How to transfer applications to SD-Map in Xiaomi: 3 proven ways + restriction MIUI

Why Xiaomi can’t move apps to Xiaomi SD-map?

You install a new app and the system gives a notification “Not enough memory” – despite the fact that the smartphone is inserted SD-128GB card? is a typical Xiaomi user problem related to security policy MIUI Since Android 6.0 Marshmallow, Google has banned the transfer of applications to external drives “one click” – now this only works for individual Xiaomi models with support for Adoptable Storage. SD internal memory).

In this article, we will analyze all the current ways of transferring applications to SD-Smartphone card Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO on MIUI 14/15 Android 13/14, including:

• 🔹 The official method through settings (does not work on all models)
• 🔹 Manually moving application files (with risks)
• 🔹 Use of the ADB forced transfer
• 🔹 Bypassing restrictions through formatting SD internal memory

You will also learn why some applications cannot be moved, how to check the compatibility of your model and what to do if the programs stop working after the transfer.

Method 1: Transfer through MIUI settings (official method)

The easiest way is to use the built-in function. MIUI. However, it only works on a limited list of models (see compatibility table below) and requires that SD-The card was formatted as a portable storage (not internal!).

Instructions:

1. Put it in. SD-card in the smartphone and wait for its definition by the system.
2. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
3. Select the application you want (such as Telegram or Spotify).
4. Slip on Warehouse.
5. If the option is available, a button will appear to Move to SD-map (on some firmware - Change).

⚠️ Note: After the transfer, the app widgets will stop working and notifications may come with a delay.

Format the map in FAT32/exFAT (not NTFS)|

Check the speed class (UHS-I Class 10 recommended)|

Create a backup of data from the map |

Disconnect the card from the PC before inserting it into the phone

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

This method allows us to combine SD-card with internal memory, but has critical flaws:

• 🔸 The card will be encrypted and will not be read on other devices.
• 🔸 When you remove the map, the applications will stop working.
• 🔸 The speed of work depends on the class. SD (Cheap cards are slowing the system down).

How to turn on:

1. Put it in. SD-map and go to Settings → Warehouse.
2. Tap by the name of the card (for example, SD-map: 128GB).
3. In the upper right corner, click on three dots → Storage settings.
4. Select Internal Memory → Clean and Format.
5. After formatting, the system will suggest moving the data (you can do it manually later).

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 14/15 This method does not work on flagships (e.g. Xiaomi) 13 pro POCO F5 Pro) as the manufacturer has disabled Adoptable Storage support for models with UFS 3.1/4.0.

Method 3: Transfer over ADB (for power users)

If the first two methods didn't work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a debugging tool that allows you to force applications to be moved even if you don't have that option in MIUI, but it requires an unlocked bootloader and USB debugging enabled.

Step-by-step:

1. Install ADB Tools on your PC.
2. Turn it on on your smartphone: 🔹 Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Tap 7 times to activate the developer mode). 🔹 Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB.

adb shell pm set-install-location 2

This team is setting up SD-Map as the default installation location for new applications.

Facebook

adb shell pm move-package com.facebook.katana

Replace com.facebook.katana with the batch name of the desired application (you can find out through the App Inspector).

⚠️ Note: Not all applications support portability ADB. If the team returns a Failure error [NOT_MOVED: Operation not allowed, means the application is blocked by the manufacturer (e.g. Google Play Services or Google Play Services). MIUI System Apps).

adb shell pm list packages | grep "appendix name"

For WhatsApp, type grep "whatsapp".

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Compatibility table: which Xiaomi models support SD portability

Not all Xiaomi smartphones allow you to transfer applications to the SD-Below are current data on popular models (based on the map). MIUI 14/15 Android 13/14):

🔹 Important: On devices with UFS 3.1/4.0 (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra or POCO F5 Pro) transfer to SD This is due to performance optimization, external drives are slower than internal memory.

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If your model doesn’t support porting through settings, the only working options are formatting SD as internal memory (with risks) or using ADB (for power users).

What to do if the application is not portable?

If you are trying to migrate the application, but the system gives an error, the reasons may be as follows:

• 🔸 The application prohibits transfer (for example, Google Play Store, MIUI Security).
• 🔸 SD-map NTFS (need FAT32 exFAT).
• 🔸 Card damaged or has a low write speed (class below Class 10).
• 🔸 There is not enough space on the map (minimum free space is 10% of the application size).

Decisions:

1. Check the app compatibility via App Inspector (available on Google Play).
2. Format. SD-card in exFAT (via PC or phone settings).
3. Use ADB for forced transfer (see Method 3).
4. Remove the app cache before transfer (Settings → Apps → Storage → Clear cache).

⚠️ Note: Some applications (e.g., Banking Apps or Google Authenticator) refuse to work with the app. SD-security reasons, in which case the transfer is not possible.

Alternative ways to free up memory on Xiaomi

If porting to SD is not helpful or impossible, use these methods:

• 📁 Cache Cleanup: Go to Settings → Warehouse → Clean (can be released up to 5-10 GB).
• 🗑️ Removing duplicates: Use Files by Google or MIUI Cleaner to find unnecessary files.
• ☁️ Cloud Storage: Move photos and videos to Google Photos or Mi Cloud.
• 🔄 Lite versions of applications: Install lightweight versions (Facebook Lite, Messenger Lite).
• 🛠️ Disabling Pre-installed Applications: Through Settings → Annexes → Disable (do not delete!).

🔹 Tip: If you install games frequently, use external ones SSD-storage OTG-Adapter: Read/write speed will be faster than the speed of the SD-maps, and the volume can be expanded to 1 TB.

FAQ: Frequent questions about porting apps to SD in Xiaomi