How to transfer all the photos to SD-Map in Xiaomi smartphones: the full guide

Why photos take up all of your phone’s memory and how to fix it

Have you noticed that your Xiaomi has started to slow down, and in the settings there is a warning about a lack of memory? 90% And in some cases, it's photos and videos that are to blame. 12-200 MP, and one. RAW-file can weigh up to 50 MB: If you don't clean the gallery for years, the free space melts like snow in the sun.

The solution is simple – transfer the photo to SD-But there's a nuance here: not all Xiaomi models support memory cards, and in some cases, the system may not see files after moving. MIUI 12-14, which work even on budget Redmi and Poco, and also tell you how to avoid loss of quality during transfer.

It is important that you use Xiaomi. 12/13/14 firmware MIUI 14+, The standard method through Explorer may not work due to changes in storage policy. We tested all methods on current versions of the software (data as of May). 2026).

What Xiaomi models support SD-maps (and which ones don't)

Before you buy a memory card, check if your smartphone supports it. The latest flagships (Xiaomi 14 Ultra, 13T Pro) do not have a microSD slot — the manufacturer relies on cloud storage and more built-in volume.

• ✅ Redmi Note 12/11/10 — before 1 TB (supported) UHS-I)
• ✅ Poco X5/X4 — hybrid slot (or 2 SIM + microSD)
• ✅ Redmi A2/A1 — before 512 GB, but not. UHS-II
• ❌ Xiaomi 12/13/14 series - without a slot on the map
• ❌ Black Shark 5/4 — memory-only

If your model is not listed, check the specifications on Xiaomi’s official website (Specifics section). Pay attention to the type of standard supported: UHS-II cards are faster but more expensive. UHS-I (Class A2 or V30) is enough for photos.

⚠️ Note: In hybrid slots (Redmi) 9C, Poco M4) You can't use two at the same time. SIM-You have to choose between a second SIM or a memory extension.

Method 1: Transfer through a standard "Conductor" (for MIUI 12-14)

The easiest method is to use a built-in file manager.It works on all Xiaomi smartphones with a MIUI shell, but there is a limitation: you can not transfer files that are used by the system (for example, wallpaper or screenshots for quick access).

Instructions:

1. Open the Explorer application (the folder icon on the desktop).
2. Go to the Images or Gallery section.
3. Press and hold your finger on any photo, then select the rest (checked).
4. Slip on three points in the upper right corner → Move.
5. In the folder list, select SD-map → Create a new folder (for example, Photos_backup) or select an existing one.
6. Confirm the transfer button Move here.

The transfer speed depends on the class of the memory card. on the UHS-I V10 100 photos (~500 MB) are copied in 1-2 minutes, on cheap Class 4 the process can take up to 10 minutes.

Backup important photos to the cloud

Check the vacant space for SD-map

Charge your phone at least 30%

Disable battery optimization for "Conductor"-->

⚠️ If after transferring the photos disappeared from the gallery, but physically remained on the map, perform a scan of the storage: → Annexes → gallery → Warehouse → Clean up the data. It updates the media base.

Method 2: Automatic transfer via "Camera Settings"

If you want all new photos to be saved immediately SD-map, configure this in camera settings. This method works on Redmi and Poco with two nuances:

• 📸 On some models (Redmi Note 10 Pro) the option is hidden in additional settings.
• 🔄 After updating MIUI The settings may be reset – check them once a month.

How to set up:

1. Open the Camera app.
2. Touch the gears (⚙️) Swipe left to open the menu.
3. Select Settings → Preservation site → Memory. SD-map.
4. Create a folder (for example, Camera_SD) or select an existing one.
5. Restart the camera (close and reopen).

Check that the photos are saved to the map: take a test shot and see its properties in "Conductor." /storage/XXXX-XXXX/SD_card/..., where XXXX-XXXX — Your unique card ID.

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If the option is "Memory" SD-Inactive card, format the card as internal memory in your phone settings. → Warehouse → SD-map → Set up → Internal memory. Please note that the card will not be read on other devices without formatting!

Method 3: Transfer over PC (the most reliable method)

If your phone has little memory, even for temporary files, or you’re afraid of losing photos when you transfer, use a computer.This method is suitable for any Xiaomi, including models without a slot under the device. SD-Card (in this case, you will need a card reader).

What you need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original)
• 📁 Cardholder (if transferring to the card without a slot in the phone)

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your phone to your PC via USB, select File Transfer (MTP) mode.
2. Open this computer (Windows) or Finder (macOS) and your Xiaomi will appear there.
3. Go to Internal storage → DCIM → Camera (there are photos).
4. Copy files to the desktop (Ctrl+C → Ctrl+V).
5. Put it in. SD-card to the card reader (or phone if there is a slot) and transfer the files there.
6. Remove the originals from your phone to make room.

The advantage of this method is that you have 100 percent control over the process.

• 🔍 Viewing photos before transferring.
• 📂 Sort them by folder (for example, 2023_Vacation, 2026_Family).
• 🔄 Use programs like FastCopy or TeraCopy to speed up.

Method 4: Use of third-party applications (for advanced users)

If standard methods don’t work (e.g., on Xiaomi with root rights or custom firmware), use third-party file managers. We tested 5 apps and picked the best ones:

Example of transfer via Solid Explorer:

1. Install the application and open it.
2. In the left panel, select Internal Memory → DCIM.
3. In the right panel — SD-map storage/XXXX-XXXX).
4. Select the photos in the left panel, drag them to the right.
5. Confirm the transfer in the window that appears.

To automate, use the task "Move files" in MacroDroid or Tasker. For example, you can configure the rule: "Every night at 2:00, transfer new photos from the computer to the computer. DCIM on SD-map".

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The application side allows you to transfer files that are not available through the standard Explorer (for example, screenshots of the system menu or camera cache).

What to do if the photo is not displayed after the transfer

Frequent problem: files physically transferred to SD-map, but not visible in the gallery:

• 🔍 Media Base Updated: Restart your phone or manually run the scan through Settings → Annexes → gallery → Warehouse → Clear the data.
• 📁 Wrong folder: Gallery MIUI By default, it only shows folders. DCIM And Pictures. Create a folder with that name on it. SD-map and transfer the photo there.
• 🔄 The map is formatted as internal memory: In this case, the path to the files changes. Check in Explorer where exactly the photos are stored (possibly along the way). /mnt/expand/XXXX-XXXX/...).
• 🚫 Files Hidden: If names start with a dot (e.g..thumbnail), enable the display of hidden files in the Explorer settings".

If the photos are still not visible, try:

1. Install an alternative gallery (e.g. Google Photos or Simple Gallery).
2. Connect SD-PC card and file check with Total Commander.
3. Format the card in FAT32 (if it is in exFAT or NTFS).

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI 14 (for example, on Xiaomi 13 Lite) gallery does not show files with SD-If you have a card transferred over a PC, use method 1 or 2.

How to Free up Space on Your Phone After Transfer

Transfer of the photo to SD-The card is only half the case, and to free up the memory completely, you have to delete the originals and clear the cache:

Remove original photos from internal memory

Clear the cache of "Gallery" and "Camera" in the settings

Delete the.thumbnails folder (hidden previews)

Disable auto-save in messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram)

Check the Download folder (there are often duplicate photos)-->

To delete the originals:

1. Open the "Conductor" → Images.
2. Please select all the photos (or those that have already been transferred).
3. Click Delete → Clear the Recycle Bin (otherwise, the files will remain in the Recycle Bin for 30 days).

To avoid re-filling the memory:

• 📱 Set up auto-cleaning in Settings → Warehouse → Cleaning (enable Delete unused files).
• ☁️ Enable backup in Google Photos (but select Original Quality to keep your resolution up).
• 🚫 Turn off autoload media in messengers: in WhatsApp this is Settings → Warehouse → Autoboot media.

After cleaning, check the space in Settings → About Phone → Storage. If the memory is still busy, use Files by Google, which finds and deletes unnecessary files (including duplicate photos).

FAQ: Frequent questions about transferring photos to SD-Xiaomi