a folder DCIM/Camera It's on the internal drive:

• 🔹 Security: Internal memory is encrypted at the system level, which protects files when a device is stolen.
• 🔹 Speed of operation: recording on the built-in eMMC or UFS faster than most microSDs (especially Class 10 and lower).
• 🔹 Android restrictions: Starting with version 7.0, apps are not allowed to directly save files to external media without the explicit permission of the user.

But that doesn't mean that portability is impossible. The manufacturer has a few options, but they're hidden in the depths of the settings. For example, the Gallery has a hidden option called Export, and Explorer has a Move function that works differently than standard copying.

Preparation: verification SD-maps and free space

Before transferring files, make sure that:

1. SD-map FAT32 exFAT. MIUI supportive NTFS For external media, you can check the format through Settings → Memory. → SD-map.
2. There's enough space on the map. One JPEG photo takes ~3-5 MB, and RAW up to 20 MB. 1,000 shots will take ~3-5 GB.
3. The map is intact. If the system suggests formatting it when you connect it, it's a sign of file system errors.

⚠️ Attention: If SD-map FAT32, You can’t transfer videos longer than 20 to 30 minutes (due to a 4GB file size limit) in which case, reformat it to exFAT via your computer.

Method 1: Transfer through a standard MIUI conductor

The most versatile method that works without additional applications.

1. Open the Explorer app (the folder icon on the home screen).
2. Go to the Inner Memory → DCIM → Camera.
3. Press and hold your finger on any photo, then mark the rest (or tap "Select All").
4. In the lower menu, select "Move" (not "Copy"!).
5. Go back to the root of the guide, select SD-map → DCIM (If there is no folder, create it).
6. Press "Insert" and wait until it is completed.

SD-map inserted correctly|

Map format - exFAT/FAT32|

There's plenty of room on the map.|

Photos not open in other apps-->

Advantages of the method:

• 🔹 Preserve. EXIF-data (date of shooting, geotagged, camera parameters).
• 🔹 All formats are supported: JPEG, HEIF, RAW, PNG.
• 🔹 No loss of quality (unlike compression when sent via messengers).

⚠️ Note: If there is an error “Not enough space” when transferring, although it is on the map, try creating a folder. DCIM/Camera manually. MIUI Sometimes it doesn’t automatically recognize folder structure.

Method 2: Export through the Gallery app

The Gallery app in MIUI has a hidden export function that allows you to transfer photos with the preservation of albums.

1. Open the gallery and select the photo section.
2. Slip on three dots in the upper right corner → "Select".
3. Tag the desired pictures (or click "Select all").
4. Click on the icon "Share" (arrow up).
5. In the list of options, select "Save to the device".
6. Show me the way. SD-map → DCIM → Camera and confirm.

Features of the method:

• 🔹 You can export whole albums at a time.
• 🔹 Package mode is supported (up to 500 photos at the same time).
• 🔹 There is a compression option (useful to save space, but reduces quality).

The downside of the method: when exporting through the Gallery, the dates of creation of files are sometimes confused (they are replaced by the current date of transfer).

Method 3: Transfer over a computer (for large volumes)

If you have to transfer thousands of photos or videos, you're more comfortable using a PC, which is faster and more reliable, especially for files. RAW or 4K-video.

Instructions for Windows:

1. Connect Redmi 9 to your computer via USB-cable (preferably original).
2. On your phone, select File Transfer (or MTP) mode.
3. Open this computer. → Find the Redmi 9 device.
4. Go to the Inner Memory → DCIM → Camera.
5. Copy files (Ctrl)+C) and insert them into the folder SD-map → DCIM → Camera on the phone.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔹 Maximum speed (especially when used) USB 3.0).
• 🔹 You can use duplicate checks (programs like Duplicate Cleaner).
• 🔹 All formats are supported, including HEIC (Apple and DNG (RAW).

⚠️ Note: When connecting to a Mac, you may need to install Android File Transfer. If the phone is not detected, try another cable or port. USB. Also check if the Redmi 9 screen is unlocked (on some versions) MIUI File transfer is blocked when the screen is blocked).

Typical errors and their solutions

When you move photos, you often have problems, and let's look at the most common ones.

• 🔸 "SD-card not found": Check if the card is inserted correctly (contacts should be facing up). If the problem remains, try formatting the card via your phone: Settings → Memory. → SD-map → Format.
• 🔸 "Not enough rights to write: This means that the card is formatted in NTFS It's damaged or it's reformatted to exFAT through a computer.
• 🔸 "Photos do not open after transfer": "Probably, the files were not copied in full. Check their size: if it is 0 KB, repeat the transfer.
• 🔸 "folder DCIM not created on SD-Map": Create it manually through Explorer or computer. The folder name should be written in capital letters (DCIM, Not dcim).

💡

If after transferring the photos are not displayed in the Gallery, update the media base: open the Explorer, find any folder on the SD-Create an empty file (e.g. update.txt) in 5-10 seconds. MIUI automatically scans the media and updates the thumbnails.

How do you do it? SD-The main storage for new photos?

So that the new images are saved immediately. SD-map, not into internal memory:

1. Open the Camera app.
2. Put it on the icon. ⚙️ Settings (cogs).
3. Select "Place of Conservation".
4. Indicate. SD-card (if the option is inactive, insert the card or format it).

Limitations:

• 🔹 It only works for photos taken after changing settings.
• 🔹 Some camera modes (e.g., Pro or Pro) RAW) They may ignore this rule.
• 🔹 When extracted SD-The camera will automatically return to internal memory.

💡

If the Save Place option is not available in the camera settings, upgrade MIUI to the latest version. In older firmware (below MIUI 12), this feature is not available.

FAQ: Frequent questions about transferring photos to SD-card