Owners of Xiaomi Redmi smartphones often face a lack of internal memory, especially if the device is equipped with a modest 32 or 64 GB of storage. SD-The map seems like a logical solution, but in modern versions of Android and shells MIUI This feature is either hidden or limited. In this article, we'll look at all the current ways to save applications to an external drive, from standard tools to workarounds for power users.
It's important to understand that not all applications can be ported. Many programs (especially system and protected games) block this ability for security or performance reasons. However, even a partial transfer will free up precious gigabytes of internal memory. We tested the methods on the Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10 and other popular models with MIUI 12-14 - instructions are relevant for all Android 10-14 devices.
Why Xiaomi restricts the portability of applications to SD-card?
With Android 6.0 Marshmallow, Google has tightened its rules on external drives, and manufacturers including Xiaomi have followed these guidelines to:
- ๐ Improved security: applications to SD-It is easier to modify the map, which creates risks for the system.
- โก Maintaining Performance: Internal Memory (eMMC/UFS) It is faster than most microSDs.
- ๐ฑ Simplify updates: apps on the map may conflict when changing the version of Android.
- ๐พ Avoid data loss: SD-Cards are more likely to fail than built-in memory.
However, Xiaomi leaves loopholes for users. MIUI The function of formatting the card as internal storage still works, although it is hidden in new versions, and there are alternative methods, from manual file transfer to use of the card. ADB-team.
โ ๏ธ Attention: formatting SD-The card is like an internal memory that binds it to a particular device, and once it's removed, the data on the card will be inaccessible without being reset.
Method 1: Formatting SD-maps as internal memory
This is the most reliable method, but it has critical limitations: the map will become part of the system and it will not be used on other devices without completely erasing data.
Instructions:
- Put it in. SD-Card to smartphone (class recommended) UHS-I U3 higher).
- Open the Settings โ Memory.
- Tap by name. SD-map โ Three points (โฎ) โ Storage settings.
- Select Internal Memory โ Clean and Format.
- Wait until the process is completed (it can take up to 10 minutes).
Once formatted, the system will suggest moving some of the data to a map. Select Move now. Importantly, this method does not work on MIUI 13/14 for most Redmi models - the feature is hidden due to Google's policy. For new devices, move to Method 2.
Make a backup copy of the data from the card|Use a card with a volume of at least 32 GB|The battery should be charged. >50%|Do not remove the card during the process.-->
Method 2: Transfer applications through settings (for supported models)
Some Redmi models (such as the Redmi 9A/9C or Note 8 Pro) allow you to transfer applications directly through the menu.
- Open Settings โ Applications โ Application Management.
- Select the app you want (like Facebook or Spotify).
- Slip the vault. โ Change (if the button is active).
- Choose. SD-map and confirm the transfer.
If the Change button is inactive or absent, it means:
- ๐ซ The application does not support portability (typical for games and system utilities).
- ๐ Your version. MIUI Blocks the function (relevant to the MIUI 12+).
- ๐ฑ The device doesn't recognize. SD-card as a removable drive (check formatting in the FAT32 exFAT).
Class 10 (up to 30 MB/s)|UHS-I U1 (up to 90MB/s)|UHS-I U3 (up to 150 MB/s)|I don't know/don't use/-->
Method 3: Transfer over ADB (for power users)
If standard methods don't work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a debugging tool that requires a computer and basic command line knowledge, but allows you to migrate even those applications that block movement.
Step-by-step:
- Turn on Developer Mode on your smartphone: Go to Settings โ About Phone. Tap the MIUI version 7 times until the notification appears.
Settings โ Additional โ For Developers
USB debugging
Xiaomi
Command line.
Terminal
adb shell
pm set-install-location 2This team is setting up SD-Map as a priority installation site for new applications.
adb shell pm move-package com.whatsappReplace com.whatsapp with the batch name of the desired application (you can find out through App Inspector or adb shell pm list packages).
Critical: After using ADB, some applications may not work stable or refuse to run.
How to find out the package name of the application?
Method 4: Manual transfer of application files (for games and media)
If you can't move through the system or ADB, you can manually move some of the application files -- like game cache or downloaded media -- and this won't free up much space, but it will save you a few gigabytes.
Instructions:
- Connect your smartphone to your PC via USB (select File Transfer Mode).
- Open the Android โ data folder (you may need root access or a file manager with superuser rights, such as FX File Explorer).
- Find a folder with the name of the application package (for example, com.gameloft.android.ANMP.GloftDMHM for Asphalt 9).
- Copy files or obb folder to SD-map Android/obb).
- In some games (such as PUBG Mobile), you need to manually specify the path to the files in the game settings.
| Type of file | Folder source | Destination folder on SD | Need root? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cash games. | /Android/data/<package>/files | /Android/data/<package>/ | No. |
| OBB-file | /Android/obb/<package> | /Android/obb/<package> | No. |
| Media (photo, video) | /DCIM or /Pictures | Any folder on SD | No. |
| Application data | /data/data/<package> | โ | Yes. |
โ ๏ธ Attention: manual file transfer OBB or data can cause malfunctions in the application. Always check the health after moving.
Method 5: Using Third-Party Applications
Google Play has utilities that automate the transfer of applications to the Internet SD-The most popular maps:
- ๐ฒ AppMgr III (App 2 SD) โ Shows you which apps you can transfer, and does it in one tap.
- ๐ ๏ธ Link2SD โ requires root rights, but allows you to port even system applications.
- ๐ Files by Google โ helps clear cache and offers to move supported apps.
Example of AppMgr III:
- Install an app from the Play Market.
- Open it and give access to the storage.
- In the list, select an app marked Move to SD.
- Press Move and wait until it is completed.
Restrictions of third-party utilities:
- โ Do not work with applications that explicitly block the transfer (e.g. Google Play Services).
- โ You may need root access for full-time work.
- โ Some functions are paid (for example, batch transfer in AppMgr) III).
๐ก
Before using third-party utilities, check the reviews for the last month โ some applications may contain advertising or work incorrectly with the latest versions of MIUI.
Frequent problems and their solutions
When transferring applications to SD-Xiaomi Redmi users face typical errors. Let's analyze the most common:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The "Move to SD" button is inactive. | The application does not support portability or MIUI blocks the function. | Try ADB or manual file transfer |
| After the transfer, the application does not start. | Files are damaged or the path to data has changed | Reinstall the app or return it to internal memory |
| SD-The card is not recognized as an internal memory. | Incompatible format or damaged map | Format your map in FAT32 via PC |
| Slow operation of applications with SD | Low speed reading/writing of the card | Use a UHS-I U3 or higher card |
If after the transfer the application gives an error "Application not installed", try:
- Clear the app cache in Settings โ Apps.
- Reboot the smartphone.
- Transfer the application back to internal memory.
๐ก
SD-class UHS-I U1 The following are not recommended for porting applications โ they are too slow for modern games and programs.