Transfer of applications to SD-Xiaomi Redmi 5: all the ways and limitations

Xiaomi Redmi 5 is a popular budget smartphone with 16 or 32 GB of internal memory, which is often not enough to install new applications. SD-The map seems to be a logical solution, but in MIUI This process is very specific. Unlike many Android devices, you can't just click "Move" in the app settings, you need to prepare a map and take into account the limitations of the system.

In this article, we will discuss all working methods for porting applications to Redmi 5, including official and alternative (using the use of the new version). ADB). We also explain why some programs can't be moved, and how to get around common errors. MIUI 9–14, but taking into account the nuances of specific versions of the firmware.

Why you can’t transfer applications to SD-map in Redmi 5?

Many users experience the "Move to SD" button in the app settings being inactive or missing.

• 📱 Limitations MIUI: Xiaomi blocks the portability of system and pre-installed applications (e.g., com.miui.gallery or com.android.contacts).
• 💾 Memory card format: SD-The card must be formatted as an internal storage (Adoptable Storage), otherwise transfer is impossible.
• 🔒 Android Policy: Starting with Android 6.0, migrating apps to Android SD Allowed only for cards encrypted as part of the system.
• 📦 Type of application: Games with OBB-files (e.g., files, PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact and secure software (bank clients) cannot be ported.

Another common problem is that once you format the card as internal storage, the smartphone starts to slow down, and this is due to the low read/write speed of cheap devices. SD-Cards (class 4 or 10) are recommended for Redmi 5. UHS-I Class 10 or higher.

⚠️ Attention: Formatting SD-It's like an internal storage device that erases all the data on it and makes the card linked to a particular device.

Preparation of SD-card for application transfer

Before transferring applications, the memory card must be properly prepared.

1. Formatting as internal storage (recommended for permanent use).
2. Formatting as a portable storage (suitable for temporary file transfer, but not applications).

Only the first option is suitable for porting applications.

1. Put it in. SD-Redmi 5 slot card (hybrid slot supports cards up to 256 GB).
2. Go to Settings. → Warehouse → SD-map.
3. Press "Configure» → «Internal memory».
4. Confirm the formatting (all data will be deleted!).
5. After the process is complete, select “Move Data Now” (optional).

If after formatting the card as internal storage, the smartphone began to work slower, check the speed. SD-mapping A1 SD If the write speed is below 10 MB/s, the card is best used only for file storage, not for applications.

Official method: transfer via MIUI settings

If SD-The map is formatted as an internal storage, you can transfer some applications through standard settings:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the application you want to transfer (such as Telegram or VK).
3. Click on “Storage” → “Change” (if the button is active).
4. Choose «SD-map and confirm the transfer.

Note that not all apps support portability, such as WhatsApp and Google Play Stores cannot be moved, and some programs may run slower or give up update errors after portability.

⚠️ Note: After the application has been moved to SD-The card's cache and data will remain in the internal memory. To free up space completely, manually clear the cache in the application settings.

Alternative method: ADB transfer (for advanced users)

If the transfer button in MIUI settings is inactive, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires connecting the smartphone to a PC and basic command line knowledge.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on Developer Mode on Redmi 5: Go to Settings → About Phone. Press 7 times on MIUI Version. Go back to Settings → Additional → Developers. Activate USB Debugging.

Connect your smartphone to your PC through USB-Cable (use the original cable for stability).

ADB Tools

Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB.

adb devices

(Your device should be displayed)

adb shell pm set-install-location 2

(It's what sets it SD-map as default installation location)

adb shell pm move-package com.example.app

(Replace com.example.app with a batch name for the app, such as com.whatsapp).

To find out the batch name of the application, use the command:

adb shell pm list packages | grep "appendix name"

After running pm set-install-location 2, all new applications will be installed on the default SD-map, but this does not guarantee the transfer of already installed programs.

Which applications cannot be transferred to SD-map?

Even after all the manipulations, some programs will remain in the internal memory.

• 🔐 System applications: Settings, Phone, Messages, Camera and other pre-installed MIUI.
• 🎮 Games with OBB-file: PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty Mobile, Genshin Impact (requires high read speed).
• 💳 Banking and payment applications: SberBank Online, Tinkoff, Google Pay (for security reasons).
• 🔄 Apps with widgets: if the program has a widget on the home screen, the transfer can break its work.
• 🔄 Google Services: Play Store, Google Services, Gmail (blocked at Android level).

It is also impossible to transfer applications that:

• Use overlay windows (for example, Facebook Messenger with chats).
• They have auto-start function (may not work correctly after transfer).
• Update via Google Play (sometimes updates reset the app to internal memory).

💡

Before transferring the application, check its size in Settings → Applications → Storage. If the volume is less than 10 MB, the transfer will not give significant memory savings.

What if applications do not work after transfer?

If the transferred application crashes, fails to open, or gives out errors, try the following steps:

1. Clear the cache: Go to Settings → Apps. Select the problem app → Storage → Clear the cache.
2. Transfer back to internal memory: In the app settings, click Change → Internal Memory.
3. Reinstall the app: Remove the app, then reinstall it from Google Play. When you install it, the system may suggest you choose a location (internal memory or SD).

Check it out. SD-misscard

• Connect the card to your PC and run the check (in Windows: right button on the disk → “Properties” → “Service” → “Verification”).

If the problem is repeated, it is likely, SD-The card is too slow or corrupted, so you'd better use it only to store files and leave the apps in your internal memory.

💡

Transfer of applications to SD-The card in Redmi 5 is a temporary solution, and for long-term use, it's best to consider the options: clearing the cache, removing unnecessary programs, or buying a smartphone with a large amount of memory.

More ways to free up memory on Redmi 5

If porting apps hasn’t helped or isn’t possible, try alternative methods:

• 🧹 Cache Clearing: Go to Settings → Warehouse → Clean. Select "App cache" and confirm the cleanup.
• 🗑️ Remove Unnecessary Applications: Open Settings → Apps and sort by size. Remove rarely used programs (e.g. duplicate messengers or games).
• ☁️ Transfer media to the cloud: Use Google Photos to automatically upload photos/video. Set up sync in Mi Cloud (available 5GB free).
• 🔄 Factory reset (extreme): Create a data backup. Go to Settings → The phone. → Resetting settings.

You can also use cleaning applications like CCleaner or Files by Google to help you find and delete unnecessary files (duplicates, old APKs, temporary data).

FAQ: Frequent questions about porting applications to SD in Redmi 5