Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 — A popular smartphone with a balance of price and performance, but it is 64 or 128 GB of internal memory can run out quickly, especially if you install heavy games like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile that take up a lot of time. 2-4 GB each. Transfer applications to SD-The map seems to be a logical solution, but in MIUI This process is nuanced: not all programs support movement, and some methods require superuser rights.
In this article, we will discuss all available ways to transfer applications to an external drive in Redmi Note. 9 (model M2003J15SS/M2003J15SC), including official instruments MIUI, team ADB We'll also find out why some applications can't be moved, and how to get around the limitations of the system, if you encounter a "Not enough space on the device" error despite the free space available. SD-Map - here you will find the solution.
Why Redmi Note 9 can’t move apps to the same location SD-map?
The problem lies in the policy of Android and MIUI. Since Android 6.0 Marshmallow, Google has limited the ability to migrate applications to external drives for security and performance reasons. Xiaomi has gone even further: in MIUI 12/13/14, the portability is hidden or disabled for most applications.
- 🔒 Android Restrictions: Apps with Target Version SDK 23+ (Most modern programs do not support the transfer to the default SD.
- 📱 Politics MIUI: Xiaomi blocks the transfer of system and pre-installed applications (for example, com.miui.gallery or com.android.vending).
- 💾 Type of formatting SD: The card should be formatted as an internal memory (Adoptable Storage), but this will lead to its binding to the device and the inability to use on other gadgets.
- 🎮 Games and heavy apps: Piracy-protected software (e.g. Netflix, Pokémon GO) They will never allow the transfer to SD.
Another thing is, even if you migrate an application, the cache and data can remain in the internal memory. PUBG Mobile on SD move only APK-file (≈50 MB), and basic data (1-2 GB will remain in /data/data.
Method 1: Transfer through standard MIUI settings (without root)
It's the easiest method, but it only works for a limited number of applications, and it's suitable for users who don't want to mess with ADB or getting root rights.
⚠️ Note: Before transferring, make sure your SD-The card is formatted as a portable storage (not as internal memory), otherwise the system may block access to applications after the card is removed.
Instructions:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Select the app you want to migrate (like Facebook or Telegram).
- Slip on Warehouse.
- If the option is available, click Change and select SD-map.
- Confirm the transfer and wait until the completion (may take 1-2 minutes).
If the Change button is inactive or not, the application does not support the transfer, in which case proceed to Method 2 (ADB).
☑️ Preparation SD-portability
Method 2: Transfer over ADB (for power users)
The method using Android Debug Bridge (ADB) allows you to transfer SD-map even those applications for which this option is blocked in the settings. It does not require root rights, but involves working with the command line.
Importantly, this doesn't guarantee 100% portability, some programs may start to slow down, or fail to start, and test on non-critical applications.
Steps:
- 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
- Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
- Turn on the USB debugging switch and confirm the resolution.
- Connect your phone to your PC, install it. ADB-Drivers and open the command line in the folder with the platform-tools.
- Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices should appear the name of your device (for example, M2003J15SS).
- Run the port command (replace com.example.app with your application’s batch name): adb shell pm set-install-location 2 This command installs SD-map as the default installation site for new applications. To transfer an already installed application, use: adb shell pm move-package com.example.app
To get it back, type in:
adb shell pm set-install-location 0(where 0 is internal memory, 1 is automatic choice, and 2 is external memory).
How to find out the package name of the application?
Method 3: Use SD-The card is an internal memory (adoptable storage)
This method allows us to combine SD-A card with internal memory, but with serious consequences:
- The card will be encrypted and linked to your Redmi Note 9, and it will not be possible to use it on other devices.
- When you remove the map, the applications on it will stop working.
- The speed of work depends on the class. SD-maps (recommended) UHS-I/U3).
If you are prepared for these restrictions, follow the instructions:
- Put it in. SD-card to slot (cards up to 512 GB are supported).
- When the notice “New” appears SD-The map is discovered by "slip on it.
- Choose to use it as an internal memory.
- Confirm the formatting (all data on the map will be deleted!).
- Once completed, restart the phone.
Now, when you install new applications, the system will suggest you choose a storage location. To migrate the programs you already have, use Settings → Applications → [Select App] → Storage → Change.
| Transfer method | Need root? | Works for all applications? | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard settings of MIUI | ❌ No. | ❌ Supported only | Limited list of programmes |
| ADB-team | ❌ No. | ⚠️ Partially (depending on the application) | There may be disruptions. |
| Adoptable Storage | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes (but the card is tied to the device) | You can’t retrieve the card, the data is lost when reset. |
| Root + Link2SD | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes (maximum flexibility) | Difficulty obtaining root, risk of loss of warranty |
💡
If the app slows down after the transfer, try clearing its cache in Settings → Apps → [Application] → Storage → Clear the cache. This often solves performance issues.
What to do if the application is not portable?
If none of these methods work, try these alternatives:
- 🔄 Cache cleanup: Sometimes release 1-2 GB of internal memory solves the problem. Use Settings → Warehouse → Cleanup.
- 📥 Reinstallation to SD: Remove the app. In Settings. → Select the vault. SD-map as the default installation site. Install the app again from Google Play.
Use of Lite versions
Facebook Lite
Messenger Lite
Cloud storage
Google Photo
Mi Cloud
Steam Cloud
For big data games (like Genshin Impact), there is a trick: some titles allow you to change the path to files through an engineering menu. For example, in Call of Duty Mobile you can transfer cache to SD through the game settings (section Additional → Storage Path).
⚠️ Note: Do not use a file manager (such as Total Commander) to manually copy application folders from the /data/app on SD. This will cause a crash, as Android stores not only there. APK, but also critical user data (databases, settings).
Root solutions: Link2SD and App2SD (for advanced)
If you're ready to get root rights, there's more to it.
- 🔗 Link2SD: Creates symbolic links (symlinks) to transfer parts of applications to SD It supports the transfer of dex files and lib libraries.
- 📦 App2SD: It allows you to carry even system applications, but requires caution (risk of "brick" device).
- 🔧 FolderMount: mounts application folders (such as game obb files) on SD portable APK.
Also check the /Android/obb folder, as there may be large game files left.