Reservation to memory card in Xiaomi Redmi: full instructions for all versions of MIUI

Xiaomi Redmi smartphones are known for their availability and expandable memory, but not all users know how to properly configure data storage on a microSD memory card. MIUI It stores photos, videos and uploaded files into internal memory, which quickly fills it. SD-Map – from standard settings to hidden features for power users.

The Xiaomi Redmi feature is that not all models support forced saving of apps to the map (due to Android limitations), but for media files and documents, this works without problems. We tested the instructions on models from Redmi 9A to Redmi Note 12 Pro+ with MIUI 12-14 versions — all the steps are relevant and work.

Important: Before you start, check that your memory card is formatted as internal storage (if you need to save applications) or portable (for regular files), which depends on the availability of certain features.

1. Memory card preparation: formatting and type selection

Before you set up a save, the microSD card needs to be properly prepared. Xiaomi offers two formatting options:

• 📱 Portable storage: The card works like a flash drive, files can be easily transferred to other devices.
• 🔄 Internal storage – the card becomes part of the system (as a second partition of memory) and allows you to transfer some applications, but will not be read on other devices.

To select the type:

1. Insert the card into the slot (if you use a hybrid slot, you will have to choose a second SIM or SD).
2. Go to Settings → Memory → Memory Map.
3. Click Format → Internal Storage (or “Portable” if no applications are needed).
4. Confirm the action – all data from the card will be deleted!

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If the card is not defined, try formatting it on a PC in FAT32 (up to 32 GB) or exFAT (over 32 GB), then reconnect.

⚠️ Note: Once formatted as internal storage, the card cannot be retrieved without first "safely shutting down" in the settings, or you risk losing data or damaging the file system.

2. Configure the saving of photos and videos on the memory card

By default, the Xiaomi Redmi camera saves the pictures to internal memory.

1. Open the Camera app.
2. Touch the badge. ⚙️ (settings) in the upper corner.
3. Choose Memory. → Memory map.
4. Confirm your choice – now all new photos and videos will be saved to SD.

If the item "Memory Card" is not:

• 🔍 Check that the card is inserted and recognized by the system (see Settings). → Memory).
• 📲 Update the Camera app via Google Play.
• 🔄 Reboot your phone – sometimes helps reset the camera cache.

⚠️ Note: When recording video in 4K 60 FPS Some Redmi models automatically switch to internal memory due to card read/write speed limits. SD (recommended UHS-I U3 higher).

3. Transfer existing files to a memory card

If the internal memory is already full, you can transfer old files to the SD manually:

1. Open Files (app) MIUI File Manager).
2. Go to Images, Videos or Downloads.
3. Select files (long press → tick).
4. Click Move → Memory Map and select the destination folder.

To speed up the process, use the packet mode:

Select all files in the folder (tap on the mug at the top)

Click "Move" → "Memory Map"

Create a new folder (e.g., Photo 2023) for convenience.

Confirm the transfer and wait until the completion (do not remove the card!)

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⚠️ Note: When transferring files through Windows Explorer (by connecting the phone to the Windows Explorer) USB) folder MIUI To see them, turn on the hidden files in the Explorer settings.

4. Save downloaded files to a memory card

Browsers and messengers by default save files in internal memory.

In MIUI Browser or Google Chrome:

1. Open the browser settings (⋮ → Settings).
2. Go to Downloads → Download folder.
3. Select a Memory Card and specify a folder (e.g. Download).

On Telegram:

1. Open the settings → Data and memory.
2. In the Download folder section, select Memory Map.
3. Specify individual folders for photos, videos and documents.

For other applications (such as WhatsApp), the path may be different, and the save settings are usually in the Storage or Memory section.

5.Save applications to a memory card (for supported models)

Not all Xiaomi Redmi smartphones allow you to transfer applications to the SD-It depends on the map:

• 📱 Models of the device - budget Redmi 9/10 Supported by the flagship Redmi Note 11 Pro and newer - no.
• 🔄 Versions MIUI — into MIUI 13+ This feature is limited due to Google’s policy.
• 💾 Type of map formatting – only as internal storage.

If your model supports the transfer:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select an app (such as Facebook).
3. Click Warehouse → Change → Memory Map.
4. Confirm the transfer – the process may take several minutes.

⚠️ Note: porting system applications (e.g. Google Play Services) may cause crashes, PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact Refuse to Work with Memory Card Due to Cheat Protection.

6. Automatic save to the map through tasks (for advanced)

If you need to automate file transfer, use the tasks in the MIUI Security app:

1. Open Security → Optimization → Tasks.
2. Click + → File Transfer.
3. Select file types (photo, video, APK) and specify the target folder on the map.
4. Set up a schedule (for example, daily at 2:00).

The alternative is the Automate or Tasker app (requires root rights for full access).

Trigger: New file in /storage/emulated/0/DCIM/Camera folder


Action: Move the file to /storage/XXXX-XXXX/DCIM/Camera




Condition: If the file size is > 5 MB

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Automatic transfer is convenient for freeing up internal memory, but can drain the battery due to background activity. Use it only when necessary.

7. Solving problems with saving to a memory card

If files are not saved to SD, check:

• 🔌 Connect the card, retrieve it and repaint it. Dust in the slot can interfere with the contact.
• 🛠️ File system – Xiaomi does not support NTFS (only FAT32/exFAT).
• 📱 Permissions - in Settings → Annexes → Permits → Warehouse Check Access for Camera and File Manager.
• 🔄 Map errors – test it on a PC using H2testw or CrystalDiskInfo.

Frequent mistakes and decisions:

If the card is not defined at all, try:

1. Wipe the contacts of the card with a soft eraser (no fanaticism!).
2. Connect the card to another device for verification.
3. Update the MIUI firmware (sometimes bugs are fixed in new versions).

Frequently asked questions