Download games directly to SD-The map in Xiaomi smartphones is a challenge faced by owners of devices with limited internal memory. MIUI (shell from Xiaomi offers built-in tools for working with external drives, many users face errors such as โNot enough spaceโ or โInstallation onโ SD-The reason is because of Android security policy and the specifics of formatting memory cards.
In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods, including configuring the card as an internal storage (Adoptable Storage), using ADB-commands, transfer through MIUI Optimizer and bypassing the limitations for specific models (Redmi Note) 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T We will pay special attention to the nuances. MIUI 14/15 Android 13/14, So the algorithms have changed from the previous versions, so if you want to not just download, but also run games with the same name. SD-maps without lags - read on.
1. Preparation SD-maps: formatting and class selection
Before you move the games, make sure yours is yours. SD-The card meets the minimum requirements. For modern games (eg Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile) requires a class card. UHS-I (U3) or A2 at a write speed of at least 30 MB/s Class Cards C10 or below may cause friezes and installation errors.
Important: Xiaomi officially supports cards up to 1 TB, but for proper operation in internal storage mode, it is recommended to use 64-512 GB cards. MicroSDXC (exFAT) cards must be formatted in FAT32 or ext4 before use.
- ๐น Speed class: Minimum A1, optimally A2 or U3.
- ๐ฑ Compatibility: Check the support SD-cards in the characteristics of your model (for example, Redmi Note 11 supports up to 512 GB, and POCO F5 โ up to 1 TB).
- โ ๏ธ Formatting: Use built-in formatting in MIUI (Settings โ Warehouse โ SD-map โ Format as internal, not third-party utilities.
Warning: Formatting a card as an internal storage device binds it to a particular device, and once retrieved, the data on it will not be available on other gadgets, and it can reduce card life by 20 to 30 percent due to frequent overwriting of game cache.
Method 1: Configurement SD-The card as an internal storage (Adoptable Storage)
This method is suitable for MIUI 12-15 and allows the system to perceive SD-Importantly, after this procedure, the card will not be used on other devices without full formatting.
- Put it in. SD-card to slot (for hybrid slots, for example, in Redmi) 9A, You have to choose between the second. SIM memory-card).
- Go to Settings. โ Warehouse โ SD-map.
- Click Format as internal (on some models, the item may be called Use as internal memory).
- Confirm the action and wait until it is completed (may take up to 10 minutes).
- After restarting the device in the storage settings, the option Data Transfer will appear.
Make a backup copy of data from the card|Charge your phone at least to 50%|Use a class card A2/U3|Disable the antivirus (can block the process)-->
โ ๏ธ Note: On some models (POCO X3 Pro, Xiaomi 11T) After formatting as an internal storage, you may not be able to write to the card via a PC. To get access back, you'll have to format the card again into a new format. FAT32.
| Xiaomi model | Adoptable Storage Support | Max. SD volume. | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | Yes. | 1 TB | Requires rebooting after formatting |
| POCO F4 GT | Yes (with MIUI 14) | 512GB | It does not work with exFAT cards |
| Xiaomi 13 Lite | No. | 1 TB | Only as a portable storage unit. |
| Redmi 10A | Yes. | 256GB | Can slow down when writing large files |
Method 3: Transfer games via MIUI Optimizer (without root)
MIUI Optimizer is a hidden utility in Xiaomi firmware that allows you to transfer applications to the SD-card ADB. This method works for most devices with MIUI 12-15, but may require the development mode to be enabled.
- Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings โ About Phone โ MIUI Version and press 7 times.
- Return to Settings โ Additional โ For developers and enable USB debugging.
- Install MIUI Optimizer (available on Google Play or via APK).
- Launch the utility, select the App Manager tab.
- Find the game in the list, click on it and select Move to SD Card.
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If the game is not portable through MIUI Optimizer, try clearing its cache first (Settings โ Apps โ [Game] โ Storage โ Clear the cache).
PUBG Mobile
Method 3: Use of ADB-Teams (for experienced users)
If previous methods have failed, you can manually specify which applications are allowed to install on the system. SD-Map using Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method requires connecting the phone to the PC.
Download ADB Tools and follow the instructions:
adb shell
pm set-install-location 2 # Allows installation on SD- card by default
pm get-install-location # Check current location (0 - auto, 1 - internal, 2 - external)To transfer the already established game:
adb shell pm move-package com.example.game com.android.externalstorageโ ๏ธ Note: Not all games support external storage, such as Honor of Kings or Free Fire, which can give you an error "Not enough memory" even after transfer. OBB-files (about this in the next section).
What if the ADB canโt see the device?
Method 4: Manual movement OBB-game-play
Many games (especially heavy ones like Genshin Impact or Diablo Immortal) store the basic data in a folder. Android/obb. These files can be transferred to SD-hand-card, saving space in internal memory.
- Connect your phone to your PC via USB (File Transfer Mode).
- Go to the internal memory folder โ Android โ obb.
- Copy the folder with the game name (e.g. com.miHoYo.GenshinImpact) on SD-map (SD-map โ Android โ obb).
- Remove the original folder from the internal memory.
- Create a symbolic link (requires root or Termux): -s /storage/XXXX-XXXX/Android/obb/com.game /storage/emulated/0/Android/obb/com.game
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Symlinks can fool the system by making it โseeโ files on the system. SD-However, this method requires the rights of the superuser or the use of Termux with the termux-setup-storage command.
โ ๏ธ Note: Some games (such as Clash of Clans) test integrity OBB-They can send out a file error, "Files are corrupted," and then you have to download the data again through Google Play.
Method 5: Use of third-party applications (App2SD, Link2SD)
If the built-in MIUI tools fail, third-party tools come to the rescue.
- ๐ฑ App2SD โ It transfers apps and clears cache. It works without root, but requires Android 8.0+.
- ๐ Link2SD โ link SD-Map (requires root) Supports transfer OBB data.
- ๐ฎ Game Guardian โ specializes in games, allows you to transfer saves and cache.
Instructions for App2SD:
- Download the app from Google Play.
- Open it and give permission to access the storage.
- In the list of applications, find the game and click Move to SD Card.
- If the option is inactive, press Force Move (reboot may be required).
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Before use Link2SD format the second section on SD-map ext2/ext3 It's using MiniTool Partition Wizard, which will speed up reading and writing data.
7 Problem Solving: Why Games Don't Work with SD-map
Even after a successful transfer, games may relegate, slow down, or not keep progress.
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The game flies off at launch | Incompatible with Adoptable Storage | Transfer back to internal memory or use symlink |
| Long loading of levels | Low reading speed SD-map | Replace the card with a classroom A2/U3 Or just reschedule. OBB-file |
| Progress is not sustained. | Preservations are tied to internal memory | Use Google Play Games for cloud backup |
| The "Not enough memory" error | The game's cash remained in internal memory | Clean the cache in Settings โ Apps โ [Game] โ Storage |
โ ๏ธ Attention: On devices with MIUI 15 and Android 14, some games (such as Roblox or Minecraft) block external launch media due to Google Play Protect's security policy. โ Google โ Security โ Play Protect โ Turn off the scan).