How to transfer applications from phone to memory card in Xiaomi Redmi 6A: 3 proven methods

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi 6A sooner or later face a shortage of internal memory — especially if the device is used as a main smartphone. Even after cleaning the cache and removing unnecessary files, the system persistently issues a notification "Memory is filled", blocking the installation of new applications. The solution seems obvious: transfer programs to a microSD card. But here users are waiting for an unpleasant surprise: in the standard settings of MIUI this option is not available.

The fact is that starting with Android 6.0 (Redmi. 6A It works on Android 8.1/9.0 shelled MIUI 10-12), Google has limited the ability to transfer applications to SD-Manufacturers, including Xiaomi, have gone a step further by removing this feature from the interface entirely, but there are workarounds, and we'll look at them all, from the official to the technically complex.

It's important to understand that not all applications can be migrated, system programs, widgets and some games (for example, with anti-piracy protection) will remain in internal memory, and after transferring the speed of applications may decrease, depending on the class. SD-maps (recommended) UHS-I Class 10 or higher).

Method 1: Transfer through application settings (limited support)

The easiest way is to use the built-in MIUI tools. Unfortunately, it only works for individual applications that support this feature (usually messengers, simple games or utilities).

1. Open the Settings → Applications.
2. Select the desired application from the list (for example, Telegram or VK).
3. Slip on Warehouse.
4. If you have an option, you'll see the Change button next to "Device Memory." Press it.
5. Choose. SD-map and confirm the transfer.

⚠️ Note: After porting, the application may run slower and some features (such as notifications) may be error-prone, and not all applications will display the "Change" button even if they technically support the transfer.

To check which programs can be transferred, use the filter in Settings → Applications:

• 🔍 Slip on the magnifying glass icon in the upper right corner.
• Enter the request "transfer" or "sd".
• The system will show only those applications for which the option is available.

Buy it. SD-class UHS-I (Class 10) from 32 GB

Format your card in FAT32/exFAT via phone

Create a backup of important data from the card

Charge your phone at least 50%

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Method 2: Use of the SD-The card is an internal memory (adoptable storage)

A more radical way to do this is to SD-It's an extension of internal memory, and in that case, the system will perceive it as part of the main storage, and the applications will be able to be installed directly on the map:

• 📛 The card will be encrypted and will not be read on other devices.
• 🐢 Speed will decrease (especially on cheap cards).
• 🔄 After the map is removed, the applications will stop working.

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

1. Put it in. SD-map 6A.
2. When the notice “New” appears SD-Map "slip on it and select Set up a.
3. Select Internal Memory (not Portable Storage!).
4. Confirm the formatting (all data from the card will be deleted!).
5. Wait until the process is completed (it can take 5-15 minutes).
6. After restart, go to Settings. → Warehouse and select SD-map as default installation location.

⚠️ Attention: If you extract SD-After this procedure, the phone may become obsessed with downloading or lose application data. Some banking applications (SberBank, Tinkoff) will refuse to work on the "accepted" memory card due to security requirements.

Method 3: Transfer over ADB (for advanced users)

If the first two methods fail, there is a manual transfer over the debugging bridge. ADB. This requires connecting the phone to your computer, but allows you to migrate even those applications that do not support this option in the settings. MIUI for Redmi 6A!

You'll need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).li>
• 🛠 Utilities. ADB Fastboot (download from the official Android website).
• ⚙ Included debugging by USB phone-on.

Steps:

1. Activate Developer Mode on Redmi 6A: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version. Go back to Settings → Additional → Developer. Enable USB Debugging.

Connect your phone to your PC and confirm your trust in your computer.

ADB

adb devices

The serial number of your Redmi 6A should appear.

WhatsApp

com.whatsapp

adb shell pm list packages | grep 'appendix name'

adb shell pm move-package com.whatsapp /storage/XXXX-XXXX

Instead XXXX-XXXX Show the real path to yours. SD-map (you can find it by adb shell ls command) /storage).

⚠️ Note: Some applications after transfer through ADB They may stop updating through Google Play, and this method doesn't work for Google's system applications and services, because they'll be delayed and errors will occur.

💡

If the pm move-package command returns the error "Failure" [NOT_MOVED: Operation not allowed, means the application is blocked from transfer at the level MIUI. Try an alternative method to change the configuration file /system/etc/permissions/platform.xml (requires root rights).

Which applications cannot be transferred to SD-map

Even with ADB, some programs will remain in internal memory, and here is the full list of limitations for the Xiaomi Redmi 6A.

If you are critically interested in vacating space, consider alternative solutions:

• 🗑 Remove the app cache manually through Settings → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
• ☁ Move your media files (photos, videos) to the cloud (Google Photos, Mi Cloud).
• 🔄 Use the “light” versions of apps (e.g. Facebook Lite instead of the main client).

💡

Transfer of applications to SD-The card is a temporary solution. 6A Consider buying a phone with a large amount of internal memory (from 64 GB) or regular cache cleaning.

Mistakes in the transfer of applications and their solutions

When working with SD-map on Xiaomi Redmi 6A And users often have typical problems, and these are the most common ones and the ways to fix them:

1. "Insufficient memory" error during transfer

Reason: There's not enough space on the map for temporary files.

• 📂 Free up at least 10% of free space on the map.
• 🔄 Restart your phone and try again.
• 🗃 Format the card in exFAT (supports files) >4GB).

2.The application does not start after the transfer

Reason: Data damage during copying or incompatibility with SD-A decision:

• 🔄 Reinstall the app.
• 💾 Transfer it back to your internal memory.
• 🛠 Check the card for errors through PC (Chkdsk utility in Windows).

3.The phone can't see. SD-map after formatting into "Internal Memory"

Reason: Encryption failure or card incompatibility.

• 🔌 Remove and re-insert the map.
• 📱 Reset your phone settings (pre-do backup!).
• 🆕 Try another one. SD-Card (preferably original SanDisk or Samsung).

⚠️ Warning: If the phone starts to overheat or discharge faster after the app transfer, this is a sign that SD-The card can't handle the load. Put the critical applications back in the internal memory!

Alternative ways to free up memory on Redmi 6A

If the application portability is not helpful or impossible, use these methods:

1.Cache and garbage cleanup

• 🧹 Use the built-in Cleanup utility (Settings) → Cleanup).
• 🗑 Remove the cache of individual applications in Settings → Annexes → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
• 📁 Delete downloads and temporary files in the folder /storage/emulated/0/Download.

2. Transfer of media files

• 📸 Move photos and videos to the cloud (Google Photos with High Quality compression gives unlimited storage).
• 🎵 Save music to your memory card via Mi Music or VLC.
• 🎬 Configure saving new files immediately to SD-map.

3. Use of “light” versions of applications

Many popular services have lightweight versions that take up 2-5 times less space:

• 📘 Facebook Lite instead of Facebook (1.5 MB vs 50 MB).
• 💬 Messenger Lite instead of the main messenger.
• 🌍 Twitter Lite or Hermit to save traffic and memory.

4. Disabling unnecessary system applications

Some pre-installed programs (Mi Video, Mi Music, Browser) can be disabled:

1. Go to Settings → Applications.
2. Select an unneeded app (such as Mi Pay).
3. Click Disable (Do not "Delete"!).

💡

To return disabled system applications, go to Settings → Apps → Show all applications (three dots in the corner) → Disabled.

FAQ: Frequent questions about porting apps to Redmi 6A