Transferring WhatsApp to a memory card in Xiaomi Redmi smartphones is a challenge that users face when there is a lack of internal memory. MIUI, There are working ways to make space for messages and media files, and in this article, we'll look at all the current methods, from standard settings to manually transferring using the Internet. ADB and root rights.
It is important to understand that WhatsApp does not officially support a full transfer to the Internet. SD-The card is based on the cache and database, but for the Redmi Note. 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10 And there are other lines of workarounds. We've tested all the ways to do this. MIUI 13/14 They are stable without losing data.
If your Xiaomi gives you an error “Insufficient Memory” when updating WhatsApp or saving photos, this guide will help solve the problem. But remember: some methods require technical skills and can lead to loss of warranty or data if executed incorrectly.
Why WhatsApp is not being transferred to SD-standard-of-the-art
WhatsApp is installed by default in the internal memory of the Android device, and here’s why:
- 🔒 Data security: Message database (msgstore.db) and encryption keys are stored in a protected area of internal memory. SD-The card may violate the integrity of the encryption.
- 🚀 Performance: Internal Memory (eMMC/UFS) work 5–10 faster than most microSDs, which is critical for instant messaging.
- 📱 Limitations MIUI: Xiaomi firmware blocks Adoptable Storage feature (mount the card as internal memory), available in “pure” Android.
- 🔄 Auto-Updates: When moving to SD The app may not be updated via Google Play because it is considered external".
However, partial portability is possible: you can move media files (photos, videos, voice messages) or use the memory card as a storage location for backups.
⚠️ Attention: If you are using SD-class-card 10 or UHS-I, Write speeds will still be lower than internal memory, which can cause delays in sending media files to WhatsApp.
Method 1: Transfer WhatsApp media files to SD-map (without root)
This method frees up to 50-70% of WhatsApp space by moving photos, videos and documents. MIUI 12–14.
Step 1: Preparation SD-map
- 📁 Insert the memory card into the slot (formats are supported) FAT32 exFAT).
- 🔧 Go to Settings. → Warehouse → Memory card and click "Format as a portable device" (if the card is new).
- 📂 Create a WhatsApp folder on the map (registration is important!).
Step 2: Transfer existing media files
- Connect your phone to your PC via USB (File Transfer Mode).
- Go to the internal memory folder: Internal Storage → WhatsApp → Media.
- Copy all subfolders (WhatsApp Images, WhatsApp Video, etc.) on SD-file-card WhatsApp/Media.
- Remove original files from internal memory (optional).
Step 3: Set up auto-save to SD
- 📱 Open WhatsApp. → ⋮ → Settings → Warehouse and data.
- 🖼️ In the section "Auto-Saving Media" select file types (photo, video, audio).
- 💾 Click "Download Folder" and point the way to SD-map: /storage/XXXX-XXXX/WhatsApp/Media (where XXXX-XXXX — ID your card).
| Type of file | Savings amount | Risks. |
|---|---|---|
| Photo Photo | 1-3 GB | When removed from the map, it will disappear from the gallery. |
| Video | 3-10 GB | Possible delays in losing |
| Voice communications | 200-500 MB | No. |
| Documents (PDF, APK) | 500 MB-2 GB | Some files may not be opened. |
⚠️ Attention: If you extract SD-WhatsApp will not be able to read the media files until the card is inserted back.
Create a WhatsApp folder on SD-map|
Copy Media from internal memory to SD|
Set up auto-save on WhatsApp|
Check the availability of files after moving-->
Method 2: Transfer WhatsApp over the Internet ADB (without root, for experienced users)
The method using Android Debug Bridge (ADB) allows you to “deceive” the system and forcefully specify SD-It's like a place to install WhatsApp. MIUI 13/14, requires USB-debugging and PC.
Requirements:
- 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux and installed drivers ADB.
- 📱 Included Debugging by USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times press → Additionally. → For developers).
- 💾 SD-Card formatted as portable storage (not internal memory!).
Instructions:
- Connect Redmi to your PC and confirm access USB.
- Open the command line (Win + R → cmd) and type: adb devices Make sure the device appears in the list.
- Execute the command to transfer: adb shell pm set-install-location 2 This forcibly installs all new applications on the SD-map.
- Remove WhatsApp and re-install it from Google Play. The app will automatically install on the memory card.
- Return standard behavior with the system (optional): adb shell pm set-install-location
Once ported, WhatsApp can run slower when opening chats with a lot of media.Tests on the Redmi Note 10 Pro showed delays of up to 2-3 seconds when scrolling through the gallery.
What if the ADB can’t see the device?
Method 3: Complete portability of WhatsApp with root rights (for advanced)
If your Redmi has a bootloader unlocked and root rights installed (like Magisk), you can migrate the entire application along with the database, a method that is risky but saves you as much space as possible.
Warnings:
- 🔓 Unlock bootloader resets phone to factory settings.
- 🛡️ MIUI Can block WhatsApp when root is detected (solved by MagiskHide).
- 📉 The risk of loss of messages in case of a transfer error.
Step-by-step:
- Install Root Explorer (for example, FX File Explorer and provide root access.
- Move to the /data/data/com.whatsapp and copy the entire folder to SD-map (e.g. in /storage/XXXX-XXXX/WhatsApp_Full).
- With help. ADB or terminal, execute: su mv /data/data/com.whatsapp /storage/XXXX-XXXX/WhatsApp_Full ln -s /storage/XXXX-XXXX/WhatsApp_Full /data/data/com.whatsapp It creates a symbolic reference.
- Restart your phone and check WhatsApp.
If the application does not start:
- 🔄 Remove the symbolic link and return the folder to its place.
- 📲 Try using the App Mgr app. III (requires root) for transfer.
- 🛠️ Check the folder rights to SD-card (chmod 755).
💡
Before transferring from root, make a backup of chats in WhatsApp: Settings → chat → Backup. Save the file. msgstore.db.crypt14 PC – you’ll need it to recover if something goes wrong.
Mistakes in transferring WhatsApp to SD and their decisions
Even if you follow instructions correctly, Xiaomi Redmi users often encounter problems, and we’ve compiled some of the most common bugs and ways to fix them.
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| “Insufficient memory” when updating | WhatsApp can't update to WhatsApp SD-map | Temporarily transfer to internal memory, update, then return back. |
| Photos/videos are not displayed in chat | The path to the files SD changed | Resave media in chat or check the path in Settings → Warehouse |
| WhatsApp crashes when it opens | Incorrect access rights to the folder SD | Set Up 755 for WhatsApp folder via root explorer |
| No notifications coming. | SD-The card is disabled in the energy saving settings | Add WhatsApp to exceptions: Settings → Battery → Optimizing the battery |
If WhatsApp stopped seeing old chats after the transfer:
- Check that file. msgstore.db.crypt14 folder /WhatsApp/Databases on SD-map.
- Remove the application and install again, confirming the recovery from the backup.
- If the chats are not restored, copy msgstore.db.crypt14 back to internal memory and repeat the procedure.
⚠️ Attention: Redmi with MIUI 14 and Android 13 can trigger Scoped Storage protection, blocking application access to the Internet SD-In this case, only transferring through the map will help. ADB root.
How to check if WhatsApp has been successfully transferred to SD-map
After you've done any of these methods, it's important to make sure that the transfer is correct.
- 📊 Go to Settings. → Annexes → WhatsApp → If the "memory" section says "SD-map - transfer successful.
- 🔍 Use a file manager (such as Mi File Manager) and check: WhatsApp folder on your file SD-The card contains subfolders Databases, Media. Internal memory does not contain duplicates of these folders (except cache).
- 📥 Send yourself a test photo/video and check if it is saved on the screen. SD-map.
- ⚡ Launch WhatsApp and scroll through chat history – if there are no lags, the transfer went smoothly.
Use for accurate diagnosis ADB:
adb shell pm get-install-locationIf the command returns 2, the applications are installed by default on the SD-The value of 0 is the internal memory.
💡
Even after a successful transfer, WhatsApp can take up to 500-800MB of internal memory due to cache and temporary files. → Annexes → WhatsApp → Clear the cache.
Alternative ways to make room for WhatsApp
If the transfer is SD-The card seems complicated or doesn’t solve the problem, consider alternative methods:
- ☁️ Cloud Backups: Set up automatic chat backup in Google Drive (Settings) → chat → Backup. It won't free up memory, but it will protect data.
- 🗑️ Cleaning up garbage: Use the built-in utility MIUI (Settings → The phone. → Memory. → Cleaning) to remove unnecessary files.
- 📁 Transferring other applications: Through Settings → Find the games that are heavy (for example, PUBG, Genshin Impact and transfer them to SD (if maintained).
- 🔄 WhatsApp cache reset: In Settings → Annexes → WhatsApp → Click on "Clear cache" (this won't delete messages!).
- 📦 Removing duplicate media: Apps like Files by Google or CCleaner can help you find repetitive photos/videos.
For Redmi models with 128 GB of memory and above, we recommend not to transfer WhatsApp to the Internet. SD, a) Optimize storage:
- On WhatsApp, go to Settings → Warehouse and data → Storage management.
- Sort chats by size and remove unnecessary media files (such as old memes or GIFs).
- Turn on the "Save in Gallery" option only for important chats.