Xiaomi Redmi smartphone owners often face a shortage of internal memory, especially if the device has only 8-32 GB of internal storage. One obvious way to solve the problem is to use a microSD card to store photos, videos and music. But what if you want to make room for applications? Unfortunately, modern versions of Android and the MIUI shell greatly limit the ability to transfer programs to external media. However, there are several working methods, from standard functions to workarounds for advanced users.
In this article, we will discuss all available ways to save applications on the SD-map in Redmi, including nuances for different models (Redmi Note) 10 Pro, Redmi 9A, Redmi 12 etc.) and versions MIUI 12/13/14. We will also find out why some programs cannot be moved, and what to do in such cases.
⚠️ Attention: Transfer of applications to SD-The card can slow down their work, especially if the memory card is classed. 4 class 6. For stable work, use the cards not lower UHS-I (Class 10) or A1/A2.
Why Xiaomi Redmi does not allow to transfer applications SD-map?
Since Android 6.0 Marshmallow, Google has imposed strict restrictions on external drives, and MIUI has tightened those restrictions, and the main reasons are:
- 🔒 Security: Annexes to SD-It is easier to steal or replace the card, since the external media is not encrypted by default.
- ⚡ Performance: Memory cards slower than internal memory eMMC/UFS, What can slow down games and heavy programs.
- 📱 Politics MIUI: Xiaomi prioritizes Mi Cloud storage and internal memory optimization.
- 🛠️ Technical limitations: Not all applications support external media (especially system and game-based applications). OBB-file).
However, some Redmi models (like the Redmi 8A or Redmi 9C) still have the application portability in their settings, and there are workarounds for other devices, which we'll talk about later.
Method 1: Standard portability through MIUI settings (if available)
This method only works on older versions of MIUI (up to MIUI 12) and some budget models.
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Select the application you want (such as Telegram or Facebook).
- Click on Warehouse.
- If there is a button Change or Move to SD-Map - tap on it and confirm the action.
⚠️ Note: Even if the button is active, some apps (such as WhatsApp or Google Play Services) cannot be moved due to their system status.
Format the map in FAT32 exFAT|Check the recording speed (minimum 10 MB/s)|Create a backup copy of data on the map|Turn off Adaptive Brightness to save charge during the process-->
Method 2: Use of the SD-The card is an internal memory (adoptable storage)
Adoptable Storage allows you to "tether" SD-It's a card to a smartphone so that the system can see it as part of the internal memory. 6–9, but in the latest versions MIUI 13/14 The option is hidden. Here's how to activate it:
- Put it in. SD-smartphone-card.
- When a notification appears, click Configure New Disk.
- Select Use as internal memory (if there is no such item, see the method below).
- Confirm the formatting (⚠️ All data on the map will be deleted!).
- After restart, go to Settings. → The storage and select which data to store on SD-default-card.
🔹 Important: Once Adoptable Storage is activated, the card will not be retrieved without resetting the settings, and it will be encrypted and not readable on other devices.
What if there is no “use as internal memory” item?
Method 3: Transfer the cache and application data to SD-map
If the application itself cannot be moved, you can free up space by moving its cache and data (for example, downloaded files from Telegram or VK).
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Select the appropriate app (e.g. YouTube).
- Go to Warehouse → Clear the cache (this won’t delete important data).
- In some applications (for example, Google Chrome) you can manually specify the way to save downloads to the Internet. SD-map.
| Type of data | Can I transfer to SD? | How to do this. |
|---|---|---|
| Cash app. | ❌ No. | You can only clean it manually. |
| Media files (photos, videos) | ✅ Yes. | In the settings of the camera or gallery select SD-map as default storage |
| Application data (game saving) | ⚠️ Partially. | Through Settings → Applications → Storage → Transfer data (not available for everyone) |
| APK-file | ✅ Yes. | Download APK to the map via the browser and install from there |
💡
If you often play with big games OBB-Files (such as Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile) download them directly to the SD-To do this, in the bootloader settings (for example, Xiaomi GetApps), specify the save path to an external medium.
Method 4: Manual movement APK-Files (for experienced users)
This method requires root rights or ADB, but allows you to migrate almost any application. On Redmi models with MIUI 14 and later, this method can cause failures - use at your own risk!
Instructions via ADB (without root):
- Connect your smartphone to your PC and activate Debugging over USB (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times tap the build number → go back to Additional Settings → For Developers).
- Open the command line on your PC and type: adb shell pm set-install-location 2 This will force the system to install new applications on your PC. SD-default-card.
- To transfer already installed applications, use the command: adb shell pm move-package com.example.app /sdcard (replace com.example.app with the batch name of the application).
🔹 Limitations:
- 🚫 Google’s system applications and services are not working.
- 🔄 After updating MIUI settings may reset.
- ⚠️ Some applications (such as banking) refuse to work with external memory.
💡
Transferring applications through ADB is the most versatile method, but it requires technical skills. If you are not sure about your actions, it is better to use standard methods or clear the cache.
Method 5: Alternative solutions for memory release
If you can’t transfer applications, try these methods:
- 🧹 Cleaning up garbage: Use the built-in Cleanup utility in Settings → Storage or third-party programs like CCleaner.
- ☁️ Cloud Storage: Move photos and videos to Google Photos or Mi Cloud (gives up to 5GB for free).
- 📱 Lite versions of apps: Install lightweight versions of social networks (for example, Facebook Lite, Messenger Lite).
- 🔄 Cache reset: In Settings → Select heavy programs (such as Instagram) and clear their cache.
📌 Tip: If internal memory is critically lacking, consider buying a smartphone with a large storage capacity.+ Available with 512GB of internal memory, which solves the problem once and for all.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When working with SD-Redmi cards often face the following problems:
⚠️ Note: If, after transferring the application to SD-The card has stopped opening, check if the card supports the class. A1/A2 (Is the card removed during the program operation, has the application been updated (updates may reset storage settings), will help to restore the functionality of the application reinstallation or return it to internal memory.
Other common mistakes:
- 🔌 "SD-card not found": Restart your phone or check the card on another device.
- 🐢 "Apps are slowing down": Class cards 4/6 They're not designed to run programs. UHS-I Class 10 higher.
- 🔒 "You can't move system applications: That's OK — MIUI Blocks the transfer of critical services.