How to transfer applications to a memory card in Xiaomi Redmi Note: the complete guide

Why Xiaomi Redmi Note is running out of memory and how to fix it

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi Note smartphones — from the budget Redmi Note 8 to the flagship Note 12 Pro+ — sooner or later face the same problem: internal memory is clogged and the system begins to slow down. The reason is trivial: modern applications are taking up more space, for example, social networks like TikTok or Instagram after a year of use can “inflate” to 1-2 GB due to cache, and games like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile require 3 to 8 GB from the first launch.

The solution seems obvious: move applications to a microSD card. But here users are waiting for an unpleasant surprise - MIUI (Xiaomi firmware) by default blocks this feature for most programs. Unlike the older versions of Android (up to 6.0), where the transfer was available in two clicks, now you will have to use workarounds. In this article, we will analyze all the working methods, from standard settings to hidden MIUI functions and manual transfer via ADB.

It's important to understand that not all applications can be ported, for example, system services (like Google Play Services) and some messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram) are tied to internal memory for security reasons, but games, multimedia players and many utilities are ported without problems, and then step-by-step instructions for different scenarios.

Method 1: Standard Transfer through MIUI Settings

The easiest method is to use built-in MIUI tools, which are suitable for applications that support portability (usually games, media players, and some utilities).

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the app you want to port (like Spotify or VLC).
3. Slip on Warehouse.
4. If the option is available, a button will appear to Move to SD-map (or modify) → SD-map).

This method has limitations:

• 🔄 It only works for portable applications (their minority).
• 📱 Some applications may be slower after the transfer (especially if the memory card is a class). UHS-I U1 lower).
• 🔒 Google System Applications and Services Cannot Be Moved.

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If the "Move to" button SD-The card is inactive, try clearing the app cache. Sometimes this will unlock the option.

To check which apps have already been moved, go to Settings. → Warehouse → Internal memory and see the appendix section on SD-This is a list of programs that use external storage.

Method 2: Formatting SD-maps as internal memory

If standard transfer doesn't work, we can go another way, which is to combine. SD-This method is suitable for Xiaomi Redmi Note on Android 6.0+ (including MIUI 12/13/14). Advantage: The system will perceive the card as part of the main storage, and many applications will be able to install there by default.

⚠️ Note: Once formatted as internal memory, the card will not be used on other devices without being completely cleaned, and the card will wear out due to frequent data recording.

Instructions:

1. Put it in. SD-card to slot (if a hybrid slot is used, you will have to choose between the second slot). SIM memory-card).
2. Go to Settings. → Warehouse.
3. Tap your name on it. SD-maps (e.g. SanDisk) 128GB).
4. In the upper right corner, click on three dots → Storage settings → Format as internal.
5. Confirm action. The system will warn you that all data on the map will be erased.
6. After formatting, select Transfer Data to move supported applications.

Important nuances:

• 🔧 The card should be of high class (recommended) UHS-I U3 or A2), Otherwise, the system will slow down.
• 📉 After formatting, a portion of the card memory (up to 20%) will be reserved for service files.
• ⚡ When you remove the map, some applications may stop working.

Method 3: Transfer over ADB (for power users)

If the first two methods fail, then there's the hand-transfer over ADB, which is a tool for developers to control a smartphone through a computer, and it works even for applications that don't officially support portability, but require caution.

🔹 Requirements:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original or quality).
• 🛠️ Installed drivers ADB Fastboot (you can download from Google or through Xiaomi) ADB/Fastboot Tools).
• 🔓 Included debugging by USB smartphone.

Step-by-step:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and tap the MIUI version 7 times.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
3. Connect your smartphone to your computer and select File Transfer (MTP) mode.
4. Open the command line (CMD) on the computer and type: adb devices If the device is determined (serial number will appear), type: adb shell pm set-install-location 2 This command will force the system to install applications on the computer. SD-default-card.
5. To port a specific application, use: adb shell pm move-package com.example.app /sdcard Replace com.example.app with the application packet name (you can find it through App Inspector or adb shell pm list packages).

⚠️ Note: Not all applications work properly after forced porting, for example, Banking applications (such as SberBank Online) may block access due to altered file locations, PUBG Mobile or Free Fire after transfer ADB Start to fly when loading textures.

Method 4: Using Third-Party Applications

If manual methods seem complicated, you can use specialized utilities. They automate the transfer and offer additional functions (for example, cleaning the cache or analyzing the space occupied).-3 tested applications:

The most popular solution is AppMgr III. It does not require root rights and works on most Xiaomi devices.

1. Download AppMgr III from Google Play.
2. Open the application and give access to the storage.
3. Go to the Move to SD-card tab.
4. Select apps from the list and tap Move.

🔹 Important: Some utility (for example, Link2SD) Getting root on Xiaomi voids warranty and can lead to a device blinking if it fails.We don't recommend this method without experience.

Install the application from the official source (Google Play)

Make a backup copy of important data

Check the vacant space on SD-map (should be) ≥2x from the size of the portable applications)

Turn off battery optimization for port utility-->

What to do if the transfer does not work: common errors

Even following the instructions, users often encounter problems, and here are the most common errors and solutions:

• 🚫 The "Transfer" button is inactive Reason: the application does not support portability or the memory card is formatted as portable (not internal). ADB Or format the map as an internal one.
• ⚠️ The application crashes after transfer Reason: memory card too slow (class below) UHS-I U1). Solution: Replace the card with a faster one (recommended) U3 or A2).
• 🔄 After updating MIUI The reason for the transfers is the reset of the storage settings. Solution: migrate the applications again or back up the Mi Cloud.
• 📵 The smartphone can't see. SD-Card: Card or slot malfunction Solution: Check the card on another device or clean the slot contacts with a dry brush.

If none of these methods worked, the problem may be the manufacturer’s limitations: Some Redmi Note models (e.g. Note 9 Pro on MIUI 12.5) block portability for individual applications due to security policies, leaving only:

• 🗑️ Clean cache regularly and delete unnecessary files.
• ☁️ Use cloud storage (Google Drive, Mi Cloud).
• 📱 Buy a smartphone with a large amount of memory (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro)+ 256GB).

How to Free Memory on Xiaomi Redmi Note without Porting Applications

If the transfer is SD-The card is impossible or ineffective, there are alternative ways to vacate the space:

• 🧹 Cleaning the cache Go to Settings → Warehouse → Clean up and delete unnecessary files, especially Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
• 🗑️ Use applications like Files by Google or CCleaner to find and remove duplicate photos/videos.
• 🎮 Many games (such as Call of Duty Mobile) allow you to delete downloaded resources without removing the game itself: → Annexes → [Game] → Warehouse → Clear the data.
• ☁️ Upload photos and videos to Google Photos (up to 15 GB free) and delete local copies.

💡 Useful advice: B MIUI There's a hidden function called Easy Mode, which reduces the memory consumption of the system. → Special facilities → Easy mode. It won't free up gigabytes, but it will save you 100 to 300 MB.

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Regularly cleaning the cache and removing unused applications is often more effective than transferring to the cache. SD-card, especially if the card is slow.

FAQ: Frequent questions about porting apps to Xiaomi Redmi Note