Xiaomi MIUI-based smartphones often face a lack of internal memory, especially if you are actively installing games and applications. Even models with 128 GB and 256 GB can fill up quickly if you do not optimize data storage. One of the most obvious solutions is to migrate applications to a microSD card, but in Xiaomi this feature does not work as straightforwardly as in other Android devices.
In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to make applications download and install on the Internet. SD-Map in Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi, POCO, Black Shark. You'll learn what methods work for you. MIUI 12/13/14 Android 10-14, What applications can be ported and what can't be moved, and how to get around the limitations of the system, and we'll also look at the hidden developer settings that allow you to expand the ability to work with external memory.
Why Xiaomi is blocking the installation of applications on the SD-map?
Unlike older versions of Android (up to 6.0), where you could freely choose the installation site, modern Xiaomi smartphones severely limit this feature.
- 🔒 Security: Annexes to SD-It is easier to steal or replace the card, as the external drive is not encrypted by default.
- ⚡ Performance: Memory cards (even class) A2) They are slower than the built-in memory. UFS 2.1/3.0, What can slow down games and heavy programs.
- 📱 Google: Starting with Android 9, Google has tightened rules for external drives, banning full portability of apps without root rights.
- 🔄 Stability MIUI: Xiaomi system optimized for internal memory, and application portability can cause crashes.
But these limitations don't mean that portability is impossible, but there are both official methods (for individual applications) and workarounds (using developer settings or third-party utilities).
Method 1: Transfer applications through standard MIUI settings
The easiest way is to use the built-in function. MIUI portability SD-It doesn't work for all programs, but it works for most lightweight utilities (messaging apps, social media, some games).
Instructions:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Select the application you want to transfer (such as Telegram or VK).
- Click on Warehouse.
- If the option is available, a button will appear to Move to SD-Map (or Modify in new versions) MIUI).
- Confirm the transfer and wait for the process to be completed.
⚠️ Note: Not all apps support this method, such as WhatsApp, Google Play Services and system utilities can not be moved, and after transferring some functions (widgets, autorun) may not work correctly.
Is a Class A1/A2 memory card used?
Is there any space available on SD (at least 10% of the volume)
Does the application support transfer (checked in settings)
Is there a backup of important data?-->
Method 2: Formatting SD-maps as internal memory
If you need to transfer the maximum number of applications, you can format SD-The card is an internal storage, and in this case, the system will perceive it as part of the main memory, and many applications will be installed there by default.
How to do this:
- Put it in. SD-Card to smartphone (preferably a class) A2 higher).
- Go to Settings → Storage → Memory Map.
- Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Storage Settings.
- Tap format as internal (Warning: all data on the map will be deleted!).
- After formatting, select Transfer Data to move some files to SD.
⚠️ Note: This method has serious shortcomings:
- 🔐 The card will be encrypted and will not be read on other devices.
- ⚠️ When extracted SD Some apps may stop working.
- ⏳ System performance may fall if card is slow.
What if the option “Format as internal” is not available?
Method 3: Using ADB for Forced Transfer
If standard methods don’t work, you can use the Android debugging bridge (ADB), which requires connecting your smartphone to your computer, but allows you to migrate even those applications that don’t normally support external memory.
Step-by-step:
- Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Click 7 times on MIUI until the notification "You're a developer" appears.
USB debugging
- Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
- Turn on the debugging switch over USB.
- Connect your smartphone to your PC and install ADB Tools.
- Open the command prompt (or Terminal on Mac/Linux) and type: Adb devices Make sure your device appears in the list.
- Enter the port command (replace package.name to the application package name, such as com.whatsapp): adb shell pm set-install-location 2 This command forces the system to install applications on the SD by default.
- To transfer an already installed application, use: adb shell pm move-package com.example.app
⚠️ Note: Not all apps will work properly after being forced to migrate, such as Google Play Store, Banking apps and secure games (PUBG Mobile, Genshin Impact can be a problem.
adb shell pm list packages | grep "appendix name"Method 4: Use of third-party utilities (without root rights)
If you don't want to mess with ADB, you can use the specialized apps from Google Play, which don't require root rights, but they're limited by Android policies.
The best portability tools:
| Annex | Functions | Limitations | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AppMgr III | Transfer to SD, clear cache, manage autoload | It does not work with system applications | Download |
| Files by Google | Memory cleanup, analysis of large files | It does not transfer applications, only files | Download |
| SD Maid | Removal of garbage, search for duplicates | Paid version for full functionality | Download |
⚠️ Note: Most of these utilities can only move cache and data, but not themselves. APK-You'll still need to transfer files to the fullest extent. ADB root-access.
Method 5: Ruth access and full memory control
If you're willing to take drastic measures, getting root rights opens up all the possibilities for memory management.
- 📁 Transfer any applications to SD, including.
- 🔧 Use it. Link2SD FolderMount for creating symbolic links.
- 📱 Install applications directly to the map through TWRP.
- 🔒 Configure access rights to external memory.
How to get a root on Xiaomi:
- Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (requires a Mi Account and wait 7-15 days).
- Install custom recovery (TWRP or OrangeFox).
- Squeeze Magisk to obtain root rights.
⚠️ Warning: Root access is warranty-free, can lead to the blocking of banking applications (due to SafetyNet) and increases the risk of infection with viruses.
💡
Root access is the most powerful, but also the riskiest way. Before unlocking the bootloader, make a full backup of data via Mi PC Suite or TWRP.
Which applications cannot be transferred to SD-map?
Even with root rights, some applications are not recommended for external memory, due to their performance and performance requirements.
- 🏦 Banking applications (SberBank, Tinkoff, VTB) – can block access for security reasons.
- 🎮 Genshin Impact (Call of Duty Mobile, PUBG) — They will slow down due to slow reading speed. SD.
- 📱 System Utilities (Google Play Services, MIUI System: Transfer will cause failures.
- 🔑 Annexes with DRM-Protection (Netflix, Disney)+, Spotify – may not be running.
- 📡 Programmes for GPS-navigation (Yandex.Navigator, Google Maps) – maps will be loaded more slowly.
If you have moved one of these apps and encountered problems, return it back through Settings → Apps → Storage → Transfer to your phone.