How to transfer applications to SD-Xiaomi Redmi Note 5: all working methods

Why Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 is missing memory and how to fix it

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 (codenamed whyred) often face the problem of lack of internal memory, especially if the device has been in use for several years. MIUI It takes up a lot of space, and the cache of apps and updates eat away at the remaining gigabytes over time. SD-The map seems to be a logical solution, but here users are waiting for nuances.

The fact is that Xiaomi at the firmware level limits the ability to fully port applications to external drives. Unlike some devices on “pure” Android, where the Adoptable Storage feature allows you to format a memory card as an internal one, MIUI either does not have this mechanism or works with serious reservations, but this does not mean that the task is impossible: there are both official workarounds and alternative methods for experienced users.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to transfer applications to SD-The Redmi Note 5 card, including:

• 🔧 The official method through settings MIUI (restrictively)
• 📱 Use of Android 8.1 Oreo (basic version for whyred)
• 🛠️ Alternative solutions for root users
• ⚠️ Risks and pitfalls of each method

Before you start, make sure your SD-The card meets the requirements: the best choice - the class card UHS-I (U1 or U3) with a volume of at least 32 GB and a write speed of 10 MB / s. Cheap cards without certification can cause lags or errors when working with applications.

Official method: transfer via MIUI settings

The easiest and safest method is to use the built-in MIUI to migrate some applications, but it doesn't work with all programs and has limitations:

• 📌 Only user data of applications are transferred (not the application itself). APK-file).
• 🚫 System applications and most games (e.g, PUBG Mobile, Genshin Impact cannot be moved.
• ⚠️ After the transfer, some applications may run slower or give out errors.

To migrate supported applications:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select an app from the list (such as Telegram or VLC).
3. Press Warehouse. → Change. → SD-map.
4. Confirm the transfer and wait for the process to be completed.

If the Change button is inactive or not, the application does not support the transfer, in which case root access or alternative methods will help (see the following sections).

Formatting SD-The card is an internal memory (adoptable storage)

Adoptable Storage feature, which appeared in Android 6.0 Marshmallow, allows you to "tether" SD-The card to the device, turning it into part of the internal storage, which in theory should allow you to install applications directly to the map, but Xiaomi in the firmware for Redmi Note 5 turned this feature off at the kernel level, so the standard way through Settings is through the Settings. → The vault won't work.

However, there is a workaround using ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires connecting a smartphone to a PC and executing commands manually, and the advantage is that the card will expand internal memory rather than just serving as an external drive.

• 🔒 The map will be “tied” to the device and will not be read on other gadgets without formatting.
• 🐢 Application speed may decrease (depending on class) SD-map).
• ⚠️ When you remove the map, the application will stop working on it.

Instructions for experienced users:

1. Connect Redmi Note 5 to your PC via USB (enable USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times click on version).
2. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (Linux/macOS) and type: adb shell sm list-disks Remember the card ID (e.g., disk:179.64).
3. Run the command (replace disk:X,Y with your identifier): sm partition disk:179.64 private
4. Reset the device.

⚠️ After this operation, all data on SD-Also, not all cards support private mode - if the team issues an error, try mixed 50 instead of private.

Transfer applications with root rights

If you're ready to root (like Magisk or TWRP), you'll have additional features, and Root allows you to bypass MIUI restrictions and force you to port applications, including system ones.

• 📦 App2SD — portability APK and map data.
• 🔄 Link2SD — Creates symbolic links, “deceiving” the system.
• 🛠️ FolderMount – only transfers cache and data, saving space.

Example of Link2SD:

1. Install the app from the Play Market and provide root access.
2. In the main menu, select the application for transfer.
3. Click Create Link → Select Data and/or APK.
4. Reset the device.

Warning: Not all apps work properly after forced porting. For example, WhatsApp or banking apps may give out errors due to security policies. Always test the portability on non-critical programs!

Alternative methods: what to do if nothing helps

If none of the above methods worked, consider alternative approaches:

One of the most effective ways is to transfer media files to SD-For example, photos and videos from the gallery can be moved manually:

1. Open the Gallery → Select files → More → Move.
2. Point the folder to SD-map (e.g., map, DCIM/Camera).
3. Remove the originals from internal memory.

Also worth paying attention to cloud storage (Google Photos, Mi Cloud): they automatically upload photos and videos to the cloud, allowing you to delete local copies. Spotify or Yandex Music with the option “Stream only” is suitable for music.

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If you frequently install new applications, turn on the "Install on" option. SD-Default card" in Settings → Warehouse → Preferred installation location: This won't transfer the programs already installed, but new ones will be saved to the map (if they support it).

How to avoid mistakes when working with SD-card

Misuse SD-The cards could cause data loss or disruption to the Redmi Note 5:

• 🚫 Do not remove the card while transferring files or running applications – this can damage data.
• 🔄 Regularly format the map (once every 3-6 months) through Settings → Warehouse → SD-map → Format.
• 🛡️ Use trusted brands: SanDisk, Samsung, Kingston (avoid no-name cards).
• 📉 Keep an eye on the vacant space: leave at least 10% of the free space for a stable job.

If the Redmi Note 5 doesn't see SD-map:

1. Reset the device.
2. Check the card on another device (for example, on a PC through a card reader).
3. Update your firmware to the latest version of MIUI (some versions have had bugs with exFAT support).
4. Format the map in FAT32 (volume ≤32 GB or exFAT (if) >32GB).

⚠️ Note: If after formatting the card as internal memory (Adoptable Storage) the device began to slow down, return the settings to the original. ADB Team: sm forget disk:179,64 (replace your ID with yours) The card will return to portable storage mode, but all data on it will be erased.

FAQ: Frequent questions about transferring applications to SD-map

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Transfer of applications to SD-The map in Redmi Note 5 is possible, but has limitations: the official method works only with individual applications, and a full-fledged memory expansion requires root or other devices. ADB. The best option for most users is a combination of cleaning the cache, transferring media files and using Lite versions of programs.