How to transfer applications to SD-Map in Xiaomi: The Complete Guide

Xiaomi smartphones are known for their performance and functionality, but even they face the problem of lack of internal memory, especially acute in owners of budget models with 32 or 64 GB of internal storage. SD-map is one of the most effective ways to free up and optimize the operation of the device.

However, not all users know that the transfer process has its nuances depending on the version. MIUI, In this article, we will discuss all available methods, including official system tools and alternative solutions for advanced users. You will learn which applications can be ported and which can’t, how to avoid errors and what to do if the system can’t see. SD-map.

Important: Modern versions of Android (starting with 9.0) limit the ability to migrate applications to external drives for security reasons, but there are workarounds in Xiaomi, which we will discuss below.

Why Xiaomi is not enough memory and when you need to transfer to the SD-map

The main reason for filling internal memory is the cache of applications, media files (photos, videos) and the installed programs themselves. Even if you regularly clean the cache, some applications (for example, messengers or social networks) can take up gigabytes of data. Here are the key signs that it’s time to move apps to SD:

• 📱 The “Memory is filled” notification appears when you try to install a new application.
• 🐢 The phone starts to “brake” when multitasking (even after cleaning the RAM)
• 📸 You can’t take a photo or video because of space constraints. SD-map
• 🔄 Applications are spontaneously closed or not updated

According to statistics Xiaomi, users of smartphones with 32 GB of memory face a lack of space on average 8-12 months of active use, even the transfer of 10-15 annexes SD-card may be released before 3-5 GB of internal memory, which is equivalent to the ability to install more 20-30 new programmes.

Before you start the transfer, make sure that your SD-card meets the requirements:

⚠️ Note: MicroSD cards below Class 10 may be unstable, causing applications to freeze. Avoid cheap no-name cards, which often fake real-world storage.

Preparation of SD-card for application transfer

Before moving applications, SD-Xiaomi has two formatting options: as a portable storage (for files) and as internal memory (for applications), the second option allows you to use the card as part of the system partition, but has limitations.

Formatting instructions:

1. Put it in. SD-card to slot (if a hybrid slot is used, remove the second slot) SIM-map).
2. Go to Settings. → Memory. → SD-map.
3. Click "Format" and select "Inner Memory".
4. Confirm the action (all data on the map will be deleted!).
5. Wait until the process is completed (it can take 5-15 minutes).

Once formatted as internal memory, the card will be encrypted and linked to your device, and it will not be read on other phones or PCs without first transferring the data back.

• 🔒 The map will be invisible to other devices (only for your Xiaomi)
• 🔄 When you remove the map, some applications may stop working.
• ⚡ Speed of application with SD It will be lower than the internal memory.

If you don’t want to format the card as internal memory, you can use it in portable storage mode, but then the transfer of applications will be limited (only those programs that support this feature).

Official method: transfer applications through MIUI settings

The easiest method is to use the built-in MIUI tools, which is suitable for most applications, but does not work with all (for example, system programs cannot be moved).

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the app you want to migrate (like Facebook or Telegram).
3. Press "Storage" (or "Memory").
4. If the option is available, you will see the "Change" button next to the "Inner Memory" label.
5. Choose"SD-map" and confirm the transfer.

The process can take anywhere from a few seconds to a minute depending on the size of the application.

• 📌 The app icon will remain in the same place
• 🔄 Updates will be installed on SD-map
• 📥 Cache and application data may remain in internal memory

Not all apps support portability, such as WhatsApp, Google Play Services and most games (PUBG Mobile, Genshin Impact) cannot be ported.

⚠️ Attention: Transfer of applications to SD-The card can cause them to work slower, especially if the card has a low read/write speed (below 80 MB/s), which is critical for games and programs that require quick access to data.

If the Change button is inactive or not, the application does not support the transfer, and then you can try alternative methods, which we will discuss later.

Alternative transfer methods for advanced users

If the standard method doesn't work, you can use one of the following methods: they require a lot of technical knowledge, but they allow you to migrate more applications.

Method 1: Use of ADB (Android Debug Bridge)

This is a way for power users to migrate applications that don't support this feature over the interface.

• 💻 A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original)
• 📱 Included debugging by USB phone-on

Instructions:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable “Debugging by USB”.
3. Connect the phone to the PC and in the command line type: adb shell pm set-install-location 2 This command forces the system to install applications on the computer. SD-default-card.
4. To port a specific application, use: adb shell pm move-package com.example.app (replace com.example.app with a real application package).

A list of packages of installed applications can be obtained by the command:

adb shell pm list packages -f

After you execute the commands, restart the phone.

• 🔧 Some system applications will not be able to transfer (there will be a Failure error)
• 🔄 After updating MIUI settings may reset
• 📛 Applications carried through ADB, They may work unstablely

Method 2: Forced transfer via Link2SD

Link2SD — a popular memory management application that allows you to create symbolic links to SD-This is especially useful for devices without Adoptable Storage support (e.g. older Redmi models).

Link2SD requires root rights to work, so this method is only suitable for unlocked phones. If you don't have them, skip this section.

Instructions:

1. Install Link2SD from Google Play.
2. Open the application and provide root access.
3. Select the file system for the second partition SD-maps (recommended) ext4).
4. Reboot the phone.
5. In the list of applications, select the one you want to move and click “Create a link”.

The advantages of Link2SD are:

• 🔗 You can even port system applications (with caution!)
• 📁 Several types of file system are supported
• 🔄 Automatic link updates after rebooting

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right Link2SD This can cause a bootloop to boot your phone. Before experimenting, make a full backup through the phone. TWRP Or Mi Flash Tool.

Which apps can be ported and which ones can’t.

Not all programs support the transfer of SD-Here are the main categories:

Particularly careful should be taken with the transfer:

• 🔐 Applications with payments (SberBank, Tinkoff) – authorization errors are possible
• 🎮 Games with online multiplayer - a high risk of ban for cheating"
• 📡 VPN-Customers may lose connection when retrieved SD-map

If you’re not sure if a particular app can be ported, check it out on forums (like 4PDA or XDA-Developers).

💡

Before transferring messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram), make a backup copy of the chats. After transfer, you may need to re-authorize.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When transferring applications to SD-And this is a problem that people often encounter, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to fix them:

1. The "Move to SD" button is inactive

Causes and solutions:

• 📵 Application does not support transfer → try ADB or Link2SD
• 🔒 SD-The card is formatted as a portable storage → Reformatting as an internal memory
• 📱 An outdated version MIUI → firmware update

2.The application has moved, but is not working

What to do:

• 🔄 Reboot the phone.
• 🗑️ Remove and install the app again (it will automatically stand on the app). SD)
• 🛠️ Check it out. SD-Error map through Settings → Memory. → SD-map → Check it out.

3.The phone can't see. SD-map

Possible causes:

• 🔌 Fragile connection → Remove and repaint the map
• 🔋 Low battery charge (<15%) → charge your phone
• 🛂 Map incompatible → Try another one (SanDisk or Samsung is recommended)

If none of the methods worked, try formatting the card on your PC via SD Formatter (the official utility of the SD Association) and repeat the procedure.

💡

Before any manipulations with SD-Always back up your data with a map. It's almost impossible to recover information after formatting.

Optimizing the operation of applications after the transfer

Transfer of applications to SD-The map is only half the story. To keep them stable, follow these guidelines:

• 🔄 Regularly clear the cache of transferred applications through Settings → Memory. → Clean up
• 📥 Don't keep it on SD-The map is heavy files (video in the video) 4K, RAW-Photos - this reduces its speed
• 🔋 Keep an eye on battery power: at levels below 20%, the system can suspend work with the battery. SD-card
• 🛡️ Use an antivirus (such as Mi Security) to check your card for malware

To speed up the work of transferred applications, you can:

1. Turn off animation in MIUI: adb shell settings put global window_animation_scale 0.5
2. Limit background activity: Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization → Select the application → “Limit”.
3. Use Greenify to freeze rarely used programs.

If the application begins to slow down after transfer, return it to internal memory or try another one. SD-card with higher speed class (for example, SanDisk Extreme with a read speed of 160 MB / s).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions