How to transfer applications to a memory card in Xiaomi Redmi 9C: all ways and life hacks

Xiaomi Redmi 9C is a budget smartphone with limited internal memory (32 or 64 GB), which quickly fills with applications and media. migrating programs to a microSD card is a logical solution for freeing up internal storage. However, in MIUI (especially on budget models), this feature often works with restrictions or requires additional manipulation.

In this article you will find all the current ways to transfer applications to the SD-map 9C, including official settings MIUI, We will also look at how to work around β€œunbearable” programs and solve common errors (for example, when the transfer button is inactive.

Why can’t Redmi 9C transfer applications to memory?

The problem with migrating applications to the microSD in Xiaomi Redmi 9C is related to the features of the MIUI firmware and the Android Go architecture, on which the budget model runs.

  • πŸ”Ή Android 10 Go Edition Limits: Lightweight OS Blocks Transfer of System and Some User Applications.
  • πŸ”Ή Memory card format: MIUI requires that SD-The card has been formatted as an internal storage (Adoptable Storage), but not all cards support this mode.
  • πŸ”Ή Xiaomi artificially limits the function for budget models to stimulate the purchase of devices with large memory.
  • πŸ”Ή Application incompatibility: Some programs (such as messengers or anti-cheat games) block the transfer for security reasons.

In addition, after the update MIUI Before version 12.5 and above, many users note that the port option disappears from the settings menu, due to a change in Google’s policy regarding Adoptable Storage, a feature that allowed users to use the app. SD-card as part of internal memory.

πŸ“Š How much memory is your Redmi? 9C?
32GB
64GB
128 GB (if completed)
I don't know.

Which memory card should I use for the Redmi 9C?

Not every microSD is suitable for porting applications. Redmi 9C cards are recommended with the following characteristics:

ParameterMinimum requirementsRecommended option
Volume.16GB64–128 GB (Class A2)
Class speedClass 10UHS-I (U1 or U3)
File system formatFAT32 (default)exFAT (for files >4 GB)
ManufacturerAnybody.SanDisk, Samsung EVO, Kingston

⚠️ Note: Cheap cards without certification A1/A2 The best choice is SanDisk Ultra microSDXC. UHS-I A2 or similar models marked "for applications".

Before buying, check the compatibility of the card with your device.

  1. Insert the card into the Redmi 9C slot.
  2. Go to Settings. β†’ Warehouse.
  3. If the card is defined, but the option of formatting as internal memory is absent – it is not suitable for transferring applications.

πŸ’‘

Before formatting the card as an internal storage, back up the data – all files on it will be deleted!

Official method: transfer via MIUI settings

If your memory card supports Adoptable Storage, you can move some applications through standard settings. MIUI 12–14:

  1. Insert microSD into the slot (up to 512GB of microSDXC is supported).
  2. Open the Settings β†’ Storage.
  3. Tap your name on it. SD-maps, for example, SD-map: 64GB).
  4. Select Format as internal storage (if the option is active).
  5. Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed (may take 5-10 minutes).
  6. After formatting, go to Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management.
  7. Select the desired application β†’ Warehouse β†’ Change. β†’ SD-map.

⚠️ Note: Once formatted as internal storage, the card cannot be read on other devices (PCs, cameras) without formatting beforehand. β†’ Warehouse β†’ Extract.

Insert memory card into slot | Check support for Adoptable Storage | Make a backup of data from the card | Format the card as internal storage |Reboot the smartphone after formatting-->

If the Format button as internal storage is inactive:

  • πŸ”Ή The card does not support Adoptable Storage (for example, too slow or damaged).
  • πŸ”Ή The smartphone already uses another card in this mode (you can use only one).
  • πŸ”Ή Version. MIUI older than 12.5 – the new firmware function is hidden.

Alternative methods of transferring applications

If the official way doesn't work, try one of the workarounds, which requires more action, but often helps even with "unbearable" applications.

Method 1: Use of ADB (for power users)

The Android Debug Bridge (ADB) method allows you to force the application to the map, even if the settings do not have such an option.

  • πŸ”Ή A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB.
  • πŸ”Ή Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) β†’ The phone. β†’ Version. MIUI β†’ 7 times tap to unlock Developer Settings).
  • πŸ”Ή Memory card formatted as internal storage.

Instructions:

  1. Connect Redmi 9C to your PC and confirm debugging permission.
  2. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
  3. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must display the serial number of your device.
  4. Find out the batch name of the app (for example, for Facebook it is com.facebook.katana).
  5. Perform the port command: adb shell pm set-install-location 2 This command sets the memory card as the default installation location for new applications.
  6. To transfer an already installed application: adb shell pm move-package com.facebook.katana

⚠️ Note: Not all applications support forced portability.If you see a Failure error after the command [NOT_MOVED: Package couldn't be moved, so the program is locked for transfer.

Method 2: Applications for portability (App Mgr III, Link2SD)

Google Play has some tools that automate the transfer process.

  • πŸ”Ή App Mgr III (App 2 SD) β€” Shows you which apps you can transfer and does it in one click.
  • πŸ”Ή Link2SD β€” Create symbolic links for applications, allowing you to bypass restrictions MIUI.

How to use App Mgr III:

  1. Install the app from Google Play.
  2. Open it and grant superuser rights (if there is root).
  3. Go to the Movable tab – here you will see the applications that can be moved.
  4. Choose the right one and tap the Move to SD card.

Link2SD requires:

  1. Break the memory card into two sections (the first is FAT32, the second is ext2/ext3).
  2. Install the app and select the second section as the place for symbolic links.
  3. Move apps through the Link to SD card menu.
What if the application is not portable in any way?
If the app refuses to be ported, try the following steps: 1. Clear the app cache in the settings (Settings β†’ Apps β†’ Select the app β†’ Clear the cache). 2. Remove the updates (if it is a system app). 3. Try to map its clone (for example, Facebook Lite instead of the main Facebook). 4. Use the Web version (for example, for Instagram or Twitter through the browser). If nothing helps - most likely, the application is blocked by the developer for port.

What applications can not be transferred to the memory card?

Even if technically portable, some applications should not be moved to a microSD.

  • πŸ”Ή Slowdown (memory cards slower than internal memory).
  • πŸ”Ή Disruptions and departures (especially in games and instant messengers).
  • πŸ”Ή Notification problems (if the application does not load on time).

List of "prohibited" applications:

CategoryExamples of applicationsWhy can't we move it?
SystemicGoogle Play Services, MIUI System LauncherThis can cause a critical system error.
MessengersWhatsApp, Telegram, ViberProblems with notifications and synchronization.
Anticheat gamesPUBG Mobile, Free Fire, Call of DutyBlocking your account for cheating.
FinanciallySberBank Online, Tinkoff, Google PayRisk of data leakage if the card is damaged.
WidgetsAny weather, clock, etc. widgets.It will stop updating after the reboot.

πŸ’‘ Tip: Instead of transferring messengers to a memory card, manually clean their cache. For example, on WhatsApp, the cache of media files can take several gigabytes:

  1. Open Settings β†’ Storage β†’ Apps β†’ WhatsApp.
  2. Put it on Clear the cache.
  3. In WhatsApp itself, go to Settings β†’ Storage β†’ Storage Management and delete unnecessary files.

What to do if the application is slowed down after transfer?

If the transferred applications began to hang, fly out or load for a long time, the reasons may be as follows:

  • πŸ”Ή Slow memory card (class below) A1).
  • πŸ”Ή Fragmentation of files on the map.
  • πŸ”Ή Lack of RAM (in Redmi) 9C Only 2-3 GB of RAM).
  • πŸ”Ή Conflict with MIUI Optimizations (system optimization function).

Decisions:

  1. Disable MIUI Optimization: Settings β†’ Special Features β†’ MIUI Optimization β†’ Disable
  2. Clear the memory card cache: Settings β†’ Warehouse β†’ SD-map β†’ Clean up
  3. Move the app back to internal memory if the brakes are critical.
  4. Use the β€œFix” function in MIUI: Long-Tap the application icon β†’ Fix This will prevent the program from unloading from memory.

⚠️ Note: If the memory card has started to issue errors (for example, "SD-Card damaged"), immediately back up and replace the data.A damaged card can cause the loss of all migrated applications.

πŸ’‘

Moving apps to a memory card in Redmi 9C is a temporary solution, and for long-term use, it is better to expand internal memory with Google Drive (Mi Cloud) or clean the cache regularly.

FAQ: Frequent questions about porting apps to Redmi 9C

Can I transfer all the applications to a memory card?
No, system applications and some user applications (such as messengers or games with protection) cannot be moved, and some applications may not work correctly after the transfer.
Why did the app disappear from the main screen after the transfer?
This is normal MIUI behavior. To return an icon, find the app in the menu of all programs and fix it again on the home screen.
How to return the app back to internal memory?
Go to Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management, select the right one and click Move to internal memory.
Can I use a memory card as an internal one without formatting?
No, MIUI requires a complete map formatting before using it as an internal storage device, and all data on it will be deleted.
Why did the transfer option disappear after the MIUI update?
In the new MIUI versions (12.5 and higher), Xiaomi has removed Adoptable Storage support for budget models, in which case only ADB or third-party utilities like Link2SD will help.