How to transfer applications to SD-Map Xiaomi Redmi 4: 3 working methods

Xiaomi Redmi 4 is still a popular budget smartphone, but its main drawback is a modest amount of internal memory (16 GB in the basic version). Over time, users face a lack of space, especially if they actively install games and applications. SD-The map seems to be a logical solution, but in MIUI This function does not work as clearly as in other firmware.

In this article, we’ll look at all the possible ways to migrate applications to an external drive in Redmi 4, from standard MIUI tools to root-rights and ADB methods. Also explain why some applications can’t be migrated, and how to get around system limitations. If you’ve tried to do this through settings and got an error, here’s a solution.

Why Xiaomi Redmi 4 can’t be ported to all applications SD-map?

Unlike smartphones running pure Android, MIUI firmware imposes strict restrictions on external drives, and these are the key reasons why the transfer may be blocked:

• 🔒 Security policy MIUI: Xiaomi artificially restricts the portability of system and some user applications to avoid disruptions.
• 📱 Application architecture: Programs that use OBB-files (such as games) or real-time cache, often do not support portability.
• 🛡️ Data protection: Encrypted applications (banking, instant messengers) cannot work with SD-maps due to risk of data leakage.
• 🔄 Productivity: SD-Class-class cards 4/6 They slow down the applications, so MIUI Blocks the transfer of resource-intensive programs.

In addition, Redmi 4 uses an outdated version of Android 6.0 Marshmallow, where the Adoptable Storage feature (conversion) SD-The card in the internal memory part) is unstable. Xiaomi has disabled this option in the MIUI prevent data loss.

⚠️ Attention: If you are using SD-As a portable storage device (rather than as part of internal memory), the transferred applications may disappear after the card is removed or the device is rebooted.

Method 1: Standard transfer through MIUI settings (without root)

It's the simplest method, but it only works for a limited number of applications. Here's how to apply it:

1. Open the Settings → Applications.
2. Select the application you want to transfer (such as Telegram or VK).
3. Slip on Warehouse.
4. If the option is active, click Change and select SD-map.
5. Confirm the transfer and wait until the process is completed (it can take up to 5 minutes).

If the Change button is inactive or not, the application does not support the transfer, in which case, try the following methods.

Format the map in FAT32 (via PC or smartphone)|Check the speed of the card (minimum Class 10)|Make sure there is enough free space on the map.|Disable the card as portable storage (if you have used it before)-->

Method 2: Transfer over ADB (without root but with PC)

If the standard method didn’t work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a computer debugging tool that doesn’t require root rights, but requires installing drivers and enabling developer mode.

Here's the step-by-step instruction:

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version until the notification "You've become a developer" appears.

USB debugging

• Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
• Turn on the debugging switch over USB.
• Connect Redmi 4 to your PC via USB-cable and select File Transfer Mode (MTP).
• Download ADB Tools and unpack the archive in any folder.
• Open the command line (Win + R → cmd) and go to the folder with ADB: cd C:\platform-tools\
• Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices should appear the name of your device.
• Run the port command (replace com.example.app with the application package): adb shell pm set-install-location 2 This command installs the SD-Map as the default installation location for new applications.
• To transfer an already installed application, use: adb shell pm move-package com.example.app

If the command is successful, you will see a message Success.Reboot your smartphone so that the changes take effect.

⚠️ Note: Some apps (e.g. Google Play Services) after porting through ADB If the smartphone starts to brake or overheat, return the application back with the command: adb shell pm move-package com.example.app 0 where 0 is internal memory.

💡

To find out the batch name of the application, install the App Inspector program from Google Play. It shows the complete data about any installed software, including the package name.

Method 3: Use root rights and Link2SD

If the first two methods didn't work, the radical solution is root rights and Link2SD, which gives you maximum freedom, but it's not guaranteed, and it can cause system failures.

Here's what you're gonna need:

• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader on Redmi 4.
• 📱 Established custom recaveri (TWRP).
• 🛠️ Magisk App for Root Rights Management.
• 🔗 Annex Link2SD Google Play.

Instructions:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Mi Unlock Tool (requires a Mi Account and wait 72 hours).
2. Install TWRP Recovery for Redmi 4 (the version should match the smartphone model).
3. Sweep Magisk through TWRP to obtain root rights.
4. Install Link2SD and give it root access.
5. In the main Link2SD menu, select the app and click Create a link.
6. Tick the APK, Dex and Lib boxes, then click OK.
7. Reset the device.

After using Link2SD, applications will run faster than standard porting, as symbolic links are created rather than full file copying. However, this method requires caution: wrong actions can lead to a device “brick”.

How to transfer cache and application data to SD-map?

Even if the application itself cannot be moved, you can free up space by moving its cache and media files (photos, videos, downloads).

• 📁 For WhatsApp: Open Settings → Warehouse and data → Storage management. Click Change and select the folder on SD-map.
• 🎮 For games (e.g. Genshin Impact): Download the file manager (e.g. Solid Explorer). /Android/obb/ And copy the game folder to SD-In the game settings, specify a new path to the OBB-file.

Google Photo

1. Open the application → Settings → Backup and synchronization.
2. Select Save Originals on the Device → Folder on SD-map.

You can use the FolderMount app to automate the process, which creates virtual links, allowing programs to "think" that files are stored in internal memory when they're actually in the back of the back. SD-map.

💡

Cache transfer does not free up as much space as the transfer of the application itself, but it helps to avoid errors of “Insufficient memory” when updating programs.

Errors in transferring applications to SD-map and their solutions

When trying to migrate applications, Redmi 4 users often encounter errors, and consider the most common and ways to fix them:

If the application starts to fly out or does not update after the transfer, try:

1. Clear the app cache in Settings → Apps.
2. Put it back in your inner memory.
3. Update the app via Google Play, then repeat the transfer.

Alternative ways to free up memory in Redmi 4

If porting apps hasn’t helped or isn’t possible, try these methods:

• 🧹 Cache Clearing: Go to Settings → Warehouse → Clear. Select the cache data and confirm the cleanup.
• 🗑️ Remove duplicates: Use the Files by Google app to find unnecessary files.Clean Download folders, DCIM and Pictures.
• ☁️ Cloud Storage: Move photos and videos to Google Photos or Mi Cloud. Set up automatic download to Settings → Accounts.
• 🔄 Factory reset: Back up your data via Mi Cloud or Titanium Backup (requires root). → Additionally. → Recovery and discharge.

You can also disable pre-installed MIUI applications that cannot be removed:

1. Open the Settings → Applications.
2. Select an unneeded app (such as Mi Video or Mi Music).
3. Click Disable (this will remove the updates and hide the program from the menu).

💡

Factory reset is a last resort, and then all data will be erased, including photos, contacts and messages. Always back up!

FAQ: Frequent questions about transferring applications to SD-map 4