Xiaomi smartphone owners regularly face the problem of lack of internal memory, especially on budget models with a high-end memory. 32-64 GB drive. Even after transferring photos and videos to a memory card, the system continues to install applications in internal memory. In this article, we will discuss all the working ways to transfer applications to the memory card. SD-map MIUI, including hidden settings and bypassing manufacturer restrictions.
Many users mistakenly believe that it is enough to insert a memory card and the smartphone will automatically start using it. MIUI, But there are legal and non-obvious ways to get around these limitations, and we tested them on Redmi Notes. 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4 and flagships Xiaomi 13/14 — The results are shown in the table below.
It's important to understand that not all applications can be ported, that system services, widgets and high-end software (bank clients, instant messengers) will remain in internal memory, but even a partial transfer will free up the memory. 5-15 GB space.
Why Xiaomi is blocking the installation of applications on the SD-map
The manufacturer officially declares three reasons for the restriction:
1.Security: MicroSD cards are easier to retrieve, which increases the risk of data theft, especially critical for payment data applications.
2. Performance: Read/write speed even for class cards UHS-I into 2-5 less than the internal memory UFS 2.2/3.1. It's slowing down applications.
Stability: When you extract the card while the application is running, it will crash, which spoils the user experience.
But the real reason is because of the marketing: Xiaomi wants to sell models with more internal memory, on budget devices like Redmi. A2 32GB users are forced to buy more expensive versions or use Mi Cloud services.
It's possible to circumvent these limitations, but it requires an understanding of the technicalities. MIUI 14 works method with forced mounting of the card as an internal drive, but it is not suitable for all models.
Official method: configuring a memory card as an internal drive
This is the only method that Xiaomi doesn’t block completely, but it only works on Android. 8-9 (MIUI 10-11). On newer versions of firmware, the option is hidden. If you have an old model (for example, Redmi). 5 Plus or Mi. A2), follow the steps:
Insert the card into the slot (check microSD support up to 256GB)
Make a backup of the data from the card (it will be formatted)
The battery should be >50%
Connect to Wi-Fi (you will need to download components)
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1. Go to Settings. → Memory. → Memory map SD.
2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Memory Settings.
3. Click Format as internal drive (Warning: All data will be erased!).
4. After formatting, restart the device.
Now the system will offer to transfer supported applications to the map, but the method has critical shortcomings:
- 🔴 It only works on Android. 8-9 (MIUI 10-11). There is no option on the new versions.
- 🔴 Slows down the application on 20-40% because of the slow speed of class cards A1/A2.
- 🔴 Not all applications are supported – system and secure applications remain in internal memory.
If you have a new firmware, it won't work. Go to alternative methods.
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Before formatting the card as an internal drive, check its speed class — UHS-I U3 or A2 (So, for example, SanDisk Extreme. A1 Class 10 will be very slow.
Hidden function MIUI: forced transfer ADB
Starting with MIUI 12, Xiaomi hid the portability option, but it can be activated via the debugging bridge ADB. The method works on 80% of models, including the Redmi Note 11 and the Redmi Note. POCO X4 Pro, you'll need it:
- 💻 Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS
- 🔌 Cable USB (original, with data transmission support)
- 📱 Included debugging by USB smartphone
- 🛠️ Utility. ADB (download from the official website)
Step-by-step:
1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About the phone and 7 times tap on the version MIUI. Return to the main settings menu - the item will appear → For developers.
2. Enable Debugging by USB and Allow unlocking OEM (last!).
3. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the trust in the computer on the smartphone screen.
4. Open the command line (Windows) or the terminal (macOS/Linux) file ADB and do it:
adb devicesIf the device appears in the list, enter:
adb shell pm set-install-location 2This command is forced to install the memory card as the default installation location, but there are nuances:
⚠️ Note: After completing the command, some applications (for example, Google Play Store) may not work correctly. To return the settings to the original, use the command: adb shell pm set-install-location 0
It doesn't guarantee 100% transfer -- many applications (especially system ones) ignore this setup, but it increases the chances of installing new programs directly on the map.
| Xiaomi model | Support ADB-method | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10/11/12 | ✅ Yes. | System applications and games are not transferred from OBB-file >1GB |
| POCO X3/X4/X5 | ✅ Yes. | Brakes when starting heavy games (Genshin Impact, PUBG) |
| Xiaomi 12/13/14 | ⚠️ Partially. | It only works for third-party users. APK, not from Google Play |
| Redmi A1/A2 | ❌ No. | Blocking at the firmware level (Go Edition) |
Bypassing restrictions through third-party launchers
If ADB-It didn't work or it seems complicated, try using alternative launchers with application portability:
- 📱 Nova Launcher (paid version) – allows you to hide system applications and manage the installation site.
- 📱 Apex Launcher – has a built-in application manager with portability.
- 📱 Microsoft Launcher – Integrated with OneDrive, but optimizes memory usage.
Instructions for Nova Launcher:
1. Install the launcher from Google Play and make it the default launcher.
2.Clasp your finger in the free screen space → Settings Nova → Annexes and widgets.
3. Find the Application Management option and select the one you want to transfer.
4.Tap Change the installation location (if the option is active).
This doesn't guarantee that all applications will be ported, but it helps manage those that already support external memory, and the main advantage is that it doesn't require root rights and works on all versions. MIUI.
Why not all launchers support transfer?
Rooting (Root) as an extreme measure
If none of these methods work, you get root rights, and it's a risky way, because:
- 🚨 Cancels the guarantee
- 🚨 It may cause a device to break down.
- 🚨 Blocks updates over the air (OTA)
- 🚨 Disrupts banking applications (due to SafetyNet)
If you are prepared for the risks, use Magisk, the safest rooting method for Xiaomi.
1. Unlock the bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool (requires Mi Account binding and waiting) 7-15 days).
2. Install custom recovery (TWRP or OrangeFox).
3. Please. Magisk.zip recovery.
4. Install the module App2SD Force Adoptable for Forced Transfer.
After rooting, you will be able to:
- 🔧 Transfer any applications (including system applications)
- 🔧 Use a memory card as a full internal storage device
- 🔧 Configure the cache and application data
⚠️ Attention: On models with Dynamic RAM Expansion (e.g, POCO X4 Pro) rooting can cause unstable RAM. Before the procedure, turn off this function in the settings.
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Rooting is the last chance.Be sure to do a full backup through the procedure before the procedure. TWRP or Mi PC The recovery of data after the blink will cost 30-50% smartphone.
Alternative solutions: what to do if nothing helps
If the application portability is not possible, consider these options:
1. Use a memory card for media files
Transfer photos, videos and music to SD-file-card → Categories → Images, it'll free up. 3-10 GB of internal memory.
2. Cleaning up cache and unnecessary files
Go to Settings. → Memory. → Clean and remove:
- 🧹 App cache (especially Facebook, Instagram, TikTok)
- 🧹 Downloads (APK, archives, documents)
- 🧹 Duplicate photos (use Google Photos)
3. Cloud storage
Activate auto-uploading photos to Google Photos or Mi Cloud. This won’t solve the problem with apps, but will make room for them.
4. Light versions of applications
Install lightweight versions of popular services:
- 📘 Facebook Lite instead of the main client
- 📘 Messenger Lite
- 📘 Spotify Lite or YouTube Go
5. Optimization MIUI
Disable unnecessary system applications:
Settings → Applications → Application Management → All applicationsFind and deactivate:
- 🚫 Mi Video, Mi Music (unless you use it)
- 🚫 Game Turbo (if you don't play)
- 🚫 Cleaner (replaced with Files by Google)
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When you try to migrate apps, users face typical problems, and here's how to solve them:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The "Move to SD" button is inactive. | The app does not support external memory | Use it. ADB-rooting |
| App will crease after transfer | Low speed memory card | Buy a Class A2 or U3 card |
| There is no space on the map, although it is empty. | FAT32 File System Limits Files to 4GB | Format the card in exFAT or NTFS |
| After the map was extracted, the apps disappeared. | Apps are tied to the path SD | Do not remove the card without first transferring the applications back |
If you've moved the apps, you've got them slowing down, you've got to put them back in your internal memory.
1. Go to Settings → Applications.
2. Select the problem application.
3.Slip the Warehouse. → Change. → Internal memory.
⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi) 9A, POCO M3) post-transfer SD-The card stops working Dynamic function RAM. This is due to the limitations of the Linux kernel, the solution is to roll back the changes or reset the settings to factory.