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

Why Xiaomi is limiting the portability of applications SD-map and what to do about it

Owners of Xiaomi smartphones sooner or later face the problem of lack of internal memory – especially on budget models like Redmi. 9A POCO M3, where on board only 32-64 GB, the system MIUI It does not always allow you to transfer applications to SD-It's all about Google policy: since Android 6.0 Marshmallow, porting apps to external drives has become limited due to security and performance concerns.

But that doesn't mean that it's impossible. In this article, we'll look at all the current ways to migrate applications to the Internet. SD-Xiaomi map in 2026 – from standard features MIUI to the hidden possibilities through ADB And it's important to understand that not all methods are equally effective: some only work on certain models, others require root rights or can slow down the speed of applications.

Before you start, check two things:

1. Yours. SD-map UHS-I (U1/U3) class 10 — Otherwise, the app will be slowed down.
2. There is enough free space on the map (at least 20% more than the portable application takes up).

Method 1: Standard transfer through MIUI settings (without root)

The easiest method is to use the built-in MIUI function, which is suitable for most applications, but does not work with all (for example, system programs and some games can not be transferred).

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 active, click Change and select SD-map.
5. Confirm the transfer and wait until it is completed (may take a few minutes).

⚠️ Note: After porting, some applications may run slower – this is normal, as read/write speeds are not required. SD-cards are lower than the internal memory of the eMMC or UFS. Also note that widgets of ported applications may stop appearing on the home screen.

SD-map FAT32 exFAT|

There's plenty of free space on the map.|

Appendix supports portability (no gray paragraph "Modify")|

The smartphone is not connected to charging (to avoid overheating)-->

What applications can you migrate this way? It's usually:

• 📱 Messengers: WhatsApp, Viber, Telegram (but not MIUI Messaging).
• 🎵 Music players: Spotify, Yandex Music, VK Music.
• 🎮 Candy Crush, Clash of Clans, but not Genshin Impact PUBG).
• 📖 Readers: Moon+ Reader, FBReader.

If the Change button is inactive (in gray), the application does not support the transfer, in which case you will have to use alternative methods, which will be discussed later.

Method 2: Formatting SD-The card as an internal storage (Adoptable Storage)

This method allows the system to be “deceived” by making it perceive SD-The advantage is that you can port any application, including system applications, the disadvantage is that the card will be encrypted and not readable on other devices, and it will not be retrieved without losing data.

How does it work? When formatted as internal storage, Xiaomi creates a partition on the map that mounts as part of /data, which allows you to install applications directly on the SD, but there are nuances:

• 🔋 The card should be fast (recommended). UHS-I U3 or A2), Otherwise, the system will slow down.
• 📉 Part of the card memory (up to 10%) is reserved for service files.
• 🔒 After formatting, the card will not be used on other devices without completely erasing.

Step-by-step:

1. Put it in. SD-smartphone-card.
2. Go to Settings. → Warehouse.
3. Tap your name on it. SD-maps (e.g. SanDisk) 128GB).
4. In the upper right corner, click on three dots and select Storage Settings.
5. Select the internal memory and confirm the formatting.
6. Wait until the process is completed (it can take 5-15 minutes).
7. After the device is restarted SD-The card will be displayed as part of the internal memory.

⚠️ Attention: If you extract SD-After this formatting, all the apps that are transferred to the card will stop working until they are re-inserted. F3) This function may not be supported due to manufacturer restrictions.

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 lets you manually tell the system which apps you can port, which works on most Xiaomi models, but requires a connection to a computer.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows, macOS or Linux.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📦 Installed drivers Xiaomi and ADB (You can download from the Google website).
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times tap to unlock the developer mode, then additionally → For developers → Debugging by USB).

Instructions:

1. Connect your smartphone to your computer and allow debugging (a request will appear on the phone screen).
2. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type: adb devices Make sure your device appears in the list.
3. Enter the port command (replace package.name with the application package name, for example com.whatsapp): adb shell pm set-install-location 2 This command forces the system to install applications on the application package. SD-default-card.
4. To transfer an already installed application, use: adb shell pm move-package com.whatsapp
5. Reboot your smartphone.

⚠️ Note: Not all applications support portability ADB. If you see a Failure message after the command [INSTALL_FAILED_INVALID_INSTALL_LOCATION], It means that the transfer is impossible, and some banking applications (for example, Sberbank or Tinkoff) can block the work on the bank. SD-security map.

Install the App Inspector app on your smartphone or use it ADB-team:

adb shell pm list packages -f

This will display a list of all installed applications with their packet names (e.g, package:/data/app/com.whatsapp-1/base.apk=com.whatsapp).-->

Method 4: Transfer cache and application data (without root)

If the app itself cannot be moved, you can at least free up space by moving its cache and user data (for example, downloaded songs in Spotify or maps in Google Maps). Many programs allow you to manually specify a folder for storing files.

How to do this:

1. Open the settings of the desired application (for example, Spotify → Settings → Memory).
2. Find an option like Download Folder, Cache Storage, or Save Place.
3. Show the way to SD-map (e.g., map, /storage/1234-5678/Music/, where 1234-5678 — ID of your card).
4. Confirm the changes and wait for the files to be transferred.

Examples of applications with support for manual data transfer:

⚠️ Note: After transferring the cache, some applications may be slower on the first run, as the system will have to re-index the files. It is also not recommended to transfer the cache of banking applications or encrypted messengers (for example, Signal) - this may disrupt their work.

Method 5: Use root rights (for power users)

If you're willing to take drastic measures, root access will open up additional possibilities for porting applications, such as using applications like this. Link2SD or App2SD, which allow you to create symbolic links (symlinks) SD-map, tricking the system.

Pros of the method:

• ✅ Any application can be ported, including system applications.
• ✅ There is no limit on the number of programs transferred.
• ✅ Only a portion of the data can be selectively transferred (e.g., only cache or libraries).

Cons and risks:

• ❌ Loss of warranty (on most Xiaomi root models, disqualification of service rights).
• ❌ Risk of "bricking" of the device with incorrect actions.
• ❌ Some apps (such as Google Pay or SberBank Online) will refuse to work on a rooted device.

How to transfer the application from root:

1. Get root access (for example, through Magisk).
2. Install Link2SD from Google Play.
3. Open the application and select the desired program from the list.
4. Click Create a link and select which components to carry (APK, DEX, Libra or Cash).
5. Confirm the action and restart the smartphone.

⚠️ Note: Do not tolerate system applications like com.android.systemui or com.miui.home, which can lead to bootloop. MIUI (For example, topics or security, as this may disrupt the shell.

💡

Root access gives you maximum freedom, but you need to be careful, always back up with TWRP or MIUI Backup before you experiment with porting system applications.

What to do if nothing works: alternative solutions

If none of the above methods worked, consider alternative ways to make room for internal memory:

• 🧹 Cache Clearing: Go to Settings → Warehouse → Clean and delete unnecessary files. You can also use CCleaner or Files by Google for deep cleaning.
• ☁️ Cloud storage: Move photos and videos to Google Photos, Yandex.Disk or Mi Cloud (on Xiaomi it is preinstalled).
• 🗃️ External drive: Use OTG-cable and flash drive for storing media files.
• 🔄 Reset to factory settings: Extreme measure, but sometimes the only way to get a clogged smartphone back up!
• 📱 Replacing with a model with more memory: If you often face space shortages, it may be worth considering buying Xiaomi with 128GB or 256GB of internal storage.

Poco and Redmi Owners Advice: If your model supports a hybrid slot (like the Redmi Note 10 Pro), you can install a second nano-SIM instead of a plug-in. SD-maps and cloud storage, which will eliminate the problems of porting applications, but will require a stable Internet connection.

FAQ: Frequent questions about transferring applications to SD-Xiaomi