How to download the game SD-Map in Xiaomi: 5 proven ways

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 โ€œNot enough spaceโ€ or โ€œInstallation 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.

  • ๐Ÿ”น Speed class: Minimum A1, optimally A2 or U3.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ 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).
  • โš ๏ธ Formatting: Use built-in formatting in MIUI (Settings โ†’ Warehouse โ†’ SD-map โ†’ Format as internal, not third-party utilities.
๐Ÿ“Š What's the volume? SD-You use the cards in Xiaomi?
Up to 32GB.
64โ€“128 GB
256โ€“512 GB
1 TB or more

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.

  1. 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).
  2. Go to Settings. โ†’ Warehouse โ†’ SD-map.
  3. Click Format as internal (on some models, the item may be called Use as internal memory).
  4. Confirm the action and wait until it is completed (may take up to 10 minutes).
  5. 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)-->

โš ๏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 modelAdoptable Storage SupportMax. SD volume.Features
Redmi Note 12 Pro+Yes.1 TBRequires rebooting after formatting
POCO F4 GTYes (with MIUI 14)512GBIt does not work with exFAT cards
Xiaomi 13 LiteNo.1 TBOnly as a portable storage unit.
Redmi 10AYes.256GBCan 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.

  1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings โ†’ About Phone โ†’ MIUI Version and press 7 times.
  2. Return to Settings โ†’ Additional โ†’ For developers and enable USB debugging.
  3. Install MIUI Optimizer (available on Google Play or via APK).
  4. Launch the utility, select the App Manager tab.
  5. Find the game in the list, click on it and select Move to SD Card.

๐Ÿ’ก

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.externalstorage

โš ๏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 canโ€™t see the device?
1. Make sure that the debugging is enabled by USB (Settings โ†’ For developers โ†’ Debugging by USB). 2. Reinstall Xiaomi drivers on PC (download from the official website). 3. Try another one USB-4. Enter adb kill-server adb start-server in the command line

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.

  1. Connect your phone to your PC via USB (File Transfer Mode).
  2. Go to the internal memory folder โ†’ Android โ†’ obb.
  3. Copy the folder with the game name (e.g. com.miHoYo.GenshinImpact) on SD-map (SD-map โ†’ Android โ†’ obb).
  4. Remove the original folder from the internal memory.
  5. Create a symbolic link (requires root or Termux): -s /storage/XXXX-XXXX/Android/obb/com.game /storage/emulated/0/Android/obb/com.game

๐Ÿ’ก

Symlinks can fool the system by making it โ€œseeโ€ 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.

โš ๏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.

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ App2SD โ€” It transfers apps and clears cache. It works without root, but requires Android 8.0+.
  • ๐Ÿ”— Link2SD โ€” link SD-Map (requires root) Supports transfer OBB data.
  • ๐ŸŽฎ Game Guardian โ€“ specializes in games, allows you to transfer saves and cache.

Instructions for App2SD:

  1. Download the app from Google Play.
  2. Open it and give permission to access the storage.
  3. In the list of applications, find the game and click Move to SD Card.
  4. If the option is inactive, press Force Move (reboot may be required).

๐Ÿ’ก

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 launchIncompatible with Adoptable StorageTransfer back to internal memory or use symlink
Long loading of levelsLow reading speed SD-mapReplace the card with a classroom A2/U3 Or just reschedule. OBB-file
Progress is not sustained.Preservations are tied to internal memoryUse Google Play Games for cloud backup
The "Not enough memory" errorThe game's cash remained in internal memoryClean the cache in Settings โ†’ Apps โ†’ [Game] โ†’ Storage

โš ๏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).

FAQ: Frequent questions about the gameplay SD-Xiaomi

โ“ Can we move the game? SD-map?
Yes, but only if the game supports external storage. For most titles (PUBG, Free Fire), just move the OBB folder and use symbolic links. Progress is saved if it syncs with your Google Play account or social networks.
โ“ Why does the game slow down after the transfer?
There are two reasons: low speed. SD-cards (class required) A2/U3) Try formatting the card in exFAT (if supported) or transferring it back to internal memory. Also check if the phone is warm โ€” some models (POCO X3 NFC) brake.
โ“ How to Remove the Game if There is No Move to SD-map"?
If the option is not in the application settings, use: ADB-Teams (section 4 of the article) Party utility type App2SD or Link2SD (Manual movement OBB-(Section 5) On some models (Xiaomi) 12S Ultra option hidden due to politics MIUI โ€” Requires unlocking of the loader.
โ“ Can I use it? SD-Map as internal memory on Xiaomi 13 Pro?
No, starting with Xiaomi. 12/13 series and flagship models POCO F4/F5, Adoptable Storage is disabled at the firmware level. Alternatively, manual portability OBB-file-making ADB forced-installation SD.
โ“ What to do if after transferring the game writes "Files not found"?
This error occurs if: folder OBB The path to files has changed (use symbolic links) The game has been updated after the transfer (update) OBB Hand-held solution: download OBB re-site from the APKPure or OBBFiles site and replace the files with SD-map.