Xiaomi’s modern smartphones offer users flexible options for memory expansion, but not everyone knows how to use it effectively SD-Unlike older versions of Android, where memory cards could completely replace internal memory, the system was designed to be a very simple device. MIUI (Especially in versions 12-14, this process is nuanced. In this article, we will discuss all the working ways to download and migrate applications to the Internet. SD-map, including system limitations, choosing the right drive and solving typical problems.
It’s important to understand: Xiaomi (like other Android 9-based manufacturers)+) It limits the ability to install apps directly to a memory card due to Google's security policy, but there are workarounds ranging from manual transfer to use. SD-We will look at each method in detail, its pros and cons, and give recommendations for choosing a memory card for maximum performance.
Why Xiaomi is limiting the installation of applications SD-map?
With the release of Android 6.0 Marshmallow, Google introduced the concept of Adoptable Storage – the ability to format SD-However, in later versions (starting with Android 9 Pie), this feature was stripped down due to the fact that the card was not used for internal memory:
- 🔒 Security: Annexes to SD-It is easier to hack or replace cards because the file system is a very simple one. FAT32/exFAT does not support encryption.
- ⚡ Performance: Class Memory Cards A1/A2 slower-than-integrated memory UFS/eMMC, What's stopping apps.
- 📱 Xiaomi aims to unify user experience while avoiding compatibility issues.
However, MIUI has some ways to get around these limitations, either partially or completely, and we'll show you how to do this on different versions of the firmware.
Preparation SD-Maps: What Class and Format to Choose?
Before you move applications, make sure your SD-card meets the requirements:
| Parameter | Minimum requirement | Recommended value |
|---|---|---|
| Class speed | Class 10 | A2 (for annexes) |
| Volume. | 8GB | 32–128 GB |
| File system | FAT32 | exFAT (for files >4 GB) |
| Brand | Anybody. | SanDisk Extreme, Samsung EVO+ |
Important: Class A1 cards are good for storing files, but for installing applications, you’d better choose A2 — they’re optimized for random read/write (IOPS). If your card is slow, apps will slow down or dye when you start.
⚠️ Note: Not all Xiaomi models support formatting SD-For example, in the Redmi Note 10 Pro, this option is available, and in the Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3 NFC — No, check the specifications of your model!
Method 1: Formatting SD-The card is an internal memory (adoptable storage)
This method allows us to use SD-map as part of the main storage, but has critical nuances:
- Put it in. SD-Card to smartphone and wait for its detection.
- Go to Settings. → Memory. → [Name of name SD-map] → Three dots (menu) → Storage settings.
- Select “Format as internal.”
- Follow the system instructions. All data on the map will be deleted!
After formatting, the system will suggest moving some of the data (including some applications) to the SD-But take note:
- 🔄 After the map is removed, the applications will stop working.
- 🛠️ Not all apps support portability (especially system and secure games).
- ⚠️ The card will be encrypted and will not be read on other devices.
Backup card data | Check speed class (A2 recommended) | Charge phone at least 50% | Make sure the card is compatible with Xiaomi-->
Method 2: Manual transfer of applications to SD-map (without formatting)
If you don’t want to format the card as internal memory, you can only transfer some applications manually:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Select the app you want to migrate (such as Telegram or Spotify).
- Press "Storage» → «Change» → choose SD-map.
- Confirm the transfer. The system will copy some of the data (not all files!).
Limitations of the method:
- 🚫 Not all applications support portability (especially games and system utilities).
- 📁 Only transferred APK and part of the cache, the main data remains in the internal memory.
- 🔄 When you update the app, it can automatically return to internal memory.
💡
Before you transfer the app, clear its cache to Settings → Apps → [Application Name] → Storage → Clear the cache. This will reduce the amount of data you carry.
Method 3: Installation of applications on SD-map ADB (advanced)
If standard methods don't work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB) to force port, which requires a PC and basic command line knowledge.
Instructions:
- Turn on "Debugging by" USB» In Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Press 7 times to unlock Developer Mode. then go back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and activate debugging.
- Connect your phone to your PC, install it. ADB-Drivers and open the command line in the folder with adb.exe.
- Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices should appear the name of your device.
- Find out the package name of the application (for example, for WhatsApp it is com.whatsapp) using: adb shell pm list packages -f
- Move the app to SD-Map command: adb shell pm set-install-location 2 Then reinstall the application - it will automatically install on the map.
⚠️ Note: Some applications (e.g. Google Play Services) MIUI System Apps) cannot be transferred even through ADB. Trying to do this can lead to failures!
What if the ADB can’t see the device?
Which apps can be ported and which ones can’t?
Not all programs support the work with SD-Here's an indicative list:
| Type of application | Is transfer possible? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Social networks (VK, Telegram) | ✅ Yes. | They are stable, but notifications may be delayed. |
| Music players (Spotify, YouTube Music) | ✅ Yes. | The cache of music remains in the inner memory. |
| Games (PUBG Mobile, Genshin Impact) | ❌ No. | They need a high reading speed and will be able to read. |
| System Utilities (Google Play, MIUI Security) | ❌ No. | Blocked by the manufacturer. |
| Offline maps (Google Maps, 2GIS) | ✅ Partially. | The application itself can be transferred, but the cards will be stored in internal memory. |
💡
Games and heavy-duty applications (such as Lightroom or AutoCAD) almost always refuse to work with the software. SD-Cards due to low reading/writing speed.
Frequent mistakes and their solutions
When working with SD-Xiaomi users are faced with typical problems. Here's how to solve them:
- 🔌 «SD-Card not detected": Check if the card is inserted correctly. Try restarting your phone or testing the card on another device. If the card is damaged, format it on your PC (use it). SD Formatter from SD Association).
- 🚫 «You can't move the app": This is a developer limitation. Try alternative methods (ADB) or install the Lite version of the app (e.g. Facebook Lite instead of the main client).
- 🐢 «Apps are slowed down after transfer": the culprit is slow SD-Replace it with a model class. A2 (For example, SanDisk Extreme A2). Also clean the app cache in the settings.
⚠️ Note: If, after transferring the application to SD-The card starts to dye, put it back in internal memory. Some programs (such as Netflix or banking apps) block external drives for security reasons.