How to transfer applications from internal memory to a flash drive in Xiaomi: all working ways

Xiaomi smartphone owners often face the problem of lack of internal memory, especially if the device is equipped with only 32 or 64 GB of internal storage. Even after cleaning the cache and deleting unnecessary files, the system can give notifications about overcrowded memory, usually caused by large applications like games or social networks. SD-But here, users are in for a nasty surprise: MIUI This feature is limited compared to “pure” Android.

Why is that happening? It's about Xiaomi's security policy and file system features. MIUI. The manufacturer blocks the standard transfer of applications to the USB drive through settings, citing risks to the stability of the system. However, workarounds exist - and we will consider all working methods, including hidden functions. MIUI, utilization ADB-It is important to understand that not all applications can be ported: some (for example, system or high-performance) do not support this option.

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

• 🔹 Format FAT32 ExFAT (the latter is preferred for files) >4GB)
• 🔹 Speed class is below UHS-I (U1) — Otherwise, the app will be slowed down.
• 🔹 Volume from 32 GB (cards less than 16 GB) MIUI may not be recognized as a drive for applications)
• 🔹 Original card from a trusted manufacturer (fakes often cause errors)

1.Official method: transfer via MIUI settings (with limitations)

The simplest, but also the most limited, method is to use the built-in MIUI function, which only works for a fraction of applications and requires a flash drive to be pre-prepared.

Steps for transfer:

1. Put it in. SD-card to slot (if your model supports a hybrid slot, make sure it is set up to read the flash drive rather than the second one). SIM).
2. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
3. Select the app you want (like Facebook or Spotify).
4. Press Warehouse. → Change. → choose SD-map.
5. Confirm the transfer and wait until it is completed (may take a few minutes).

⚠️ Note: This method is not available for all applications: System utilities, high-demand games (Genshin Impact, PUBG Mobile and some messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp) will not be able to transfer, and after transferring the application can run slower – this is normal for external drives.

If the Change button is inactive or not, the application does not support porting through this method, in which case you will have to use alternative methods described below.

Format the map in exFAT via PC|Check the recording speed (minimum 10 MB/s)|Create a backup of important data from a flash drive|Make sure the card is not encrypted-->

2. ADB Transfer: Enhanced Opportunities for Power Users

For applications that don’t migrate through settings, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a debugging tool built into Android.This method requires connecting a smartphone to a computer and basic command line knowledge, but opens up access to porting most custom applications.

Step instructions:

1. Turn on Developer Mode on your smartphone: go to Settings → About Phone and 7 times click on the MIUI Version. Then go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers and activate Debugging over USB.
2. Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable (use the original cable for a stable connection).
3. Download ADB Tools for your OS and unpack the archive.
4. Open the command prompt (cmd in Windows or Terminal in macOS/Linux) in the ADB folder and type: adb devices Make sure your device appears in the list (permission confirmation may be required on the phone).
5. Enter the port command (replace com.example.app with your app’s packet name, which can be found through App Inspector or Package Name Viewer): adb shell pm set-install-location 2 adb shell pm move-package com.example.app

Critical information: After running pm set-install-location 2, all new applications will be installed on the default device. SD-To return the installation to internal memory, use the adb shell pm set-install-location 0.

Limitations of the method:

• 🚫 It does not work for Google system applications and services.
• 🚫 Some apps (such as Netflix) can block startup from an external drive.
• 🚫 After updating MIUI settings may reset.

💡

To find out the batch name of the application without third-party utilities, open its page in Google Play through the browser - the desired identifier will be in the address bar after id=.

3.Use of SD-The card is an internal memory (adoptable storage)

Adoptable Storage feature, which appeared in Android 6.0 Marshmallow, allows formatting SD-It's the most efficient way to port applications, but it has serious disadvantages: it becomes "tied" to the device and will not be read on other gadgets without formatting.

How to activate:

1. Put it in. SD-smartphone-card.
2. When a notification is received, a new SD-map press Set up Set up.
3. Choose Use as internal memory (if this item is missing, then your Xiaomi model blocks the feature at the firmware level).
4. Follow the instructions on the screen. The system will suggest that you transfer some of the data to the map, you agree.
5. After formatting (may take up to 10 minutes), restart the device.

Important nuances:

⚠️ Attention: If you extract SD-A card formatted as internal memory, all the applications transferred to it will stop working before being re-inserted, and this method can also shorten the life of the card due to intensive write operations.

4. Third-party utilities: AppMgr III and Link2SD

If the built-in methods don't work, specialized applications will come to the rescue, two of the most popular solutions are AppMgr III (aka App 2 SD) and Link2SD, which allow you to port applications even on devices where MIUI blocks standard functions.

AppMgr III (free version with advertising):

• 📌 Supports the transfer to SD-map.
• 📌 Shows a list of applications that support transfer.
• 📌 Has the function of cleaning cache and residual files.

How to use:

1. Install AppMgr III from Google Play.
2. Open the application and grant superuser rights (if there is root).
3. In the list, select the application you want to move.
4. Press Move to SD card (if the button is inactive, the app does not support porting).

Link2SD (requires root rights):

• 🔧 Creates symbolic links, saving space on the internal drive.
• 🔧 Supports data transfer applications (obb files for games).
• 🔧 Allows you to freeze unnecessary system applications.

⚠️ Attention: When in use Link2SD without root, the functionality will be severely curtailed, and incorrect link building can lead to app failures — always back up before experimenting.

5. Manual transfer of cache and application data

Even if the application itself cannot be transferred to SD-The card, you can often free up space by moving its cache and data, and this is true for games with large downloadable files (for example, Call of Duty Mobile or Free Fire), where the main weight is not occupied by the main weight. APK, a) additional resources.

How to transfer data:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC via USB in File Transfer (MTP) mode.
2. Go to the Android/obb folder on internal memory.
3. Copy the folder with the data of the desired application (for example, com.activision.callofduty.shooter for CODM) on SD-map (Android/obb).
4. Remove the original folder from the internal memory.
5. Create a symbolic link at the root of the internal memory (root or Termux is required): -s /storage/XXXX-XXXX/Android/obb/com.example.game /storage/emulated/0/Android/obb/com.example.game (substitute XXXX-XXXX real ID yours SD-maps and com.example.game for the game's batch name).

For instant messengers (Telegram, Viber) you can transfer media files:

• 📁 In the settings of the messenger, find the item Memory and Data or Storage.
• 📁 Select Change the save location and specify the folder to SD-map.
• 📁 Manually copy existing files from Telegram/Telegram Images on the flash drive.

💡

The transfer is only APK-An application file without its data (obb, user data) often leads to errors. Always check the health after manipulation!

Errors and their solutions: why it is not possible to move applications

Even following the instructions, Xiaomi users often face problems when migrating apps, and let’s look at the most common bugs and how to fix them.

Error 1: "Move to the button" SD-The card is inactive or absent.

• 🔸 Reason: Application does not support portability (system, high rights or manufacturer-issued).
• 🔸 Solution: Use ADB or Link2SD (if there is root).

Error 2: After the transfer, the application crashes or does not open.

• 🔸 Reason: Low speed SD-maps or damaged files.
• 🔸 Solution: Check the speed of the card through A1 SD Bench (should be) >10 MB/s to write. Move the application back and repeat the procedure. Format the card in exFAT (if you had one). FAT32).

Error 3: The system writes "Not enough space on the device" SD-card.

• 🔸 Reason: MIUI reserve space for system operations.
• 🔸 Solution: Clear the cache in Settings → Delete the unnecessary storage. APK-file /download. Use Files by Google to search for large files.

Mistake. 4: ADB Issuing a Failure Error [INSTALL_FAILED_INSUFFICIENT_STORAGE].

• 🔸 Reason: SD-There is not enough space for temporary files.
• 🔸 Solution: Release 1-2 GB on the map or use the command: adb shell pm set-install-location 2 for forced installation on an external storage device.

7.Alternative ways to release memory without transferring

If the applications are transferred SD-The card is not helped or impossible, consider alternative methods of releasing internal memory:

Storage optimization:

• 🗑️ Remove the app cache in Settings → Annexes → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
• 🗑️ Use the built-in cleaning utility in MIUI (You can find it through search in settings).
• 🗑️ Move photos and videos to Google Photos with the option to Free up space.

Cloud services:

• ☁️ Upload rarely used files to Mi Cloud, Google Drive, or Yandex Disk.
• ☁️ Automatically upload photos/video to the cloud.

Systemic debris disposal:

• 🧹 Use it. SD Maid (requires root) to clean up residual files.
• 🧹 Remove duplicate files via Files by Google or CCleaner.

Disabling unnecessary applications:

• 🚫 B Settings → Find the apps that are pre-installed (Mi Video, Mi Music) and disable them (Stop button).
• 🚫 Rooting will be required to completely remove system applications.