How to get Xiaomi Redmi 9 to save apps SD-map: all working methods

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi 9 often face the problem of lack of internal memory, especially if the device is used to install dozens of applications or store media files. MIUI There are serious restrictions on the transfer of programs to SD-But there are workarounds, both legal and manipulative, and in this article, we'll look at all the current ways, including system settings, using the system. ADB, Alternative solutions to optimize memory.

It's important to understand that portability depends on the Android version and the MIUI modification on your Redmi 9. For example, in Android 10/11 with MIUI 12/13, some of the features may be blocked by the manufacturer. We tested all the methods on the current firmware and highlighted the ones that work guaranteed. If you're ready to dive into the details, get started!

Why Xiaomi is blocking the transfer of applications to the SD-map?

The manufacturer deliberately limits this feature for several reasons, and they are not always obvious to the user, SD-Class 10 or Class 10 cards or UHS-I Xiaomi is still running slower than the 5.1 internal memory, which can lead to lags and slowing down applications. Secondly, Xiaomi follows Google’s policy, which with Android 6.0 Marshmallow began to gradually abandon support for Adoptable Storage. SD-card-based).

There are also technical nuances:

• 🔹 File system: FAT32 or exFAT on SD-The cards do not support the Android access rights required for the correct operation of the applications.
• 🔹 Security: Storing application data on removable media increases the risk of personal information leakage if you lose your card.
• 🔹 Stability: Substandard SD-Cards can cause system failures, especially if the application is actively using cache.

However, for users with Redmi 9 (especially with a 32GB memory modification), there is often no alternative to porting.

Method 1: Adjustment SD-Cards as an internal storage device (Adoptable Storage)

This method theoretically allows the use of SD-The card is part of the internal memory, but on the Xiaomi Redmi 9, it works with reservations. Importantly, once it's tied, the card can't be retrieved without losing data, and it becomes unusable for other devices:

1. Put it in. SD-card to slot (cards up to 512 GB are supported).
2. Go to Settings. → Memory.
3. Tap by name. SD-maps and select Set up as an internal drive.
4. Follow the system instructions. The device will prompt you to format the card (all data will be deleted!).
5. After formatting, select Move Data Now (optional).

Limitations of the method:

• 🚫 It doesn't work on all versions. MIUI (on MIUI 13+ option may not be available).
• 🚫 Some apps (such as WhatsApp or banking) will refuse to work with a linked card.
• 🚫 Read/write speeds will decrease by 20-40% compared to internal memory.

If the option to Set up as an internal drive is not on the menu, it means that Xiaomi has locked it at the firmware level, in which case move on to the next method.

Method 2: Transfer applications over ADB (for power users)

Using Android Debug Bridge (ADB) It is possible to forcibly allow the installation of applications on SD-It's a method that requires you to connect your phone to your PC and have a basic command line knowledge. ADB This may cause disruption to the system, so follow the instructions carefully.

Steps for transfer:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version until the notification appears You became a developer!

USB debugging

Settings → Additional → For Developers

Redmi 9

ADB Tools

Win + R → cmd

cd C:\platform-tools

adb devices

(Your phone serial number should be displayed.)

adb shell sm set-force-adoptable true

Then go back to the settings. → Memory and check if the setting option has appeared SD-If you don't, try an alternative command:

adb shell pm set-install-location 2

This team is forced to establish SD-Map as a preferred location for new applications.

Method 3: Manually move application files (without root)

If the previous methods did not work, you can manually transfer some of the application data to the SD-This method doesn't affect the map itself. APK-files, but allows you to free up internal memory through cache and media files. MIUI.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select an app that supports portability (e.g. Spotify, Netflix, some games).
3. Slip the vault. → Change. → choose SD-map.
4. Confirm the transfer. Some data (e.g. updates) will remain in the internal memory.

List of applications that usually support portability:

Limitation: System applications and most instant messengers (such as WhatsApp) do not support even a portion of data transfer.

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Before transferring, clean the application cache manually – this will reduce the amount of data moved and speed up the process.

Method 4: Using Third-Party File Managers

Applications like Solid Explorer, FX File Manager or MiXplorer allows you to manage files flexibly, including transferring application data to the file. SD-circumvention MIUI. Let’s look at the MiXplorer example:

1. Install MiXplorer from XDA Developers (requires permission to install from unknown sources).
2. Open the manager and give access to the root directory (Root, if you have rights).
3. Move to the /data/app/ — stored APK-file.
4. Select the folder of the desired application (for example, com.whatsapp-1) and select Copy.
5. Go to the SD-map /storage/1234-5678/) And put the files in.
6. Remove the original files from /data/app/ (only if you are confident in your actions!).

⚠️ Attention: Transfer APK-Manual files can cause applications to malfunction or fail completely, and this method is only suitable for backup, not permanent storage.

A safer option is to transfer only media files and cache, for example, for WhatsApp:

1. In MiXplorer, go to /storage/emulated/0/WhatsApp/Media/.
2. Copy folders with photos, videos and voice messages on SD-map.
3. In WhatsApp settings, disable auto-save media files to internal memory.

Method 5: Alternative ways to free up memory

If the applications are transferred SD-The card is impossible or impractical, consider other options for memory optimization on Redmi 9:

• 🗑️ Cache Cleanup: Clean the cache regularly through Settings → Memory. → Clean or use CCleaner.
• ☁️ Cloud Storage: Move photos and videos to Google Photos, Mi Cloud or Yandex.Disk.
• 🔄 Pc portability: Use the Mi PC Suite for backup of media files.
• 📦 Lite versions of applications: Install lightweight versions (Facebook Lite, Messenger Lite).
• 🚫 Limitation of background processes: C Settings → Battery → Power saving mode disable auto-run of unnecessary applications.

To automate memory cleaning, you can use the built-in Smart Cleaning function in MIUI:

1. Go to Settings → Memory → Smart Cleaning.
2. Turn on the option and set up a schedule (e.g., clean up every day at 3:00).
3. Add important applications (messengers, banking) to the exceptions.

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Even without transferring applications to SD-A competent memory optimization card can free up to 3-5 GB on the Redmi 9 with 32 GB of storage.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When working with SD-With maps on Xiaomi Redmi 9, users often face typical problems:

Another common mistake is trying to migrate system applications (like Google Play Services), which will cause Android to crash, rule: only port user applications installed from the Play Market or APK.

⚠️ Note: If you have been manipulated by SD-card phone started to restart or issue errors, reset settings through Settings → System system → Reset settings. Pre-copy important data on the PC!

FAQ: Answers to popular questions