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

Transfer of applications to SD-The card in Xiaomi Redmi smartphones is an urgent task for users who face a lack of internal memory. Despite the fact that modern models are equipped with 128 GB or more of storage, many owners of budget devices (for example, Redmi). 9A Redmi Note 8 still uses 32-64GB versions, where every megabyte counts. MIUI imposes restrictions on the portability of applications, and not all programs can be moved by standard means.

In this article, we will discuss all working methods for transferring applications to SD-Xiaomi Redmi map, including official methods through settings MIUI, utilization ADB For forced transfer, as well as alternative solutions for root users, we will focus on models with a hybrid slot (microSD). + second-second SIM), If you want to make room in the internal memory without losing functionality, read on.

Why Xiaomi Redmi is limiting the portability of applications SD-map?

MIUI (especially in versions 12-14) deliberately narrows the ability to migrate applications to external drives, due to several factors:

• 🔒 Data security: Annexes to the SD-It is easier to steal or replace cards, especially if the card is retrieved and connected to other devices.
• ⚡ Productivity: SD-cards (even class) A2) They are slower than the built-in memory. UFS/eMMC, what might cause the lags.
• 📱 Android architecture: Starting with Android 6.0, Google has limited support for Adoptable Storage SD As an internal memory, Xiaomi followed suit.
• 💾 Fragmentation of files: Frequent records on SD This leads to deterioration and reduced reading/writing speed.

However, some applications (such as instant messengers, cache games, or multimedia players) can be ported manually, and we’ll look at how to do this without root rights and with them.

⚠️ Note: Transferring system applications (e.g., com.android.phone or com.miui.home) may cause a device to run unstable or reboot cycle, SMS launcher.

Method 1: Transfer through MIUI settings (official method)

This is the easiest way, but it doesn't work for all apps; only those programs that the developer has labeled "portable" are supported, for example, Telegram, VK or Spotify often allow portability, but WhatsApp or banking apps don't.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the application you want (such as Google Maps).
3. Slip on Warehouse.
4. If the option is available, the Change button will appear. → choose SD-map.
5. Confirm the transfer and wait until the completion (may take up to 5 minutes).

If there is no Change button, the application does not support portability, in which case move on to the following methods.

SD-The card is formatted as a portable storage (not internal)

There is enough free space on the map (at least 20% more than the size of the application)

The application is not system or critical

The device is not connected to charging (to avoid interruptions)-->

Method 2: Forced transfer via ADB (without root)

If the settings do not have a port option, but the application can theoretically be moved (for example, games with large cache), use ADB commands. This method does not require root rights, but you need debugging over USB.

Preparation:

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and tap the MIUI version 7 times.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and activate Debugging over USB.
3. Connect your phone to your PC, confirm your trust in your computer.
4. Download ADB Tools and unpack it into a folder.

Instructions for transfer:

1. Open the command prompt (Win + R → cmd) and go to the folder with ADB:
2. Check the connection of the device:
3. Find out the application package (for example, for Facebook it is com.facebook.katana):
4. Move the app to SD-map:

If the team returns Success, the application is moved. To return it, use:

adb shell pm move-package com.facebook.katana 0

⚠️ Note: Some applications (e.g. Google Play Services) MIUI System Apps will not be transferred even through ADB. Attempting to move them can cause errors in the system.

Through MIUI settings

With ADB

Used root and Link2SD

Never put up with it.

Another way.-->

Method 3: Use SD-The card is an internal memory (adoptable storage)

This method allows you to expand your internal memory. SD-maps, but has serious limitations:

• 📵 The card will be encrypted and will only work on this device.
• 🔄 After the map is removed, the applications will stop working.
• ⚠️ Xiaomi is blocking this feature in the MIUI For most models (except for some global firmware).

If your model supports Adoptable Storage (check in storage settings), do the following:

1. Put it in. SD-map (recommended) UHS-I Class 10 or A2).
2. When a notification appears, select Use as internal memory.
3. Follow the system instructions (the map will be formatted).
4. Once set up, the new apps will be installed on the SD by default.

For models where the option is hidden (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro), you can try to activate it through ADB:

adb shell sm set-force-adoptable true

But this will only work on firmware with feature support.

Method 4: Root Transfer (Link2SD, App2SD)

If you have root access, you can use apps like Link2SD or App2SD that allow you to:

• 🔗 Move over APK, DEX and LIB file SD.
• 📂 Create symbolic links (symlink) to save space.
• 🧹 Clear cache and unnecessary files.

Instructions for Link2SD:

1. Install Link2SD from Google Play.
2. Give root access.
3. Select the file system for the second partition SD (recommended EXT4 or F2FS).
4. Reset the device.
5. In the list of applications, select the desired one and tap Create a link.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ It works even for system applications (with caution!).
• ✅ You can transfer parts of the application (for example, only cache).

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Requires an unlocked bootloader and root.
• ❌ Risk of system failure in case of incorrect transfer.

💡

Before using Link2SD, back up your data via TWRP or MIUI Backup. In the event of a failure, you can restore the system.

Limitations and problems when migrating applications to SD

Even if you managed to migrate the application, the following problems may occur:

Especially often problems arise with:

• 🎮 Games (e.g., games, PUBG Mobile, Genshin Impact – They may not start or slow down.
• 💬 Messengers (WhatsApp, Viber) – may not receive notifications.
• 📷 Annexes with DRM (Netflix, Disney+) — They will not work because of the protection of content.

💡

If the application is unstable after transfer, the best way out is to leave it in internal memory and clean the cache manually.

How to make room without transferring applications?

If the transfer is SD-The card is not helpful or impossible, use alternative methods:

• 🧹 Cache Clearing: Go to Settings → Annexes → Application management, select the application and click Clear cache. Use bulk cleaning MIUI Cleaner.
• 🗑️ Delete Unnecessary Files: In Files → Categories → Dispose of temporary files, duplicates and large media files.
• ☁️ Transfer media to the cloud: Upload photos and videos to Google Photos or Mi Cloud, then delete local copies.
• 📦 Use Lite versions: Replace heavy apps with lighter ones (e.g. Facebook Lite, Messenger Lite).
• 🔄 Dalvik cache reset (for advanced users): TWRP Choose Advanced → Dalvik Cache and make Wipe.

You should also turn off auto-update apps in Google Play:

1. Open Play Store → Settings → Auto-Update applications.
2. Choose Not to Update Automatically.
3. Update the applications manually, having previously freed up space.

FAQ: Frequent questions about porting applications to SD in Xiaomi Redmi