Xiaomi Redmi smartphones allow you to expand memory using microSD cards, but not all users know how to properly configure photo saving directly to an external drive. By default, camera pictures and screenshots are stored in internal memory, which quickly fills it - especially on models with 64 or 128 GB. SD-map, including camera settings, galleries and manual copying through file manager.
It is important to consider that on the new versions of MIUI 14/15, the saving algorithm has changed: some options are hidden deeper in the menu, and for models with Android 13+, additional permissions are required. We tested the instructions on the Redmi Note 12 Pro+, Redmi 10C and POCO X5 Pro - all methods work stable. If your smartphone does not see the memory card, first check its compatibility: Xiaomi officially supports microSD up to 1 TB (exFAT or FAT32 format).
1. Setup of the camera to save the photo on SD-map
The easiest way is to change the save location right in the Camera app, which is suitable for new shots, but does not carry existing photos.
Open the Camera app and tap the gear icon (⚙️) In the settings menu, look for the Save Place section (on some firmwares, Memory or Storage). SD-If the option is inactive, check it out:
- 📌 The memory card is correctly inserted and recognized by the system (check in Settings). → Memory).
- 🔄 Some models (Redmi 9, Note 8) require a restart after installation. SD-map.
- 🔒 The card is formatted as a portable storage (not as internal memory).
After changing the settings, all new photos and videos will be saved to the SD-file-card DCIM/Camera. On the Redmi Note. 11/12 s MIUI 14 When you first save to the map, the system can request permission to access - be sure to confirm it.
2. Transfer of existing photos through the Gallery
If you need to move your photos from internal memory to a map, use the standard Gallery app, which requires no third-party software and works on all versions of MIUI.
Open the Gallery, select an album (like All Photos or Camera) and click the highlight button (usually in the upper right corner).Click the photos or click Select All»** (⋮) and select Move. In the window that opens, go to the Memory Map section and create a new folder (e.g., Photos Backup) or select an existing one.
Battery charge > 30% (for long-term operations)
Free space on SD-map (check in Settings) → Memory)
All apps that use photos (for example, Instagram) are closed
Created a backup of important images on the cloud-->
An important nuance: when moving large volumes of photos (more than 500 files), MIUI can give an error "failed to move".
- Break files into batches of 200-300 pieces.
- Use the File Manager instead of the Gallery (instructions in the next section).
- Check the memory card for errors via PC (plug the phone as a USB-accumulator).
3. Manual copying through File Manager
For power users or if the Gallery is out of order, Files by Google (or Files by Google) is a method that gives you more control over the process and allows you to transfer files between any folders.
Open the File Manager (the folder icon on the home screen) and go to the Images or DCIM section. Find the photo folder (usually Camera or Screenshots). Press and hold the folder or individual files, then choose Copy or Cut. Go back to the root directory, open the Memory Map and paste the files (Insert).
| Action. | The Way to File Manager | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Copying photos | Internal Memory → DCIM → Camera | Select files with a long press |
| Insert SD-map | Memory map → [New folder] | Create a folder in advance for convenience |
| Checking the vacant space | Settings → Memory → Memory Map | Minimum 10% free space |
The advantage of this method is that you can transfer not only photos, but also other files (video, documents), but be careful: if you cut files instead of copying, they disappear from internal memory without the possibility of recovery through the basket.
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If the file manager doesn't see SD-map, reboot your phone or re-extract/paste the card again. Redmi Note 10 Pro helps reset the app's Storage in Settings → Annexes.
4. Automatic saving through system settings
On some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) K50, POCO F4) There is a hidden option to automatically transfer photos to the SD-map when connected. This function works through Settings → Memory. → Automatic cleaning.
Activate the switch Automatic save to the memory card and specify the file types (photos, videos, screenshots). SD-card once a day, provided:
- 🔋 Battery charge > 20%.
- 📶 Phone connected to Wi-Fi.
- 📁 There is enough space on the map (minimum 500 MB).
This method is convenient for those who often take pictures and do not want to manually transfer files, but it does not work with photos taken in third-party applications (for example, Instagram or Snapchat).
What if the option "Automatic saving" is not available?
5. Problem Solving: Memory card not defined
If the phone can't see SD-It can be software or hardware, and it starts with simple solutions:
- Reboot the phone. Remove the card, reboot the device, and repaint it.
- Format check. Xiaomi supports FAT32 (up to 32 GB) and exFAT (up to 1 TB). Reformat the card via PC if it is in NTFS.
- Clean the contacts, wipe the card and slot contacts in your phone with an alcohol napkin.
If the card is determined but does not allow you to save the photo, check:
- 🔐 Access rights: C Settings → Annexes → Camera. → The permissions must be ticked opposite Memory.
- 🛠️ Errors: Connect the card to the PC and run the verification through Properties → Service → Check it out (Windows).
⚠️ Note: If the memory card was previously used as internal memory (the option to format as an internal drive), it can not be simply removed - this will lead to data loss. First transfer all files to the PC, then format the card as portable in the phone settings.
6. Alternative methods: cloud and PC
If the transfer is SD-For some reason, the card is not possible, consider alternative options for freeing up memory:
- ☁️ Cloud storage: Google Photos (automatic download), Mi Cloud (5 GB free for Xiaomi accounts).
- 🖥️ Transfer to PC: connect the phone to USB Transfer files and copy photos manually.
- 🔄 Memory optimization: in Settings → Memory. → Cleanup can remove duplicates and unnecessary files.
To automatically sync with Google Photos:
- Install an app from the Play Market.
- Log in to your Google account.
- In the settings, enable Backup and Synchronization.
- Choose quality (High is free, Original is ranked in the cloud).
Warning: When using Mi Cloud, photos are saved in compressed format. For original quality, it is better to use Google Photos or physical photos. SD-map.
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SD-The card is the most reliable solution for storing photos, as it does not depend on the Internet and does not compress files.