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

Owners of the popular Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro often face a situation where the built-in storage is overflowing, despite the stated 64 or 128 gigabytes. MIUI operating system takes up a significant amount of space, and modern applications and multimedia quickly eat up the remaining space, slowing down the device. Fortunately, this smartphone is equipped with a microSD card slot that allows you to expand the useful amount of storage.

Moving data to an external medium is not just a way to free up space, but also a way to optimize system performance. However, many users mistakenly believe that it is enough to simply insert a card to make everything work automatically. In fact, the procedure for porting applications has its own nuances, depending on the version of Android and the shell, and requires careful approach to settings.

In this article, we will look at all available methods, from standard system tools to the use of special utilities, you will learn how to format the drive correctly and what types of files are best stored on an external map so as not to damage the system database. Follow the step-by-step instructions to turn your smartphone into a reliable storage.

Preparation of memory card and formatting

Before trying to transfer any files, you need to properly prepare an external drive. Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro supports cards up to 512 GB, but for stable operation it is better to choose models with a speed class at least lower UHS-I. Insert the card into the slot located on the lower end of the device next to the tray for SIM-map.

After the physical installation, the system will usually suggest setting up the drive itself. If the notification does not appear, you need to go to the settings menu manually. Find the About phone section, then select Storage. SD-map.

At this point, it's critical to choose the right formatting type, and it's going to offer two options: portable storage or internal storage, and we're going to need a second option to port applications, which is called Adoptable Storage in Android.

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Use only quality memory cards from trusted brands (SanDisk, Samsung, Kingston) cheap cards can quickly fail when actively recording data, which will lead to loss of information and errors in the operation of applications.

⚠️ Note: The formatting process will completely destroy all data on the memory card. If it has important photos or documents on it, be sure to copy them to your computer before starting the procedure.

Select the option “Use as internal storage” (or “Internal Storage”). The system will warn that the card will be formatted and encrypted. This means that once formatted, the card will only work with that particular smartphone and will not be read on other devices without re-formatting.

Once the process is complete, the system may suggest that you move your existing data (photos, media) to a new medium, and accept that offer to make room in the built-in storage immediately. Now your card is ready for more complex operations.

Standard method of transfer through settings

The built-in MIUI tools allow you to transfer certain types of data, but the functionality of porting the applications themselves is limited by Google's security policy. However, for media files and cache of some programs, this method works faultlessly. Go to Settings → Memory.

In the menu that opens, you'll see the space allocation. Click on the item that cleans or manages files. The system will suggest moving photos, videos and music to the next location. SD-This is the basic step that we need to take first.

As for applications, in the standard menu of the Application → All applications, you can find a specific program. Once you go to its properties, look at the Move button. If it is active (not grey), then the developer has authorized the transfer of this program to an external medium.

Unfortunately, for many system applications and popular services (such as Telegram or WhatsApp in some versions), this button will be inactive, this is done to ensure that when you extract the card, the application does not stop working, in such cases, the standard method is powerless, and additional actions are required.

Using Developer Mode for Extended Opportunities

There is a hidden feature in Android that forcibly allows you to port any applications, even those that do not officially support it. To activate this option, you need to turn on developer mode. Go to Settings → About phone and quickly click 7 times on the MIUI version.

After you have the message "You became a developer" go back to the main settings menu. → For developers. In the long list of parameters, scroll down to the app-related section.

Find the option “Force allow apps on external.” Change the value from “Automatic” or “Inner memory” to “External drive» (SD This action causes the system to count. SD-Map as a priority place to install new programs.

Once the setting changes, you have to restart your smartphone, and only after the reboot will the changes take effect, and now when you install new apps from Google Play, they will be offered by default for installation on the memory card.

However, it is worth considering that forced transfer of system applications can lead to unstable operation of the Redmi Note 9 Pro. If you notice frequent departures or freezes, return the setting to the original position.

Transfer of multimedia and data messengers

The most effective way to free up space is to transfer heavy files generated by messengers. WhatsApp and Telegram can take up tens of gigabytes, storing all the photos and videos viewed. → Path to the files and point SD-map.

For Telegram, the situation is a little different: the application does not have a built-in function of changing the path to cache on Android without root rights, but you can manually transfer the Telegram folder from internal memory to the root. SD-You can then create a symbolic link in the phone's settings, but this requires a root-enabled file manager, for example, MT Manager or Total Commander with plugins.

The easiest way is to use the Cleanup function inside the messenger, then set up autosave. Turn off autosave media to the gallery so that files don't duplicate. Also clean the cache regularly in Settings → Applications → Application Management.

Photos and video from the camera can be redirected to the map completely. Open the Camera app, click on the three bars in the top corner and select settings. Find the Save to the Save to the Settings switch. SD-Now, all the new images will be written directly to the external media.

⚠️ Note: Do not manually delete folders with the names of system applications or Google services through the file manager. This may lead to loss of settings or incorrect service performance.

Limitations and impact on speed

It is important to understand the physical limitations of the technology. The built-in memory of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro smartphone uses a UFS interface that provides high read and write speeds. Even the fastest microSD card runs slower, especially in random small file writing.

The heavy games and apps that are moved to the map can take longer to load, and you may notice increased desktop icon times or delays when you start your navigator, which is normal if the map is not in the top segment.

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The speed of the application depends on the speed class of your SD-For the comfortable use of programs from the card, you need a speed class. A1 or A2.

In addition, frequent data overwriting reduces the memory card life. If you actively use an application that constantly writes logs or cache (for example, a navigator or video editor), the card can fail faster than usual.

Another nuance is encryption, because the card is encrypted for a particular device, if your smartphone breaks or is reset to factory settings, the data on the map may become inaccessible without the keys stored in the system, so do not store critical information on ported applications without duplication.

Solving problems in transfer

Users often face a situation where, after transferring, the app stops updating to Google Play.The store may give an error "Not enough space" even though there is space on the map.Solution: temporarily transfer the application back to internal memory, update it, and then return to the map. SD-map.

Sometimes the system writes «SD-The card is damaged" or "Formatting required. Take your time to format. Try to remove the map, erase the contacts with a pin and paste again. If the error persists, check the map on the computer utility. SD Formatter and format to exFAT file system.

In case the widgets of the ported applications are missing from the desktop, try removing the widget and adding it again from the widget menu. Sometimes after transfer, you need to completely reboot the device to correctly display all the interface elements.