Owners of smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO They often have a lack of built-in storage when installing modern heavy games. The device's internal memory quickly fills up, and the system begins to warn of a critical lack of space. SD-card.
Unfortunately, modern versions of Android and the MIUI or HyperOS shell no longer allow apps to be installed directly to an external single-button drive, as was the case with older versions of Android. However, there are proven methods to circumvent restrictions, allowing you to transfer cache and game data, freeing up precious gigabytes.
In this article, we will discuss the current ways to transfer game files to a memory card, you will learn how to properly configure the file system, use the system’s capabilities and third-party utilities to optimize space without losing performance.
Preparation of memory card and file system
Before you start transferring data, you need to make sure that your drive is ready to work as storage for applications. The standard FAT32 file system, which is often used by default, has limits on the size of a single file (no more than 4 GB).
It is recommended to format the card to the exFAT or NTFS file system if your device supports reading these formats, this will allow you to download files of any size without breaking down into parts.
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Use UHS-I (U1) or UHS-II (U3) speed memory cards labeled Class 10. Low write speeds will lead to long level loads and "freezes" in games.
The preparation process is as follows:
- 📱 Insert the card in the smartphone slot and wait for the definition.
- 📂 Go to Settings. → The phone. → Warehouse.
- 🗑️ Select your card and click "Clear" or "Format" (all data will be deleted).
- 💾 Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed.
Make sure that the card is defined as a portable storage, not as part of internal memory, unless you plan to use the "Adoptable Storage" feature (which is often hidden or unstable on Xiaomi).
Why Xiaomi hides formatting as internal memory?
Configure the ways of saving in MIUI and HyperOS
The MIUI interface provides basic capabilities for redirecting downloads. Although system applications will still take up space in internal storage, user data and downloaded files can be redirected. This is the first step to freeing up space.
First, you need to activate the priority of the external drive. Go to the storage settings menu. Here you will find the switch that corresponds to the saved location. Activating this setting will cause browsers and some download managers to save files immediately to the storage location. SD-map.
Next, you should configure specific paths for multimedia and documents:
- 📸 Camera: in the Camera app, find the settings and turn on the option Save to SD-map".
- 📥 Downloads: In the Downloads or Files app, specify the external map as the default path.
- 📱 WhatsApp/Telegram: in the settings of these messengers, change the way to save media files to an external drive.
It is important to understand that these settings do not affect themselves. APK-- file games, but allow you to save space for their cache.
Use of the "Memory" function in Xiaomi settings
Newer versions of the HyperOS shell and current MIUI have a smart memory management system that allows you to transfer some of these applications to an external medium, although the functionality is limited compared to root rights.
To use the built-in tools, go to Settings → Memory: The system will analyze the space and offer optimization options. If the memory card is installed and formatted correctly, there may appear a paragraph "Move data to the data" SD-map".
Algorithm for transferring available data:
- Open the list of applications in the memory menu.
- Choose the game you want to optimize.
- If the Move to SD button is active, press it.
- Wait until the file copying process is over.
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The movement button is active only for those applications whose developers have allowed installation on an external medium in the application manifest.
Unfortunately, most heavy games (PUBG, Genshin Impact, Call of Duty) don’t have this button for security and performance reasons.
Manual transfer of game cache to SD-map
The most efficient way to free up space is to manually transfer cache folders, games store heavy graphics and sounds in special directories, and by moving them, you can save 2 to 10 GB per game.
To start, you'll need a file manager with access to system folders, like MT Manager, ZArchiver, or a standard full-rights explorer, and you'll need to find a folder with the game's cache in internal memory.
Usually, the paths to the cache are as follows:
- 📁 /Android/obb/com.title/
- 📁 /Android/data/com.title/
- 📁 /Android/obb/ (play-folder)
Copy (don't cut it out right away!) the folder you want to use on your memory card into a similar directory structure. After copying, delete the original from your internal memory. If the game starts without errors and downloads, the process is successful.
☑️ Checklist for cache transfer
In some cases, the game will need to re-check the integrity of the files when it first starts after the transfer, which is normal and takes less time than full download.
Working with file system and access rights
Starting with Android 11 and up, Google has imposed strict restrictions on access to Android/obb and Android/data folders, which means that simple file managers can’t see the contents of those folders or not give permission to write.
To get around this limitation, use specialized managers such as ZArchiver or Files by Google. When you first access the folder, the system will request permission to access, click OK, and select Use this folder in the system window that opens, and then confirm the action.
| File Manager | Access to Android/data | Support for archives | Interface convenience |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIUI conductor | Limited. | Basic | High. |
| ZArchiver | Full (with request) | All formats | Average. |
| MT Manager | Complete. | All formats | Low (for pros) |
| Files by Google | Complete. | Basic | High. |
If standard methods fail to access, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge) via your computer, a more complex method that requires cable connection and driver installation, but gives you full control of the file system without root rights.
⚠️ Note: When working with system folders Android/obb Be very careful, deleting unnecessary files can make it impossible to start games.
Optimization and solution
After transferring games to the memory card, there may be a slight decrease in the download speed of levels, especially if a low-speed card is used. To minimize latency, it is recommended to defragment regularly (on a PC) or simply check the card for errors.
If the game stops running or crashes when downloading:
- 🔄 Check if the folder structure is copied correctly.
- 💾 Make sure there is enough free space on the memory card (minimum) 10-15% volume).
- 🔒 Check the application access rights to the storage in the privacy settings.
It’s also worth noting that some anticheats in online games may block the launch if they find the game files on an external medium, considering this a modification, in which case returning the files to internal memory is the only solution.
Can we speed up? SD-map?
⚠️ Warning: Do not remove the memory card during the game or immediately after the game is closed. The file system may not have time to write changes, which will damage the cache.