Owners of budget smartphones like the Xiaomi Redmi 9 often face a lack of built-in storage. Modern applications take up gigabytes, and multimedia files quickly fill the available space. Android allows you to use external drives to expand functionality, but standard methods have their limitations.
Data portability is not just about copying files, it's a complex procedure that affects system partitions. In this article, we'll look at all the memory optimization options available, including standard settings and more advanced methods, explain why some programs can't be moved and how to get around manufacturer limitations.
Before you start manipulating, you need to understand the risks. Mismanagement of the file system can lead to unstable work of the gadget. We have prepared a detailed guide that will help to safely free up space on your device without losing important data.
Preparation of memory card and device
The first step is to choose a quality storage device. Cheap memory cards often have a low write speed, which leads to "brakes" interface and long loading of programs. Redmi 9 recommended to use cards standard Class 10 or UHS-I from proven brands.
Before installing the drive, make sure the smartphone is turned off, which will prevent possible read errors and damage to the file table, and once the device is turned on, the system will automatically scan the new media and suggest options for its use.
⚠️ Note: All data on the map will be deleted during formatting. Pre-save important files on your computer or in the cloud.
The quality of the card directly affects the life of the drive and the speed of applications, and cheap models can fail after several cycles of overwriting.
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Use memory cards up to 256 GB for maximum compatibility. Larger storage devices may not work smoothly on older versions of MIUI firmware.
Standard method of transfer through MIUI settings
MIUI provides basic memory management functionality, but it’s worth noting that Android 10 and above, which is the Redmi 9’s base, has limited capabilities, allowing you to move only cache and data, but not executable files.
To start, go to the settings menu, find the storage section, and select the app you want from the list, and if the developer has made that possible, the move button will be active.
☑️ Verification of portability
Often users see a message that they can't move, which means that the developer has blocked the function at the application code level, and then you can't get the space out of the room using standard methods.
However, for some games and media editors, this method works effectively, allowing heavy resources (textures, sounds) to be stored on an external map, leaving the system partition free.
Use of Adoptable Storage
There's a more radical way to turn an external card into an internal memory, called Adoptable Storage, which, when it's activated, encrypts the drive, and it becomes an integral part of the smartphone.
Unfortunately, this option is often hidden by the manufacturer in the MIUI shell, with Xiaomi arguing that cheap memory cards can reduce the overall performance of the device, but for low-end models with little built-in storage, it is often the only solution.
To activate the function, you need superuser rights or you need to use special commands through a computer. Without root permissions, this section is closed. If you do that, remember that the card will be linked to a particular phone.
⚠️ Note: Once formatted as internal memory, the card will not be read on other devices without being completely reset.
This method is ideal for those who are willing to sacrifice speed for volume, and the system will automatically install new applications on an external drive if it is formatted correctly.
Why is Xiaomi hiding this feature?
Transfer over ADB and command line
For advanced users, a USB debugging method is available, which allows you to force the configuration of storage without obtaining root permissions, and this is the most secure way to activate hidden system functions.
You'll need a computer with ADB drivers installed and a cable to connect, and you'll need to activate the developer mode on your smartphone, and you'll need to tap the build number seven times in the About Phone section.
In the Developer menu, enable USB debugging. Connect your phone to your PC and start the command line. Enter a command to check the connection:
adb devicesIf the device is displayed in the list, you can move to changing the storage settings. the adb shell pm set-install-location 2 command will force the application installation to the external map.
| Parameter | Meaning | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Auto | The system decides by itself (by default). |
| 1 | Internal | Only internal memory. |
| 2 | External | Only external SD card |
It's important to understand that not all applications work correctly when this is done, widgets and system services may stop functioning, and you can return the settings with the 0 command.
Restrictions of the Android operating system
Since Android 6.0, Google has changed its external memory policy, and apps can no longer freely write data to arbitrary folders on the Internet. SD-This is done for security reasons so that malicious software can't steal your files.
Modern programs use a special storage access API, and if the developer hasn't updated the application to support the new standards, it won't be possible to migrate it, and the system won't give you that option on the menu.
Also, applications running from a memory card are always slower, and even fast UHS cards are inferior to the internal memory of a smartphone in terms of the speed of random reading, which can lead to long downloads and slowdowns.
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Android system restrictions protect user data, but limit storage customization options for budget devices.
Don't expect to move all applications to solve the space problem, and the system cache and operating system updates will still occupy the internal partition.
Alternative ways to free up space
If the app portability is impossible or inefficient, other options are worth considering: Clearing the cache of messengers like Telegram or WhatsApp can free up several gigabytes. These apps store all the photos and videos you've watched in memory.
Use cloud-based photo storage services, Google Photos or Yandex.Disk, which allows you to delete pictures from your phone's memory, leaving them available online, and this is the most effective way to combat overcrowding.
- 🗑️ Delete downloaded files from the Download folder that are no longer needed.
- 📸 Turn off auto-save statuses in messengers.
- ☁️ Set up synchronization of contacts and documents with the cloud.
You can also use lighter versions of apps. Many social networks have versions of Lite that take up significantly less space and consume less CPU resources.
Regularly cleaning up unnecessary files should become a habit: Install a file manager that will show which folders take up the most space, and remove duplicates.