How to transfer files to a memory card in Xiaomi smartphones: all ways of 2026

The memory card in Xiaomi smartphones is an easy way to expand the memory of the device when built-in storage is not enough for photos, videos or applications. SD-card: the system does not see the drive, files are not copied or access errors occur. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to transfer data to a memory card in Redmi phones, POCO and other Xiaomi lines with firmware MIUI 12–14.

It is important to understand that the process depends on the type of card (external or adopted storage), the version of Android and the manufacturer's settings. We will consider both standard methods through Explorer and alternative solutions for cases where the phone does not see. SD-You'll also know which card formats are supported (FAT32, exFAT, NTFS) How to avoid common mistakes when working with storage devices.

1.Preparation: Which Memory Card to Choose for Xiaomi

Before transferring files, make sure your memory card is compatible with your phone. Xiaomi smartphones support microSD up to 2 TB (theoretically), but in practice the best choice is 128-512 GB A2 or UHS-I U3 cards for recording 4K video.

• 🔹 File system format: FAT32 (up to 32 GB), exFAT (from 64 GB). NTFS not recommended — MIUI Maybe you don't work with him correctly.
• 🔹 Speed class: For applications — A1/A2, video — U3/V30. Class cards C10 It's only suitable for photos.
• 🔹 Brand: Preference give SanDisk Ultra, Samsung EVO Kingston Canvas – They are being tested for compatibility with Xiaomi.
• 🔹 Adopted Storage: If you plan to use the card as internal memory, take the model with a high read/write speed (from 90 MB / s).

⚠️ Note: MicroSDXC cards (from 64 GB) require exFAT formatting. If the phone can't see the card, check it on another device — possibly a problem with the file system. Also avoid cheap no-name cards: they are often forged and have a real volume less than the stated volume.

2. Method 1: Transfer files through standard MIUI Explorer

The easiest method is to use the built-in Explorer (or Files in newer versions of MIUI), which is suitable for transferring photos, videos, music and documents to an external memory card (not adopted storage).

1. Open the Explorer app (the folder icon on the desktop).
2. Go to the Device or Internal Memory section.
3. Find the files you want to migrate. To select multiple items, hold your finger on one file, then mark the rest.
4. Click More (three dots in the upper right corner) → Copy or Cut.
5. Go back to the root directory, select SD-card (or memory card).
6. Click Insert in the desired folder (for example, DCIM for photo).

🔹 Tip: To speed up the process, create folders on the memory card in advance (for example, Photos, Videos.

⚠️ Note: If the Insert button is inactive, check:

• The memory card is not locked (the switch on the adapter in the Unlock position).
• The file system of the card is FAT32 or exFAT (in NTFS, the record may not work).
• There is enough space on the map (minimum 5% of free space is required for stable operation).

Method 2: Use of the card as an internal memory (Adopted Storage)

If you want to use SD-The card is an extension of internal memory (for installing applications), it needs to be formatted as Adopted Storage. This method is suitable for Android 6.0 phones.+, but with limitations:

• 🔸 The card will be encrypted and will not be read on other devices.
• 🔸 The speed depends on the class of the card (recommended). A2/U3).
• 🔸 Not all applications can be migrated to adopted storage (depending on the developer).

📌 Instructions for setting up:

1. Put the card in your phone and wait for the alert SD-map discovered.
2. Click Setup → Choose Use as Internal Memory.
3. Confirm the formatting (all data on the map will be deleted!).
4. After completion, go to Settings → Annexes → [Select the application] → Warehouse → Change. → SD-map.

⚠️ Note: After formatting as Adopted Storage, the card cannot be retrieved without losing data. Some system updates may reset settings, and the map will have to be reconfigured.

Method 3: Transfer over a computer (USB-cable)

If your phone can't see the card or files aren't copied through Explorer, use a computer, which is more reliable for large files (video, backups) and avoids transmission errors.

📌 Step-by-step instruction:

1. Connect your phone to your PC through USB-Cable (original or certified).
2. On your phone, select File Transfer (MTP) mode in the connection notification.
3. Open this computer and there will be two disks: internal memory and SD-map.
4. Copy files from your phone to your memory card through Windows/macOS Explorer.

💡

If the memory card is defined as a removable disk with an error, try connecting it through the card reader, sometimes the problem is with the phone controller, not with the card itself.

5. Method 4: Automatic transfer of photos and videos (camera settings)

To ensure that new photos and videos are immediately saved to the SD-map, change the camera settings, that eliminates the need for manual transfers:

1. Open the Camera app.
2. Press on. ⚙️ Settings (cog or three lines).
3. Choose a Retention Site or Warehouse.
4. Indicate. SD-card (if the option is inactive, check that the card is pasted and formatted).

🔹 Limitations:

• 📸 Some shooting modes (for example, 4K 60 FPS) They may require internal memory.
• 📸 Third-party apps (like Google Camera) may ignore this setting.

⚠️ Note: If after changing the settings, photos are still stored in internal memory, clear the camera cache in Settings → Annexes → Camera. → Warehouse → Clear the cache.

Method 5: Transfer applications to SD-Card (only for adopted storage)

Transfer applications to the usual SD-The card (not accepted storage) MIUI It's not possible, that's a limitation of Android, but if the card is formatted as internal memory, you can move some of the apps:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → [Select App].
2. Press Warehouse.
3. If the option to Change is available, select SD-map.
4. Confirm the transfer (the process may take a few minutes).

🔹 What applications can be transferred:

• 📱 Most user applications (such as Telegram, VK).
• 📱 Games with external storage support (check out Google Play).

❌ Cannot be moved: System applications (MIUI Launcher, Settings, widgets, Google services.

💡

Transfer of applications to SD-The card can reduce their performance, especially if the class card is lower. A2. For games and heavy applications, it is better to use internal memory.

7. Solving common mistakes when working with SD-card

If your phone doesn’t see the card or there are errors when transferring files, use this instruction:

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)