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

Transferring applications to a memory card in Xiaomi smartphones is a challenge that many users face when there is a lack of internal memory. MIUI It's officially limited, there are workarounds, and in this article, we'll go through all the current transfer methods, including hidden system settings, use of the system. ADB-Teams and alternative solutions for models MIUI 12/13/14.

It's important to understand that portability depends on the firmware version, device model and memory card type. For example, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro with MIUI 13 allows you to port only a part of the applications, whereas on the POCO X3 NFC this feature can be completely blocked. We tested all methods on current devices and collected data in convenient tables for quick comparison.

If you use a memory card as an internal drive (Adoptable Storage), some applications are automatically installed on it. However, this mode has its pitfalls, from reduced performance to the risk of data loss. Below you will find a detailed analysis of each method with step-by-step instructions and warnings about possible problems.

Why Xiaomi restricts the portability of applications to SD-card?

Xiaomi is deliberately narrowing the ability to migrate applications to external drives, and there are several reasons for this:

• 🔒 Data security: Annexes to the SD-It is easier to steal or copy the card, especially if the card is retrieved and connected to other devices.
• ⚡ Performance: Class Memory Cards UHS-I class 10 slower-than-integrated memory UFS 2.2/3.1, resulting in lags.
• 📱 Google Policy: Starting with Android 9, Google has restricted Adoptable Storage support for most devices.
• 🔄 System Stability: When you remove the map, the applications installed on it may crash or stop working.

However, some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi 9A or POCO M3) still support partial portability through standard settings. On newer flagships (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Redmi K60 Pro), this feature is often completely disabled. In the following sections, we will show how to circumvent these restrictions.

⚠️ Note: Transferring system applications (e.g., com.miui.home or com.android.settings) may cause a cyclical reboot of the device. Never move applications marked "System-based"!

Method 1: Standard Transfer through MIUI Settings

It's the easiest way, but it doesn't work on all devices. MIUI:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the app you want to migrate (like Facebook or Spotify).
3. Click Warehouse → Change (if the button is active).
4. Select a Memory Card and confirm the transfer.

If the Change button is inactive or not, then your model does not support this method, in which case move on to the following methods.

Memory card formatted as portable storage (not internal) |

Volume of free space per person SD-map exceeds the size of the application|

The application is not a system or system update|

The device is not in energy saving mode-->

On devices with MIUI 14 standard portability through settings is blocked for most models except the budget series (Redmi 9, POCO If your device is marked as "❌", use methods with ADB or formatting the card as an internal storage facility.

Method 2: Transfer over ADB (for power users)

If the standard method doesn’t work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires a connection to a computer, but allows you to transfer almost any application (except system).

You'll need:

• 🖥️ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times press → Additional settings → Developer parameters → Debugging by USB).
• 💾 Memory card formatted as portable storage (not internal!).

Instructions:

1. Connect the phone to your computer and confirm the debugging permission.
2. Open the command prompt (Win + R → enter cmd) and execute: Adb devices Make sure your device appears in the list.
3. Enter the port command (replace com.example.app with your application’s batch name): adb shell pm set-install-location 2 This command sets the memory card as the preferred installation location for new applications.
4. To transfer an already installed application, use: adb shell pm move-package com.example.app

After the command is completed, the application will be transferred to SD-To put it back into your internal memory, use the card:

adb shell pm move-package com.example.app 0

⚠️ Note: Some apps (such as WhatsApp or Google Play Services) may stop working after being moved to the Internet. SD-In that case, they'll have to be reinstalled.

Method 3: Formatting the card as an internal storage

This method allows you to use SD-It's a card as part of the main memory of the phone, but it has some serious flaws:

• ⚠️ The card will be encrypted and will not be read on other devices.
• ⚡ Performance may fall, especially if a Class card 4/6.
• 🔄 When you remove the map, the application will stop working on it.
• 📵 Not all Xiaomi models support this mode (for example, Xiaomi 12 Pro does not have it).

If you are prepared for these restrictions, follow the instructions:

1. Put it in. SD-phone-card.
2. Go to Settings → Storage → Memory Map.
3. Press Three dots (⋮) → Storage settings → Formatting as an internal.
4. Confirm the formatting (all data on the map will be deleted!).
5. After formatting, select Transfer Data to move supported applications.

Important: After that, the card will not be retrieved without being reset to factory settings, and some applications (such as Google Pay or banking apps) may refuse to work on external storage for security reasons.

Standard Transfer through Settings |

ADB-team|

Formatting the map as an internal |

I can't stand apps, I've got enough built-in memory |

Another way.-->

Method 4: Use of Third-Party Applications (Root)

If your device has root rights, you can use apps like App2SD or Link2SD.

• 🔗 Create symbolic links (symlinks) to transfer part of the data.
• 🗃️ Move APK, ODEX and DALVIK-CACHE on SD-map.
• 📁 Clear cache and unnecessary files to free up space.

However, there are risks:

• 🛡️ Security breach (root disables Google Pay and banking apps).
• 🔧 The ability to "brick" the device with incorrect actions.
• 📵 Loss of warranty (if the device is warranty, Xiaomi may refuse repairs).

If you still decide to use root, we recommend:

1. Make a full backup through TWRP or OrangeFox Recovery.
2. Install Magisk for root rights management.
3. Use Link2SD for user applications only (not system applications!).

💡

Before getting root, check if your Xiaomi model has custom recovery (TWRP) without it, error recovery will not be possible.

Alternative ways to free up memory without transferring

If the application portability is not possible or undesirable, try these methods:

• 🧹 Cache Clearing: Go to Settings → Warehouse → Clear the cache. It can release until 1-3 GB space.
• 🗑️ Remove unnecessary files: Use the built-in Cleanup app or Files by Google to search for garbage.
• ☁️ Cloud Storage: Move photos and videos to Google Photos or Mi Cloud (gives 5GB for free).
• 📦 Lite versions of applications: Install lightweight versions (Facebook Lite, Messenger Lite) that occupy the Internet. 2-3 lesser.
• 🔄 Disabling Unused Applications: C Settings → Disable pre-installed programs (e.g. Mi Video or Mi Music).

You can also use the memory extension feature (available on some models with MIUI 13+):

1. Go to Settings → Storage → Expand memory.
2. Choose. SD-map and activate the option.
3. The system will automatically transfer some of the data (not apps!) to the map.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When transferring applications to SD-And these are the most common problems that people have with this map, and the ways that they can be fixed:

• 🚫 "The "Transfer" button is inactive": → Check that the card is formatted as portable storage (not internal). → Update the firmware to the latest version MIUI (Sometimes bugs are fixed in new versions).
• 🔄 "Apps are crumbling after transfer": → Try to clear the app cache (Settings) → Annexes → Warehouse → Clear the cache). → If it doesn’t work, move the app back to your internal memory.
• 📵 "SD-map not defined": → Reset the device. → Check the card on another device (it may be damaged). → Format the map in FAT32 or exFAT via computer or computer.
• ⚠️ "There is no space on the map, although it is empty": → Part of the space can be occupied by hidden files (.android_secure). → Use File Manager+ root-righted.

If the app stopped updating through Google Play after the transfer, try:

1. Transfer it back to your internal memory.
2. Update through Play Market.
3. Move it back to SD-map.

💡

If the application is transferred to SD-The card is unstable, and the only reliable solution is to return it to internal memory. Alternatives: use the Lite version or clear the cache.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions