How to transfer the gallery to the memory card Xiaomi: 3 working methods + error solving

Moving photos and videos from the internal memory of Xiaomi smartphone to a microSD card is a pressing task for owners of devices with limited storage. Even models with 128 GB of memory quickly fill up if you actively shoot video in 4K or store thousands of pictures. Fortunately, MIUI offers several ways to free up space, but not all of them are obvious to users.

In this article you will find step-by-step instructions for moving the gallery to the SD-map, including hidden settings MIUI 12-14, Bypassing system constraints and solving common errors (for example, when the “Move” button is inactive), we will also discuss how to automatically save new photos to a memory card without affecting internal storage, and which card formats are supported by different models of Xiaomi, Redmi and other devices. POCO.

If you've seen a message that says, "Files can't be moved," or if the memory card is not identified, there are answers, and for those who want to optimize the process, we've prepared a training checklist and tips on choosing a speed card for recordings in Full HD/4K.

Why you can’t just move files through the Explorer

Many users try to transfer the gallery to a Xiaomi memory card through a standard File Manager or Explorer, but run into problems.The fact is that the gallery files (.jpg,.png,.mp4) are tied to the database of the Gallery application (com.miui.gallery).

• 🔴 Loss of miniatures in the gallery (photos displayed in gray squares).
• 🔴 Sync errors with the Mi Cloud.
• 🔴 Disappearance of albums and labels (e.g., "Favorites" or "Screenshots").

Besides, MIUI block direct recording on SD-map for some applications due to Android security policy (starting with version 6.0 Marshmallow).So for the correct transfer you need to use either built-in gallery tools or special settings for developers.

⚠️ Note: If you have tried to transfer files through Explorer and the gallery "does not see" the photo on the memory card, do not format it immediately. → Annexes → gallery → Warehouse → Clear the cache.

Method 1: Transfer through the Gallery appendix (official method)

The easiest and recommended way for Xiaomi is to use the built-in portability feature in the Gallery app, which is available on most devices with MIUI 12 and later, but may not be available on some POCO models with lightweight firmware.

1. Open the Gallery app.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Settings.
3. Go to Porting Files to a Memory Card (or Managing Storage on Newer Versions).
4. Select the file types to transfer: Photo, Video or Everything.
5. Click Transfer and wait for the process to be completed.

Transfer time depends on the amount of data: 10 GB of photos and videos can take 15-30 minutes.

• 📵 Don't remove the memory card.
• 🔋 Make sure the battery is over 20%.
• 📶 Turn off mobile internet if the fare is limited (transfer does not require a network, but background processes can waste traffic).

⚠️ Note: On some devices (Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3 Pro) the "Move" button may be inactive if the memory card is formatted as a portable storage (rather than as internal memory.

Method 2: Configure saving new photos to a memory card

New photos and videos are automatically saved to SD-The card, instead of the internal memory, needs to change the camera settings, which is not a transfer of old files, but prevents the storage from filling up in the future:

1. Open the Camera app.
2. Touch the gears (⚙️) Or swipe left to open the settings.
3. Find the Warehouse or Memory section.
4. Select a memory card (SD-card) instead of internal memory.
5. Confirm your choice and restart the camera.

After that, all new images and videos will be saved to the map.

• 📸 Boost mode (serial shooting) and RAW-Photos can ignore this rule and be stored in internal memory.
• 🎥 Video in the video 4K@60fps class cards UHS-I (U3) or higher, otherwise the shooting will be interrupted.

If there is no option to choose storage, then your Xiaomi model does not support recording on the device. SD-In this case, only root access or the use of third-party cameras (for example, Open Camera) will help).

Method 3: Formatting the card as internal memory (for older models)

On Android 6-9 devices (e.g. Redmi) 4X, Mi A1) There is an opportunity to format SD-It's like internal memory, and it allows applications (including the Gallery) to work with it as the primary storage, but it has some serious drawbacks:

If you are prepared for these restrictions, follow the instructions:

1. Put it in. SD-smartphone-card.
2. Go to Settings → Memory → Memory Map.
3. Click Format as internal (on some firmware - Settings) → Additionally. → Memory. → SD-map → Three points. → Storage settings).
4. Confirm the formatting (all data on the map will be deleted!).
5. Once completed, restart the device.

Now you can move the gallery through Settings → Annexes → gallery → Warehouse → Move it to SD-Note that after this formatting, the card will not be read on a computer or other phone without re-formatting in the FAT32/exFAT.

Solving errors in the transfer of the gallery

Even when following instructions, Xiaomi users often encounter errors, and here are the most common problems and solutions:

1.The "Transfer" button is inactive

Causes and solutions:

• 🔹 The map is formatted as a portable → Reformat it as an internal one (see section above).
• 🔹 Not enough space on the map → Make room or use a larger map.
• 🔹 File system of the map — NTFS → MIUI supports FAT32 and exFAT. Reformat the map to PC.

2. "Can't transfer files" error

Most often it occurs due to:

• 🔹 Damaged files → Check the gallery for broken photos (for example, using Google Photos).
• 🔹 Conflict with Mi Cloud → Turn off sync in Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → gallery.
• 🔹 Restrictions of rights → Give permissions to the gallery in Settings → Annexes → gallery → Permits (include Warehouse and Camera).

3.The photos on the map are not displayed in the gallery

If the files are copied but not visible:

• 🔹 Update the media base: delete the gallery data in Settings → Annexes → gallery → Warehouse → Clear the data.
• 🔹 Check the save path: files should be in the folder DCIM/Camera or Pictures.
• 🔹 Install a third-party gallery (such as Simple Gallery) that works better with the user. SD-map.

💡

If the gallery is slowing down after the transfer, try turning off animations in MIUI: go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times to turn on developer mode), then to Settings → Additional → For developers → Windows / Transition animation scale and select No animation.

Alternative methods (for advanced users)

If standard methods don't work, alternative solutions can be used, which take more time and technical knowledge, but often help in complex cases.

1. Transfer through ADB (no root rights)

With Android Debug Bridge, you can forcibly transfer gallery files to the Internet. SD-This is the map:

1. Install. ADB-PC drivers.
2. Enable USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (7 taps) → For developers.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the commands: adb shell pm grant com.miui.gallery android.permission.WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE pm grant com.miui.gallery android.permission.READ_EXTERNAL_STORAGE
4. Restart the device and repeat the transfer through the gallery.

2.Use of third-party file managers

Apps like Solid Explorer or FX File Managers can work with you SD-The cards are more flexible than the standard conductor MIUI. To move the gallery:

1. Install Solid Explorer from Google Play.
2. Give it access to the storage in the app settings.
3. Go to /storage/emulated/0/DCIM/Camera and highlight all files.
4. Click Move and select the folder on SD-map (e.g., map, /storage/XXXX-XXXX/DCIM/Camera).
5. Confirm the transfer and wait until it is completed.

3. Root access and FolderMount app

For devices with unlocked bootloader and root rights, you can use FolderMount to “cheat” the system and make it see folders on the Internet. SD-This method is risky (may disrupt the work) MIUI), It is very effective for older models (Redmi). 3S, Mi 5).

💡

If you are unsure of your ADB or root rights skills, it is best to contact Xiaomi Service Center.The wrong commands can result in data loss or a device "brick."

How to choose a memory card for Xiaomi: tips on speed and volume

Not all memory cards work equally well with Xiaomi, and for 4K video recording or frequent RAW shooting, you need high-speed models.

Additional advice:

• 🔹 For Xiaomi with microSDXC support (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro)+) Choose cards up to 1 TB.
• 🔹 Avoid cards marked with “For App Performance (A1/A2)" — They are optimized for applications, not media files.
• 🔹 Before buying, check the card for authenticity with the help of the utility H2testw (Many fakes have an understated speed).

If you shoot video often, pay attention to the time you record without overheating. Cheap U1 cards can cause lags during long 4K shooting, as their recording speed decreases when heated.

FAQ: Frequent questions about moving the gallery to SD-map