How to transfer applications from internal memory to SD-Map in Xiaomi: All ways

Xiaomi smartphone owners often face the problem of lack of internal memory, especially if the device is equipped with a modest 32 or 64 GB. One effective way to free up space is to transfer applications to the Internet. SD-But in the modern versions. MIUI (12, 13, 14) this function is either hidden or limited. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of porting applications, including official and workarounds, and explain why some programs can not be moved and what to do about it.

It’s important to understand that portability depends on the Android version and MIUI firmware. For example, in Android 10+, Google limited this feature for security reasons, but Xiaomi leaves loopholes for users. We tested all methods on Redmi Note 10 Pro, Poco X3 Pro and Mi 11 Lite models – the instructions are universal for most of the brand’s devices. If your model is older than 2019, some points may differ (we will warn about this separately).

Why Xiaomi restricts the portability of applications to SD-card?

Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones don’t always allow apps to be moved freely to a removable drive, for reasons that stem from the Android architecture and the manufacturer’s policies:

• 🔒 Data security: Annexes to the SD-It is easier to steal or replace the card, especially if the drive is retrieved and connected to other devices.
• ⚡ Performance: MicroSD memory cards (even class) A2) They are slower than the built-in memory. UFS/eMMC, What can slow down applications.
• 📱 Optimization MIUI: Xiaomi firmware actively uses cache and background processes that are poorly compatible with external drives.
• 🔄 Android updates: Starting with Android 9 Pie, Google has tightened the rules for working with Android SD-Transfer of system and mission-critical applications.

But there are workarounds. For example, you can format. SD-card as internal memory (this will allow you to carry most applications) or use manual transfer through the ADB (And then there's the advanced user experience.

⚠️ Attention: Formatting SD-The card will be linked to your smartphone as an internal drive, and once it's removed, it won't be read on other devices without completely erasing the data!

Method 1: Formatting SD-maps as internal memory

This is the most reliable method that allows you to port most applications (except system ones). Suitable for MIUI 12-14 based on Android 10-13. Importantly, after formatting, all data on the map will be deleted!

Instructions:

1. Put it in. SD-card in a smartphone (cards up to 1 TB are supported, but optimally 128-512 GB of class) A2).
2. Open the Settings. → Memory. → SD-map.
3. Slip on the three dots in the top right corner and select Storage Settings.
4. Click Format as Internal → Erase and Format.
5. After the process is complete, restart the device.

Now, when installing new applications, the system will prompt you to choose a storage location (internal memory or storage). SD-To transfer programs already installed:

• 📱 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
• 🔍 Select the desired application → Warehouse → Change.
• 💾 Indicate. SD-map and confirm the transfer.

Save all data from the card to PC or cloud | Check the card class (optimally A2/UHS-I) | Charge the phone at least 50% | Disable important notifications during the process

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Critical Feature: After Formatting SD-The card as internal memory cannot be retrieved without resetting the phone to factory settings, otherwise the applications transferred to the map will stop working.

Method 2: Transfer applications through MIUI settings (without formatting)

If you don't want to format SD-card as internal memory, you can try standard transfer through the MIUI. This method does not work for all applications (especially system ones), but it is suitable for most user programs.

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the app you want to migrate (such as Telegram or Spotify).
3. Slip on Warehouse.
4. If the option is available, click Change and select SD-map.
5. Confirm the transfer and wait for the process to be completed (may take a few minutes).

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ You cannot transfer system applications (e.g. Camera, Gallery, Settings).
• ❌ Some games, for example, PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact block transfer due to cheating protection.
• ❌ Apps with widgets (such as Google Widget) may not work properly after porting.

SanDisk Ultra (A1)|SanDisk Extreme (A2)|Samsung EVO Plus|Kingston Canvas Go! Plus|Another brand |Do not use-->

⚠️ Warning: If the app starts to slow down or crash after the transfer, return it to internal memory. SD-map.

Method 3: Transfer over ADB (for advanced users)

If standard methods don't work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a debugging tool that allows you to manually specify where to install an application, which requires you to connect your phone to your PC.

What you need:

• 🖥️ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB Tools.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times tap to activate the developer mode, then Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 💾 SD-card formatted as portable storage (not internal memory!).

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable and allow debugging.
2. Open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd) and do:

adb shell


pm set-install-location 2

This command will force the system to install new applications on the SD-The default card. To return the settings back, use:

pm set-install-location 0

To transfer already installed applications, use:

pm move-package com.example.app /sdcard

(Replace com.example.app with a real app package, such as com.whatsapp for WhatsApp).

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ It works even for applications that cannot be moved through settings. MIUI.
• ✅ No formatting required. SD-maps as internal memory.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Requires skills to work with ADB.
• ❌ Not all applications support portability (depending on the developer).

Which applications cannot be transferred to SD-map?

Even with ADB, some programs are not portable to external drives, and here is a complete list of limitations:

If you critically need to vacate space, but you cannot move the application, consider alternatives:

• 🗑️ Clear the app cache (Settings) → Annexes → Warehouse → Clear the cache).
• ☁️ Move your media files (photos, videos) to the cloud (Google Photos, Mi Cloud).
• 🔄 Use the Lite mode function in MIUI for lightweight versions of applications.

💡

If the game or application is transferred to SD-The card is slowing down, try to move only a part of the data to the card (for example, cache or downloaded files), leaving the card itself. APK In the internal memory, select Clear Data in the application settings, then re-upload the content by specifying SD-map.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When transferring applications to SD-Xiaomi users often face typical problems. Let's analyze the most common and ways to solve them:

1. "Cannot move the application" error

Reasons:

• 🔹 SD-The card is formatted as a portable storage, not an internal memory.
• 🔹 The annex does not support portability (see table above).
• 🔹 There is not enough space on the map (at least 10% of free space is needed).

Solution: Try formatting the card as internal memory or use ADB.

2.The application brakes after transfer

Reasons:

• 🔹 Low reading/writing speed SD-maps (class below) A2).
• 🔹 Fragmentation of files on the map (especially if it has been used for a long time).

Solution: Buy an A2/UHS-I class card or move the app back.

3. After extraction SD-Application maps disappeared

The reason: Applications were installed on a card formatted as internal memory.

Solution: Insert the card back or reset the phone to factory settings (the data on the map will be lost!).

⚠️ Attention: If you are using SD-card as internal memory, backup data regularly, if the card is damaged or the system crashes, all the transferred applications will become unavailable!

Alternative ways to free up memory in Xiaomi

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

• 🧹 Waste disposal: B MIUI There is a built-in cleaner (Settings) → Memory. → Cleanup. It deletes temporary files, cache and residual data from remote applications.
• ☁️ Cloud Storage: Move photos and videos to Google Photos or Mi Cloud by enabling automatic download.
• 🔄 Lite versions of apps: Install lightweight versions of instant messengers (e.g. Facebook Lite, Messenger Lite).
• 📁 Manual File Transfer: Use a file manager (such as Mi File Manager) to move documents, music, and images to the file. SD-map.
• 🔧 Disabling unnecessary system applications: C Settings → You can disable pre-installed apps (such as Mi Music or Mi Video if you don’t use them).

For maximum efficiency, combine these methods, such as clearing the cache, transferring media files to the cloud, and then moving the remaining applications to the cloud. SD-map.

💡

If your Xiaomi smartphone supports microSD memory expansion, but you often run into space shortages, consider buying a model with a large amount of internal memory. For example, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ with 256 GB or the Poco F5 with 512 GB will solve the problem radically.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions