How to move the gallery to SD-Map Xiaomi: 3 working methods + fixing

Xiaomi’s internal memory is clogged with photos and videos the fastest — especially if you’re actively using the camera or saving media files from instant messengers. SD-The map seems like an obvious solution, but it’s not that simple: standard settings MIUI This option is often hidden, and incorrect actions can lead to data loss. In this article, we will discuss three proven ways to transfer photos and videos, including hidden features. MIUI, Bypassing Android restrictions and working with a file manager.

Xiaomi (like other manufacturers) is gradually withdrawing support. SD-Maps as the primary repository due to Google's policies and file system features FUSE. But the workarounds are still there, and the key is to know where to look. We tested all the methods on Redmi Notes. 12 Pro+, POCO X5 Pro and Xiaomi 13 Lite with the latest versions MIUI 14/15.

If your smartphone can’t see SD-If you have a map or a portability error, at the end of this article you'll find a table of compatibility and solutions to typical problems. And for those who are afraid of losing data, we've added a unique way to back up the gallery through a different way. MIUI Cloud with subsequent transfer to a memory card – this method works even on devices without a slot for the memory. SD.

1. Why. MIUI conceals the option of transfer SD-map?

With Android 7.0, Google has imposed restrictions on working with external drives through the mechanism of Scoped Storage. Xiaomi went further: MIUI 12+ option to transfer applications and media files to SD-The card is now unavailable by default:

• 🔒 Security of data: MIUI block direct recording on SD, to prevent malicious applications from accessing files.
• ⚡ Performance: Reading/Write with SD-cards (especially class) 10) slower than internal memory UFS 2.2/3.1.
• ☁️ Xiaomi is promoting its own Mi Cloud (5GB for free) instead of local storage.
• 📱 Outdated technology: In flagships (for example, Xiaomi 14 Ultra) slot for SD-The card is not physically present.

However, these restrictions are not necessary. MIUI There is a hidden function Default Storage (default storage), which allows you to save new photos immediately on the Internet. SD. And to transfer existing files, a file manager with root or ADB-team.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 11+ and MIUI 13+ portability SD-The map is not possible even through ADB. For media files (photos, videos, music) restrictions are softer.

2. Method 1: Default storage setting (for new files)

This method is suitable if you want all new photos and videos to be automatically saved to your home. SD-It doesn't carry existing files, but it prevents internal memory from being filled in the future.

Instructions:

1. Put it in. SD-Smartphone card (formats supported) FAT32, exFAT, NTFS — The latter may require additional drivers).
2. Open the Camera app → slip on ⚙️ Settings → Warehouse.
3. Choose. SD-map (if no option, see spoiler below).
4. Confirm the selection and restart the Camera app.

After this, all new images will be saved to the memory card. To transfer old photos, use Method 2 or 3.

Format the card in exFAT (if the volume is >32 GB)|Check the recording speed (class) 10/UHS-I)|Turn off "Inner Memory" in the settings SD|Create a folder. DCIM manually if not)-->

Method 2: Transfer through the file manager (without root)

The most versatile method, which works on all versions of MIUI, is suitable for transferring individual files or folders (for example, only photos for 2023), using standard Explorer from Xiaomi or a third-party manager (for example, Solid Explorer).

Step-by-step:

1. Open Explorer (the folder icon on the desktop).
2. Go to the internal memory → DCIM → Camera (photos and videos are stored here).
3. Select files: To highlight all: tap on ⋮ → Select everything. Selective transfer: hold your finger on the file. → mark the rest.

Move it

SD- Map of → DCIM → Camera

Confirm the transfer. Time depends on the amount of data (1000 photos ~ 10-15 minutes).

If the Conductor can't see SD-map:

• 🔄 Reconnect the card or reboot the phone.
• 📁 Check that the card is formatted in exFAT (for cards) >64GB).
• 🛠️ Update Explorer through Play Market (sometimes bugs are fixed in new versions).

⚠️ Warning: Don't use the option to copy instead of Move - this will fill up the memory even more! After transfer, check that the files have disappeared from the internal memory (sometimes MIUI squirt).

Standard Conductor|Solid Explorer|FX File Explorer|Total Commander|Other-->

4. Method 3: ADB-commands for forced transfer (advanced)

If the first two methods don’t work (e.g. MIUI blocks movement), you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires a connection to a computer, but it works on all versions of Android.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 🛠️ Utility. ADB Tools (download and unpack).
• 📱 On a smartphone: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Tap 7 times to activate Developer Mode).

Instructions:

1. Connect the phone to the PC and allow debugging over USB (a request will appear on the screen).
2. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with adb.exe.
3. Enter the commands in turn: adb shell pm grant com.miui.gallery android.permission.WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE pm grant com.miui.gallery android.permission.READ_EXTERNAL_STORAGE exit
4. Now open the gallery. → highlight the photo → Share. → Save it on. SD-map.

If you need to move the entire DCIM folder, use:

adb pull /sdcard/DCIM/ C:\Backup\DCIM


adb shell rm -rf /sdcard/DCIM/*




adb push C:\Backup\DCIM /storage/XXXX-XXXX/DCIM

Where XXXX-XXXX — identifier SD-maps (to learn through the command adb shell ls) /storage).

1. Change. USB-cable (often the fault of the cable, not the driver).

2. Enable in Settings → Additional → For developers, the option is Debugging over USB (Safe Mode).

3. Install Mi drivers USB Driver from the official Xiaomi website.-->

5. Compatibility table: which Xiaomi models support SD portability

Not all Xiaomi devices work the same way. SD-Below are the popular models (tested on the maps). MIUI 14/15):

For slot-free models SD (for example, Xiaomi 13/14 series) the only output is cloud storage or external SSD-storage OTG. In the next section, we will tell you how to automate backup of the gallery in Mi Cloud and then transfer to the PC.

6. Alternative solutions: cloud + OTG-drives

If your Xiaomi is not supported SD-maps or you are afraid of losing data when transferring, consider these options:

• ☁️ Mi Cloud: Automatic photo sync (5 GB free). How to enable: Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → Gallery. Minus: slow loading at high volume.
• 🖥️ OTG + external drive: Connect the flash drive or SSD adapter USB-C/OTG. Use Explorer to transfer files. Plus: the amount up to 2 TB, high speed (USB 3.0).

Automatically transfer photos from Mi Cloud to SD-map:

1. Sync the gallery with the cloud (Settings → Mi Cloud → Gallery → Incl.).
2. Download your photo on PC via the web version of Mi Cloud.
3. Move the files to SD-cardboard.

💡

Cloud Services (Mi Cloud, Google Photos) – the only reliable way to backup for devices without any SD-However, for complete control of files, it is better to combine the cloud with local storage (SD/OTG).

7.Typical errors and how to fix them

When moving the gallery to SD-And this is a map that users are facing a few common problems. Here's how to solve them:

If the photo disappeared from the gallery, but physically remained on the SD-map:

1. Open the Explorer and check the folder. SD-map → DCIM → Camera.
2. In the gallery tap. ⋮ → Update.
3. Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Attention: If you have extracted SD-card without safe shutdown (Settings) → Memory. → Extract SD-map, files may be damaged. Always use Safe Extract!

FAQ: Frequent questions about moving the gallery to SD in Xiaomi