How to Transfer Data from Xiaomi Phone to Memory Card: A Complete Guide to 2026

Transferring files from Xiaomi’s internal memory to a microSD card is a challenge that every second owner of the device faces. even the 128GB model (Redmi Note 12 Pro)+, POCO X5 Pro) quickly filled in with photos in format RAW, video 4K Or messenger cache, and the problem is compounded by the fact that MIUI restricts the transfer of applications to SD-map, and standard methods of copying through a conductor often work incorrectly.

In this article you will find 5 Proven methods of data transfer – from basic (via file manager) to advanced (using the use of data transfer) ADB and hidden settings MIUI). We will discuss the nuances for different versions of the firmware (including: MIUI 14 Android 13/14), We'll explain why some files aren't portable, and we'll show you how to get around the system limitations. SD-map bypassing official Xiaomi restrictions – this method works even on new models 2023–2026 year-end.

1.Preparation: Which Memory Card to Choose for Xiaomi

Before you port the data, make sure your microSD card is compatible with your phone. Xiaomi officially supports cards up to 1TB (on Android 12+ models), but there are nuances:

• 🔹 Speed class: for video recordings 4K/8K Frequent file operations and select maps UHS-I U3 or V30/V60/V90. Class cards C10 Suitable only for storing photos and music.
• 🔹 Formatting: Xiaomi requires exFAT format for maps >32GB Maps ≤32 GB should be in FAT32.
• 🔹 Manufacturers: the best choice - Samsung EVO Plus, SanDisk Extreme or Kingston Canvas Go! Plus.Cheap cards without a brand often cause errors "SD-map damaged".

⚠️ Note: If you use a card from an old phone, be sure to format it directly in your Xiaomi smartphone via Settings → Warehouse → Map. SD → Format as internal. Formatting on a PC can lead to conflicts with the MIUI.

Method 2: Transfer through the standard MIUI file manager

The easiest method is to use the built-in MIUI Explorer, which is suitable for transferring photos, videos, music and documents, but does not work with applications.

Instructions:

1. Open the Files app (the folder icon on the desktop).
2. Go to Internal Memory → select a folder (e.g. DCIM for photo).
3. Press and hold the file / folder → select Allocate or mark the desired files.
4. Slap the icon. ⋮ (three-point) → Copy.
5. Return to the root directory, select SD Card → click Insert.

⚠️ Note: If there is an error "Not enough space" on the map, try it:

• 🔄 Reboot the phone.
• 🗑️ Clean the Recycle Bin in the Files App (⋮ → Basket → Clean up).
• 🛠️ Format the card as portable (not internal) in the storage settings.

💡

To speed up the transfer of large files (4K video, archives), connect your phone to charge. MIUI automatically limits the speed of operations with files when the battery level is low.

3. Method 2: Transfer photos and videos via Google Photos

If you need to make room for new photos, use the automatic upload to Google Photos and then transfer to the next one. SD-This method is suitable for Redmi owners and POCO limited internal memory.

How to set up:

1. Install Google Photos from the Play Market.
2. Open the app → tap on the avatar → Photo settings → Backup.
3. Enable Backup and Sync → Choose High Quality (free) or Original (cloud storage credit).
4. After uploading the photo to the cloud, go back to Google Photos → highlight files → Save to your device → select SD Card.

⚠️ Note: If after transferring photos disappeared from the gallery, check the settings of the display:

1. Open the gallery. → ⋮ → Settings.
2. Enable the option to show files to SD-map.
3. Restart the app.

Method 3: Transfer applications to SD-map (bypassing restrictions) MIUI)

Xiaomi blocks the transfer of most applications to the SD-map MIUI (starting MIUI However, there is a workaround through the developer mode and ADB.

Important: This method doesn't work on all models; on flagships (Xiaomi 13T, Mix Fold 3), application portability is blocked at the kernel level; on budget models (Redmi 12C, POCO M6 Pro), the chance of success is higher.

Instructions:

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (Tap 7 times)
2. Allow debugging over USB: Settings → Additional → Developers → Debugging over USB (enable)
3. Connect your phone to your PC and install ADB Tools.
4. Open the command prompt (Win + R → cmd) and type: adb shell pm set-install-location 2 This command forces the system to install applications on the SD by default.
5. To transfer already installed applications, use: adb shell pm move-package com.example.app /sdcard (replace com.example.app with the application batch name).

💡

The pm set-install-location 2 command only works on devices with an unlocked bootloader. Some models (Xiaomi 12S Ultra) require additional patching through Magisk.

5. Method 4: Automatic transfer through storage settings

MIUI It has a hidden function of automatic transfer of files to SD-It works for photos, videos and downloads, but not for apps.

How to turn on:

1. Go to Settings. → Warehouse.
2. Slip on the SD Map → Settings (cog in the upper right corner).
3. Turn on the options: 📷 Save new photos on SD-map 🎥 Save new videos on SD-map 📥 Save the loads on SD-map

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (MIUI 14 Global) these settings are hidden:

1. Install File Manager+.
2. Go to /data/data/com.android.providers.media/databases
3. Delete the files external.db and external.db-wal.
4. Restart the phone – the port settings will appear in the storage menu.

Method 5: Transferring data over a PC (most reliable method)

If your phone doesn't see the card or it's not portable, use a computer, which guarantees 100% file security and works even on damaged files. SD-cards (provided that the PC recognizes them).

Instructions for Windows:

1. Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable (select File Transfer Mode on the Phone Screen).
2. Open This Computer → Find a Xiaomi device and an SD card (they will show up as separate drives).
3. Copy files from the phone’s internal memory (Internal drive → DCIM, Download, etc.) to the memory card.
4. To speed up, use TeraCopy – the program copies files faster than the standard Windows Explorer.

For macOS:

1. Install Android File Transfer.
2. Connect your phone → Allow access to files on the Xiaomi screen.
3. Drag files from your phone folder to your folder SD-maps (it will appear as a separate volume).

💡

If macOS can't see SD-You can take the card out of your phone, plug it in through the card reader, and then you can copy it back into your phone and reboot the device.

7. Solving common errors in the transfer

When transferring files to SD-Xiaomi users face typical problems. Here's how to solve them:

⚠️ Note: If, after transferring applications to SD They start to fly out, put them back in internal memory. Some programs (like WhatsApp or Banking apps) don't work with the computer. SD-Maps due to Android security policy.

FAQ: Frequent questions about data portability to SD in Xiaomi