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

Xiaomi smartphone owners often face a shortage of internal memory, especially if the device from the budget line (Redmi 9A, Poco M3) or used for a long time. Even after cleaning the cache and removing unnecessary files, the system can show a warning about crowded storage. The solution is to transfer applications to a memory card, but in MIUI this feature does not work as clearly as in “pure” Android.

In this article, we will analyze all the current ways of transferring applications to SD-Map in Xiaomi smartphones, including official settings MIUI 12/13/14, method ADB For forced transfer, as well as manual file transfer APK Separately, we will consider the features of working with memory cards in the format of Adoptable Storage (internal storage) - this mode allows you to expand the memory of the phone, but has critical limitations.

Important: Not all applications can be migrated, such as Google Play Services, MIUI Launcher and some messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram) block this feature for security or performance reasons. Also note that after the transfer, the speed of the application may decrease - this depends on the class of your application. SD-cards (Class) 10/UHS-I recommended).

1.Preparation: Which Memory Card to Choose for Xiaomi

Before you move applications, make sure your SD-card meets the requirements MIUI. Not all memory cards work equally well with Xiaomi, especially if you plan to use them as internal storage).

The main selection criteria:

• 🔹 Speed class: minimum class 10 or UHS-I (U1/U3). Class Cards 4/6 They will slow down applications.
• 🔹 Volume: from 32 GB (optimally 64-128 GB). Cards less than 16 GB MIUI It may not be possible to format as an internal memory.
• 🔹 Brand: Preference SanDisk, Samsung, Kingston or Lexar. Cheap no-name cards often forge class labels.
• 🔹 Format: exFAT or FAT32 For external use, Adoptable Storage is automatically formatted.

⚠️ Note: If you select Adoptable Storage, the card will be encrypted and linked to your smartphone, and once removed, it will not be read on another device without resetting the settings, and it can also break some functions, such as encryption. MIUI or airborne updates (OTA).

2.Official method: transfer via MIUI settings

The easiest method is to use the built-in MIUI function. However, it doesn't work on all models and firmware versions. For example, in MIUI 14 for Redmi Note 11, this option can be hidden, and in POCO X3 Pro, it is only available for some applications.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the app you want to migrate (like Facebook or Spotify).
3. Click on Warehouse (or Memory in older versions).
4. If the option is available, the button Change or Move to SD-map.
5. Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed.

⚠️ Note: After porting some features of the app may not work properly. for example, Google Maps may stop updating maps in the background, and Instagram may stop loading Stories more slowly.

3. ADB Transfer: Forced Application Moving

If there is no port option in MIUI settings, you can use USB debugging and ADB command. This method works on most Xiaomi devices, but requires a computer connection and basic command line knowledge.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Click 7 times on MIUI until the notification "You're a developer" appears.
2. Activate USB Debugging: Return to Settings → Additional → Developer. Turn on the USB Debugging Switch.

Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm the debugging permission.

ADB Tools

Win + R → cmd

ADB

cd C:\platform-tools\

adb devices

The serial number of your device should appear.

Facebook

com.facebook.katana

adb shell pm list packages | find "facebook"

adb shell pm set-install-location 2

Then:

adb shell pm move-package com.facebook.katana

⚠️ Note: Not all applications support this method. If you see a Failure error after the move-package command [NOT_MOVED: Operation not allowed, which means the transfer is blocked by the developer, and don't portable system applications, which can cause malfunctions. MIUI.

1. Delete the appendix.

2. Install it again by selecting SD-map as default installation location:

adb shell pm set-install-location 2

This trick works for some applications, but does not guarantee 100% results.-->

4. Manual movement of APK files and data (for experienced)

If previous methods did not work, you can try to manually copy the application files to the SD-This is risky and can cause failures, but sometimes it is the only way out for older models (Redmi). 4X, Mi A1).

What you need:

• 📱 Root access (optional, but simplifies the process).
• 💾 File Manager with access to system folders (e.g, FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer).
• 🔧 App Cloner or Titanium Backup (for backup).

Instructions:

1. Backup your application and its data with Titanium Backup.
2. Copy files from folders: /data/app/[package_name] — self-application (APK). /data/data/[package_name] — user data.

/storage/XXXX-XXXX/Android/obb/

Reset the device.

⚠️ Note: Without root access, you will not be able to copy data from /data/data/ — It's a secure system folder, and after manual porting, the app may not be updated through Google Play because it doesn't see it in a standard storage location.

💡

Manual transfer is only suitable for advanced users. If you are not sure about your actions, use official methods or ADB. Errors when working with system files can lead to a device blink (complete failure).

5. Adoptable Storage: How to do it SD-memory-card

Adoptable Storage mode allows you to combine SD-It's a card with internal memory, and it's actually widening the space available, but it's a very serious flaw:

• 🔄 The card will be encrypted and tied to the device, and once removed, it will not be used on another smartphone.
• ⚡ Speed may drop, especially if the class card U1 lower.
• 🔧 Certain functions MIUI (Second Space or Game Turbo may not work.

How to turn on Adoptable Storage:

1. Put it in. SD-smartphone-card.
2. When a notification appears, select Set Up → Internal Memory.
3. Follow the instructions on the screen. The system will format the map and combine it with the internal storage.
4. After the reboot, check the available space in Settings → Storage.

⚠️ Note: If you decide to return the card to portable storage mode, all data from it will be deleted without the possibility of recovery. MIUI may be installed error-prone.

Alternative solutions: what to do if transfer is not possible

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

• 🧹 Cache Clearing: Go to Settings → Warehouse → Cache data and delete unnecessary files.
• ☁️ Cloud Storage: Move photos and videos to Google Photos, Mi Cloud or Yandex Drive.
• 📱 Lite versions of applications: replace heavy social networks with lightweight ones (Facebook Lite, Messenger Lite).
• 🔄 Factory reset: extreme measure, but effective if memory is clogged with system debris.

You can also use memory analytics apps like Files by Google or SD Maid to show which files take up the most space and suggest that you delete them safely.

1. Open Play Store → Settings → General → Auto Clean.

2. Select the option "Remove unused applications".

This will help to avoid unnecessary accumulation. APK-file.-->

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

When transferring applications to SD-Xiaomi users often face typical problems, and here are the most common and ways to solve them:

⚠️ Note: If the application stopped running after the transfer, try it:

1. Clear the app cache in Settings → Apps.
2. Reboot the smartphone.
3. Return the app to internal memory.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions