Xiaomi Redmi 9A is one of the most popular budget smartphones with limited internal memory (32 or 64 GB). When the device is running out of space, users face a notification “Not enough memory”, brakes and the inability to install new applications. The solution is to transfer some of the software to a microSD card. However, in Redmi 9A, this feature does not work as clearly as in other Android devices.
In this article, we will analyze all available ways to transfer applications to SD-map, including standard settings, commands ADB We'll focus on the limitations. MIUI 12/13, You will also learn which memory cards are suitable for Redmi. 9A, How to format them correctly and what to do if transfer is impossible.
Preparation: Which memory card is right for the Redmi 9A
Before you move the app, you need to make sure your SD-The card is compatible with the device. Xiaomi Redmi 9A Supports microSD memory cards (up to 512 GB), but there are nuances:
- 🔹 Speed class: minimum class 10 (UHS-I/U1), better — UHS-I/U3 or A1/A2 fast-tracking.
- 🔹 Formatting: The map must be formatted into FAT32 (up to 32 GB) or exFAT (over 32 GB). MIUI automatically prompts you to format the card when you first connect.
- 🔹 Manufacturers: SanDisk, Samsung, Kingston brands are recommended - they are less likely to cause reading errors.
⚠️ Attention: Cheap cards without certification can cause data loss or slow down your smartphone. H2testw (Windows or SD Insight (Android).
| Characteristics | Minimum requirement | Recommended option |
|---|---|---|
| Format | microSD (up to 512 GB) | microSDXC (64–256 GB) |
| Class speed | Class 10 (U1) | A2/U3 (for annexes) |
| File system | FAT32/exFAT | exFAT (for cards >32 GB) |
| Brand | Any certified | SanDisk Ultra, Samsung EVO+ |
Method 1: Transfer through standard MIUI settings
The easiest method is to use the built-in MIUI tools, but it doesn't work for all applications. Here's how to do it:
- Insert a memory card in the Redmi slot 9A (tray-tray SIM-map).
- Open the Settings → Memory.
- Slip on the Memory Map section and choose Format as internal (if you want to merge memory) or Portable Storage (if you only need to transfer files).
- After formatting, go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Select the desired application → Storage → Change → Memory Map.
⚠️ Note: Not all apps support portability, such as WhatsApp, Facebook and system utilities MIUI It will remain in internal memory, and after transferring some programs may run slower.
☑️ What to check before transferring
Method 2: Using ADB for Forced Transfer
If the standard method didn't work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a developer tool that allows you to force-transfer almost any application other than the system one.
- Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version. Go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers and turn on USB Debugging.
Redmi 9A
File transfer
ADB Tools
ADB
adb devices(The name of your device should appear)
adb shell pm set-install-location 2(This sets the memory card as the default installation location)
adb shell pm move-package com.example.app /sdcard(Replace com.example.app with a batch name for the app, such as com.whatsapp).
How to find out the package name of the application?
⚠️ Note: Some applications (such as Google Play Services) may stop updating or not work properly after being forced to migrate, and the pm set-install-location 2 will reset after being rebooted, and you need to re-enter it.
Method 3: Third-party utilities for transferring applications
If the first two methods didn't work, you can use specialized programs. 9A:
- 📱 AppMgr III (App 2 SD) — It shows you which apps you can transfer, and it does it in one tap. Supports batch mode (packet transfer).
- 📱 Link2SD — Create symbolic links for applications, allowing you to bypass restrictions MIUI. Requires root rights for full functionality.
- 📱 Files by Google – Built-in file manager with cache cleaning and media transfer (not apps!).
⚠️ Attention: Utilities like Link2SD Require root rights that void the Redmi warranty 9A. In addition, improper use can lead to data loss or system failure.Before installing such programs, make a backup through Settings. → Additionally. → Backup and reset.
Why some applications cannot be moved to SD-map
Even with ADB or root rights, some of the software will remain in the internal memory.
- 🔒 System Limitations: Applications integrated into MIUI (For example, Security, Topics, can not be moved.
- 📱 Developer requirements: Some programs (e.g. Netflix, banking apps) block portability for security reasons.
- 🔄 Background: Applications with permanent services (such as Telegram with notifications) can lag when running with SD-map.
💡
If the app can’t be moved, try clearing its cache (Settings → Apps → Storage → Clear Cache) or disabling auto-update on Google Play.
What to do if transfer is not possible: alternative solutions
If none of these methods worked, use these tips to free up your memory:
- Cache Cleanup: Go to Settings → Memory → Cleanup and delete unnecessary files.
- Media transfer: Photos, videos and music can be manually moved to SD-Map via Explorer or Google Files.
- Disable pre-installed apps: In Settings → Apps, find unnecessary programs (e.g. Mi Video, Mi Music) and click Disable.
- Use cloud storage: Upload files to Google Drive, Mi Cloud or Yandex.Disk, and then delete local copies.