How to transfer applications to SD-Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro: 3 proven ways

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro sooner or later face a lack of internal memory — especially if you actively install games, messengers or multimedia applications. 64/128 GB on board the system MIUI And the cache eats away at the space, and the solution seems obvious: move some of the software to the space. SD-But here users are waiting for pitfalls: not all applications support portability, and in new versions of Android (starting with the introduction of the new version of Android). 9.0) The function works differently than in older smartphones.

In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to transfer applications to Redmi Note. 9 Pro (including Note models) 9S/9 Pro Max, considering the specifics MIUI 12/13/14 android limitations 10/11/12. You will learn which programs can be moved and which can not, how to bypass system locks and what to do if you want to move them. SD-The card is not recognized as internal memory, and we will focus on the risks of data loss when formatting the card as an internal drive, a point that is often overlooked in standard instructions.

Why Redmi Note 9 Pro cannot be ported to all applications SD-map

The main problem lies in the policy of Google and the restrictions of Android. Since version 6.0 Marshmallow, the system allows you to move to the Internet. SD-map only those applications that explicitly support this function (android:installLocation in the manifesto) APK). Most modern software programs—especially games, banking apps, and instant messengers—refuse to work with external memory for security or performance reasons.

The second reason is the features of MIUI. Unlike “pure” Android, Xiaomi’s firmware blocks some system features, including:

• 🔧 Formatting SD-Cards as an internal drive (not available on all versions) MIUI).
• 📱 Transfer system applications (e.g. Google Play Services or Google Play Services) MIUI Launcher).
• 🔄 Automatic transfer of new applications to SD (default).

The third nuance is productivity. SD-cards (even class) A2) They are slower than the built-in memory. UFS 2.1, which is critical for games and heavy applications:

• ⏳ Slowing down programme launches.
• 🎮 Lagami 3D-games, for example, PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact).
• 🔄 Frequent reboots of applications due to lack of RAM.

⚠️ Attention: If you are using SD-The card is a portable storage device (not internal memory), and you can only transfer media files and documents to it.

Method 1: Transfer over MIUI settings (for supported applications)

This is the easiest method, but it only works for those programs that allow portability. Suitable for MIUI 12/13/14 based on Android 10/11/12.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the app you want to migrate (such as Spotify or VK Music).
3. Slip on Warehouse.
4. If the option is available, the Change button will appear. → choose SD-map.
5. Confirm the transfer and wait until the completion (may take up to 5 minutes).

How to know if the application supports transfer:

• 📌 In the section Warehouse there is a button Change.
• 📌 The application is not system-based (e.g. Google Chrome or Mi Browser cannot be moved).
• 📌 Size APK-file less than 1 GB (major games usually block portability).

SD-The card is formatted as a portable storage (not internal memory)

There is enough free space on the map (at least 20% more than the size of the application)

The application is not a system or system update

Smartphone connected to charging (transfer of large applications drains the battery)

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If there is no Change button, try alternative methods (see below).

• 🔄 The application can only be automatically updated when connected to Wi-Fi.
• 📱 Some functions (such as widgets) may stop working.
• 🔧 When extracted SD-The program will not be launched.

Method 2: Formatting SD-The card is an internal memory (adoptable storage)

This method allows us to use SD-card as part of the internal memory, but has critical flaws:

• 🔒 The card will be encrypted and will not be read on other devices.
• 📉 System performance may fall (SD-slow-motion UFS).
• ⚠️ When you remove the map, some applications will stop working.

If you are prepared for these restrictions, follow the instructions:

1. Put it in. SD-Card to smartphone (class recommended) A2 or UHS-I).
2. Go to Settings. → Warehouse.
3. Tap it on. SD-map → Set up → Internal memory.
4. Confirm the formatting (all data on the map will be deleted!).
5. After completion, transfer the data manually or wait for the system's suggestions.

Important nuances:

• 🔧 On some versions MIUI There is no internal memory option (especially for the MIUI 14).
• 📱 After formatting, the card cannot be removed without first “disabling” in the settings.
• 🔄 If the card is damaged, you may lose data from the transferred applications.

⚠️ Note: Do not use this method for cards with less than a volume 32 GB: the system may not work properly: SDXC on 64/128 GB A2 (For example, SanDisk Extreme or Samsung EVO Plus).

16-32 GB

64GB

128GB

256GB and more

I don't use it.-->

Method 3: Transfer over ADB (for power users)

If standard methods don't work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a debugging tool that allows you to migrate any application, but requires a PC connection and command knowledge.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap the MIUI version 7 times until the notification “You’ve become a developer” appears.

USB debugging

Settings → Additional → For Developers

ADB-driver

adb devices

Make sure the device is identified.

package.name

adb shell pm move-package package.name

For example, for Facebook:

adb shell pm move-package com.facebook.katana

How to find out the name of the application package:

• 📌 Use the App Inspector app (available on Google Play).
• 📌 Enter the command: adb shell pm list packages | grep "keyword" For example, to search Instagram: adb shell pm list packages | grep insta

Limitations of the method:

• 🔧 Not all apps will work after the transfer (especially piracy-protected games).
• 📱 After system updates, the transfer may be reset.
• ⚠️ Wrong teams ADB could damage the system.

💡

Before using ADB, back up your data through Settings → System → Backup. This will help you recover information when you crash.

Which applications cannot be transferred to SD-map

Even with ADB, some programs don't support portability in principle, and here's the full list.

Bypasses for certain categories:

• 💳 Banking Apps: Move only cache and media files (such as screenshots of checks) through Settings → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
• 🎮 Games: Use cloud saves (e.g. Google Play Games) and only transfer APK-file.
• 📱 Messengers: Configure auto-save media files to SD via chat settings.

What to do if SD-The card is not defined as an internal memory.

If the Redmi Note 9 Pro settings do not have the option of formatting SD as an internal drive, the reasons may be as follows:

• 🔧 Outdated Firmware: On some versions MIUI (especially Global Stable) feature disabled. Solution: Update system via Settings → Update of the PO.
• 📱 Incompatible Card: Use Class Cards A1/A2 or UHS-I (For example, SanDisk Ultra is not suitable for the).
• ⚠️ Damaged File System: Format the card into FAT32 or exFAT on PC before use.
• 🔄 Manufacturer restrictions: Xiaomi blocks feature on some regional firmware versions.

Alternative solutions:

1. Use the card reader: Connect SD-card to PC via adapter and manually transfer files (such as photos or music) to folder Android/obb.
2. Configure Save by Default: In some applications (like Camera) you can select SD-map as default save location.
3. Install custom recap: Through TWRP, you can forcibly format the card as an internal one, but this will reset the warranty.

⚠️ Note: If after formatting SD When the internal memory started to slow down, return the settings back. → Warehouse → SD-map → Portable media and format the card again (data will be deleted!).

How to Free Memory on Redmi Note 9 Pro Without Switching to SD

If the application portability is not possible, use alternative methods:

• 🧹 Cache Clearing: Go to Settings → Warehouse → Clear and delete unnecessary files (especially the Google Play Services cache and the Google Play Services cache) MIUI).
• 🗑️ Remove duplicates: Use applications like Files by Google or CCleaner to find duplicate files.
• ☁️ Cloud Storage: Move photos and videos to Google Photos, Mi Cloud or Yandex Drive.
• 🎮 Game optimization: In Google Play Games, enable the “Optimize Games” option to delete unused data.
• 📱 Install Facebook Lite, Messenger Lite or Twitter Lite – they take up 2-3 times less space.

Also check the following folders for “junk”:

• /sdcard/Download – downloaded files.
• /sdcard/DCIM/.thumbnails - miniatures of photos.
• /sdcard/Android/obb – cache of games (can be deleted if the games are not used).

FAQ: Frequent questions about porting apps to SD in Redmi Note 9 Pro

💡

Transfer of applications to SD-The Redmi Note 9 Pro card is possible, but with serious limitations, and the best option is to use the card to store media files, and to save space in the internal memory, clean the cache, delete unused programs and transfer data to the cloud.