Why Redmi? 3S does not allow to transfer applications to SD-map?
Xiaomi Redmi 3S owners often face a lack of internal memory, especially if the device has been in use for several years. Despite the availability of a microSD slot, the MIUI system (based on Android 6.0 Marshmallow) blocks the standard transfer of applications to a memory card. Why is this happening?
The thing is the limitations of Google and Xiaomi: starting with Android 6.0, the transfer of applications to the Internet SD-The card is only available for programs that the developer has labeled as supporting external memory, and most popular apps (including WhatsApp, Facebook, games) don't, MIUI default formatting SD-The card as a portable storage (rather than internal memory), which further narrows the possibilities of the card.
But there's a way out! In this article, we'll look at all the working methods, from standard settings to manually migrating through ADB and reconfiguring the system, and we'll also look at what applications will never be portable and why.
Method 1: Standard transfer through MIUI settings (works for individual applications)
This is the easiest way, but it's only suitable for apps that explicitly support portability, like some Google Play games or lightweight utilities. Here's how to do this:
- Open the Settings → Applications.
- Choose the app you want (such as Maps or Netflix).
- Slip on Warehouse.
- If the option is available, you will see the Change button. → SD-map.
⚠️ Attention: 90% of apps won't have this button. If they don't, go to the following methods.
- SD-The card is formatted as internal memory (see Method 2)
The application is not system (e.g. Camera or Phone)
There is enough free space on the map (at least 1 GB for one application).
- Class memory card UHS-I (U1/U3) class 10-->
Method 2: Formatting SD-The card is an internal memory (adoptable storage)
This method allows you to “deceive” the system, making it perceive SD-The advantage is that many applications can be automatically installed on the card, the disadvantage is that the card will be encrypted and not readable on other devices.
Instructions:
- Put it in. SD-map 3S.
- Go to Settings. → Warehouse → SD-map.
- Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner → Storage settings.
- Choose to format as internal.
- Confirm the action (all data on the map will be deleted!).
- After formatting, select Transfer Data (optional).
⚠️ Note: the card can not be removed without data loss, and some applications (such as WhatsApp or Banking apps) will refuse to work with external memory due to security policies.
What memory cards are suitable for Redmi 3S?
Method 3: Transfer over ADB (for power users)
If the previous methods did not work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB) — This method allows you to manually specify to the system which applications should be stored on the computer. SD-map.
What you need:
- 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
- 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original or quality).
- 📥 Installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB Tools.
- 🔧 Included debugging by USB phone-on.
Steps:
- Enable Developer Mode on Redmi 3S: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (Tap 7 times)
⚠️ Note: Not all applications support this method. If you see a Failure error after the command [INSTALL_FAILED_INVALID_INSTALL_LOCATION], So transfer is impossible.
Method 4: Transfer of cache and application data (alternative method)
If the application itself cannot be moved, you can at least free up space by moving its cache and user data (for example, uploaded maps to Google Maps or media files to Telegram).
How to do this:
- 📁 For Google Maps: Open the app → Profile → Settings → Offline maps → Storage settings → choose SD-map.
- 🎵 For Spotify or Yandex Music: in the application settings, find the item Download Storage.
- 📸 For Galery or Google Photos: Move your photo/video folders manually through Files.
💡 Use Files by Google to analyze your space, and it will show you which files can be safely deleted or moved.
💡
If you often install heavy games, set up the default setting on Google Play. SD-Map: Open Settings → Installation of applications → Preferred device and select external memory.
What applications cannot be transferred to SD-map?
Even with ADB or formatting as internal memory, some applications do not support portability in principle.
| Type of application | Examples | Reason for limitation |
|---|---|---|
| System applications | Settings, Phone, Messages | Strips at MIUI level |
| Banking applications | Sberbank Online, Tinkoff | Security requirements (storage on an encrypted partition) |
| Encrypted messengers | WhatsApp, Signal, Viber | Chat data is stored in a secure folder |
| Annexes with DRM-protection | Netflix, Disney+, Skyeng | Licensing Restrictions on Content |
| Widgets and launchers | Nova Launcher, Action Launcher | Requires continuous access to system resources |
⚠️ Note: if you try to migrate such applications through ADB or root access, they may stop working or show errors when starting.
What if nothing works? Alternative solutions
If none of these methods worked, consider these options:
- ☁️ Cloud storage: transfer photos/video to Google Photos or Mi Cloud (Xiaomi gives 5 GB for free).
💡 Useful advice: If you install games often, use them. APK-Files from sites like APKMirror and install them directly on the site SD-Card through File Manager.
💡
Formatting SD-So if you're a card internal memory card, it's the most reliable way, but it links the card to the phone. If you change devices a lot, you might want to use alternative methods (ADB, clearing up cache, cloud).