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

Xiaomi smartphone owners often face a shortage of internal memory, especially if a device from the budget line of Redmi or POCO with 32/64 GB of storage. migrating applications to a microSD card seems a logical solution, but in MIUI this feature does not work as clearly as in “pure” Android. In some cases, the option is not on the menu at all, and in others, portable applications begin to slow down or refuse to update.

In this article, we will analyze all available ways to transfer applications to SD-map in Xiaomi smartphones, including official methods through settings MIUI, We're going to workarounds for models without function support, and we're going to solve typical problems. FAT32, exFAT and NTFS contextually MIUI 12-14 If you tried to migrate an application, but it crashed after the reboot or doesn't start from the map, here's an explanation and a solution.

Why Xiaomi can’t just move any app to Xiaomi SD-map

Unlike older versions of Android (up to 6.0), where porting apps to a memory card was a standard feature, MIUI has some tough limitations:

• 🔹 Only a few applications support portability: system utilities, Google services, messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram) and games with protection (PUBG Mobile, Genshin Impact are most often blocked.
• 🔹 SD-The card should be formatted as internal memory, in portable storage mode" (FAT32/exFAT) Application transfer is not possible.
• 🔹 Performance is falling. Memory cards (even) UHS-I Class 10) They are slower than the built-in memory. eMMC/UFS, What is critical for games and heavy applications.
• 🔹 Errors after updates: Moved applications can "fly" after the update MIUI or the application itself.

V MIUI 12–14 portability SD It is hidden deep in settings and in some models (e.g. Xiaomi). 12/13 It was removed altogether, and it's related to Google's policy on Android. 9 Recommends manufacturers to stop supporting adoptable storage SD internal memory due to the risk of data loss and performance.

⚠️ Attention: If you are using SD-The card is like internal memory, and it can't be retrieved without losing data.

Preparation SD-Maps: Formatting as internal memory

Before transferring applications, the memory card needs to be formatted as an internal drive, which erases all the data on it!

Instructions for MIUI 12-14:

1. Put it in. SD-card to the slot (if supported) or via an adapter to the tray SIM2 (hybrid-slot).
2. Go to Settings → Memory → Memory Map.
3. Press Format. → Internal memory.
4. Confirm action. The system will alert you that the card will be encrypted and tied to the device.
5. Wait until it is completed (it can take 5-15 minutes).

Make a backup copy of data from the card|Make sure the class map UHS-I (U1/U3)|Charge your phone at least to 50%|Disable important notifications during the process-->

Once formatted, the map will be displayed as part of the internal memory in Settings → Memory, and you can now transfer applications to it.

⚠️ Attention: If you extract SD-A card formatted as internal memory will no longer work on any applications transferred to it. (Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3 Pro) this may cause system failure.

Method 1: Transfer through MIUI settings (official method)

If your Xiaomi model supports app portability, follow this instruction:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the app you want to port (like Spotify or VK).
3. Click Warehouse → Change → Memory Map.
4. Confirm the transfer. The process may take a few minutes.

If the option to Change is inactive or absent:

• 🔹 The app does not support portability (e.g. Google Play Services).
• 🔹 The memory card is not formatted as internal.
• 🔹 In your Xiaomi model, the function is disabled (relevant for Mi flagships) 11/12/13).

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If the "Change" button is gray, try clearing the app cache in the "Storage" section. Sometimes this will unlock the port option.

After transfer, check the application, if it crashes or doesn't open, return it to internal memory.

Yeah, it's working.|Yes, but only for some applications.|No, there's no "Change" option.|I haven't tried it)|Another option-->

Method 2: Transfer over ADB (for power users)

If there is no port option in MIUI settings, you can use ADB commands. This method works on most models, but requires a connection to a PC.

What you need:

• 🔹 Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
• 🔹 Installed drivers Xiaomi and ADB Tools.
• 🔹 Included debugging by USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (press 7 times) → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).

Instructions:

1. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.
2. Open the command prompt (or Terminal) and type: adb shell pm set-install-location 2 This command forces the system to install applications on the SD by default.
3. To transfer a specific application (e.g. com.whatsapp), use: adb shell pm move-package com.whatsapp
4. Reboot the phone.

To get it all back, do this:

adb shell pm set-install-location 0

⚠️ Note: Some applications (such as Banking or Google Pay) may block work on the Internet. SD-The map is due to security requirements, and in that case, they just won't start.

Method 3: Using third-party applications (without root)

If the official methods don't work, you can try third-party utilities.

• 🔹 AppMgr III (App 2 SD) — It shows you what applications you can migrate, and it does it in one click. MIUI 12-14, but not with all models.
• 🔹 Files by Google – has a built-in application manager with portability (not on all devices).
• 🔹 SD Maid – clears the cache and suggests moving supported apps.

How to use AppMgr III:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Open it and give permission to access the storage.
3. In the Movable section, select the apps to transfer.
4. Press Move to SD card.

Restrictions of third-party utilities:

• 🔸 Cannot migrate system applications.
• 🔸 Often not working with games (such as Call of Duty Mobile).
• 🔸 This can cause errors if the memory card is slow (Class) 4/6).

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The side of the application is not magic - they just automate the same commands as ADB. If the system blocks the transfer, no utility will help.

Post-transfer problems and solutions

Transfer of applications to SD-Xiaomi map is often accompanied by bugs. Consider the typical cases and ways to fix them:

If the app stopped working after the MIUI update, try:

1. Clear the cache and application data in Settings → Apps.
2. Transfer it back to internal memory, then back to SD.
3. Reinstall the app.

For games (such as Free Fire or Mobile Legends), transferring to SD often leads to lags and friezes, in which case it is better to leave the game in internal memory, and transfer only media files (screenshots, videos) to the map.

Alternative solutions: how to free up memory without transferring to SD

If porting applications to a memory card is not possible or causes problems, consider alternative ways to free up space:

• 🔹 Cache Clearing: Go to Settings → Memory. → Clear the cache. That could free up 1 to 3 GB.
• 🔹 Remove unnecessary files: Use the built-in cleaner in MIUI Files by Google to find large and duplicate files.
• 🔹 Media transfer: Photos, videos and music can be manually moved to SD through the Files → Categories.
• 🔹 Disable preloading: In Google Play, turn off auto-update apps or limit it to Wi-Fi only.
• 🔹 Using Cloud Storage: Google Photos, Mi Cloud or Yandex Drive can automatically back up photos and videos.

For models with OTG support (e.g. Redmi Note 11, POCO F4), you can connect an external SSD or flash drive via an adapter, which allows you to store large files (movies, projects) without using internal memory.

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In camera settings (MIUI Camera can change the default location of photo/video to SD-This will save up to 50% of internal memory when you're shooting.

FAQ: Frequent questions about porting apps to SD in Xiaomi