How to install games on SD-Map on Xiaomi: 4 proven ways + fixing

Installation of games SD-Card instead of internal memory – a pressing task for owners of Xiaomi smartphones, especially with budget models (Redmi) 9A, POCO M3, Redmi Note 10 et al., where 32-64 GB quickly run out. However, the manufacturer limits this feature: by default MIUI Allows you to transfer only part of the data applications, not yourself APK-In this article, we will discuss all working methods, from standard settings to hidden commands. ADB, We also explain why some games (such as Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile) may not work with an external drive.

It's important to understand that not all methods are equally effective. SD-As an internal memory, the card is the most compatible, but it reduces its speed and reduces its life. ADB It requires technical skills, but it allows you to manage the installation site flexibly. MIUI 12.5–14 (including global and Chinese versions) and collected checklists for each case.

1.Why Xiaomi is blocking the installation of games on the SD-map?

The manufacturer limits this function not for harmful reasons, but for technical reasons:

• 🔹 Productivity: SD-cards (even class) A2) slower-than-integrated memory UFS 2.1/2.2, It's critical for heavy games, PUBG Mobile on SanDisk Ultra card can slow down when loading textures.
• 🔹 Security: Android is forbidden to install APK on removable media without additional permissions (risk of piracy or viruses).
• 🔹 Fragmentation: Frequently overwriting data SD-The card speeds up its wear, especially if it is cheap models without a controller SLC-cache.

However, you can get around the limitations. Below are the ways from the simplest to the most complex, with compatibility with Xiaomi models.

Method 1: Formatting SD-maps as internal memory

This is the most reliable method, but it has irreversible consequences: once formatted, the card will not be used in other devices (for example, in a camera or on a PC) without complete cleaning, but the games will be installed on it automatically, as on an embedded drive.

Requirements: Android 6.0+, SD-card class A1/A2 (recommended SanDisk Extreme A2 or Samsung EVO Plus), free space on the card ≥16 GB.

Backup the data from the card (they will be deleted)

Check the card class (should be A1 or A2)

Battery charge ≥50%

Connect the card to your smartphone (not via OTG!)

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Step-by-step:

1. Put it in. SD-Card to smartphone and wait for its detection.
2. Go to Settings. → Memory. → [Your name is yours. SD-map] → Three points (⋮) → Storage settings.
3. Choose Format as internal (on some firmwares – Internal Memory).
4. Confirm the action and wait until it is completed (may take 5-10 minutes).
5. After formatting, select Transfer Data if the system offers.

⚠️ Warning: After that, the card will be encrypted and tied to your device, and if you retrieve it, some applications may stop working until you re-insert it.

Now, when installing games from Google Play or APK-The system will ask you to choose a storage location to change the default location:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Tap it on three points (⋮) → Default location.
3. Choose. SD-map.

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Formatting as internal memory is the only way to install games like Genshin Impact or Honor of Kings on the computer. SD-rue-card.

Method 3: Transfer games through application settings (without formatting)

If you don't want to format a map, you can transfer some of the data from games you've already installed, which is suitable for lightweight projects (Clash Royale, Brawl Stars), but it won't help with heavy games. 3D-play.

Limitations:

• 🔸 Only cache and additional files are transferred, not the cache itself. APK.
• 🔸 Not all games support portability (depending on the developer).
• 🔸 On some firmware MIUI opportunity.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Choose the game you want to migrate (for example, Among Us).
3. Slip it on the vault. → Change (if the option is active).
4. Choose. SD-map and confirm.

If there is no Modify, the game does not support portability, in which case only Method 1 (format) or Method 4 (ADB) will help.

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Before transferring, close the game through Task Manager (Recent Applications → Close Everything), otherwise the system may give an error.

Method 3: Use of ADB forced-installation SD-map

This method requires ADB (Android Debug Bridge) and is suitable for power users.It allows you to force installation location even for games that normally block portability.It works on all Xiaomi smartphones with an unlocked bootloader (does not require root!).

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📱 Included debugging by USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to tap → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 💾 Utility. ADB Tools by Google.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and allow debugging (the phone will have a request).
2. Open the command line (Win + R → cmd) and type: adb devices Make sure the device is identified (its serial number should appear).
3. Enter the command to install on SD-map: adb shell pm set-install-location 2 Where 2 is the priority of external memory.
4. Reboot your smartphone: adb reboot

All new games will be installed on SD-To return the default settings, use:

adb shell pm set-install-location 0

⚠️ Note: Some games (such as Free Fire or Mobile Legends) can ignore this command and install in internal memory, in which case only manually moving files through Root Explorer (requires root) will help).

5. Method 4: Manual transfer of game files (for advanced users)

If previous methods did not work, you can manually move the game files to the game. SD-card using Root rights or file manager with access to system folders (for example, Mixplorer or FX File Explorer: This is a risky way to do it: if you make a mistake, the game can stop running.

Requirements:

• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader and Root (instructions for Xiaomi here).
• 📁 File Manager with Root Support.
• 🎮 Backup of game saves (use Swift Backup or Titanium Backup).

Instructions:

1. With the file manager, go to /data/app/ (APK is stored here) and /data/data/ (application data here).
2. Find a folder with the game (e.g. com.supercell.clashroyale for Clash Royale).
3. Copy the folder to SD-map /Android/obb/ (for additional files; or /Android/data/ (cash-on).
4. Create a symbolic link (requires Root): su ln -s /storage/XXXX-XXXX/Android/obb/com.game.package /data/app/com.game.package Where XXXX-XXXX — ID yours SD-maps (can be found through ls) /storage/).
5. Reboot your smartphone.

⚠️ Important: Not all games support symbolic links, PUBG Mobile can give you error 98 (file unavailability), in which case only Method 1 (formatting the card as an internal one) will help).

6. Problem Solving: Games are not installed or slowed down SD-map

Even after a successful transfer, you may encounter errors, and here are the most common ways to correct them:

If the game has a 0, 963, or 98 error after the transfer, try:

1. Remove the game and install it again by selecting SD-card.
2. Clear the cache of the Google Play Store (Settings → Apps → Google Play Store → Clear the cache).
3. Check the card for errors via PC (use chkdsk in Windows).

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For the speed test SD-maps use the app A1 SD If the recording speed is below 10 MB/s, the card is not suitable for gaming.

7.The best SD-Maps for games on Xiaomi in 2026

Not all memory cards are equally good for gaming, and we tested 10 models and selected the best in price/performance ratio:

• 🥇 SanDisk Extreme A2 128 GB is the best choice for heavy games (Genshin Impact, Call of Duty: 160/90 MB/s.

❌ Not recommended:

Before buying, check the card for authenticity: counterfeits often have an understated speed and can damage data. Use the FakeFlashTest utility for testing.

FAQ: Frequent questions about installing games SD-Xiaomi