How to transfer applications to SD-Xiaomi Redmi 4: All the ways

Xiaomi Redmi 4 is one of the most popular budget smartphones of 2017, but its main problem even years later remains relevant: a lack of internal memory. Only 16 GB on board (of which about 10-12 GB are available) are quickly clogged with applications, cache and media files. The solution seems obvious to transfer programs to a microSD card, but here owners are waiting for pitfalls: the limitations of Android 6.0 Marshmallow, features of the MIUI shell and the hardware limits of the device itself.

In this article, we will discuss all working methods for transferring applications to SD-map 4 (including versions of Redmi 4 Pro and Redmi. 4X), explain why some methods may not work, and give clear instructions taking into account the specifics of the firmware MIUI 8/9/10. Importantly, not all applications can be moved — for example, system services Google and Xiaomi will remain in internal memory. 2-5 GB of precious space.

Why Redmi 4 can’t just move all apps to the same location SD-map?

The main reason is the architecture of Android 6.0 and politics MIUI. Unlike the newer versions of the OS, where SD-The card can be formatted as an internal storage device, and in Marshmallow, this mechanism works with serious limitations:

• 📱 There is no full support for Adoptable Storage in stock firmware MIUI Redmi 4: The function is either missing or unstable.
• 🔒 Manufacturer restrictions: Xiaomi blocks transfer of system and key applications (for example, com.miui.home – launcher).
• ⚡ Productivity: SD-cards (even class) UHS-I) slower than the 5.1 built-in memory, which can slow down games and heavy applications.
• 🛠️ Data loss risk: when you extract the map, the transferred applications will stop working, and some settings will reset.

However, there are workarounds. Their effectiveness depends on the version. MIUI type SD-For example, on firmware. MIUI 9 Global and later methods may not work due to tightening security policies. → The phone. → Version. MIUI.

Preparation: what SD-The map is suitable for Redmi 4?

Not every memory card can do this. You need a medium that can be read/write fast to carry applications.

⚠️ Warning: ExFAT cards may not be readable on some custom firmware. If you insert a card, the phone suggests formatting it, choose the option. FAT32 (Despite the 32GB limit, this is compatible).

Before buying, check the card for authenticity with H2testw (Windows) or SD Insight (Android).

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If you plan to use the card as internal storage, give preference to models labeled A1 or A2 – they are optimized for running applications.

Method 1: Transfer through MIUI settings (without root)

It's the easiest and most secure method, but it doesn't work for all applications, and it's suitable for users who don't want to risk data or install additional software.

Format. SD-card in the phone (Settings) → Warehouse → SD-map → Formatting as a portable device)

Restart your phone after formatting

Make sure there is enough free space on the map (at least 20% more portable applications)

Close all working applications

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Instructions:

1. Open the Settings → Applications.
2. Select the app you want to migrate (like Facebook or VK).
3. Click on Warehouse.
4. If the option is available, tap Change → SD-map.
5. Confirm the transfer and wait until the completion (may take 1-5 minutes).

⚠️ Note: Not all applications support portability. If the Change button is inactive or missing, try other methods. Also, after the transfer, some functions may work slower (for example, notifications in messengers).

A critical feature of Redmi 4 is that after transferring the application through MIUI, its data (cache, settings) will remain in internal memory. To free up space completely, manually clear the cache in the same Warehouse menu.

Method 2: Use of the SD-The card as an internal storage (Adoptable Storage)

This method combines internal memory and SD-The card in a single storage, but has serious shortcomings:

• 🔄 The map cannot be retrieved without data loss.
• 🐢 Application speed may fall by 20-40%.
• 🚫 Some apps (such as WhatsApp or Google Maps) will not work.

If you are willing to take risks, follow the instructions:

1. Put it in. SD-phone-card.
2. When a notification is received, a new SD-map press Set up Set up.
3. Select Internal Memory (not Portable Device!).
4. Confirm the formatting (all data on the map will be deleted!).
5. Wait until the process is completed (it can take up to 10 minutes).
6. Reboot the phone.

After that, the system will automatically install new applications on the SD-To move the programs already installed:

1. Go to Settings → Storage → Internal Memory.
2. Click on the Apps.
3. Select the application and tap Transfer to SD-Card (if the option is active).

Method 3: Transfer over ADB (for power users)

If previous methods have failed, you can force apps to migrate using Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a method that requires connecting the phone to a PC and basic command line knowledge.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 🛠️ Utilities. ADB Fastboot (download from the official Android website).
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on the phone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times tap the version, then go back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and select File Transfer (MTP) mode.
2. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (Linux/macOS) in the folder with adb.exe.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
4. Find out the batch name of the app (for example, for Telegram it is org.telegram.messenger), you can do this through the App Inspector app (available on Google Play).
5. Run the port command (replace package.name with real name): adb shell pm set-install-location 2 adb shell pm move-package package.name
6. Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Note: Some applications after transfer through ADB They may not work properly or they may not start at all, especially when it comes to security games (PUBG Mobile, Genshin Impact and banking applications (SberBank Online, Tinkoff).

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The pm set-install-location 2 command forces the default system to install new applications on the system. SD-To return the settings to the original, use pm set-install-location 0 (internal memory) or 1 (automatic selection).

Method 4: Transfer of cache and media files of applications

If you can't move the app itself, you can make space by moving the cache, downloads, photos and videos, which is not as efficient, but it's safe and works for most programs.

How to transfer the cache:

1. Open the Settings → Applications.
2. Select an app (such as YouTube or Instagram).
3. Press Warehouse. → Clear the cache.
4. For some applications (such as Google Chrome) you can manually specify a folder for downloads to the SD-map.

How to transfer media files:

• 📸 For the Gallery: Open the Gallery app → Settings → Folders. → Add a folder to SD-map.
• 🎵 For Music: in the Music app, select Settings → Music folder and point the way to SD-map.
• 📥 For downloads: in the browser (Chrome or MIUI Browser: Change the way you save files /storage/XXXX-XXXX/SD-card/Download (where XXXX-XXXX — ID your card).

Automatically transfer new photos and videos to SD-Map use Files by Google (available in Play Market):

1. Open Files by Google.
2. Go to the Cleanup. → Folders.
3. Choose Camera or Downloads.
4. Press Move to Move to SD-map.

Method 5: Install applications on SD-Default card (only for new programs)

If you need all new applications installed immediately on SD-This method won't carry the programs already installed, but it will prevent the internal memory from filling up.

Instructions:

1. Activate Developer Mode (if you haven’t already): Settings → About Phone → MIUI → tap 7 times on version number.
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
3. Find the option Forced Installation to an external drive (in some versions of MIUI it may be called the Default Installation Location).
4. Choose. SD-map.
5. Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Note: This setting may cause some applications to crash, especially if SD-If the card is slow or damaged, if the phone starts to brake after changing the setting, return the value to Automatic or Internal Memory.

What to do if none of the methods work?

If all of these methods have not helped, radical measures remain:

• 🔄 Reset to factory settings with subsequent installation of applications on SD-map. FAQ).
• 🛠️ Installing custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) where Adoptable Storage works correctly. SD-card as internal memory, but requires unlocking the bootloader and risks voiding the warranty.
• ☁️ Using Google Drive, Mi Cloud to back up data and free up space.
• 🗑️ Manual cleaning: remove unnecessary apps, clear cache (Settings) → Warehouse → Clean up), transfer photos and videos to PC.

If you decide on a custom firmware, consider:

• You will need to unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (the process takes up to 720 hours of waiting on official Xiaomi servers).
• Risk of "bricking" of the device if installed incorrectly.
• Loss of MIUI features such as App Duplication or Power Saving Mode.

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Before installing custom firmware, make a full backup through TWRP Recovery. Save copies of /data, /system, and EFS (responsible for IMEI) folders to your PC.

FAQ: Frequent questions about transferring applications to SD-map 4