Transfer applications to memory card in Xiaomi Redmi 9: a complete guide with nuances

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi 9 sooner or later face a shortage of internal memory — especially if you are actively installing games, messengers or multimedia applications. MicroSD card memory seems to be the obvious solution, but in MIUI with the transfer of applications is not so simple.

In this article, we will discuss all working methods for transferring applications to SD-map in Redmi 9 – from standard settings to workarounds using ADB You will learn which applications can be ported without risks, and which will remain on the internal drive, and how to avoid typical errors when working with memory.

⚠️ Important: Not all methods are equally secure.Transfer system applications or ignore warnings MIUI This may cause your phone to crash.We recommend that you first familiarize yourself with the limitations of your version. MIUI (You can find it in the settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI).

Why? MIUI restricts the transfer of applications to SD-map?

Smartphone makers, including Xiaomi, have imposed restrictions on app portability for a reason.

• 🔒 Security: SD-Cards are easier to extract or lose, which creates a risk of data leakage (for example, from instant messengers or banking applications).
• ⚡ Performance: Class Memory Cards UHS-I Class 10 is still slower than the built-in memory of eMMC 5.1 in Redmi 9.
• 🛠️ Stability: When you extract the card while the application is running, it can crash or lose data.
• 📱 Google Policy: Starting with Android 6.0, migrating apps to Android SD Requires support from the developer (android:installLocation attribute in the manifesto).

In MIUI 12/13/14 (depending on the firmware version of your Redmi 9), these restrictions are implemented particularly harshly, for example, you can not carry:

• 📱 System applications (e.g. Settings, Phone, Camera).
• 💳 Applications with payment data (Google Pay, bank customers).
• 🎮 Games with anti-piracy protection (e.g. Genshin Impact or PUBG Mobile).

However, there are workarounds - we will talk about them later.

Method 1: Standard Transfer through MIUI Settings

This is the simplest method, but it only works for a limited list of applications. Here's how to apply it:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the app you want to migrate (such as Telegram or Spotify).
3. Slip on Warehouse.
4. If the option is available, you will see the button Move to SD-Map (or Modify in new versions) MIUI).

⚠️ Warning: If there is no button, the app does not support portability. ADB (I'm not sure what the consequences are, like moving WhatsApp to the next one. SD Often leads to loss of chats when retrieving the card.

Here is an example of applications that can usually be ported in a standard way:

If the desired application is not in the list, move to the next method.

Method 2: Using ADB for Forced Transfer

ADB (Android Debug Bridge is a debugging tool that allows you to control your smartphone through your computer, and you can force almost any application to be transferred to your computer. SD-map, even if MIUI But the method requires caution.

Here's what you're gonna need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📦 Installed drivers Xiaomi and ADB (You can download from the official Google website).
• ⚙️ Included debugging by USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to tap according to the version → Return to the Extra → For developers → Debugging by USB).

Instructions:

1. Connect Redmi 9 to your computer and allow debugging.
2. Open the command line (or Terminal) and type:

adb devices

(Your device should be displayed.)

1. Find out the batch name of the app (for example, for Facebook it is com.facebook.katana), you can do this through the App Inspector or the command:

adb shell pm list packages | grep 'appendix name'

1. Move the app to SD-map:

adb shell pm set-install-location 2


adb shell pm move-package com.example.package

⚠️ Note: Some applications may not work properly or even start after this transfer. For example, Google Maps often displays an error when downloading maps from the maps. SD. Before experimenting, make a backup copy!

💡

If the move-package command returns the error [INSTALL_FAILED_INVALID_INSTALL_LOCATION], So the app is absolutely not portable. Try other methods or clear the cache.

Method 3: Formatting SD-The card is an internal memory (adoptable storage)

This method turns yours into yours. SD-It's part of the internal storage, so you can install applications on it without restrictions:

• 🔐 The card will be encrypted and will not be read on other devices.
• 📉 System performance may fall (especially if the card is slow).
• 🚫 After extracting the map, the application will stop working on it.

If you are prepared for these victims, follow the instructions:

1. Put it in. SD-map.
2. Go to Settings → Storage → Memory Map.
3. Slip on the three dots in the top right corner and select Storage Settings.
4. Choose to format as internal.
5. Confirm the action and wait until it is completed (may take a few minutes).

After formatting:

• 📲 New applications will be installed by default on SD-map.
• 🔄 Existing applications can be moved through Settings → Applications (as in Method 1).

⚠️ Note: If you decide to remove the card, Redmi 9 will require a reboot and all applications on it will become unavailable.

Method 4: Manual transfer of cache and application data

If the application itself cannot be moved, you can free up space by moving its cache and downloaded files.

• 🎵 Musical applications (Spotify, Yandex Music).
• 📺 Video players (YouTube, Kodi).
• 🎮 Some games (such as downloaded maps in Google Maps).

How to do this:

1. Open the application settings (Settings → Applications → [application name] → Storage).
2. Slip on Clear cache (this won't delete important data).
3. If you have the option to Control Space or Memory, select Change the Save Place and specify SD-map.

For Google Maps:

1. Open the application, tap on the avatar → Settings → Offline maps.
2. Select the storage settings and specify SD-map.

For Spotify:

1. Go to Settings → Data → Storage location.
2. Choose. SD-map and confirm.

This method does not carry the application itself, but saves 1-5 GB of internal memory due to media files.

Method 5: Alternative solutions for memory release

If none of these methods worked, consider these options:

• 🧹 Cache Cleanup: Clean the cache regularly through Settings → Warehouse → Cleanup. It could free up 1 to 3 GB.
• ☁️ Cloud Storage: Move photos and videos to Google Photos or Mi Cloud, then delete local copies.
• 🔄 PC portability: Connect Redmi 9 to your computer and copy heavy files (such as movies or backups).
• 📦 Lite versions of applications: Install lightweight versions (Facebook Lite, Messenger Lite), which take up 2-3 times less space.
• 🛠️ Factory reset: The last resort if the phone is full of unnecessary files!

You can also use applications for memory analysis, for example:

• Files by Google – shows which files take up the most space.
• SD Maid – removes unnecessary files and duplicates.
• CCleaner – Clears the cache and temporary files.

💡

If your Redmi 9 is constantly giving out a notification “Not enough memory”, even after cleaning, check the /Android/obb/ folder – there may be heavy game files (1-4 GB each) that can be transferred to the SD manually through the file manager.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When working with application portability, Redmi 9 users often face these problems:

⚠️ Warning: If after transferring applications, the phone began to brake, check the speed SD-mapping A1 SD If the read speed is below 20 MB/s, the card is not suitable for installing applications.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions