How to transfer applications from internal memory to SD-Map in Xiaomi: 5 proven ways

The internal memory of Xiaomi smartphones is clogged with applications faster than it seems: photos in Google Photos, cache of games, updates to social networks - and now the system warns of a shortage of space. SD-The map seems to be a logical solution, but in MIUI This feature doesn't work as clearly as it does on pure Android. 12 or POCO X5) The option is hidden in the settings, and in new versions of the firmware (MIUI 14/15) It was removed for most applications.

The problem is that not all apps can be moved – many (including WhatsApp, Telegram and banking programs) block this feature for security reasons. SD-grade-up A1/UHS-I This can lead to brakes and errors, especially in games or instant messengers. In this article, we will discuss all working methods, from standard tools to tools. MIUI to manual methods through ADB, We will also tell you which apps are not worth porting and why.

Why Xiaomi is limiting the portability of applications SD-map

In the latest versions of MIUI (starting with MIUI 12), the function of transferring applications to a memory card has become less available.

• 🔒 Data security: Annexes to the SD-It is easier to steal or replace cards, especially if the cards are retrieved and used on other devices.
• ⚡ Performance: Memory cards (even class) UHS-II) slower-than-integrated memory UFS 2.2/3.1, What is critical for games and heavy applications.
• 📱 Google policy: With Android 9, transfer applications to SD Not officially recommended – many developers refuse to support this feature.
• 🔄 Synchronization errors: When you extract a map, applications can “fly” or lose data (relevant to Spotify, Netflix).

However, there are loopholes in MIUI, such as hybrid slot models (such as the Redmi 10C or POCO M4 Pro) that can format a memory card as an internal storage (Adoptable Storage), but this solution has its pitfalls, which we will discuss below.

⚠️ Note: If your Xiaomi is running on Android 11+, porting system applications (such as Mi Browser or Security) can cause crashes.Before experimenting, back up to Settings → Google → Backup.

Method 1: Standard portability through MIUI settings (for supported applications)

This method only works for a limited number of applications (usually games, messengers like Viber, or utilities like FX File Explorer).

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the appropriate app (such as Facebook).
3. Slip on the "Storage" item.
4. If there is a “Change” button next to the “Inner Memory” label, click it and select it. SD-map.

If you don't have a button, the app doesn't support portability, so in this case, move on to the following.

SD-The card is formatted as a portable storage (not as an internal memory)

There is enough free space on the map (at least 20% more than the weight of the application)

Card of UHS-I class or higher (for games A2 is required)

The application is not system-based (e.g. Mi Home or Mi Remote)

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After the transfer, some features may work slower, such as Google Maps will take longer to load maps, and PUBG Mobile can slow down when loading textures. If a game or application starts to lag, return them to internal memory.

Method 2: Formatting SD-The card as an internal storage (Adoptable Storage)

This method is suitable for devices with Android 6-9 and a hybrid slot under SIM/SD (for example, Redmi 9A or POCO X3 NFC).

Instructions:

1. Put it in. SD-smartphone-card.
2. Go to Settings. → Warehouse → SD-map.
3. Slip on the three dots in the top right corner and select "Storage settings."
4. Click "Format as internal" (some firmwares call the item "Redesign").
5. Confirm the action – the card will be formatted in ext4 or f2fs.
6. After the reboot, select "Move Data" (optional).

⚠️ Note: If you use a class card UHS-I A1 or lower, after formatting as an internal storage, it will last no more than 6-12 months due to high load. EVO Plus or SanDisk Extreme Class A2.

Method 3: Transfer over ADB (for power users)

If you don’t have a port option in the settings, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which works on most Xiaomi devices, but requires a connection to a computer.

Steps:

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version. Go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers. Activate USB Debugging.

Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.

ADB Tools

Win + R → cmd

adb shell pm set-install-location 2

This command will force the system to install applications on default SD-card (if formatted as a portable storage).

Instagram

adb shell pm move-package com.instagram.android

(Replace com.instagram.android with your app’s batch name).

List of packet names of popular applications:

• WhatsApp: com.whatsapp
• Telegram: org.telegram.messenger
• Facebook: com.facebook.katana
• TikTok: com.zhiliaoapp.musically

💡

If the pm move-package command returns the error [INSTALL_FAILED_INVALID_INSTALL_LOCATION], So the app doesn't support portability. SD-The card as an internal storage (means of use) 2).

Method 4: Use of third-party utilities (App2SD, Link2SD)

If previous methods have failed, you can use Google Play apps like App2SD or Link2SD.

• 📌 Move over APK-file SD-map.
• 🔗 Create symbolic links (for root users).
• 🗑️ Clear cache and unnecessary files.

Instructions for Link2SD (root required):

1. Install Link2SD from the Play Market.
2. Provide root access (if any).
3. Select the app from the list.
4. Click "Create a link" and select SD-map.
5. Confirm the transfer of data and libraries (lib, dex).

Without root, the functionality is limited, you can only transfer cache and some data, and full transfer will require unlocking the bootloader and installing Magisk, which voids the warranty.

Method 5: Transfer only media files and cache

If it is impossible to transfer the application itself, you can free up space by moving its data (photo, video, cache) to the SD-It works for the map:

• 📷 Google Photos (settings) → lay down).
• 🎵 Spotify (settings) → storage → loading-place).
• 🎮 PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty (select the game settings) SD-resource-loading).
• 📥 Telegram (settings) → data-storage → loader).

For manual transfer:

1. Connect your phone to your PC or use a file manager (such as Mi File Manager).
2. Go to /Android/data/[name packet] (e.g. /Android/data/com.whatsapp/).
3. Copy cache, files or media folders on SD-map.
4. In some applications (for example, VK), you need to manually specify a new path to files in the settings.

⚠️ Note: Do not transfer the obb folder for games to the SD-grade-up A2 — This will lead to constant loading of textures and lags, and for Genshin Impact or Honkai: Star Rail, it is better to use internal memory or external memory. SSD through OTG.

Class A1 (up to 30 MB/s)

Class A2/UHS-I (up to 90 MB/s)

UHS-II (150+MB/s)

I don't use it.

Another option-->

What applications cannot be transferred to SD-map

Even if technically transferable, some applications should not be touched:

Also avoid transferring:

• 🔐 Two-factor authentication applications (Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator).
• 📡 VPN-NordVPN, ProtonVPN – may lose the connection.
• 🎬 Streaming services (Netflix, Disney)+) — fallibility DRM.

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If the application stopped working after the transfer, return it to internal memory and clear the cache in Settings → Apps → [name] → Storage → Clear the cache.

Frequent mistakes and how to fix them

When transferring applications to SD-Xiaomi users face typical problems:

• 🚫 "There is not enough space on the device, even if it is SD-Solution: Format the card in exFAT (supports files) >4 GB via PC.
• 🔄 "The app stopped" after the transfer. Solution: Remove and reinstall the app by selecting SD-map.
• 📵 SD-The card is not defined after formatting as internal storage.Solution: Reboot the phone and check the card on another device (it may be damaged).
• ⚠️ "Team team. ADB It's not working. (pm move-package) Solution: Update. MIUI Up to the latest version or use adb shell pm set-install-location 2 to force installation on the SD.

If the application slows down after transfer, try:

1. Clear the cache in the application settings.
2. Transfer it back to the internal memory.
3. Use it. SD-card with higher speed class.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions