How to download and transfer applications to SD-Map in Xiaomi: The Complete Guide

Xiaomi smartphones (including the Redmi line and POCO) They often have a modest amount of internal memory, especially in budget models. When there is not enough space on the internal drive, users try to install applications on the internal drive. SD-map, but face limitations MIUI In this article, we will discuss all the working ways of transferring programs to an external medium, including bypassing system locks, and explain why some applications cannot be moved in principle.

It’s important to understand: starting with Android 6.0 Marshmallow (and all subsequent versions, including Android 14), Google has tightened the rules for working with the Internet. SD-Manufacturers like Xiaomi are adding their shell restrictions. MIUI. Therefore, on models after 2019 (for example, Redmi Note 11, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T) The full portability of applications to a memory card is possible only for a part of the software, but there are legal and non-obvious methods of memory optimization.

Why Xiaomi is blocking the installation of applications on the SD-map?

The main reason is performance and security: microSD cards (even A2 class) run slower than the built-in UFS 2.2/3.1 memory, which leads to:

• 🐢 Slowing down the launch of applications (especially games and instant messengers)
• 🔄 Frequent Read/Write Errors When Multitasking
• 🛡️ Risk of data loss when retrieving a card during operation

Besides, MIUI default formatting SD-cards as portable (rather than internal memory), which limits functionality:

• 📱 System applications (Mi Browser, Security, Gallery)
• 🎮 Cache games (>1GB, such as Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile)
• 🔒 Applications with administrator rights (antiviruses, VPN)

However, some of the user programs (e.g. Telegram, VLC, WPS Office) can be moved.

Preparation SD-maps: formatting and class selection

Before you port applications, you need to properly prepare the memory card. Xiaomi supports microSD up to 1 TB, but the speed class is critical for installing programs:

Formation of the card as internal memory:

1. Insert the card into the slot (some models, for example, POCO F4, you need an adapter for SIM2).
2. Go to Settings → Memory → Memory Map.
3. Select Format as internal (Warning: Data will be erased!).
4. Confirm the action and wait until it is completed (may take 5-10 minutes).

⚠️ Note: Once formatted as internal memory, the card will not be used in other devices without re-formatting. MIUI It can automatically transfer only a portion of data (such as photos) to it, but not all applications.

Method 1: Transfer applications through MIUI settings (official method)

It's the easiest way, but it doesn't work for all programs. MIUI 14/15:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the app you want (like Spotify or Google Maps).
3. Click Warehouse → Change (if the option is active).
4. Choose. SD-map and confirm the transfer.

If the Change button is inactive, it means:

• 🚫 The app does not support portability (such as WhatsApp or Facebook).
• 📱 The card is formatted as portable (you need to make it internal).
• 🔧 Manufacturer has blocked the function (relevant to Redmi) 10A, POCO M4 Pro and others.).

Method 2: Using ADB for Forced Transfer

If you don't have portability in the settings, you can use the Android debugging bridge (ADB), which requires a PC and a developer mode enabled.

Steps:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
3. Connect your phone to your PC, install ADB Tools and execute the command:

adb shell pm set-install-location 2

This command forces the system to install new applications on the SD-The default card. To get back to the original settings, use:

adb shell pm set-install-location 0

⚠️ Note: Some applications (e.g. Google Play Services or Mi Account) may not work properly after a forced transfer, and this method does not guarantee the transfer of already installed programs – only new ones.

Method 3: Manually move APK files and data (for experienced)

This method is suitable for applications that do not want to be ported in standard ways, and requires a root file manager (such as Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer) and access to system folders.

Instructions:

1. With the file manager, go to /data/app (root rights needed!).
2. Find a folder with the name of the application package (for example, com.whatsapp).
3. Copy the folder to SD-map /Android/obb or /Android/data.
4. Remove the original folder from /data/app.
5. Create a symbolic link (via Terminal Emulator):

su


ln -s /storage/XXXX-XXXX/Android/data/com.whatsapp /data/app/com.whatsapp

Where XXXX-XXXX — identifier SD-maps (can be found by the ls command) /storage).

⚠️ Risks of the method:

• 🔧 Requires unlocked bootloader and root rights (Xiaomi warranty will be lost!).
• 💥 If you make an error, you can damage system files.
• 🔄 After updating MIUI symbolic references may break.

💡

Before experimenting with root, back up your data through Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset → Local Backup.

Method 4: Alternative solutions to save memory

If the applications are transferred SD-The map is not possible, consider these options:

• 🗃️ Cache cleaning: In Settings → Memory. → You can clean 1-3 GB free.
• ☁️ Cloud Storage: Move your media files to Google Photos or Mi Cloud (gives 5GB for free).
• 🔄 Lite versions of apps: Install Facebook Lite, Messenger Lite or Spotify Lite – they weigh 2-5 times less.
• 📱 Adoptable Storage (Android 6–8): On older models 4X, Mi A1) encrypted SD-Card as part of internal memory through Settings → Memory. → SD-map → Three points. → Settings → Formatting as an internal.

💡

Starting with MIUI 12.5 and Android 11, Xiaomi has completely removed support for Adoptable Storage – this method only works on older models (until 2020 release).

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When you try to move applications to SD-Users are facing typical problems:

• 🚫 "Not enough space on the device despite free space on SD: Solution: Reboot your phone and check that the card is formatted as internal. If the error persists, try turning the card off in Settings. → Memory and reconnect.
• 🔄 App dyes after transfer: Solution: Return it back to internal memory or clear the cache (Settings) → Annexes → [name] → Memory. → Clear the cache).
• 📱 SD-Card not determined: Solution: Check if your model supports exFAT (some Redmis require a file system) FAT32). Format the map on PC through SD Formatter.

If the app stopped updating through Google Play after the transfer, try:

1. Put it back in your inner memory.
2. Manually update.
3. Move it back to SD.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions