How to install apps from Play Market on SD-Map in Xiaomi smartphones: all ways

Owners of Xiaomi smartphones with limited internal memory often face the problem of how to free up space by transferring applications to a memory card. Google Play Market default installs programs in internal memory, and the choice of location depends on the version of Android, shell MIUI And even the device models. In this article, we'll look at all the working ways to install applications on the device. SD-map, including hidden settings and workarounds for different firmware versions.

We should warn you right away: since Android 6.0 Marshmallow, Google has restricted the ability to install apps on external drives for security reasons. However, there are loopholes in MIUI, and additional options are available for some Xiaomi models (such as the Redmi Note series or POCO).

In the article you will find:

• 🔹 Step-by-step instructions for MIUI 14/15 old versions
• 🔹 List of applications that cannot be transferred to SD
• 🔹 How to format a card as an internal memory (with risks!)
• 🔹 Alternative methods of freeing up space without root rights

Why Play Markets Should Not Choose SD-map

With Android 6.0, Google has imposed strict restrictions on external drives.

• 🔒 Security: Annexes to SD-It is easier to replace or hack the card.
• 📉 Performance: Class memory cards A1/A2 slower-than-integrated memory eMMC/UFS.
• 🔄 Stability: When you remove the map, applications can crash.

In MIUI, these limitations are reinforced: even if Android theoretically supports portability, the Xiaomi shell often blocks the function. For example, in MIUI 12-15, the “Move to SD” option is hidden in the depth of settings or not at all on some models (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi K60).

The exception is Android Go devices (like Redmi A2), where the transfer is allowed by default, and some apps (like Google Maps or Spotify) allow you to save cache to the SD, but not the program itself.

⚠️ Note: Transfer system applications (e.g. Google Play Services or Google Play Services) MIUI Launcher on SD-The card will cause the device to fail, the system will not boot, you will need to reset via Fastboot.

Method 1: Standard transfer through MIUI settings (without root)

This method works on most Xiaomi devices with a 10-15 MIUI, but requires the memory card to be formatted as portable storage (not internal!). MicroSD cards up to 2TB are supported (A2 class is recommended for speed).

Step-by-step:

1. Put it in. SD-card to slot (on some models, for example) POCO X5, Hybrid Slots – You have to choose between the second SIM memory-card).
2. Open Settings → Memory and wait for the map definition.
3. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
4. Select the application you want (such as Telegram or VK).
5. Press Warehouse. → Change. → SD-map.
6. Confirm the transfer. The process can take up to 5 minutes.

If the "Change" option is inactive or not available:

• 🚫 The application does not support transfer (check in the FAQ).
• 🚫 The card is formatted as internal memory (reformatted).
• 🚫 You. MIUI Global with restrictions (try switching to the MIUI China through the region).

Class A1/A2 memory card (not lower than Class 10)

The card is formatted as a portable storage (not internal)

There is enough free space on the map (at least 1.5× of the application size).

The application is not system and not OS update-->

Method 2: Formatting SD-The card is an internal memory (adoptable storage)

This method allows you to deceive the system by making it perceive SD-Warning: once formatted, the card will not be read on other devices (e.g., PC or camera), and this may shorten the card's life due to frequent recordings.

How to activate:

1. Put it in. SD-map and go to Settings → Memory. → [Name of the map] → Three dots (menu) → Storage settings.
2. Select Internal Memory (on some firmwares, the option is called Adoptable Storage).
3. Confirm the formatting. Attention! All data on the map will be erased.
4. After formatting, restart the device.
5. Now, when installing apps from the Play Market, the system will prompt you to choose a storage location.

Limitations of the method:

• 🔴 It doesn’t work on all Xiaomi models (for example, there is an option on Redmi 10, and on Xiaomi). 12T — no).
• 🔴 The map is encrypted and linked to the device, and when you extract the application will stop working.
• 🔴 Application speeds can drop (especially on cheap maps).

⚠️ Warning: If the device starts to brake after formatting as internal memory, return the card to portable storage mode. → Memory. → [Map] → Format it as portable. All data will be deleted!

SanDisk Ultra (A1)

Samsung EVO Plus (A2)

Kingston Canvas Go!

Another (write in the comments)

I don't use it.-->

Method 3: Transfer over ADB (for power users)

If MIUI does not have portability, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a method that requires PC connectivity and basic command line knowledge, and is suitable for MIUI 12-15 on most models, except for Android 13+ devices and strict restrictions (such as Xiaomi 14).

Instructions:

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and press 7 times.
2. Activate USB Debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and install ADB drivers (download from the official website).
4. Open the command line (Win + R → cmd) and type:

adb shell


pm set-install-location 2

This command forces the system to install applications on SD-Default card to return settings:

pm set-install-location 0

Limitations:

• 🔴 It does not work for system applications.
• 🔴 Some apps (like WhatsApp) ignore the command.
• 🔴 After the reset, it may be reset.

💡

Before using ADB, check if your model supports pm set-install-location. On some devices (such as Xiaomi 13 Ultra), it is locked.

Method 4: Use of third-party applications (App Mgr III, Link2SD)

If the standard methods don't work, you can use third-party utilities.

• 📱 App Mgr III (App Manager - allows you to transfer applications, clean the cache and manage permissions. MIUI 14/15, It requires Android. 8.0+.
• 📱 Link2SD — It creates symbolic links, it tricks the system. It requires root rights.
• 📱 Files by Google – built-in file manager with garbage cleaning option (does not tolerate applications, but frees up space).

How to transfer the application through App Mgr III:

1. Install App Mgr III from the Play Market.
2. Open the app and give access to Special Features (in Android settings).
3. Select the App tab and find the one you want (like Facebook).
4. Press Move to Move to SD-Card (option will appear if the application supports the transfer).

Link2SD is more powerful, but more difficult to configure:

1. Install Link2SD and provide root access.
2. Select the application and click Create a link.
3. Move the data and the cache to SD-map.

⚠️ Note: root-access apps may violate Xiaomi’s warranty, and they are often blocked by antivirus software (e.g. Google Play Protect!

Which applications cannot be transferred to SD-map

Even if your device supports portability, some applications remain "tied" to internal memory.

• 🚫 System applications: MIUI Launcher, Settings, Google Play Services.
• 🚫 Applications with widgets: if the widget is active, the transfer is blocked.
• 🚫 Anticheat games: PUBG Mobile, Free Fire, Call of Duty (Blocking the Work with the User) SD).
• 🚫 Banking Applications: SberBank Online, Tinkoff (Security Requirements).
• 🚫 Apps with permanent notifications: WhatsApp, Telegram (may crash).

Check if the application can be moved:

1. Open Settings → Applications → [Select App] → Memory.
2. If the button is transferred to SD gray, transfer is impossible.

Alternative ways to free up memory without transferring to SD

If you can’t transfer applications, try these methods:

• 🗑️ Cache Clearing: Go to Settings → Memory. → Clear the cache. MIUI 14+ There is an option Deep cleaning.
• 📁 Transfer of media files: photos, videos and music can be moved to SD Manually via Gallery or Files by Google.
• ☁️ Cloud storage: Google Photos (compression photo), Mi Cloud (5 GB free for Xiaomi accounts).
• 🔄 Lite versions of apps: replace Facebook with Facebook Lite, Messenger with Messenger Lite.
• 🛠️ Disabling unnecessary applications: in Settings → Applications can be disabled from pre-installed programs (e.g. Mi Video or Mi Music).

How to transfer photos and videos to SD:

1. Open the gallery or Files by Google.
2. Select the files → Move it → choose SD-map.
3. To automatically save new photos: Camera settings → Preservation site → SD-map.

💡

The best way to free up space is by combining cache cleaning, media transfer and using Lite versions of apps. SD-The card should only be considered if internal memory is critically lacking.

FAQ: Frequent questions about porting apps to SD in Xiaomi