How to transfer applications to a memory card in Xiaomi: 3 proven methods

Xiaomi smartphones are some of the most popular devices on the market, but even flagship models are facing a shortage of internal memory over time. Especially acute problem is in the budget lines of Redmi and POCO, where 32 or 64 GB are quickly clogged with photos, cache and, of course, applications. A microSD card seems to be the obvious solution, but here’s the problem: MIUI by default blocks the transfer of most programs to an external drive.

In this article, we will discuss all working ways to save applications on the SD-Xiaomi map – from standard Android features to hidden features MIUI You'll learn why some applications can't be ported, how to format the memory card correctly for maximum compatibility, and what to do if the system produces a "Not enough space" error. MIUI 14/15 Android 13/14, Most of the methods are used on older versions.

Why Xiaomi is blocking the transfer of applications to the SD-map?

At first glance, Xiaomi’s limitations seem counterintuitive: Why sell a smartphone with microSD support up to 1TB, but not let them use?

• 🔒 Data security: Annexes to the SD-It is easier to steal or replace the card, especially if the drive is retrieved and connected to other devices.
• ⚡ Performance: Class Memory Cards A1/A2 slower-than-integrated memory UFS 2.2/3.1, What can slow down programs.
• 📱 Google Policy: Starting with Android 6.0, migrating apps to Android SD It has been restricted due to changes in the permitting system.
• 🛠️ Stability MIUI: Some shell features (such as Game Turbo or Second Space) may conflict with applications on an external drive.

However, most of the limitations can be circumvented by properly configuring the memory card and using hidden MIUI features. Next, we will look at all the methods available, from the simplest to the most radical.

Method 1: Standard Transfer through MIUI Settings

The most obvious way is to use the built-in MIUI function. It is suitable for most applications, but does not work with all (for example, system programs and games with high memory requirements can not be transferred).

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the desired application from the list (for example, Telegram or Spotify).
3. Slip on Warehouse.
4. If the option is available, click Change and select Memory Card.
5. Confirm the transfer and wait for the process to be completed (may take a few minutes).

⚠️ Note: After porting, some applications may run slower or give errors when updating. Also, not all programs support this feature - if the Change buttons do not, try the following methods.

Buy an A2 class memory card (SanDisk or Samsung recommended)

Format it as an internal memory (see next section)

Backup important data with SD

Charge your phone at least 50%

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Method 2: Formatting SD-maps as internal memory

If the standard transfer does not work, you can "cheat" the system, making a SD-This is a more radical method, but it allows you to transfer even those applications that are usually blocked.

Step-by-step:

1. Insert the memory card into the slot (if hybrid-slot is used, remove the second one). SIM-map).
2. Go to Settings → Storage → Memory Map.
3. Slip on the three dots in the top right corner and select Storage Settings.
4. Click Format as internal (on some models, the item may be called Reassign as internal memory).
5. Confirm action. Attention: all data from the map will be deleted!
6. After formatting, the system will offer to transfer some of the data to SD – agree.

Now, when you install new applications, the system will ask you to choose a storage location, so you can transfer the programs that are already installed:

1. Go to Settings → Apps.
2. Select the app and tap the Warehouse → Change.
3. Specify a Memory Card (now displayed as part of the internal storage).

Method 3: Using ADB for Forced Transfer

If the first two methods fail, the most reliable (but also the most difficult) method is Android Debug Bridge (ADB). It allows you to manually specify to the system which applications can be transferred to the SD-map bypassing the constraints MIUI.

This will require:

• 💻 Computer with Windows, macOS or Linux.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📥 Utility. ADB (You can download from the official Google website).
• 🔧 Included debugging by USB smartphone.

Instructions:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI until the notification “You are a developer” appears.
2. Turn on USB debugging: Go to Settings → Additional → For developers. Activate the USB debugging switch.

Connect your phone to your computer and confirm your trust in the device.

cmd

Terminal

ADB

adb devices

The serial number of your device should appear.

package name

WhatsApp

com.whatsapp

App Inspector

adb shell pm list packages | grep "appendix name"

package.name

adb shell pm set-install-location 2

This team is setting up SD-Map as default installation location for all new applications.

adb shell pm move-package package.name

⚠️ Note: Not all applications support portability ADB. If the team makes a Failure error [NOT_MOVED: Operation not allowed, which means the program is blocked by the manufacturer. MIUI The settings may be reset - they will have to be repeated.

💡

Before using ADB, back up your data via Settings → System → Backup. In rare cases, incorrect commands can cause MIUI to crash.

Which applications cannot be transferred to SD-map?

Even with ADB and formatting the card as internal memory, some programs will remain untouchable.

If you are critically interested in migrating one of these apps, consider alternative solutions:

• 🔄 Use cloud storage (such as Google Drive or Mi Cloud) for backups.
• 📁 Transfer only cache and media files (photos, videos) manually through the file manager.
• 🛠️ Install custom firmware (like LineageOS) where port restrictions are milder.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When transferring applications to SD-Xiaomi users often face problems. Let's analyze the most common and ways to eliminate them:

⚠️ Warning: If the app stopped working after the transfer, try clearing its cache (Settings) → Annexes → Warehouse → If that doesn't work, return the program back to internal memory.

• 🚫 "Not enough space on the device" error: Reason: The memory card is formatted as portable, not internal. Solution: Reformat it through Settings → Warehouse → Memory map → Formatting as an internal.
• 🔄 App not updated after transfer: Reason: Google Play blocks updates for programs on the Internet SD. Solution: Temporarily transfer the app back to internal memory, update it, then return it to the map.
• ⚡ Smartphone slows down after transfer: Reason: Class memory card A1 Or below, it can't handle the load. Solution: Buy a class card. A2 (For example, SanDisk Extreme or Samsung EVO Plus).
• 📵 SD-Card not detected: Reason: Slot, card or contacts malfunction.Solution: Check the card on another device, clean the slot from dust, try restarting the phone.

If none of the methods worked, check:

• 📋 Memory card compatibility with your Xiaomi model (some devices do not support cards larger than 512 GB).
• 🔧 Availability of updates MIUI (Settings → The phone. → Updating the system).
• 🛡️ No viruses (can scan your device using Google Play Protect or Dr.Web).

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Formatting SD-The most reliable way to transfer applications is to transfer cards as internal memory, but it is irreversible, and then the card can not be used on other devices without complete cleaning.

Alternative ways to free up memory in Xiaomi

If the applications are transferred SD-The card has not solved the problem of memory shortage, consider additional optimization methods:

• 🧹 Cache Cleanup: Go to Settings → Warehouse → Clean and delete unnecessary files, and you can manually clear the cache of individual applications through Settings → Annexes → Warehouse.
• ☁️ Transfer media to the cloud: Use Google Photos (up to 15GB free) or Mi Cloud (5GB) to automatically upload photos and videos. → Camera. → You can also turn on the option "Save to the cloud".
• 🗑️ Removing duplicates and debris: Apps like Files by Google or CCleaner can help you find and delete duplicate files, temporary data, and remnants of deleted programs.
• 🔄 Use of the Lite Mode function: B MIUI There is a built-in Lite mode (Settings) → Special facilities → Lite mode, which simplifies the interface and reduces memory load.
• 📦 Archiving of rarely used applications: Google Play has an archiving feature that deletes the program, but saves its data.

You should also pay attention to the developer’s settings:

1. Open the settings → Additional → for developers.
2. Find the option Do not save actions and turn it on – this will limit the background activity of applications.
3. Limit background processes to Process Limit (choose "Maximum 2 Processes").

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions