How to transfer applications to the memory card in Xiaomi Redmi Go: all ways + MIUI limitations

Xiaomi Redmi Go is one of the most affordable smartphones of the brand, but its modest 8 or 16 GB of internal memory is quickly clogged with applications. Transferring programs to a microSD card seems a logical solution, but MIUI imposes strict restrictions. In this article, we will analyze all working methods of transfer, including workarounds for applications that “don’t want” to move to SD.

It's important to understand that even if you successfully migrate an application to a map, its performance can fall — external memory is slower than internal memory. Also, not all programs support this feature. We tested all ways on Redmi Go with MIUI 10/11 and put together a checklist of actions that will actually save space.

Why Xiaomi Redmi Go can not transfer all applications to the SD-map?

It’s Google’s policy and MIUI’s limitations. Starting with Android 6.0 Marshmallow, developers have been given the right to block the porting of their apps to external media. Xiaomi has gone further and removed this option from the settings for many models, including the Redmi Go.

Here are the key reasons:

• 🔒 Security: Annexes to SD-It is easier to crack or replace the card.
• ⚡ Performance: Class memory cards UHS-I Class 10 is slower than the internal memory of the eMMC.
• 📱 Optimization MIUI: The system reserves some of the memory for cache and updates, so even when transferring some of the data will remain in the internal memory.

But there are loopholes, and some apps, like Facebook Lite or Messenger Lite, do allow you to migrate through settings. ADB-commands or forced transfer (we will talk about it below).

What memory card should I choose for Redmi Go?

Not every microSD is suitable for porting applications. Xiaomi Redmi Go supports cards up to 256 GB, but for stable operation you need to consider:

⚠️ Note: If you use the card FAT32, It will not be able to store files larger than 4GB. This is critical for some games (e.g., for example, for the game, PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty).

Before buying, check the card for authenticity with H2testw (for Windows) or SD Insight (Android). Counterfeiting often has a low write speed, which will lead to lags when working with ported applications.

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If you plan to port games, choose a card marked A1 or A2 – they are optimized for random access to small files.

Method 1: Move over Android Settings (not working for all apps)

This is the easiest method, but it is only available for programs that support portability, such as Google Maps or Spotify, which often block this option.

Instructions:

1. Open the Settings → Applications.
2. Choose the app you want (like Facebook Lite).
3. Slip on Warehouse.
4. If the option is available, click Change → Memory Card.

🔹 What if there's no "Change" button? So the developer blocked the transfer. ADB (method 3) or forced transfer (method 4).

Install Xiaomi drivers on PC| Enable USB debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (tap 7 times) | Download Platform Tools from Google | Connect your phone to your PC with the original cable-->

Method 2: Formatting a card as an internal memory (Adoptable Storage)

This method allows you to “deceive” the system, making it perceive SD-The downside is that once formatted, the map can't be retrieved without losing data, and it'll only work on that phone.

Step-by-step:

1. Insert the memory card in Redmi Go.
2. Go to Settings. → Warehouse.
3. Tap your name on it. SD-map → Three dots (menu) → Storage settings.
4. Choose to format as internal.
5. Confirm the action. Attention: all data on the map will be erased!
6. Once formatted, the system will suggest moving the data. Choose Move now.

⚠️ Note: After that, the card will not be used in other devices without full formatting, and some applications (such as WhatsApp) may refuse to work with external memory even after that.

Method 3: Transfer over ADB (for power users)

If the application is not portable through the settings, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB).This method requires a PC and basic command line knowledge.

Algorithm of action:

1. Connect Redmi Go to your computer and enable USB Debugging (see checklist above).
2. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with Platform Tools.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices should appear serial number of your phone.
4. Find out the package name of the application (for example, using the App Inspector from Google Play).
5. Run the port command (replace com.example.app with the real package name): adb shell pm set-install-location 2 adb shell pm move-package com.example.app

Important: After the set-install-location 2 command, all new applications will be installed by default on the new application. SD-To return the settings, use the adb shell pm set-install-location 0.

⚠️ Note: Some system applications (such as Mi Account or Security) cannot be migrated through the system. ADB — It's going to cause a disruption. MIUI.

Method 4: Forced Link2SD Transfer (requires root)

If previous methods didn't work, the radical option is to get root rights and use Link2SD, which is risky: you lose the warranty and you can disrupt the stability of the system.

Instructions:

1. Unlock the Redmi Go bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool (requires a Xiaomi account and wait 7-30 days).
2. Install custom recovery (TWRP) and get root with Magisk.
3. Download Link2SD from Google Play.
4. In the application settings, select Create a link for the desired programs.

🔹 What's dangerous about root?

• 🚨 Violation of warranty (if the phone is on warranty).
• 🔐 Malware installation risk (the system loses Google Play Protect protection).
• 📵 Possible problems with OTA-update MIUI.

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Link2SD is the most powerful portable tool, but requires root. Without experience, it's better to use ADB or formatting a card as internal memory.

Alternative ways to free up memory without transferring applications

If the transfer is not helpful or impossible, try these methods:

• 🧹 Cache Clearing: Go to Settings → Warehouse → Clear the cache. That'll free 1-3 GB.
• 📁 Transfer media files: photos, videos and music move to SD manually (e.g. through Google Files).
• ☁️ Cloud Storage: Set up an automatic photo upload to Google Photos or Mi Cloud.
• 🗑️ Systemic garbage disposal: use SD Maid or built-in optimization utility MIUI.
• 🎮 Light versions of apps: replace Facebook with Facebook Lite, Messenger with Messenger Lite, etc.

💡 Hidden life hack: Redmi Go allows you to disable pre-installed Mi apps (such as Mi Video or Mi Music) that take up space but are not used:

1. Open the Settings → Applications.
2. Select an unnecessary system application.
3. Click Disable (Do not "Delete"!).

FAQ: Frequent questions about porting applications to SD in Redmi Go