How to download apps to a memory card in Xiaomi Redmi: a complete guide with proven ways

Xiaomi Redmi smartphone owners often face a shortage of internal memory, especially if the device is budget — like Redmi 9A (32 GB) or Redmi 10C (64 GB). Even after cleaning the cache and removing unnecessary files, the system can give a notification “Memory is full”, blocking the installation of new applications. The solution seems obvious: transfer programs to a microSD card. But here users are waiting for an unpleasant surprise: MIUI limits this feature by default.

Unlike pure Android, where porting apps to an external drive is out of the box, Xiaomi blocks this option “to optimize performance.” However, you can bypass the restriction — and this does not always require root rights or complex manipulation. 5 working methods of installing and transferring applications to a memory card in Redmi (relevant to the MIUI 14/13 Android 13/12), including hidden settings, ADB-Teams and workarounds for popular models - from Redmi Note 12 Pro+ redmi 8A.

Why Xiaomi Redmi does not allow to transfer applications to the Internet SD-map?

The manufacturer officially explains the blocking of the transfer of applications to the memory card for three reasons:

• 🔹 Performance: MicroSD (even class) A2) It is slower than the built-in memory eMMC/UFS, what might cause the lags.
• 🔹 Security: Annexes to SD-It is easier to hack or replace the card (risk for banking programs, instant messengers).
• 🔹 Stability: When you extract the card, the applications “fly off”, and the system can issue errors.

But there is an obvious reason: Xiaomi encourages the purchase of smartphones with a large amount of memory. For example, the difference in price between the Redmi Note 12 12 12 on 128 GB and 256 GB can reach 3-5 thousand rubles — and transfer to SD would save you.

⚠️ Note: Not all applications can be transferred to a memory card. games (e.g. Genshin Impact, PUBG Mobile, messaging apps (WhatsApp, Telegram) and banking programs (SberBank Online, Tinkoff) often block this feature at the code level.

Method 1: Formatting SD-cards as internal memory (for example, for MIUI 12–14)

This method works on all Redmi Android 6.0+, but has a critical drawback: once formatted, the card will not be used in other devices (it will become “tied” to the smartphone), but the system will install applications on it automatically.

Steps:

1. Insert microSD into the slot (if Redmi has a hybrid slot, you will have to sacrifice the second slot). SIM-card).
2. Go to Settings. → Memory. → [Your name is yours. SD-map].
3. Tap "Three dots» (⋮) top-right → «Memory settings».
4. Select “Format as internal” → confirm the action.
5. After formatting, restart the phone.

Now, when you install applications, the system will ask you to select a save location to migrate the programs that are already installed:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the desired application → «Warehouse».
3. Tap "Change" and specify SD-map.

⚠️ Note: Once the map is formatted as internal, it will not be read on a PC or other phone without completely erasing the data. → Memory. → Shut down. SD-Cards, otherwise you risk losing your data.

Method 2: Transfer over ADB (no root, for power users)

If your Redmi does not support formatting SD As an internal memory (e.g., on Redmi). 9T s MIUI 13), may be used ADB-This method does not require root rights, but it will require a connection to a PC.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📥 ADB Fastboot Tools by Google.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on Redmi (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times tap the version → Return to “Additional settings» → «For developers» → set up).

Instructions:

1. Connect Redmi to your PC and select File Transfer mode.
2. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with adb.exe.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices Wait for the serial number of the device to appear.
4. Run a port command (replace package.name to the application package name, such as com.whatsapp): adb shell pm set-install-location 2 This command will force the system to install new applications on the SD by default.
5. To transfer an already installed application, use: adb shell pm move-package com.example.app

The list of application packages can be found through the command:

adb shell pm list packages -f

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If the move-package command is a Failure error [NOT_MOVED], So the application doesn't support portability. Try an alternative method from the Method. 4.

Method 3: Use of a file manager (for the purpose of APK-file)

If you need to install an app not from Google Play (for example, APK-file, you can manually specify the path to SD-This method works for all Redmi models, but only for new installations, not for transferring existing programs.

How to do this:

1. Download. APK-Application file (e.g., with APKPure or APKMirror).
2. Connect. SD-card to PC or directly to Redmi via adapter.
3. Create an Android/obb folder on the map (if it is not available) and move the APK to the map.
4. On your phone, open a file manager (such as Mi File Manager) and find the file manager. APK on SD-map and start installation.
5. When you request, select "Install on" SD-card (if the option is available).

This method is often used to install heavy games (such as Call of Duty Mobile or Free Fire) to keep internal memory from clogging, but updates to such applications can be stored back in internal storage.

Method 4: Applications for forced transfer (with or without root)

If previous methods didn't work, you can use third-party utilities, some of which require root rights, but there are also clean-device solutions.

Top.-3 portability:

• 📱 AppMgr III (App 2 SD) — It works without root, but with limitations, allows you to port supported apps and clear cache.
• 🛠️ Link2SD — It requires root, but it can even transfer programs that are usually blocked (for example, Facebook or Instagram.
• 🔄 FolderMount creates symbolic links by tricking the system, is suitable for transferring data from applications (such as game cache.

For AppMgr III, the instructions are simple:

1. Install and open the application.
2. Select the “Permanent” tab (will show you a list of supported programs).
3. Tap on the desired application → «Move it to SD-map».

For Link2SD (root required):

1. After installation, open the application and provide root access.
2. Select the application → “Create a link” → tick Dalvik-Cache, Library and Data.
3. Reboot the phone.

Method 5: Bypassing restrictions through Magisk (for advanced users)

If you're ready for experiments, you can use Magisk modules that trick the system into seeing it. SD-This method is suitable for Redmi with an unlocked bootloader and installed Magisk.

Conditions required:

• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (official instructions Xiaomi).
• 📱 Installed by Magisk (version 25.0)+).
• 💾 SD-the card is formatted as exFAT or FAT32.

Instructions:

1. Download ForceAdoptable from Magisk: XDA Reference.
2. Install the module via Magisk Manager and restart the phone.
3. After the reboot, open Settings → Memory and check if the option “Format as internal” appears.
4. If you have an option, format the map and enjoy automatic application portability.

⚠️ Note: Magisk modules may cause warranty loss and system instability.On some Redmi models (e.g. Note 11 Pro)+ 5G) After you install ForceAdoptable, you may have partition mounting errors. TWRP Mi Cloud.

Frequent mistakes and how to fix them

When transferring applications to SD-Xiaomi Redmi users face typical problems. Let's analyze the most common and their solutions:

If after transferring the application begins to slow down or fly out, try:

• 🔄 Transfer it back to your internal memory.
• 🗑️ Clear the application cache (Settings) → Annexes → [Name] → Clear the cache).
• 🔧 Disable battery optimization for this application (Settings) → Battery → Optimizing the battery).

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If SD-Slow card (class below) A1), Application portability can impair performance. Use maps marked with a tag for games and heavy programs A2 (For example, SanDisk Extreme or Samsung PRO Endurance).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions