Transfer of games to SD-Xiaomi Redmi 9 map: all ways + mistake-making

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi 9 Often faced with the problem of lack of internal memory, especially when it comes to modern games. 2-5 GB each. 64 GB of internal memory (from which available) ~50 several GB AAA-Projects quickly fill up the vault, leaving the user with a choice: delete the applications or look for a way out. SD-The map is a real solution, but with nuances.

In this article, we will discuss all working methods for Redmi 9 (including Redmi 9A/9C/9T models), taking into account the limitations of MIUI and Android 10. You will learn how to properly prepare a memory card, which games can be ported and which can not, and what to do if the system blocks the transfer.

Why the games are not transferred to SD-map?

The main reason is the security policy of Android.Since version 6.0 (Marshmallow), Google has tightened the rules for working with external drives, dividing them into:

📁 Portable Storage – the card is used as a flash drive, games cannot be transferred there.
🔄 Internal Storage – The card is formatted as part of the system, but this reduces its compatibility with other devices.

Xiaomi Redmi 9 defaults on the first option, and many games (especially those with cheat protection) block the work with the first option. SD-The risk of file modifications is due to the risk of card modification, PUBG Mobile or Free Fire may issue a startup error if their data is stored on an external medium.

⚠️ Attention: Formatting SD-The card as an internal storage deletes all data on it and makes it unreadable on other devices (PCs, cameras, etc.) Use this method only if the card is dedicated exclusively to the smartphone.

Preparation SD-Maps: which class to choose and how to format

Not every memory card is suitable for gaming, but the minimum requirements for Redmi 9 are:

🔢 Volume: 32GB (optimally 64–128GB) 16GB cards too small for modern gaming.
🚀 Class speed: UHS-I U1 (minimally, better U3 or A2 (level-loader).
📌 Format: exFAT or FAT32 (The latter does not support files. >4GB).

To format the card as an internal storage:

Put it in. SD-card to slot (cards up to 512 GB are supported).
Go to Settings. → Memory. → [Name of name SD-map] → Three points (⋮) → Storage settings.
Select Internal Memory → Clean and Format.
Wait until it is completed (it can take 5-10 minutes).

💡

If the card is not determined after formatting, restart the phone. In rare cases, retrieving / pasting the card when the device is turned off helps.

Type of card	Recording speed	Is it good for games?	Price (average)
microSDHC U1	10–30 MB/s	Yes (budget option)	500–1000 ₽ (32-64 GB)
microSDXC U3 A1	30–90 MB/s	Yeah (optimum)	1200–2500 ₽ (64–128 GB)
microSDXC U3 A2	90+ MB/s	Perfect (for heavy games)	2000–4000 ₽ (128-256 GB)

Method 1: Transfer over Android settings (for supported games)

This is the easiest method, but it only works for games that allow portability (usually old or small projects), such as Minecraft or Among Us portable without problems, but Genshin Impact does not.

Instructions:

Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
Select a game from a list (such as Clash of Clans).
Click Warehouse → Change (if the button is active).
Choose. SD-map and confirm the transfer.

The game supports transfer (Change button is active)

Nana SD-The card has enough space (at least 20% more than the weight of the game)

The card is formatted as internal memory.

The phone is connected to charging (transfer can take 10–30 minutes)

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⚠️ Note: Do not remove after transfer SD-map without first "mounting" in the settings, this can damage the game data and reset progress.

Method 2: Use of a file manager (for APK + OBB)

If the game is not portable through the settings, you can manually move its files, which works for games with external data (Android/obb folder or Android/data), for example, this is how you transfer Asphalt 9 or Need for Speed: No Limits.

Step-by-step:

Install a file manager (e.g., Mi File Manager or Solid Explorer).
Go to /storage/emulated/0/Android/obb (or /data).
Find the folder with the game (the name usually matches the ID in the Play Market, for example, com.gameloft.android.ANMP.GloftA9HM for Asphalt 9).
Copy the folder to SD-map (/storage/XXXX-XXXX/Android/obb).
Remove the original folder from the internal memory.
Reboot the phone.

If the game does not start, check:

🔄 The correctness of the path (folder should lie in the Android/obb, not SD-map).
🔒 Access rights: in Mi File Manager, click on the folder → Properties → Check the boxes for reading/writing.
📱 Compatibility: Some games (for example, Pokémon GO) block the launch from SD-map.

Through Android settings

Manually through the file manager

Used root rights.

Never put up with it.

Another way.-->

Method 3: Forced transfer with ADB (for experienced)

If the game is not portable by standard methods, but supports external storage at the Android level, you can force the game to specify the game. SD-map as a place of installation through ADB (Android Debug Bridge: This method does not require root rights, but you need basic knowledge of working with the command line.

Instructions:

Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
Activate Debugging by USB in Settings → Additional → For developers.
Connect your phone to your PC, install ADB Tools, and check the connection with the command: adb devices (the name of your device should be displayed).
Enter the transfer command (replace com.example.game with ID games): adb shell pm set-install-location 2 This command installs SD-Map as a priority installation site for all new applications.
Reinstall the game through the Play Market – it will automatically install on the game. SD-map.

To return the default settings, use:

adb shell pm set-install-location 0

How do I find out the game ID?

Open the game page in Play Market → copy the URL (e.g. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.supercell.clashofclans). ID is the part after id=, i.e. com.supercell.clashofclans.

⚠️ Note: The set-install-location 2 command does not work on all firmware MIUI. If the game is still installed in internal memory after entering the command, try an alternative method with move-package (requires root).

Problem Solving: Why the Game Doesn't Start SD-map?

If the game crashes, makes a mistake or does not keep progress, check these points:

Problem.	Possible cause	Decision
The game is dyeing at launch	Files are damaged when copying	Remove the game and install it again by copying it. OBB-file
Progress is not sustained.	The data is stored in the internal memory	Move the folder. Android/data/[by SD-map
Small lags when loading	Low speed. SD-map	Replace the card with a U3/A2 class or transfer the game back to the game.
The "Not enough memory" error	SD-The card is formatted as a portable	Reformat as internal (see Section 2)

For online-authorized games (such as Brawl Stars or Clash Royale), the transfer usually goes smoothly, as progress is synchronized with servers, while offline games (such as The Room) may require manual copying of saves.

💡

If the game uses an anticheat (for example, Call of Duty Mobile), transfer to the game. SD-The card can lead to a ban of the account, in which case it is better to clear the cache or leave the game in internal memory.

Alternative solutions: what to do if nothing works?

If none of these methods worked, consider these options:

☁️ Cloud saves: Use Google Play Games or the game’s built-in clouds (e.g., in Genshin Impact, progress is tied to a miHoYo account).
🔄 Cache Clearing: In the game settings, click Storage → Clear the cache. Sometimes it frees up 1 to 3 GB.
📱 Transfer to another medium: Connect OTG-flash drive (if the phone supports) and install games there via App2SD (root).
🛠️ Root access: With the help of Link2SD FolderMount can be installed on the game folders SD-card, but it is risky (loss of warranties, possible bugs).

For Xiaomi Redmi 9 with MIUI 12+, there is another life hack: creating a symbolic link to the game folder. This requires root, but allows you to “cheat” the game by making it think that the files are in internal memory.

su


ln -s /storage/XXXX-XXXX/Android/obb/com.game /storage/emulated/0/Android/obb/com.game

FAQ: Frequent questions about transferring games to SD-map

Can I transfer Genshin Impact or PUBG Mobile on SD-map?

Officially, no. These games block external launches because of cheating protection, but some users successfully migrate them through the game. ADB or OBB-files (see Method 2) but risk being banned or losing progress, we recommend leaving them in internal memory or using cloud storage.

After the transfer, the game started to lay.

There are two reasons: low speed. SD-Maps or file fragmentation. Try: Replace the card with a class U3/A2 (Clear the game's cache in the settings. Move the game back to internal memory. If the lags are left, the problem may be optimizing the game itself (e.g. Call of Duty Mobile requires at least less than a few steps to play). 3 GB of RAM for smooth operation).

How to transfer the game saving to SD-map?

The storage is usually stored in /Android/data/[name game] or /Android/obb. Copy these folders on SD-For some games (such as The Witcher: Monster Slayer), saves are encrypted, in which case only root or backup via Titanium Backup will help.

Can I use it? SD-The map as an internal memory of Redmi 9A?

Yes, Redmi 9A supports this feature, but with limitations: maximum capacity is 256 GB (officially supported up to 512 GB, but there may be bugs). Once formatted as internal memory, the card will become invisible to other devices. MIUI 12+ may require updating the firmware to the latest version. The setup process is identical to Redmi 9 (see section 2).

What happens if you take it out? SD-map without "safe extraction"?

The consequences depend on how the card is used: If the card is portable: there is a high risk of file damage (games may stop running); if the card is internal, the phone may freeze or restart because the system considers it part of the memory; at worst, data loss. Always use the settings. → Memory. → [SD-map] → Extract before physical extraction.