How to transfer games and applications to a memory card in Xiaomi: 5 proven ways

Xiaomi’s internal memory is getting clogged with games and apps faster than it seems. The problem is especially acute for budget models (Redmi 9A, Poco M3) with 32-64 GB on board, where the system takes up half the space. The microSD card seems like a salvation, but the manufacturer limits its use: by default, most applications are installed only in internal memory. Why this happens and how to circumvent restrictions – we will discuss in this guide.

MIUI 14/15

Developer settings

ADB

root-right

Before you start, check out two key points:

1. Your Xiaomi supports memory cards (some flagships, such as the Xiaomi 13 Pro, have no microSD slot).
2. The card is formatted as internal memory (if not, do it in Settings → Memory).

1. Standard transfer through MIUI settings

The easiest way is to use the built-in MIUI feature, but it doesn’t work for all applications. The manufacturer only allows you to port programs that support installation on the default SD (usually lightweight utilities, not games).

How to check and transfer:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the application you want (such as Telegram or Spotify).
3. Click Warehouse → Change (if the option is active).
4. Choose. SD-map and confirm the transfer.

⚠️ Note: After porting, the application can run slower – read/write microSD speed (even class) A2) inferior to built-in memory UFS 2.2/3.1. Do not tolerate system utilities (for example, Mi Browser or Security) - this will lead to failures.

💡

If the "Change" option is inactive, try clearing the app's cache. Sometimes this will unlock the portability.

List of applications that can usually be transferred in a standard way:

• 📱 Social media: Facebook Lite, Twitter, VK.
• 🎵 Music players: Spotify, Yandex Music, Poweramp.
• 📖 Readers: Moon+ Reader, FBReader.
• 📁 File Managers: Solid Explorer, FX File Explorer.

2. Formatting the card as an internal memory

If you want to port any apps (including games) and not just those that support SD by default, the card needs to be made part of internal storage.This method works on all Xiaomi with Android 6.0+, but has the nuances:

⚠️ Warning: Once formatted, the card cannot be retrieved and used in other devices without being completely cleaned, and it will be encrypted and inaccessible when the phone is reset.

Step-by-step:

1. Insert microSD into your smartphone.
2. Go to Settings. → Memory.
3. Click on the card name (e.g. SanDisk 128GB) → Settings (three dots in the upper right corner).
4. Select Internal Memory → Clean and Format.
5. Confirm the action. It'll take 5-10 minutes.

Once formatted, the system will suggest moving some of the data to a map, and you'll agree that this will free up to 30 percent of the internal memory.

• 🔄 Applications will be automatically installed on the map if there is enough space.
• 🐢 Genshin Impact (Call of Duty Mobile) could drop 15-20%.
• 🔒 The card cannot be used in other devices without formatting.

Use a Class A2 or UHS-I (U3) card

Make a backup copy of data from the card

Charge your phone at least 50%

Do not remove the card during formatting-->

3. Transfer through ADB (no root)

If the standard methods don’t work and you don’t have root rights, it will help. ADB (Android Debug Bridge. This method allows you to "cheat" the system and force the transfer of applications to the Internet. SD-card, even if the option is blocked.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
• 📱 Initiated Debugging Mode USB on Xiaomi (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to activate the Developer Settings).
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 🛠️ Utility. ADB Tools by Google.

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and allow debugging (a request will appear on the Xiaomi screen).
2. Open the command prompt (cmd in Windows) and type: adb devices Make sure the device is identified (serial number should appear).
3. Enter the port command (replace com.example.app with the application batch name, such as com.whatsapp): adb shell pm set-install-location 2 This command forces the system to install applications on the SD by default.
4. To transfer an already installed application: adb shell pm move-package com.example.app

⚠️ Note: Some apps (such as Google Play Services or Mi Account) cannot be migrated even through the Internet. ADB — This will cause system errors. Before transferring, check the list of compatible packages with the command:

adb shell pm get-install-location

0

1

2

Standard settings of MIUI

Formatting the map as an internal

ADB-team

Root methods

I've tried nothing.-->

4. Use of third-party applications

If ADB seems complicated, you can use Google Play utilities that automate the process, but you need to be careful — some programs contain ads or malicious code.

Top.-3 checked transfer applications:

How to work with AppMgr III:

1. Install and open the application.
2. Go to the Transfer tab on SD.
3. Check the boxes of the applications you want to transfer.
4. Click Transfer and confirm the action.

⚠️ Attention: Apps like Link2SD They require root rights, and using them can lead to a loss of warranty. App2SD Pro – They often contain viruses.

5. Transfer games by circumventing restrictions (for advanced)

Games like Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile or Free Fire take up several gigabytes and are not usually portable to the game. SD-But there are workarounds:

Method 1: Separation of game data

• 📁 Only transfer the game cache (folder) Android/obb) manually mapped through the file manager.
• 🔄 Use symbolic links (requires root or ADB).

Method 2: Installation on SD via APK

1. Download. APK-game file (for example, with APKMirror).
2. Use a file manager (such as FX Explorer) to install directly on the card.
3. When you request, select SD-map.

⚠️ Note: Some games (such as Honor of Kings) check file integrity and can block an account for modifying installation paths.

💡

Transferring heavy games to SD can cause lags and crashes, and the best option is to use A2 or UHS-I (U3) cards with read speeds of 90 MB/s.

6. Alternative solutions: what to do if nothing helps

If the transfer is SD-Card is impossible or causes crashes, consider alternatives:

1. Cleaning internal memory

• 🧹 Delete unnecessary files through Settings → Memory. → Cleanup.
• 🗑️ Clear the app cache (e.g., Google Play Services can take up to 1-2GB).
• 📂 Transfer media files (photos, videos) to a map or to the cloud (Google Photos, Mi Cloud).

2. Use of cloud services

To save space, you can store game data in the cloud:

• 🎮 Google Play Games – Keeps progress in the cloud (works with Call of Duty Mobile, Clash of Clans).
• 💾 Mi Cloud – 5GB free for backups.

3. Replacement of the memory card with a more capacious

If your Xiaomi supports microSD up to 1TB (like the Redmi Note 12 Pro+), consider buying a larger card.

• 🏆 SanDisk Extreme A2 — speed of reading up to 160 MB/s.
• 💰 Samsung EVO Select – the best price/quality ratio.
• 🔥 Lexar Play – Specialized for games (class) A2).

FAQ: Frequent questions about SD portability in Xiaomi