How to transfer applications to the SD card on Xiaomi Redmi 9 Note

Xiaomi smartphone owners often face a situation where built-in storage of 64 or 128 gigabytes becomes insufficient, especially for the Redmi 9 Note, which was originally positioned as a budget device. When you actively use messengers, social networks and navigators, the free space ends frighteningly quickly, the system starts to work slower, and attempts to install new programs are blocked.

Fortunately, this model is equipped with a microSD card slot. In theory, this is the perfect solution to the problem, but the standard shell. MIUI Unlike pure Android, there is no simple "Move to" button. SD-The Xiaomi developers have limited this feature to prevent the device from slowing down when using slow memory cards.

But there are proven ways to get around these limitations, and we'll look at how to turn an external drive into a full-fledged extension of internal memory. You don't have to be a programmer, but you need to be careful when you do the steps. Below are methods ranging from basic settings to more advanced tools that will help free up precious gigabytes.

Preparation of a memory card and smartphone

Before you start transferring data, you need to make sure that the drive used is compatible and serviceable. A poor memory card can cause the Redmi 9 Note system to freeze or lose important files. It is recommended to use cards of Class 10 or higher, marked UHS-I or UHS-II. Read and write speed directly affects how quickly applications placed on external media will launch.

The first step is to format the drive into the correct file system. Android-based smartphones work best with exFAT or FAT32 format, although for volumes over 32 GB, the first option is preferred. If the card was previously used in other devices, it may have hidden partitions or errors that will prevent correct operation.

⚠️ Note: Formatting will completely remove all data from the memory card. be sure to back up photos and documents on your computer before starting the procedure.

To format directly on the phone, do the following:

• 📱 Insert the card into the slot and wait for the notification of the connection.
• ⚙️ Go to Settings. → The phone. → Memory.
• 🗑️ Choose yours. SD-card and click the "Clean" or "Format" button".

Once the process is complete, the system will confirm the carrier is ready to go, and then you can move on to prioritizing storage.

Standard methods of transfer to MIUI

Shell MIUI It provides basic memory management functionality, but it is often hidden from the eyes of the average user. In some versions of the firmware for the Redmi 9 Note, the function "Memory Extension" is available, which allows you to use part of the memory. SD-It's like virtual RAM, but it's not a good way to store application files.

Try the standard path through the application settings. Go to Settings. → Annexes → All applications. Select the program you want (e.g., a hard game or a map) If the developer has made this possible, then move to the button. SD-However, 90% of the time on current versions of Android, this button is missing or inactive.

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Use Xiaomi's built-in Security app. In the Cleanup section, sometimes you get a suggestion to move photos and videos to the site. SD-map that will make room for new programs.

There is also an alternative way through the default storage settings:

1. Open the Settings and find the Memory section.
2. Click on your name. SD-map.
3. In the menu that appears, select the option "Use as internal storage" (if available).

If the system offers to format the card as internal memory, agree. After that, Android will encrypt the card, and it will be available only on this device. This is the most reliable standard method, but it is not available on all versions of the Redmi 9 Note firmware.

Using ADB for Forced Transfer

When standard methods fail, the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) is a powerful tool that allows you to send commands to the system directly, bypassing interface constraints, and can force a flag to be installed to allow you to write to an external drive for any application, which requires you to connect your smartphone to your computer.

First, you need to activate the developer mode on Xiaomi Redmi 9 Note. → About the phone and quickly press 7 times on the item "Version" MIUI". After the inscription “You became a developer” appears, go to the advanced settings and turn on USB-Debugging, also on the menu "USB-Debugging (security settings) must be allowed to install via USB Enabling debugging via Wi-Fi (if required).

Follow the following steps on your computer:

• 💻 Download the Platform Tools archive from Google’s official website and unpack it.
• 🔌 Connect your phone with a cable to your PC and select the "File Transfer" mode".
• ⌨️ Open the command line in the tool folder and enter the verification command: adb devices

You'll see a request for debugging permission on your smartphone screen, confirm it. If the device's serial number is displayed on the command line, the connection is successful. You can now enter commands to change the storage configuration.

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect use of commands ADB This can cause the system to be unstable. Type commands carefully, check syntax.

Commands to change installation path

The most efficient way to transfer is to change the global variable pm (Package Manager), which tells Android that by default all new applications and their data should be installed on an external drive. For the Redmi 9 Note, this is critical, since the internal memory is often filled with system debris.

In the command line window where ADB is already running, enter the following instructions:

adb shell pm set-install-location 2

Here, 2 is the priority of the external memory card. 0 returns the default settings (automatic selection by the system), and 1 compulsorily puts everything in the internal memory. Once you enter the command, don't wait for visual confirmation - the system will just apply the parameter.

It's important to understand that this command affects the new installations first, that apps that were already installed before the parameter change will stay in place, and that to move them, you will have to remove them and reinstall them, or use additional utilities inside the smartphone itself that get the rights to manage packages.

Check the current value of the parameter can be done by the command:

adb shell pm get-install-location

In response, the system must output 2[external], which will confirm the successful application of the settings.

Comparison of data transfer methods

There are advantages and disadvantages to different methods. The choice of the specific method depends on your skills and goals. For example, using ADB gives you maximum control, but requires a computer. Customization through the menu is easier, but less effective on older versions of MIUI.

Below is a table to help you choose the best option for your situation:

As you can see from the table, ADB is the most versatile method for the Redmi 9 Note, despite its apparent complexity. It does not require superuser rights (Root), which retains a warranty on the device. At the same time, third-party applications from Google Play often require root access, which can be difficult or impossible to obtain on new versions of MIUI without unlocking the bootloader.

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Using ADB is the only safe way to force transfer without root rights and unlock the bootloader on modern Xiaomi smartphones.

Compatibility and productivity issues

After transferring applications, users may notice a change in the behavior of the smartphone.The speed of downloading heavy games or social networks can decrease if the speed of reading the memory card is lower than the speed of the embedded flash memory eMMC or UFS. Internal memory Redmi 9 Note runs much faster than most budget microSD cards.

In addition, some system applications and widgets may stop working correctly when moving to an external medium, this is due to the fact that the system loads the memory card a little later than the main Android services. SD-card, they may not work immediately after turning on the phone.

• 🐌 Slowing down the interface when opening portable applications.
• 🔋 Increased battery consumption due to constant memory controller activity.
• ❌ Errors of updating apps through Google Play.

To minimize the risks, do not transfer system components, launchers and applications to the memory card, which should be launched instantly. Leave messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp) on internal memory, since the speed of accessing the message database is critical for their performance.

⚠️ Warning: Do not remove the memory card while the smartphone is on, this can damage the database of ported applications and their complete failure.

If you notice that the phone has started to work unstable, return the default installation using the adb shell pm set-install-location 0 command, and reinstall the problem applications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)