Why Redmi 5 owners are facing a memory shortage
Xiaomi Redmi 5 (codenamed rosy) came out in 2017 with 16 or 32 GB of internal memory. Even for its time, it was modest: the MIUI system takes up to 6-8 GB, and updates and app cache quickly eat up the remaining space. Users are faced with a notification "Memory is full" after a few months of active use.
The solution seems obvious: move applications to the SD-But here's where the trouble starts: MIUI This is a feature that limits this function, and the standard Android engine doesn't work with all programs. SD Redmi 5, including hidden settings and circumvention of restrictions, and explain why some methods stopped working after the updates.
It is important to understand that Redmi 5 supports memory cards up to 256 GB (microSDXC format), but the read/write speed depends on the card class. For applications, UHS-I Class 10 or higher is recommended, otherwise you may experience lags and errors when working with transferred programs.
Preparation: What to do before transfer
Before trying to migrate applications, follow the mandatory steps:
- 🔋 Charge your phone to minimum. 50% — process 10-30 minute.
- 📱 Make sure that SD-In Redmi 5, the Adoptable Storage function (mount as internal memory) is unstable and can lead to data loss.
- 🔍 Check the free space on the map: for one application you will need from 50 MB to 2+ GB.
- 📲 Backup important data – if you format a map or transfer failure, files may get damaged.
If the card is new, format it directly on your phone:
- Go to Settings. → Warehouse.
- Tap by name. SD-map → Format.
- Select Portable Storage (not "Inner Memory").
⚠️ Note: If you previously formatted the card as internal memory, and now want to use it as a portable, you will have to completely clean the card through a computer (for example, a utility). SD Formatter. This option will not be available on the phone.
Method 1: Standard Transfer through MIUI Settings
The easiest method is to use the built-in MIUI function, which doesn’t work for all applications, but doesn’t require root rights or a computer.
Instructions:
- Open the Settings → Applications.
- Choose the app you want (such as Facebook or Music).
- Slip the vault. → Move it to SD-map.
- Confirm the action. It'll take anywhere from 30 seconds to a few minutes.
Limitations of the method:
- 🚫 Not all apps support portability (especially system and cache games).
- 🔄 After updating the application, it can automatically return to internal memory.
- 📁 Only a portion of the data is transferred – the main files remain in the phone.
☑️ What to check before transferring
| Type of application | Supports the transfer? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Social networks (VK, Telegram) | ✅ Yes. | Only cache and media files are transferred |
| Games (PUBG Mobile, Clash of Clans) | ❌ No. | Requires ADB or root |
| Media Players (VLC, MX Player) | ✅ Yes. | Transfer configuration and download files |
| System applications (Camera, Gallery) | ❌ No. | Blocked by the manufacturer |
Method 2: Transfer through ADB (without root)
If the standard method didn’t work, use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a debugging tool that allows you to force-transfer applications.This method works on Redmi 5 with any version of MIUI (including MIUI 12), but requires a computer.
Step-by-step:
- Download ADB Tools and unpack the archive.
- In your phone, activate Developer Mode: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (shap 7 times)
- Enable USB debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
- Connect Redmi 5 to your computer and select File Transfer mode.
- Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB and type: adb devices If the device is displayed, continue. If not, install Xiaomi drivers.
- Enter the port command (replace com.example.app with the application package): adb shell pm set-install-location 2 adb shell pm move-package com.example.app
To find out the application package, use the command:
adb shell pm list packages -fApp Inspector from Google Play.
💡
If the move-package command returns the error [INSTALL_FAILED_INVALID_INSTALL_LOCATION], So the application is locked for portability. Try root or use it. Link2SD (see next section).
⚠️ Note: After using set-install-location 2, all new applications will be installed by default on the new application. SD-To return the settings, do: adb shell pm set-install-location 0
Method 3: Forced transfer with root rights
If the first two methods don't work, the radical option is to get root access and use specialized utilities, which is suitable for advanced users, because:
- 🔓 Violates the warranty (if it is still valid).
- 🛡️ Increases security risk (viruses can access system files).
- 🔄 After updating MIUI root can fly.
Instructions:
- Unblock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi website (you will need a Mi Account and wait 72 hours).
- Install a custom TWRP recavator for Redmi 5 (rosy).
- Sweep through Magisk to get root.
- Install the Link2SD or App2SD app from Google Play.
- In the settings of the utility, select the option "Create a link" or "Move to SD".
Advantages of root method:
- 🎯 All data from the application (including OBB-game-play).
- 🔄 Automatic update does not reset settings.
- 📂 You can transfer system applications (for example, Gallery).
How to check if yours is supported SD-high-speed map?
Mistakes and solutions
When transferring applications to SD-Redmi 5 often has common errors:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Failed to resent the application | Application does not support transfer | Use ADB or Link2SD with root |
| SD-map not found | The card is formatted as internal memory. | Reformatting to FAT32 or exFAT via computer |
| App dyes after transfer | Low speed reading of the map | Replace the card with UHS-I Class 10 |
| Not enough memory despite free space | Fragmentation of the file system | Format the map again |
If the app stopped updating through Google Play after the transfer, try:
- Put it back in your inner memory.
- Update through the store.
- Move it back to SD-map.
💡
On Redmi 5s. MIUI 11+ The standard porting through settings only works for applications that explicitly support this feature (about 30% of all programs on Google Play). ADB root.
Alternative solutions: if transfer is not possible
If none of these methods worked, consider alternatives:
- 🗑️ Cache Clearing: Go to Settings → Warehouse → Clear the cache, it'll free up. 1-3 GB.
- ☁️ Cloud Storage: Move your photos/video to Google Photos or Mi Cloud.
- 📥 Lite versions of apps: Install Facebook Lite, Messenger Lite instead of full versions.
- 🔄 Reset to factory settings: Extreme measure, but returns up to 10GB of free space.
For games (such as Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile), the only reliable way to play games is to use external devices. SSD-storage OTG-Adapter. Reading speed at the SSD into 5-10 times higher than SD-This is critical for heavy projects.
⚠️ Attention: Redmi 5s MIUI 12.5+ Adoptable Storage (Use of the Service) SD-The card as internal memory is officially disabled. ADB Or modified firmware leads to a cyclical reboot of the phone.