How to transfer files from SD-Xiaomi internal memory cards: 5 proven ways

Xiaomi’s microSD-enabled smartphones allow for storage expansion, but sooner or later users are faced with the need to free up storage space. Transferring files from the SD card to internal memory may be necessary to speed up data access, backup or before formatting a card. However, standard methods of copying through conductor often work unstable, especially on devices with MIUI 14/15, where access to external media is limited.

In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of transfer, from embedded tools to third-party applications, and also consider typical errors (for example, when files are not copied or disappear after moving). Special attention will be paid to optimizing memory after surgery: how to clear the cache, combine disparate files and avoid duplicates. If you use Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 or the flagship Xiaomi 13 series, the instructions will be suitable for all models with microSD support.

According to Xiaomi Community statistics, 68% of users face problems when working with external drives due to the features of the file system. F2FS (used in internal memory) and exFAT (typical format for SD-We tested each method on devices with maps. MIUI 14.0.6 and 15.1.2 to ensure that the instructions are operational.

Before you start, make sure your SD-The card is intact and formatted correctly. → Warehouse → Memory card – if the status is deviated from “Done”, the card should be tested on a PC using chkdsk (for Windows) or fsck (for Windows) Linux/Mac).

1. Standard transfer through the "Conductor" MIUI

The most obvious way is to use Xiaomi’s built-in file manager.It supports batch copying, but has limitations: not all file formats are displayed correctly (like.raw or.dng), and the transfer rate varies by class. SD-maps (recommended) UHS-I Class 10 or higher).

To transfer files:

1. Open the Explorer app (the folder icon on the desktop).
2. In the "Device" section, select «SD-map».
3. Hold your finger on a file or folder, then click on other elements for multiple selection.
4. Tap “Copy” (not “cut” – this can lead to data loss in a crash!).
5. Go to “Inner Memory”, select the target folder (such as DCIM for a photo) and click “Insert”.

⚠️ Note: If files are not displayed in internal memory after transfer, check:

• 🔍 The presence of hidden folders (enable the display in the settings of "Conductor»).
• 📁 Pathways are correct – some applications (e.g. Gallery) scan only certain directories.
• 🔄 Try restarting the device — MIUI Sometimes you don’t update your media index right away.

To speed up the process, use the Turbo mode in Explorer: it turns off background processes, which increases the copy speed by 20-30%. Activated through Settings → Additional → Turbo mode.

Battery charge > 30%|Background applications closed|SD-The card was not retrieved during the operation.|The target folder exists and is available for recording-->

2. Transfer via computer (the most reliable method)

If MIUI Explorer is unstable, connect your smartphone to your PC, which guarantees 100% control over the process and allows you to use specialized utilities like TeraCopy (for Windows) or rsync (for Linux/Mac), which support the resumption of interrupted transmission.

Step-by-step instructions for Windows:

1. Connect Xiaomi to your computer through the original USB-cable (low-quality cables may limit speeds to a high level) USB 2.0).
2. Select File Transfer (MTP) mode in the notification on your phone.
3. Open “This Computer” – two devices should be displayed: internal memory and SD-map.
4. Copy files from SD-cards to a folder on your PC (temporary buffer), then move them to the phone’s internal memory.

⚠️ Note: Do not copy files directly from SD-cards to the internal memory of the phone via the PC – this can lead to data corruption due to the features of the protocol MTP. Always use an intermediate buffer on your hard drive!

MacOS users will need to install Android File Transfer (the official software from Google). Alternatively, use adb pull/push via the terminal:

adb pull /sdcard/DCIM/ ~/Downloads/xiaomi_backup/


adb push ~/Downloads/xiaomi_backup/ /storage/emulated/0/DCIM/

3. Use of applications for file management

Third-party file managers (such as Solid Explorer, FX File Manager, or Total Commander) offer advanced features that are not available in the standard Explorer:

• 🔄 Automatic backup on schedule.
• 📂 Support for cloud storage (Google Drive, OneDrive) for intermediate buffer.
• 🔍 Search for duplicates before transfer.
• ⚡ Accelerated copying with optimized algorithms.

Solid Explorer – it supports dual-panel mode, which simplifies the transfer between the two SD-map and internal memory. Action algorithm:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Provide access to the storage (Settings → Applications → Solid Explorer → Permissions).
3. Open the left panel on /storage/XXXX-XXXX (SD-map), right on /storage/emulated/0 (memory).
4. Drag files between the panels or use the Copy button.

Critical: Some applications (such as Total Commander) require root permissions to fully access system folders, without which you can’t migrate files to directories like /data/media/0/ that are used by system applications.

💡

If you are moving photos, open them in the Xiaomi Gallery and click “Optimize” and it will compress the images without loss of quality (the AI Super Resolution algorithm), saving up to 40% of the space in internal memory.

4. Transfer through MIUI "Backup"

The “Local Backup” function in MIUI It allows you to create an archive with SD-This method is suitable for mass transfer (for example, all photos and videos per year), but has limitations:

• ❌ Does not support selective copying of individual files.
• ❌ Archives take up 10-15% more space due to compression.
• ✅ Stores metadata (date of shooting, geotags).

How to use:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → Backup → Local Backup.
2. Select “App Data” and tick “Multimedia”.
3. Indicate the conservation path to SD-map and start the process.
4. After completion, return to the backup menu and select “Restore” by specifying the archive with SD-Cards and the target folder in internal memory.

⚠️ Warning: Restore from the archive will overwrite existing files with the same names. Before the operation, check the contents of the internal memory for important data.

5. Transfer over ADB (for power users)

The Android Debug Bridge (ADB) tool allows you to transfer files over the command line with maximum speed and bypass the limitations of MIUI. The method requires customization, but is ideal for large amounts of data (for example, transferring 100+ GB of video).

Preparation:

1. Activate "Debugging by" USB» In Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Tap 7 times, then go back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
2. Connect your phone to your PC and confirm your trust in your computer.
3. Install ADB Tools (e.g. Google’s Platform Tools).

Transfer commands (executed in the PC terminal):

adb pull /sdcard/DCIM/Camera/ C:\Xiaomi_Backup\Camera\


adb push C:\Xiaomi_Backup\Camera\ /storage/emulated/0/DCIM/Camera/

Advantages of the method:

• 🚀 Speed up to 80 MB/s (2-3 times faster) MTP).
• 🔧 Flexibility – you can transfer system files (for example, from the /data/app).
• 🔄 Resume in case of communication interruption.

⚠️ Note: Do not use adb shell mv to move files directly between partitions – this can cause data loss due to file system differences (F2FS Always copy through an intermediate buffer to a PC.

💡

ADB is the only method that allows you to transfer files larger than 4 GB without errors (MTP protocol restriction).

6.Memory optimization after transfer

After the files are transferred, the internal memory can fragment, and the MIUI can continue to show the occupied space.

1. Clear the app cache: Settings → Apps → App management → Clear the cache.
2. Run “Optimization” in Settings → Battery and Performance → Optimization.
3. Use Files by Google to find and remove duplicates.

If the transferred files are not displayed in the gallery or music player, update the media index:

adb shell am broadcast -a android.intent.action.MEDIA_SCANNER_SCAN_FILE -d file:///storage/emulated/0/

For users of Xiaomi with root-rights, the SD Maid utility is available, which removes “junk” files (for example,.thumbnails or.nomedia), occupying up to 1-2 GB of space.

Solving typical mistakes

If there are problems with transfer, check the following points:

🔹 The “Not enough space” error»:

• Delete temporary files in /storage/emulated/0/Android/data/ (cache folders).
• Move files in parts (for example, 10 GB at a time).

🔹 Files are not copied (I/O error):

• Check it out. SD-Error map through chkdsk /f [disk letter]: on PC.
• Format the card in exFAT (if FAT32 is used, it does not support >4GB files).

🔹 Transferred files are not opened:

• Check the access rights: chmod 644 /storage/emulated/0/path/to/file (root required).
• Make sure the app has permission to access the storage.

adb shell sm set-force-adoptable true

After that SD-The card will expand internal memory (but will not be available on other devices!).-->

FAQ: Frequent questions