Owners of the popular budget smartphone Redmi 4A often face a lack of built-in storage, especially in the version with 16 or 32 gigabytes. Android operating system and the MIUI shell occupy a significant part of the space, leaving the user with a minimum of space to install new programs and games, which leads to constant notifications about the lack of space and the inability to update important services.
Fortunately, there are several ways to solve this problem using a microSD memory card. Unlike older versions of Android, modern systems limit direct data transfer, but workarounds do exist. Below we will discuss effective ways to expand the functionality of your device.
It's worth noting that standard system tools don't always transfer cache and application core files to an external drive, but using special developer features or third-party utilities, you can make the system think that the memory card is part of internal storage, which will free up precious megabytes for your needs.
Features of the MIUI and Redmi 4A file systems
The MIUI shell installed on the Xiaomi Redmi 4A has its own unique features of working with files. Unlike pure Android, it is strictly regulated where application executables can be stored.
The integrated file manager sees the memory card as a separate logical disk. /data/app, User files, such as photos or music, can be stored on the computer. SD-The weight of the program remains in the internal buffer.
⚠️ Warning: Attempting to force system files to move without backing up can cause the phone to run unsteady. Always have a backup of important data on hand before experimenting with partitions.
To make a successful modification, you need to make sure your memory card has a high write speed. Using cheap Class 4 or Class 6 drives can significantly slow down the entire smartphone, as the system will access a slower media more often than usual.
Preparation of memory card and device for work
Before you start complex manipulations, you need to properly prepare the external drive. The card must be formatted in the file system, which correctly recognizes the memory controller Redmi 4A. Most often this is the format FAT32 or exFAT for large-volume cards.
It is recommended to use a card with a volume of at least 16 GB, as on smaller volumes there is little sense in carrying heavy games. Also make sure that the contacts on the card and in the phone slot are clean and not oxidized, which guarantees a stable connection.
- 📱 Remove the memory card and paste it into the card reader on the computer.
- 💾 Format the drive by selecting the file system FAT32 (for cards up to 32 GB or exFAT.
- 🔌 Insert the card back into the smartphone and wait for its definition in the Settings menu.
- 📂 Check the availability of files through a standard conductor.
After the physical installation, go to the storage settings menu, and here the system will suggest using the card as a portable storage, and for now we're going to agree to this option, because we're going to activate the internal storage mode with other methods that are more suitable for MIUI.
☑️ Checking readiness
Forced transfer method through developer settings
The safest and easiest way to do this, without root rights, is to activate the hidden Android feature, which allows the system to port applications that developers have not formally forbidden from moving, but the list of applications can be limited.
To start, you need to activate the developer menu. Go to Settings → About the phone and find the MIUI version. Click on it quickly 7-10 times in a row until you notice that you have become a developer.
Then we go to the extended menu. In the list of options, look for the "Developers" item. Inside this section, scroll down to the application-related block. Find the "Force allow apps on external" switch and activate it.
| Parameter | Standard value | Required importance | Impact on the system |
|---|---|---|---|
| USB mode | Charging. | MTP/File Transfer | Access to the file system |
| USB debugging | Off | VL (for ADB) | Remote management |
| Save on SD | Off | On | Permission of transfer |
| Window animation | 1x | 0.5x or Off | Visual acceleration |
Once you turn on this option, restart your smartphone. Now, when you view the information about the installed applications (Settings) → Annexes → All applications), some of them may have an active button Move to SD-If the button is grey, it means that the application is rigidly tied to the system.
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Once the port function is activated, do not delete the memory card while the applications are on it, which will lead to startup errors and loss of program data.
Using ADB to Change Storage Type
If the standard method didn't work, you can use a more advanced tool called the ADB debugger, which allows you to force the map to be formatted as an internal storage device, making it an integral part of the system.
You will need a computer to work, USB-Xiaomi cable and installed drivers. On the phone in the developer menu, turn on Debugging by USB. Connect your smartphone to your PC and select file transfer mode.
adb shell sm partition public,16The command above is exemplary and requires precise sizing calculations, and the safer way is to use graphical shells for ADB or specialized applications from the Play Market, such as App2SD, that automate command input, and they request permissions through ADB and format.
⚠️ Note: When you convert a card to internal storage, it will be formatted and encrypted, the data on it will be lost, and the card itself will cease to be read on other devices without re-formatting.
Once the operation is successful, the system will suggest that you move the data, and we'll agree and wait for the process to be completed, and now Redmi 4A will treat the card as an extension of internal memory, and the new applications will be installed there by default.
What to do if your computer can’t see your phone?
Working with App2SD and analogues
For users who don't want to mess with the command line, there are specialized utilities. App2SD is one of the leaders in this niche. It analyzes the system and offers optimal portability options.
After installation, the program will request permission to use statistics or access through the ADB. Granting rights is necessary to obtain a complete list of applications and manage them. the program interface is divided into tabs: "On the phone", "On the phone", "On the computer". SD-map, "In the system".
- 🚀 Run system scan to identify portable applications.
- 📲 Select the desired program from the list and click the "Move" button".
- 🔄 Wait for the process to end without turning off the smartphone screen.
- ✅ Check the result in the standard Android settings menu.
And it's important to note that even these programs are not all-powerful. They can only move things around. APK-It's a file and a piece of data, but the cache is often left inside. However, it allows you to win a few hundred megabytes of free space, which is what Xiaomi does. 4A critically.
Transfer of multimedia and messenger cache
You can make room not only by moving the apps themselves, but also by moving their “heavy” content, as messengers like Telegram, WhatsApp and Viber accumulate gigabytes of media files, which by default lie in internal memory.
In most messenger settings, there's a "Path of Preservation" option, change it to a memory card, and it will instantly free up space that was occupied by photos and videos from chat rooms. → The way to preserve.
You should also pay attention to the folder. DCIM And Download. Move all the files you've accumulated to an external drive. Use the file manager to sort: create a folder. Old_Photos on a map and drag the archives there.
Some applications, like maps or music players, allow you to specify the path to the cache in your settings, go to the settings of each heavy application and check if this option is available, which will prevent the system partition from filling in in the future.
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Transferring the messenger cache and photo archive often frees up more space than transferring the applications themselves, since media files take up to 80% of the user’s memory.