Owners of Xiaomi Redmi 5 sooner or later face the problem of lack of internal memory. Even with a 16 or 32 GB system partition quickly clogged with applications, cache and updates. microSD card seems the obvious solution, but porting applications to it in Redmi 5 has nuances: the limitations of Android 7.1 Nougat, features of the shell MIUI and the format of the file system map.
In this article - all the current ways to transfer applications to SD-map, including official methods through settings MIUI, circumvention ADB, And we'll also look at alternative solutions for root users, and we'll look at why some apps can't be moved, how to check the compatibility of the memory card, and what to do if they start to slow down after the transfer.
Let’s warn you right away: Xiaomi Redmi 5 (codename rosy runs on Android 7.1 shelled MIUI 9/10/11 (This means that the Adoptable Storage function (conversion) SD-Internal memory cards available in “pure” Android 6.0+, It's disabled by the manufacturer, but there are workarounds, which are below.
It's also important to understand the difference between porting and installing on the default card: the first involves moving existing applications, the second involves changing storage for new ones. In Redmi 5, both options are possible, but with reservations.
1.Preparation: Which Memory Card Is Right for Redmi 5
Not every microSD is suitable for porting applications, but here are the key requirements:
- 🔹 Speed class: minimum class 10 or UHS-I (U1). Class Class Cards 4/6 They will slow down applications.
- 🔹 Capacity: 16GB (optimally 32–64GB) Cards less than 16GB often don’t support exFAT.
- 🔹 File system format: FAT32 (default or exFAT. MIUI supportive NTFS application!
- 🔹 Brand: Preferably SanDisk, Samsung EVO, Kingston Canvas: Cheap no-name cards can cause errors.
Before buying, check the card for authenticity with H2testw (Windows) or F3 (Linux/macOS). Fake cards with low write speeds lead to lags in migrated applications.
⚠️ Note: If you use a memory card as a portable storage device (for photos, music, documents), you will have to format it before transferring applications!
2.Official method: transfer via MIUI settings
The easiest method is to use the built-in MIUI tools, which only works for a fraction of the applications that support the moveToSD function in their manifesto.
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Select an app from a list (like Facebook or Messenger).
- Slip on Warehouse.
- If the option is available, a button will appear to Move to SD-Map (or Modify in new versions) MIUI).
- Confirm the transfer and wait for the process to be completed.
⚠️ Note: Do not remove the memory card after transfer without first returning the application to internal memory!
List of applications that cannot be transferred in an official way:
- 🚫 System applications (Settings, Phone, Messages).
- 🚫 Applications with a widget on the main screen.
- 🚫 Games with protection against piracy (for example, PUBG Mobile, Genshin Impact).
- 🚫 Programmes using OBB-Files (additional game data).
Alternative method: change of default installation location
If the transfer of individual applications does not solve the problem, you can configure the installation of new programs immediately on the Internet. SD-This is the map:
- Connect the memory card to the phone.
- Go to Settings. → Warehouse.
- Tap on point. SD-map (or External Storage).
- In the upper right corner, press three dots (⋮) and select Storage Settings.
- Activate Use as Internal Memory (if available) or Set as Default SD-map.
🔹 Important: This method does not transfer already installed applications, but only changes the storage location for new ones, and some programs (such as WhatsApp or Telegram) can ignore this setting and install in internal memory.
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Before changing your storage settings, restart your phone. Sometimes MIUI doesn't apply the changes without a reboot.
4. Advanced method: transfer through ADB (without root)
If you don’t have a port option in the settings, you can use the ADB debugging bridge. This method works on Android 7.1 and does not require superuser rights, but you will need a computer.
📌 What's the matter:
- 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
- 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original or quality).
- 🛠️ Utilities. ADB and Fastboot (download from Android site).
- 🔒 Included debugging by USB phone-on.
🔧 Step-by-step instruction:
- Activate USB debugging: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version to unlock Developer Mode. Go back to Settings → Additional → Developer. Enable USB Debugging.
Connect your phone to your PC:
adb devices(should be displayed XXXXXXXX device).
Run the command to transfer:
adb shell pm set-install-location 2(set up SD-Map as default storage location for new applications).
For the portability of a specific annex:
adb shell pm move-package com.example.app /sdcard(Replace com.example.app with the batch name of the app, such as com.facebook.katana for Facebook).
⚠️ Note: Not all applications support forced transfer via ADB. If the team returns a Failure error [NOT_MOVED: Operation not allowed, means the transfer is blocked by the developer.
Debugging is on. USB|Drivers installed ADB|The phone is defined in adb devices|SD-map FAT32/exFAT|Backup copy of data created-->
5. Root-rights applications portability (for experienced)
If you have root access, you can expand the portability, and you can use apps like App2SD, Link2SD, or FolderMount that allow you to:
- 🔄 Move over OBB-file.
- 🔗 Create symbolic links (symlink) to deceive the system.
- 🗃️ Move cache and temporary files.
🔧 Instructions for Link2SD:
⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right Link2SD This can cause data loss or a bootloop.Before experimenting, back up through TWRP!
What if the application does not start after the transfer?
Errors and Solutions: Why Apps Cannot Be Moved
Even if you follow the instructions, you can have problems, and let's look at the typical mistakes and how to fix them:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The "Transfer" button is inactive. | The application does not support portability or is installed on the system partition. | Try ADB or install an analogue (like Facebook Lite instead of Facebook). |
| Not enough space for SD-map | The card is formatted in FAT32, which does not support >4GB files. | Reformat the card to exFAT (all data will be deleted!). |
| App dyes after transfer | Low speed reading/writing of the card or damaged data. | Return the application to internal memory, check the card for errors (chkdsk in Windows). |
| ADB does not see the device | Drivers are not installed or debugging is disabled via USB. | Install Mi PC Suite or Google USB Driver drivers, check the developer settings. |
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If the app is running slowly after the transfer, it's most likely the memory card speed is to blame. SD-map A1 SD Bench (should be at least 10 MB/s per record).
7.Memory optimization: alternative ways to free up space
Porting apps isn't the only way to combat memory shortages. Consider these methods:
- 🧹 Cache Clearing: Go to Settings → Warehouse → Clear the cache. This will free up 1-3 GB without deleting data.
- 🗑️ Delete unnecessary files: Use Files by Google or MIUI Cleaner for searching for duplicates and garbage.
- ☁️ Cloud Storage: Move photos and videos to Google Photos or Mi Cloud by enabling the Free Place option.
- 🔄 Lite versions of applications: Replace "heavy" programs with lightweight ones (Facebook Lite, Messenger Lite, Spotify Lite, etc).
- 🚫 Restriction of background activity: C Settings → Battery → Power Saving Mode Turn Off Autostart for Unnecessary Applications.
💡 Tip: Regularly check the Settings section → Annexes → Installed for rarely used programs: Removing 3-5 unnecessary applications can free up to 500 MB!