How to transfer applications to SD-Xiaomi card: 4 working ways to MIUI

Xiaomi smartphones based on MIUI Often, you're facing a problem with a lack of internal memory, especially if you're installing a lot of apps or you like to take high-resolution photos, and one way to solve this problem is to migrate some of the applications to the Internet. SD-But in the latest versions. MIUI 12-15 This feature is either hidden or limited. In this article, we'll look at all the current methods for migrating applications to an external drive, including official settings and advanced solutions through the use of the software. ADB.

It is important to understand that not all applications can be ported: some (for example, system or high security requirements) will remain in internal memory. SD-The cards may be lower, especially if you use a Class 10 card or slower, but for most users, this compromise is justified for the sake of freeing up precious gigabytes.

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

Starting with Android 6.0 Marshmallow, Google has changed its policy of working with external drives, banning the full portability of applications to the Internet. SD-map without root rights. Xiaomi in its firmware MIUI They follow these rules, but they add their own limitations:

• 🔒 Security: Annexes to SD-It is easier to steal or replace cards, especially if the card is retrieved and connected to other devices.
• ⚡ Performance: Internal Memory eMMC/UFS in smartphones, it works in 5-10 faster than even the fastest SD-map.
• 📱 Stability MIUI: Some firmware features (such as Second Space or App Lock) may conflict with applications on an external drive.

However, there are still portable loopholes in MIUI, and we'll look at all the options available, from standard to advanced, that require a PC connection.

Method 1: Transfer over standard MIUI settings (without PC)

This is the easiest method, but it doesn’t work on all models and versions of MIUI. It’s most commonly available on budget smartphones (Redmi 9A, Redmi Note 8) and outdated firmware (MIUI 11 and below).

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the app you want to migrate (like Facebook or Spotify).
3. Slip on Warehouse.
4. If the option is available, the button Change or Move to SD-map.

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 12-15 This item is often absent even if it is SD-If you don't have a button, move on to the next one.

Format the card in FAT32 or exFAT| Check the speed class (UHS-I Class 10 recommended)| Make sure the card is not more than 80% full | Turn off card encryption in security settings

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Method 2: Use of the SD-The card is an internal memory (adoptable storage)

This method allows for the "binding" SD-The card to the smartphone, making it part of the internal storage. Xiaomi officially does not support this feature in new versions MIUI, But it can be activated through ADB. Important: After this procedure, the card cannot be removed without losing data – it will become “built-in” into the system.

Instructions:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and enable USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (tap 7 times according to version, then go back to Additional Settings → For Developers).
2. Install ADB Tools on your computer.
3. In the command line (Windows) or terminal (Mac/Linux), type: adb shell sm list-disks Remember the disk identifier (e.g., disk:179.64).
4. Enter the command to format the card as internal storage: adb shell sm partition disk:179.64 private (replace 179.64 with your ID).
5. After the smartphone reboot SD-The card will be part of the internal memory.

⚠️ Attention: This method irreversibly formats the map, and if you extract it, the apps will stop working, POCO F3 Mi 11 can block this function at the kernel level.

Method 3: Transfer through application managers (no root rights)

If the standard methods don't work, you can use third-party utilities.

• 📱 AppMgr III (App 2 SD) — It shows you what applications you can migrate, and it does it in one tap. MIUI 12-14, but requires permits for special opportunities.
• 🔧 Files by Google – Google’s built-in file manager sometimes offers to migrate rarely used apps to the Internet. SD-map.
• 🛠️ SD Maid – Clears the cache and suggests optimizing storage, including data transfer.

How to use AppMgr III:

1. Download the app from Google Play.
2. Open the Moving tab – there will be applications that support transfer.
3. Slip on the application and select Move to SD-map.
4. If the button is inactive, try clearing the app cache or restarting the phone.

💡

Before using AppMgr III, disable MIUI optimization in the developer settings (Disable MIUI optimization) to increase the chances of a successful transfer.

Method 4: Manually move application files (for experienced)

This method is suitable for users who are willing to work with the file system manually. It does not carry the application itself, but allows you to move its data (cache, media files) to the file system. SD-You will need a file manager with access to root folders (for example, Solid Explorer or Solid Explorer). FX File Explorer).

Instructions:

1. Open the file manager and enable the display of hidden files.
2. Go to /data/data/ (root rights required) or /Android/data/ (no root required).
3. Find a folder with the name of the application package (for example, com.facebook.katana for Facebook).
4. Copy the folder to SD-map (e.g. in the /storage/1234-5678/Android/data/).
5. Delete the original folder and create a symbolic link (ADB or root required): adb shell ln -s /storage/1234-5678/Android/data/com.facebook.katana /data/data/com.facebook.katana

⚠️ Note: Not all apps work properly after such a transfer, for example, WhatsApp or banking apps may block access due to a change in the path to data.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When transferring applications to SD-Xiaomi users face typical problems. Here's how to solve them:

• 🚫 The "Transfer" button is inactive: Check that SD-The card is formatted as a portable storage (not as internal memory). MIUI Try another file manager (e.g. Total Commander).
• 🔄 The app has moved, but it won't start: Clear the app cache in the settings. Reboot your smartphone. If the problem persists, move the app back.
• 📛 SD-card is not recognized: Reconnect the card or format it in FAT32 Check the card on another device, it may be damaged. MIUI last-minute.

If none of these methods worked, consider alternative ways to release memory:

• 🗑️ Cleaning the cache through Settings → Warehouse → Clean up.
• ☁️ Porting photos and videos to Google Photos or Mi Cloud.
• 📲 Remove unused applications (check in Settings) → Annexes → Recently used).

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The most reliable way of transfer is the use of ADB binding SD-However, this is irreversible and not suitable for all Xiaomi models.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions