Transfer applications to memory card in Xiaomi Redmi 9: a complete guide with the nuances of MIUI

Why Redmi 9 can’t be used to transfer all programs to the Redmi SD-map?

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi 9 often face the problem of lack of internal memory, especially if the device is used for games, messengers or multimedia. The logical solution is to transfer some applications to a microSD memory card, but here users are waiting for an unpleasant surprise: in the future, the user is not able to use the device. MIUI This feature doesn't work like it does on pure Android, because since Android 6.0, Google has limited the ability to fully migrate applications to external drives for security and performance reasons. MIUI adds its nuances.

In this article, we will discuss all working methods of transferring programs to the SD-map 9 (including Redmi models 9A/9C/9T), We'll explain why some apps are not portable, and we'll show you workarounds. SD" In settings, this does not guarantee that the application will work correctly, for example, WhatsApp, Telegram or banking applications most often block this ability due to security risks.

Before you start, check out two key points:

• 📱 Version. MIUI: Go to Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI. The instructions are relevant to MIUI 12/13/14 Android-based 10 or 11.
• 💾 Type SD-Cards: Use class cards UHS-I (U1/U3) or A1/A2 — They're optimized for applications. Cheap cards can slow down the system.

Official method: transfer via MIUI settings

The easiest way is to use the built-in MIUI function, but it doesn't work for all applications. Here's how to do it:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the app you want to migrate (like Facebook or Spotify).
3. Slip on Warehouse.
4. If the button is moved to SD-If not, the app doesn't support portability.

⚠️ Warning: After the transfer, some functions of the application may run slower, and widgets may disappear from the main screen. SD-cardboard A2 slower than the internal memory of eMMC 5.1, which is equipped with Redmi 9.

Format the card in FAT32/exFAT| Check the write speed (minimum 10MB/s) | Leave 20% free space |Do not use the card as portable storage

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If the transfer button is inactive, the reasons may be as follows:

• 🚫 The application prohibits portability (e.g. Google Play Store, Chrome).
• 🔒 The application uses OBB-files (games type) PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty).
• 📱 You have an outdated version. MIUI (Update through Settings → Updating the system).

Alternative method: formatting SD-maps as internal memory

This is a way to port most applications, but it has critical drawbacks: once formatted, the card cannot be retrieved and used in other devices without losing data, and if the card fails, you lose all the apps that were migrated to it.

Instructions:

1. Put it in. SD-map.
2. Go to Settings. → Warehouse → 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 formatting, select Move Data Now (optional).

⚠️ Note: This method is not recommended for cards less than 64 GB and the class below A1. After formatting as internal memory, the card will be encrypted and cannot be read on a PC without Redmi 9.

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Before formatting SD-maps as internal make backup data through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset. This will save your photos, contacts and messages.

Application portability with ADB (for advanced users)

If the built-in methods don't work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a tool for debugging Android devices, which allows you to port even those applications that block the transfer through the MIUI interface. However, it requires a PC connection and basic command-line knowledge.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install ADB Tools on PC.
2. Turn on Developer Mode on Redmi 9: go to Settings → About Phone and tap the MIUI version 7 times.
3. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
4. Connect the phone to the PC and type in the command line:

adb devices

If the device is displayed, enter:

adb shell pm set-install-location 2

This command will force the system to install applications on default SD-To transfer a particular application (e.g. com.whatsapp), use:

adb shell pm move-package com.whatsapp

⚠️ Note: Not all applications support this method. If you see a Failure error after the command [INSTALL_FAILED_INVALID_INSTALL_LOCATION], So, it's impossible to transfer, and it's also possible after use. ADB Some applications may not work smoothly.

Bypasses: what to do if transfer is impossible

If none of these methods worked, consider alternative solutions:

• 🗃️ Cache cleanup: Many applications take up gigabytes of unnecessary data. → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
• ☁️ Cloud Storage: Move photos and videos to Google Photos or Mi Cloud (into Google Photos) MIUI It has built-in synchronization).
• 🎮 Lite versions of apps: use lightweight versions of social networks (for example, Facebook Lite, Messenger Lite).
• 🔄 Transfer of media files: music and videos can be stored on SD-map, even if the applications themselves are not portable.

For big games OBB-Files (such as Genshin Impact or Honor of Kings) have a trick:

1. Download the game, but don't run it.
2. Connect your phone to your PC and find the Android/obb folder on your internal memory.
3. Move her to the SD-map (by creating the same folder structure there).
4. Remove the original obb folder from the internal memory.
5. Create a symbolic link (root rights or ADB terminal required).

⚠️ Note: Symbolic links can disrupt applications after updates. This method is only suitable for advanced users.

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If internal storage is sorely lacking, consider buying a Redmi 9 with a larger storage capacity (64/128GB) or switching to a model with UFS 2.1/2.2 (such as the Redmi Note 10 Pro).

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When transferring applications to SD-Redmi 9 users often face typical problems:

Another common problem is that widgets disappear after the app is migrated, because Android doesn't support widgets from external drives, so remove the widget from the home screen before transferring, and add it again after transfer (if the app supports it).

If the app stopped updating through Google Play after the transfer, try:

1. Transfer it back to your internal memory.
2. Update through the store.
3. Move it back to SD-map.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions