How to download applications to the memory card in Xiaomi Redmi 9: full instructions

Xiaomi Redmi 9 owners often face a lack of internal memory, especially if the smartphone has a lot of apps installed or stored a large number of photos and videos. One effective solution to this problem is to use a microSD card not only to store files, but also to install applications. However, by default, MIUI does not always allow you to do this, you need to properly configure the system and, in some cases, format the drive.

In this article, we will discuss how to download applications directly to the memory card in Redmi 9, including configuring the card as internal storage, transferring already installed programs and solving typical errors. It is important to note that the capabilities depend on the version of the MIUI and the type of memory card – not all microSDs support the Adoptable Storage function.

Why apps aren’t installed on a memory card by default

Android-based smartphones, including the Xiaomi Redmi 9, are initially set up to install apps in internal memory.

• 🔹 Performance: Internal Memory (eMMC/UFS) It runs faster than most microSD cards, which is critical for stable application performance.
• 🔹 Security: Android restricts installation on removable media due to the risk of data loss or unauthorized access.
• 🔹 Limitations MIUI: Xiaomi firmware can block the transfer of some system or preinstalled applications.
• 🔹 Memory card type: Not all microSDs support Adoptable Storage (speed class) A1/A2 mandatory).

However, you can bypass these limitations, and the main thing is to understand that applications installed on the memory card may be slower, and some functions (such as widgets) may not be available, and it is worth considering that after retrieving the card, such programs will cease to function.

⚠️ Note: If you use a memory card as an internal storage device, it can't be retrieved without losing data.

Requirements for a memory card for installing applications

Not every microSD is suitable for installing applications. To avoid errors, check the following settings:

If your card doesn’t meet the minimum requirements, the system may refuse to format it as internal storage or applications will run with delays, such as Class 4 or Class 6 cards.

Before buying, check the marking on the card: the presence of an A1 or A2 icon ensures that it is optimized for installing applications.

Method 1: Configure a memory card as internal storage

The most reliable way to install applications on a microSD is to format the card as internal memory, in which case the system will perceive it as part of the main drive, but note that after this procedure, the card will not be used on other devices without full formatting.

Backup your card data (all files will be deleted) |

Check that the card supports speed class A1/A2|

Connect the charger (the process can take 10-15 minutes) |

Make sure there are no important files on the card (it will be impossible to recover them after formatting)-->

Instructions for setting:

1. Insert the memory card into the Redmi 9 slot.
2. Go to Settings. → Memory.
3. Tap on the name of your memory card (for example, SD-map).
4. In the upper right corner, press three dots (⋮) and select Storage Settings.
5. Choose internal memory (or format as internal memory).
6. Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed (the phone may restart).

The card will then be formatted in EXT4 and encrypted, and when new applications are installed, the system will then suggest that you choose the storage location, internal memory or microSD, to change the default location:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Installation by default.
2. Select Memory Card.

⚠️ Note: Once formatted as internal memory, the card cannot be read on a computer or other smartphone without formatting it first, and some applications (e.g. banking) may not work with an external drive.

Method 2: Transfer already installed applications to a memory card

If you don't want to format the card as internal memory, you can migrate the applications you already have installed to it, but this method doesn't work with all programs -- some programs (e.g., system or high-performance) can't be migrated.

Instructions for transfer:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the application you want to transfer.
3. Slip on Warehouse.
4. Click Change and select Memory Card.
5. Confirm the transfer and wait for the process to be completed.

Not all applications support portability. If the Change button is inactive, the program is locked for this operation. Also note that after the transfer, some functions (such as notifications or widgets) may not work correctly.

💡

Before you migrate, close it in multitasking (Recent apps → swipe up) and this will reduce the risk of errors when moving files.

List of applications that cannot be transferred to the memory card:

• 📱 System applications (MIUI, Settings, Telephone and others.).
• 💳 Banking applications (SberBank, Tinkoff, VTB, etc.).
• 🎮 Games with high performance requirements (PUBG, Genshin Impact).
• 🔒 Applications with Administrator Rights or Root Access.

Method 3: Install applications on a memory card via ADB (for advanced users)

If standard methods don't work, you can use USB debugging (ADB) to force applications to be transferred, which requires connecting your smartphone to your computer and basic command line knowledge.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on Developer Mode on Redmi 9: Go to Settings → About Phone. tap on MIUI Version 7 times. Go back to Settings → Additional → Developer. Activate USB Debugging.

Connect your phone to your computer through USB-Cable (use the original cable for stability).

ADB Tools

Win + R → cmd

adb devices

Make sure the device is identified (should appear its serial number).

package.name

adb shell pm set-install-location 2

This command will set the memory card as the default installation location for new applications.

adb shell pm move-package package.name

To find out the name of the application package, use the command:

adb shell pm list packages | find "appendix name"

For WhatsApp, it would be com.whatsapp.

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB It can cause system failures, and don't carry system applications, which can make your phone inoperable.

Solving typical errors when installing on a memory card

When trying to install or migrate applications to a microSD, Redmi 9 users often encounter errors.

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

• 🔄 Reboot the phone.
• 🗑️ Clear the application cache (Settings) → Annexes → Warehouse → Clear the cache).
• 🔙 Return the application to internal memory.

💡

If the memory card is used as an internal memory card, but applications are still installed in internal memory, check the default settings in Settings → Applications → Default installation.

Alternative ways to free up memory in Redmi 9

If porting applications to a memory card doesn’t solve the problem of space shortage, consider additional methods:

• 🧹 Cache Clearing: Go to Settings → Memory. → Clear the cache. This will delete temporary files without losing data.
• 🗃️ Remove Unnecessary Files: Use the Built-in Cleanup App (MIUI) Files by Google to find large and outdated files.
• ☁️ Transfer media files to the cloud: upload photos and videos to Google Photos, Mi Cloud or Yandex.Disk, and then delete local copies.
• 🔄 Factory reset: last resort if other methods didn't work.Previously back up your data!

You can also disable or remove pre-installed MIUI applications that you don't use.

1. Go to Settings → Applications.
2. Select an unneeded app (such as Mi Video or Mi Music).
3. Click Disable or Remove Updates (if deletion is not available).

For a deeper cleanup, use applications like SD Maid or CCleaner, but be careful not to delete system files.

FAQ: Frequent questions about installing apps on a memory card in Redmi 9