How to transfer applications to a memory card in Xiaomi: all the ways 2026

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

Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often face a problem: internal memory is running out, and the transfer of applications to the memory card is blocked by the system. What is the reason? It is Google policy and the features of MIUI firmware.

Starting with Android 6.0 Marshmallow, Google has limited the ability to port applications to the Internet SD-Manufacturers, including Xiaomi, have further tightened these restrictions in their shells, but there are workarounds, both official (for supported applications) and hidden (through the use of the software). ADB In this article, we will discuss all the current methods for MIUI 12/13/14 Android 10–14.

It's important to understand that not all applications can be ported, for example, system utilities (com.miui.gallery, com.android.settings) and security games (Genshin Impact, PUBG Mobile) will remain in internal memory, but for most user programs, solutions exist.

Method 1: Standard Transfer through Xiaomi Settings

The easiest method is to use the built-in MIUI function, which only works for applications that support porting to an external drive.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the application you want (such as Telegram or VK).
3. Slip on Warehouse.
4. If the option is active, click Change and select SD-map.
5. Confirm the transfer and wait until the completion (may take up to 5 minutes).

⚠️ Note: After porting, some applications may run slower - this is due to the read/write speed of the microSD. A1 or A2 minimize lag.

The memory card is formatted as internal storage (if necessary)

- Nana SD-enough free space (at least 20% larger than the size of the application)

The application is not system or secure (e.g. banking programs)

MIUI version not lower than 12 (old firmware may not have an option)

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If the Change button is inactive or not, the application does not support the transfer, in which case move on to the following methods.

Method 2: Formatting SD-maps as internal memory

This method allows microSD to be used as part of internal storage, but has critical drawbacks: Once formatted, the card cannot be retrieved without data loss, and it will only work on that device.

Instructions:

1. Put it in. SD-Card to smartphone (class recommended) UHS-I U3 or A2).
2. Go to Settings. → Warehouse → [Name of name SD-map] → Three dots (menu) → Storage settings.
3. Choose to format as internal.
4. Confirm the action (all data on the map will be erased!).
5. After formatting, restart the device.

Now, when installing new applications, the system will offer to save them to the SD-Map. Already installed programs can be transferred through Settings → Applications as in Method 1.

Method 3: Transfer over ADB (for power users)

If standard methods don’t work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires a computer connection and basic command line knowledge, but allows you to migrate even those applications that are usually blocked.

Steps:

1. Turn on the Developer Mode on your smartphone: 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, install it. ADB-Drivers and open the command line in the folder with the platform-tools.
4. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices must appear serial number of the device.
5. Find out the batch name of the application (for example, through App Inspector or command: adb shell pm list packages | grep "application name"
6. Move the app to SD-Map: Adb shell pm set-install-location 2 Then: adb shell pm move-package com.example.app /sdcard (Replace com.example.app with a real package).

⚠️ Note: Some applications (such as WhatsApp or Google Play Services) may stop working after forced transfer. → System system → Backup.

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Method 4: Use of third-party utilities (Link2SD, AppMgr III)

For devices with or without root rights, there are specialized applications that automate the transfer.

• 🔗 Link2SD — It requires root, but it allows you to even port system applications, creates symbolic links, saving space in internal memory.
• 📱 AppMgr III (App 2 SD) — works without root, supports batch transfer and cache cleaning.
• 🛠️ Files by Google – Built-in file manager with memory analysis and cleanup recommendations.

Instructions for AppMgr III:

1. Install the utility from Google Play.
2. Open the application and provide access to Special Features (required for automation).
3. In the section Moving, tick the necessary programs.
4. Press Move to Move to SD-map and confirm the action.

Important: Applications that have been migrated through third-party utilities may give up errors when they are updated, and temporarily return them to internal memory before the update.

Standard settings MIUI|Formatting SD internal|ADB-team|side of the utility (Link2SD, AppMgr)|I've tried nothing.|Another way.-->

Method 5: Transfer of cache and media files of applications

If the application itself cannot be moved, you can free up space by moving its cache and media files (for example, downloads from Telegram or WhatsApp).

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select an app (such as Gallery or Music).
3. Go to the Warehouse. → Clear the cache (if necessary).
4. For media files, use the app's built-in settings. For example, on WhatsApp: Settings → Warehouse → The way to the folder → point to the folder SD-map.

Some apps (like Google Photos) allow you to select the default save location.

1. Open Google Photos.
2. Slip on the avatar → Photo settings → Backup and synchronization.
3. Select the Device Folder and indicate the path to SD-map.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When migrating applications, Xiaomi users face typical problems.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro) POCO X3 Pro after updating to MIUI 14 standard port option may disappear, due to Google's policy to restrict access to external drives. ADB formatting SD internal memory.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions

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