How to transfer applications to SD-Map in Xiaomi: all the ways and nuances

Xiaomi smartphone owners often face a lack of internal memory, especially if the device is equipped with only 32 or 64 GB of storage. SD-But in the MIUI This feature doesn't work as clearly as it does on pure Android. Depending on the firmware version, the smartphone model and the type of memory card, the process can be very different.

In this article, we will discuss all current transfer methods (including hidden settings). MIUI), explain why some applications cannot be moved, and give recommendations for choosing SD-We will focus on the features of working with exFAT cards and FAT32 newer MIUI 14/13, where standard methods may not work.

Why Xiaomi can’t just move apps to Xiaomi SD-map?

Unlike smartphones on “bare” Android (for example, Samsung or Nokia), in MIUI, the function of transferring applications to an external drive is limited to the manufacturer.

• 🔒 Security: Xiaomi blocks transfer of system and pre-installed applications to avoid crashes.
• ⚡ Productivity: SD-cards (even class) A2) They are slower than the built-in memory. UFS 2.1/3.0, What can slow down applications.
• 📱 Architecture MIUI: In new versions of the firmware (starting with the MIUI 12) the transfer function is hidden in the developer or removed altogether.

Not all apps support portability, for example, instant messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram), online-authorized games (PUBG Mobile, Genshin Impact) and banking programs (SberBank Online, Tinkoff) are most often left in internal memory at the request of developers.

What? SD-map to select for transfer of applications?

Not every memory card is suitable for installing applications.

⚠️ Note: If you use a class card A1 or U1, applications will slow down when they start up. MIUI It will block the possibility of transferring to such storage devices.

Before buying, check the card for authenticity with H2testw (Windows) or SD Insight (Android), counterfeits often have a real volume of 2-4 times less than claimed.

Method 1: Transfer through standard MIUI settings (for supported models)

This method works on Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 11-14, but only if:

• 📱 The device supports Adoptable Storage (see list of models below).
• 💾 SD-The card is formatted as internal memory.
• 🔧 In the developer settings, the option Forced transfer to SD (if available).

Step-by-step:

1. Put it in. SD-Card to smartphone and wait for identification.
2. Go to Settings. → Memory.
3. Tap by name. SD-map → Settings (three points) → Storage settings.
4. Select Format as internal memory (all data on the map will be deleted!).
5. After formatting, go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
6. Select the application → Warehouse → Change. → SD-map.

Format the card in exFAT on PC (if MIUI does not offer an option)

Check the speed class (should be A2/U3)

Create a backup copy of data from the card

Reboot the smartphone after formatting-->

⚠️ Note: Once formatted as internal memory, the card cannot be read on other devices (PCs, cameras, etc.) without being completely erased. MIUI It can automatically transfer only a part of the data (cache, media) to it, and not the application itself.

Method 2: Transfer through the developer settings (hidden option)

If there is no portability in the standard settings, try to include the hidden option in the developer menu:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap 7 times on this item.
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
3. Find Forced Transfer to SD (or Force allow apps on external in English) and turn it on.
4. Reboot your smartphone.
5. Now in the application settings (Settings → Applications → Management) should appear the port option.

🔹 Important: On some models (Redmi Note) 11/12, POCO F4) This option may not even be available on the developer menu, and only manually formatting the card as internal memory through the developer menu will help. ADB (see method 4).

💡

If you don’t have Forced Transfer to SD, try changing your firmware region to Global or EEA via Settings → Additional → Region. In some localizations, MIUI hides this feature.

Method 3: Transfer using third-party applications (without root)

If standard methods don’t work, you can use Google Play utilities that bypass the limitations of MIUI.

• 📱 AppMgr III (App 2 SD) — It shows you which applications can be moved, even if MIUI That doesn't allow it.
• 🔄 Link2SD — creates symbolic links (requires root for full functionality, but some features work without it).
• 🗃️ Files by Google – helps to clear cache and transfer media files of applications (not themselves) APK).

Instructions for AppMgr III:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Open it and give access to the storage.
3. In the list of applications, find those that have a tick in the Move to SD column.
4. Tap on the app. → Move to SD card.
5. If you have an error, try Move to phone → Move to SD card (sometimes triggered after the system is cheated).

⚠️ Note: Third-party utilities do not guarantee 100% success, Link2SD without root rights, it can only transfer a part of the data, not the application itself. MIUI Ported applications may be re-entered into internal memory.

Method 4: Manual formatting SD-As a memory, internal memory is ADB

This is the most reliable method for new Xiaomi smartphones (for example, Redmi Note 12, POCO X5), where MIUI It blocks standard formatting. You'll need a computer with drivers installed. ADB and Fastboot.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC via USB and enable USB Debugging (Settings → About Phone → MIUI → 7 taps → For developers → USB debugging).
2. Open the command line (Windows) or the terminal (Mac/Linux) and type:

adb shell


sm list-disks

You have to see the answer of the species. disk:179,XX (where XX — number SD-Remember him.

1. Enter the command to format (replace XX with your drive number):

sm partition disk:179,XX private

1. After the process is complete, restart your smartphone:

adb reboot

Now SD-The card will be recognized as an internal memory, and MIUI It will allow you to transfer applications to it through standard settings.

💡

Formatting via ADB is the only working way for MIUI 13/14 on Xiaomi’s new models, where the manufacturer has removed the option from the interface, but after that, the card will not be used on other devices without completely erasing.

What to do if the application is not portable or gives an error?

Even after all the manipulation, some applications may refuse to move, and consider the typical errors and their solutions:

🔹 Tip: If the application after transfer is unstable, try:

• 🔄 Move it back to your internal memory and back to your internal memory. SD.
• 📥 Update the app through Google Play.
• 🗑️ Clear cache and data (Settings) → Annexes → [Name] → Warehouse → Clean up).

FAQ: Frequent questions about porting apps to SD in Xiaomi