How to transfer data to the memory card in Xiaomi smartphones: applications, photos, files

Transferring data to a memory card in Xiaomi smartphones is a challenge faced by owners of devices with limited internal storage. Even models with 64 or 128 GB of memory quickly fill up with photos, videos and applications, especially if the camera is actively used or many games are installed. The microSD card is a salvation, but not everyone knows how to use it correctly.

In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to transfer data to SD-card in the phones Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO — From moving files to linking a card as an internal storage function (Adoptable Storage). MIUI (12 to 14), and explain why some applications cannot be ported and how to circumvent this limitation.

Important: The transfer procedure depends on the type of memory card (speed class) A1/A2), Smartphone models and firmware versions, like Xiaomi. 12T Pro and Redmi Note 11 The algorithm will be different from older models like Redmi. 4X. We cover all cases, including solutions for devices without a microSD slot (via the microSD). OTG-adapter).

Preparation of a memory card: selection and formatting

Before you can transfer data, you need to properly prepare the memory card, which depends on the speed of work and compatibility with Xiaomi.

Requirements for a memory card for Xiaomi:

• 🔹 Speed class: minimum Class 10 (UHS-I), application — A1 or A2 (optimally. Maps. A2 Faster write small files, which is critical for the cache of applications.
• 🔹 Capacity: from 32 GB 1 TB (depends on smartphone model) Snapdragon devices 4xx/6xx may not support the cards >256 GB.
• 🔹 File system: exFAT or FAT32. For cards. >32GB Xiaomi automatically selects exFAT.
• 🔹 Brand: SanDisk Ultra, Samsung are recommended EVO, Kingston Canvas – Optimized for Android.

If the card is new, it should be formatted directly in the smartphone:

1. Put the card in the slot (or through) OTG-adapter if there is no slot).
2. Go to Settings → Storage → Memory Map.
3. Press Format. → As a portable device (or as an internal device, if you want to use it as a memory extension).
4. Confirm the action. Attention: formatting will remove all data from the map!

⚠️ Note: If you choose formatting as internal storage, the card will be encrypted and tied to this smartphone. Once removed, it will not be read on another device without being reset!

2. transfer files (photos, videos, music) to a memory card

The easiest way to free up space is to move the media files. MIUI This is done through a standard file manager or camera settings.

Method 1: Through a File Manager

1. Open the Files (or Explorer) application.
2. Go to the Internal Memory folder → DCIM (for photos) or Download (for downloads).
3. Select files, press More → Move.
4. Select a Memory Card and a destination folder (e.g. DCIM/Camera).

Method 2: Automatically save photo/video to the map

1. Open the camera. → Settings (⚙️).
2. Find the storage area. → Memory map.
3. Activate the switch. All new images will be saved to the SD.

Method 3: Through PC (for large volumes)

• 🖥️ Connect your smartphone to your computer in file transfer mode (MTP).
• 📁 Copy the folders. DCIM, Pictures, Music from internal memory to map.
• 🔄 After copying, remove the originals from your smartphone to avoid duplicates.

⚠️ Note: Some apps (like WhatsApp) don't see media files on the memory card if they've been moved manually.Use built-in backup features!

Backup of important data|Check the vacant space for SD|Format the map in exFAT|Reconfigure the camera to save SD-->

3. Transfer applications to a memory card (Adoptable Storage and alternatives)

Transfer of applications to SD — It's more complicated than moving files. MIUI There are two main approaches:

Method 1: Formatting a card as an internal storage (Adoptable Storage)

This method allows you to "combine" the memory card with internal memory, but has limitations:

• 📱 It only works on MIUI 8–12 (into MIUI 13/14 function).
• 🔒 The card will be encrypted and tied to the device.
• ⚡ Class card required A1/A2 (Otherwise, the app will be slowed down).

Instructions:

1. Put the card in your smartphone.
2. Go to Settings. → Warehouse → Memory map → Set up.
3. Select Internal Storage and confirm formatting.
4. After restarting, some applications will automatically be transferred to SD.

Method 2: Transfer individual applications (without Adoptable Storage)

If you don’t want to format the card as internal memory, you can transfer applications selectively:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select an app (like Facebook or Spotify).
3. Click Warehouse → Change → Memory Map.
4. Confirm the transfer. Some data (cache) will remain in the internal memory.

Limitations:

• 🚫 System applications (Settings, Phone) cannot be transferred.
• 🚫 Applications with a widget (e.g. Weather) may not work after a port.
• 🚫 High Demand Games (Genshin Impact, PUBG) will be laid at launch with SD.

4. Transfer of cache and application data (advanced method)

Even if the application itself cannot be transferred to SD, You can free up space by moving the cache and user data.

Method 1: Use of the Link2SD (root)

• 📲 Install. Link2SD Google Play.
• 🔧 Provide root access (you need an unlocked bootloader).
• 🔗 Select the application and click Create a link → Application data.
• 📁 Point the folder to SD-data-card.

Method 2: Transferring the cache of Google Chrome and other browsers

1. Open Settings → Applications → Chrome → Storage.
2. Click Clear Cache (this won't remove bookmarks!).
3. In Chrome settings go to Settings → Downloads.
4. Change the way of conservation to /storage/XXXX-XXXX/DCIM/Download (file SD).

Method 3: Data portability of WhatsApp and Telegram

• 💬 On WhatsApp: Settings → Warehouse → Storage management → Chat export (save on) SD).
• 📎 In Telegram: Settings → Data and memory → Download folder → choose SD.

⚠️ Note: Transfer of data messengers to SD This can cause you to lose your media files when you retrieve your card.

💡

If you often shoot videos in 4K, set up the camera to save SD, And for the photo, leave the internal memory, which will speed up access to the gallery.

5. Data transfer without memory card slot (via OTG)

Some Xiaomi models (such as the Mi 11 Ultra or Mix 4) do not have a microSD slot. OTG-adapter and external storage.

What you need:

• 🔌 OTG-Adapter (Type-C or Micro-USB, depending on the model).
• 💾 Flash drive (USB 3.0 for speed or microSD card reader.
• 📱 Smartphone with support OTG (Check in the settings → Connected devices).

Instructions:

1. Connect. OTG-adapter to the smartphone, and to it – a flash drive or card reader.
2. Open the files. → USB-storage.
3. Copy or move files from internal memory to external storage.
4. To automatically save a photo on a flash drive, use the FolderSync application.

Limitations:

• 🚫 Applications cannot be moved - only media files and documents.
• 🚫 OTG-The storage device cannot be used as an internal memory.
• 🚫 Read/write speeds are lower than those of the built-in microSD.

💡

If your smartphone does not support microSD, use it. OTG-Backup drive, and store basic data in the cloud (Google Drive, Mi Cloud).

6.Storage optimization after data transfer

After transferring data to the memory card, it is important to optimize the smartphone to avoid slowdowns and errors.

Step 1: Clearing the cache

• 🧹 Go to Settings. → Warehouse → Clean up.
• 🗑️ Select the app cache and delete unnecessary data.
• 🔄 For deep cleaning, use Security → Cleanup.

Step 2: Transfer of remaining data

Some files go unnoticed:

• 📁 Downloads from the browser: in Chrome or Mi Browser, change the save path to SD.
• 🎵 Offline maps: in Google Maps or Yandex.Maps transfer the cards to the memory card.
• 📖 Books and PDF: Google Play Books or Moon+ Reader, point to the folder SD.

Step 3: Monitoring the free space

Install Files by Google or SD Maid for:

• 📊 Analysis of occupied space.
• 🔍 Search for duplicates and large files.
• ⚡ Optimization of the memory card.

Step 4: Defragmentation of the memory card

Over time, the speed of reading/write on SD It can fall, it can fall, it can restore productivity:

1. Copy all the data from the card to the PC.
2. Format the card in your smartphone (exFAT).
3. Return the files back.

💡

If the memory card is slow, check it for errors through your PC (Chkdsk utility on Windows or Disk Utility on Mac).

7. Solving problems when transferring data to SD

There may be errors when working with memory cards in Xiaomi, and let’s look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

Problem 1: The memory card is not determined

• 🔌 Check the slot: retrieve and paste the card. If the smartphone can't see the card, try another adapter.
• 🛠️ Clean the contacts: wipe the card and slot with a dry cloth (no alcohol!).
• 📱 Update: In Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🔧 Reset settings: Settings → System system → Resetting settings → Resetting network settings.

Problem 2: Applications do not work after transfer to the SD

• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone: Sometimes a simple reboot helps.
• 📥 Update the app: Go to Google Play and check for updates.
• 🔙 Return the app back: If it’s critical to work, transfer it to internal memory.
• 🛡️ Check the permissions: in Settings → Permits → Warehouse.

Problem 3: The memory card is now “read-only”

This is due to a file system failure or physical damage to the card.

• 🖥️ Connect the card to the PC and check for errors (chkdsk) /f X: in the command line).
• 🔄 Format the map in Xiaomi (all data will be deleted!).
• 🚫 If the card is damaged, replace it – data recovery can be expensive.

Problem 4: Slow operation of the memory card

• ⚡ Check the speed class: for applications you need A1/A2.
• 📉 Free up space: If the card is 90% full, the speed drops.
• 🔄 Move frequently used applications back to internal memory.

⚠️ Note: If, after transferring the data to SD The smartphone has started to overheat or discharge quickly, check the card for authenticity. Fake cards (especially "128 GB for 500 rubles") often have a real volume of 8-16 GB and cause crashes!

FAQ: Frequent questions about transferring data to Xiaomi memory card