Transferring photos from Xiaomi’s internal memory to a microSD card is a task that every smartphone owner of the brand faces sooner or later. Even models with 128 GB of memory (Redmi Note 12 Pro+, Xiaomi 13 Ultra) are eventually clogged with thousands of images, and you want to make room without losing data quickly and without risks. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of transfer — from standard MIUI tools to little-known life hacks for old and new devices.
It’s important to understand that the process differs depending on the firmware version (MIUI 12/13/14), the phone model (e.g. Poco X5 Pro doesn’t support Adoptable Storage, unlike the Mi 10T) and even the type of memory card (SDHC vs SDXC). We’ve taken into account all the nuances to make sure that the instruction works on 90% of Xiaomi devices released after 2018. If your phone is older, check the section with alternative methods.
Before you start, make sure that the memory card: 1) Is formatted in FAT32 or exFAT (for files >4 GB), 2 Inserted into a microSD slot (on some models, a hybrid slot requires a choice between a second SIM or card), 3 is not Write-protected (the adapter switch is in Unlock position).
If the card is new, Xiaomi will offer to format it when you first connect.
1.Move through the standard Xiaomi Gallery
The easiest way is to use the built-in Gallery app (Google Photos is not suitable!). The method works on all devices with MIUI 11 and later, including the Redmi A2+ and Xiaomi 13T Pro. The main advantage is that metadata photos (date, geotags) are stored, which file managers do not guarantee.
Instructions:
- 📱 Open the Gallery app (icon with multi-colored squares).
- 🔍 Click on three dots in the upper right corner → Choose to select Select.
- ✅ Mark the photo for transfer (you can tap on the date to select all the pictures for the day).
- 📤 Press More (three dots) → Move it → Select a memory card (or folder on it, for example) DCIM/Camera).
- ✔️ Confirm the transfer. Progress will be displayed in the notification.
⚠️ Note: If the Move option is inactive, check if there is a write limit for the Gallery application in Settings. → Annexes → Permits → Memory, also on some firmware (MIUI 14 for POCO) First you need to create a folder on the map manually.
Gallery open (not Google Photos)
All the necessary photos were selected
Memory card inserted and recognized
Recording permission for Gallery is included
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2.Using Xiaomi File Manager
Built-in Files (or File Manager by Xiaomi) is suitable for mass transfer if you want to move not only photos, but also videos, screenshots or downloads. The method is universal for all models, including the Redmi 9A and Mi Mix 4, but requires care: if you choose the wrong folder, photos can be “lost” in the bowels of the memory card.
Step-by-step:
- Open the Files app (an icon with a blue folder).
- Go to Images or Camera (Device tab).
- Press your finger on any file → mark the rest (or tap All).
- Click Move (arrow icon) → select Memory Map → specify folder (recommended DCIM/Camera for compatibility).
- Confirm action. The transfer rate depends on the card class (UHS-I copies 3-5 times faster than Class 10).
🔹 Tip: If you transfer photos from Google Photos, first download them to internal memory through Settings → Backup in the app: Direct export to memory card from Google Photos impossible.
What if files are not displayed after transfer?
3. Automatic transfer via camera settings
This method allows you to configure the saving of new photos immediately to the memory card, but does not transfer existing images. Suitable for Xiaomi with MIUI 12.5+, where the option is available Save Place. on old firmware (MIUI 11) may not be available.
How to turn on:
- 📷 Open the Camera app.
- 🔧 Slide up or click on the gear to open Settings.
- 📁 Find the Save Place (or the Save folder) → select the Memory Card.
- 🔄 Reboot your phone to make the changes take effect.
⚠️ Note: On some models (Poco) F3 GT, Redmi K50) post-update MIUI 14, this option is reset. Check the settings after each major update. Also note: when you remove the card, the camera will automatically switch to internal memory, but will return to the same settings after the microSD returns.
| Xiaomi model | Support for saving on SD | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10/11/12 | ✅ Yes. | Requires MIUI 12.5+ |
| Poco X3/X4/X5 | ✅ Yes. | Poco X5 Pro option hidden in Additional settings |
| Mi 11/12/13 | ✅ Yes. | The Mi 13 Ultra only works with the main camera. |
| Redmi 9/9A/9C | ⚠️ Partially. | For photos only, the video is stored in internal memory. |
| Xiaomi Pad 5/6 | ❌ No. | Tablets do not support microSD saving |
4. Transfer over a computer (the most reliable way)
If you don't have enough space or you're interrupted, use a PC, which guarantees 100% data security, and works even on "bricks" (devices with damaged firmware) if you define your phone as a drive, which is suitable for Windows 10/11 and macOS.
Algorithm of action:
- Connect Xiaomi to your computer via USB-C cable (original or certified).
- On your phone, select File Transfer (or MTP) mode in the connection notification.
- On PC, open Explorer (Win + E) → find a device (usually Redmi or Xiaomi).
- Go to Internal Storage → DCIM → Camera (or Pictures for screenshots).
- Copy files (Ctrl + C) and paste (Ctrl + V) into a folder on a memory card (e.g., SD Card → DCIM → Camera).
- Wait until the cable is finished (don't remove the cable!). 10GB photos can take 15-30 minutes.
🔹 Useful advice: Use it to speed up USB 3.0 port (blue connector) and card reader instead of direct connection of the phone. ~20 MB/s ~80-100 MB/s. You can also archive photos in ZIP before transfer (right click) → Send. → Compressed ZIP-folder).
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If the computer doesn't see the memory card in the phone, remove it and paste it directly into the card reader, often the problem is file system incompatibility (exFAT can't be read on older PCs without updates).
5. Alternative ways: cloud and third-party applications
If standard methods don’t work (e.g. Xiaomi with custom firmware), use workarounds that take longer to work, but save in critical situations, when the phone is bugged or the memory card is not recognized.
Method 1: Google Photos (Temporary Transfer)
- 🌥️ Upload photos to Google Photos (automatic synchronization should be enabled).
- 📥 Install a memory card on your phone → Download the photo back through the photo → Your library. → Select → Save to the device by selecting SD-map.
- ⚠️ Please note: photo quality may decrease (if compression is included).
Method 2: Applications for transfer
We recommend:
- 📲 Files by Google – has a Cleanup function, which offers to transfer the photo to the map.
- 🗃️ Solid Explorer – supports dual-panel mode for easy drag-and-drop.
- 🔄 Send Anywhere – Wi-Fi transmission without a computer (useful for large volumes).
⚠️ Avoid applications like Clean Master or DU Speed Booster – they often contain malicious code and can damage files when ported.Before using third-party utilities, check reviews for the last 3 months.
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Cloud services (Google Photos, Mi Cloud) are not a substitute for physical porting, they only temporarily free up space.
6. Solving problems in transfer
Even if you follow the instructions, you can make mistakes, and here are the most common ways to fix them:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Cannot be moved: the button is inactive | The memory card is formatted as an internal memory (Adoptable Storage) | Reformat the map as Portable Storage to Settings → Memory |
| Photos moved but not displayed in the Gallery | No.nomedia file or cache Gallery is out of date | Delete.nomedia, clear the Gallery cache in Settings → Apps |
| The “Not Enough Space” Error During Transfer | The memory card has fragmented space | Copy all the data from the card to the PC, format it and transfer it back. |
| Transfer interrupted by 99% | Damaged files or unstable card connection | Check the card for errors via PC (chkdsk E: /f in CMD) |
🔧 Diagnostics of memory card:
If the transfer fails all the time, test the card with H2testw (Windows) or F3 (macOS/Linux). These utilities check the real volume and integrity of the cells. It is critical for Xiaomi to use cards at a class at least below UHS-I (U1) - cheap Class 10 is often forged, and they work 5-10 times slower.
Example of a command to check a card in Windows:
chkdsk E: /f /r /xWhere E: is the letter of your memory card disk.
7.Storage optimization after transfer
Porting photos is only half the battle, so to avoid refilling your internal memory, set the system up correctly:
- 📸 Camera: Go back to the camera settings and make sure the new save location is the Memory Card.
- 🗑️ Cleanup: Remove duplicate photos from internal memory via Files → Memory analysis → Duplicate.
- ☁️ Cloud: Turn off automatic download in Google Photos/Mi Cloud if you use the card as your primary storage.
- 🔄 Reservations: Copy a photo from a card to a PC or external drive once a month – microSDs have a limited record life (10,000–100,000 cycles).
💡 lifehack for travel:
If you take pictures often on trips, make it a rule:
(1) In the evening, transfer the photo to the map through the Gallery.
2) Copy them every 3 days to a laptop or external SSD.
3) Use two memory cards (128 GB + 256 GB) and store them separately (in case of loss of phone).