How to transfer applications to SD-Xiaomi card: instructions for all models

Why Xiaomi is blocking the transfer of applications to the SD-map?

Owners of Xiaomi smartphones sooner or later face a lack of internal memory. 256 GBs can get cached, upgraded, and heavy games, and the logical solution is to move some apps to the next one. SD-The map, but here users are waiting for an unpleasant surprise: in the latest versions MIUI 14/15 This function is either hidden or works with serious limitations.

The reason is because of Google and Xiaomi's policies, starting with Android. 6.0 Marshmallow, the portability of applications to external drives was limited for security and performance reasons. SD-class A1/A2 (Even the fastest ones still lose in the speed of internal memory. UFS 2.2/3.1. This leads to lags, freezes and even app crashes when working from external media. 12, POCO X5 or Mi 11 Lite alternatives simply no internal memory is sorely lacking.

In this article, we will discuss all working methods for transferring applications to SD-Xiaomi map, including official methods for supported models and workarounds for those with a blocked feature, and you will learn which applications should never be transferred to an external drive, so as not to lose data or break the system.

Preparation SD-maps: formatting and class selection

Before trying to transfer applications, you need to properly prepare yourself. SD-An error at this stage will either cause the system to fail to see the drive or will constantly issue errors when trying to transfer the drive.

First, check your memory card speed class. Only A1 or A2 cards (marked with the appropriate logo) will be suitable for porting applications. C10 or U3 cards, despite their high write speed, are not optimized for the random access that applications require, which means that even if they successfully port, applications will slow down or fly out.

• 🔍 How to check out the class SD-Maps: Look at the label - look for icons "A1" or "A2" near-log SD Association.
• 📏 Minimum volume: 64 GB card is recommended for transferring applications. 32 GB simply does not have enough space for system files.
• ⚠️ Formatting: The card must be formatted as an internal drive (Adoptable Storage), but in the MIUI This option is often hidden.

If your card meets the requirements, insert it into your smartphone and wait for identification. In most cases, Xiaomi will offer to use the card as a portable drive (for photos and files) or as internal memory (for applications).

⚠️ Note: After formatting as internal memory SD-The card will be encrypted and linked to your smartphone, and it will be impossible to extract it and read it on another device (even on a PC) without completely erasing the data!

Official method: transfer via MIUI settings

On some Xiaomi models (mainly the Redmi budget series) POCO s MIUI 12 and below) portability of applications to SD-The map is still available through standard settings:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the app you want to migrate (like Facebook or Spotify).
3. Slip it on the Warehouse.
4. If the option is available, you will see the Change or Move button. SD-map.

Note that even if the button is active, not all applications can be moved, system utilities, widgets and some games (such as PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact) block this ability, and after transferring some data may remain in internal memory - this is normal.

If your version of MIUI does not have a port button, it means that Xiaomi has blocked the feature at the software level, in which case you will have to use workarounds, which we will discuss later.

Format SD-map as an internal memory|Check the speed class (A1/A2)|Create a backup copy of the data|Charge your phone at least to the minimum. 50%|Turn off auto-update apps-->

Bypassing restrictions: transfer via ADB (for advanced)

If the official method does not work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB) — a debugging tool that allows you to manually specify to the system which applications to transfer to SD-This method works on most Xiaomi devices, but requires care.

First, turn on the developer mode and debugging over USB:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap 7 times on the MIUI version until the notification “You became a developer” appears.
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
4. Activate Debugging on USB.

Now connect the phone to the PC, install it. ADB-Drivers and execute the following commands in the terminal (replace com.example.app with your application’s batch name):

adb shell


pm set-install-location 2




pm move-package com.example.app

The first command (pm set-install-location 2) tells the system to set the application by default. SD-The second one carries a specific application. To find out the batch name of the program, use the command:

pm list packages | grep "name appendix"

⚠️ Note: Some applications (e.g. Google Play Services) MIUI Security) in forced transfers can cause system failures. Before experimenting, back up through Settings → System system → Backup!

Transfer of cache and application data to SD-map

Even if the application itself is not transferred to SD-You can free up space by moving the cache and data, and this is especially true for games that take up gigabytes of space with loadable textures and levels.

For this:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the appropriate app (e.g. Call of Duty Mobile).
3. Go to the Warehouse. → Clear the cache.
4. If you have the option to transfer the data to SD-map, use it.

For games that do not support data transfer through settings, you can use the file manager:

• 📁 Open Files (or any other root manager).
• Go to /Android/obb/ or /Android/data/.
• Find a folder with the game name (e.g. com.activision.callofduty.shooter).
• Copy it on. SD-Map, then create a symbolic link (root rights required).

To create a symbolic link via Termux or ADB, use the command:

ln -s /storage/1234-5678/folder on SD/sdcard/Android/obb/folder games

⚠️ Warning: Some games (such as Genshin Impact) check file integrity and can block an account for changing paths to data!

💡

Before transferring game data, back up the obb or data folder on your PC. If the game stops running, you can quickly restore files.

Use of third-party applications for transfer

If manual methods seem complicated, you can use third-party utilities.

• 🔄 AppMgr III (App 2 SD) — It shows you what applications you can migrate, and it does it in one tap. It works without root, but with limitations.
• 🛠️ Link2SD — It requires root rights, but it allows you to port even the applications that the system blocks. It creates symbolic links, saving space.
• 📦 Files by Google – helps clear cache and find heavy files that can be moved to SD-hand-write.

When using AppMgr III, the algorithm is simple:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Open it and give access to the storage.
3. In the list, mark the applications you want to move.
4. Press Move to SD card.

Link2SD is more difficult to set up, but more effective:

1. Install the application and provide root access.
2. In the settings, select Create a link instead of a transfer.
3. Select the application and confirm the creation of a symbolic link to SD-map.

Both methods have disadvantages: AppMgr III It doesn't carry data, but only APK-file, Link2SD It requires root, and it can disrupt some applications.

💡

The app side cannot bypass Android’s limitations on porting system components; they only work with custom programs that support external storage.

What to do if the transfer doesn’t work: Common mistakes and decisions

Even with the right actions, transfer applications to SD-Xiaomi map can end in errors. Let's look at the most common problems and ways to solve them:

If the application stopped working after the transfer, try:

1. Clear its cache in Settings → Apps.
2. Reboot the phone.
3. Transfer the application back to internal memory.

If the problem is repeated, it is likely that you SD-The card is not suitable for porting applications, and in this case, there are only two options: buy a class card. A2 Free internal memory in other ways (cleaning the cache, deleting unnecessary files).

Alternative ways to free up memory in Xiaomi

If the applications are transferred SD-The card is not possible or does not solve the problem, consider alternative methods of memory release:

• 🧹 Cache cleaning: In Settings → Click Clear – This Will Delete Temporary Files Without Losing Data.
• 🗑️ Removing duplicates: Use Files by Google or CCleaner to find duplicate files.
• ☁️ Cloud Storage: Move photos and videos to Google Photos or Mi Cloud, then delete local copies.
• 🎮 Lite versions of apps: Install Facebook Lite, Messenger Lite or Spotify Lite instead of full versions.
• 🔄 Factory reset: Extreme measure, but effective.Be sure to back up!

MIUI also has a built-in Smart Cleanup feature that automatically deletes unnecessary files to enable:

1. Go to Settings. → Warehouse.
2. Activate the Smart Cleaning Switch.
3. Set up a schedule or turn on cleaning if there is a lack of memory.

If you frequently install heavy games, consider using external games. SSD-storage OTG-Adapter: Some Xiaomi models (such as the Black Shark 5) support external drives, allowing games to be stored on a high-speed drive without losing performance.

FAQ: Frequent questions about transferring applications to SD-map