How to save cache on SD-Map in Xiaomi: all the ways and nuances

Xiaomi smartphones with limited internal memory often face space shortages due to the accumulated cache of applications. SD-The map can be an effective solution, but not all users know how to do it correctly. MIUI (12, 13 or 14) and the device model process may be different – somewhere enough standard settings, and somewhere you will need to manually format the card as an internal drive.

In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of transferring cache to the SD-map, including hidden settings MIUI, utilization ADB-We will pay special attention to compatibility with popular models (Redmi Note). 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4, Mi 11/12) And the typical bugs that cause failures, and if you want to free up your internal memory without losing performance, read on.

Why does the cache take up so much space and can it be moved?

App caches are temporary files that are created to speed up programs, such as YouTube caches videos for smooth playback, and games (Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile) download resources to load faster, and over time these files can take up several gigabytes, especially if you actively use social networks, streaming services or games.

Xiaomi has two types of cache: 1. System cache – managed by the OS and usually cleaned automatically. 2. Application cache – accumulates in the folders of each application (for example, /Android/data/com.whatsapp/).

You can only transfer the cache of applications, but not all programs support this function.

• 📱 What apps most often clog up the cache:
• 🎮 Games (PUBG Mobile, Free Fire, Honor of Kings – up to 5-10GB.
• 📺 Streaming services (TikTok, YouTube, Netflix) – 1-3 GB.
• 📸 Social networks (Instagram, Facebook, Telegram) – 500 MB-2 GB.
• 🗺️ Maps (Google Maps, Yandex.Maps) – up to 1 GB of offline cache.

Transfer of cache to SD-The map is possible, but with reservations:

— The card must be high speed (class) UHS-I U3 or A2), Otherwise, the app will be slowed down.

Not all applications support external drive (especially cheat-protected games).

After the transfer, some functions (such as notifications) may not work properly.

Preparation SD-Maps: Formatting and Choosing the Right Type

Before transferring the cache SD-The map needs to be formatted correctly. MIUI There are two options for using the card: 1. Portable storage - files are copied manually, but applications cannot store data to it automatically. 2. Internal storage - the card becomes part of the system, and applications can use it for cache.

Only the second option is suitable for transferring the cache, but it has drawbacks:

The map cannot be retrieved without losing data.

It will be encrypted and will not be read on other devices.

— The speed depends on the class of the card (recommended). U3/A2).

Make a backup copy of the data from the card|Check the speed class (should be) U3 or A2)|Connect the card to your smartphone|Battery charge of at least 50%-->

To format the card as an internal storage:

1. Put it in. SD-smartphone-card.
2. Go to Settings. → Memory. → SD-map.
3. Click Format as Internal (in some versions) MIUI This is called using as internal memory).
4. Confirm the action and wait until it is completed (may take 5-10 minutes).

⚠️ Warning: Once formatted as internal storage, the card will be encrypted, and if you retrieve it, the data will be inaccessible without the smartphone resetting to factory settings.

Method 1: Transfer cache through application settings (without root)

Some annexes to MIUI This is a method that works without root rights, but not all programs support it:

• 🎮 Games (PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty, Genshin Impact).
• 📺 Streaming services (YouTube, TikTok, Kwai).
• 🗺️ Maps (Google Maps, Yandex.Maps, 2GIS).

Instructions for transfer:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the app you want to transfer (e.g. YouTube).
3. Go to the Warehouse. → Modify (or Memory) → The way to preserve).
4. Indicate. SD-card.
5. Confirm and restart the application.

If there is no Modify, the application does not support cache transfer, in which case only formatting the card as internal storage (see previous section) or using the cache will help. ADB (see next section).

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Before transferring the cache, check whether the application supports the work with SD-For example, WhatsApp and Telegram do not allow you to save media files to an external drive without additional manipulation.

Method 2: Use of the ADB force-transfer

If the application does not allow you to choose SD-map in settings, you can forcefully specify the path through ADB (Android Debug Bridge – This method requires connecting a smartphone to a computer, but does not need root rights. MIUI 12–14.

What you need:

— Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.

— Installed drivers Xiaomi and ADB (You can download from the official Android website).

— Included debugging by USB smartphone.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times).
2. Activate USB Debugging: Settings → Additional → For Developers → Debugging by USB.
3. Connect your smartphone to your computer and confirm your trust in the device.
4. Open the command line (CMD) and type: Adb devices Make sure your Xiaomi appears in the list.
5. Run a command to transfer the cache (replace com.example.app with an application package, for example com.whatsapp): adb shell pm set-install-location 2 This command forces the system to install the applications on the app. SD-default-card.
6. For forced data transfer of an existing application: adb shell pm move-package com.example.app

⚠️ Note: Not all applications work correctly after porting through ADB. For example, Google Play Store and system utilities can give out errors. Before executing commands, check compatibility on forums (for example, check compatibility on the forums, 4PDA or XDA Developers).

Method 3: Cache transfer using root rights (for advanced)

If your Xiaomi has root rights (for example, after unlocking the bootloader and installing Magisk), you can manually transfer the cache of any application. This method provides maximum flexibility, but requires caution - improper actions can lead to data loss or system failure.

The transfer will require:

Installed Root Explorer (or any file manager with root support)

— FolderMount App or Link2SD (available on Google Play).

Backup copy of important data.

Instructions via FolderMount:

1. Install and open FolderMount, provide root access.
2. Select the application you want to transfer (for example, PUBG Mobile).
3. Please specify the cache folder (usually) /Android/data/packet/).
4. Select the target folder on SD-map (e.g., map, /storage/1234-5678/PUBG_Cache/).
5. Press Mount and restart your smartphone.

Alternatively, through the Link2SD:

1. In Link2SD, select the app and click Create a link.
2. Check Cash and Data.
3. Indicate. SD-map as target storage.
4. Confirm and restart the application.

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Using root rights gives you full control over cache transfer, but voids the Xiaomi warranty and may disrupt some features (such as Mi Pay or Google Pay).

Problems after cache transfer and their solution

Even after the successful transfer of the cache to SD-This is the most common problem and the way to fix it:

If after transferring the cache, the application began to fly out or work incorrectly, try:

— Clear the cache and application data in Settings → Annexes.

Transfer the cache back to internal memory.

Update the app to the latest version.

To diagnose problems with SD-Use the built-in utility with the card MIUI: Settings → Memory. → SD-map → Check for errors.

Alternative ways to free up memory without cache transfer

If the cache is transferred to SD-The card is not suitable (for example, due to a slow card or application incompatibility), other methods of freeing up memory can be used:

• 🧹 Automatic cleaning: B MIUI There is a built-in cleaning function (Settings) → Memory. → Clear it. It deletes unnecessary files, including cache and residual data.
• 🗑️ Cleaning the cache manually: Go to Settings → Apps, select the app and click Clear cache.
• ☁️ Cloud Storage: Move your media files (photos, videos) to Google Photos, Mi Cloud or Yandex Drive.
• 📁 File Transfer: Use a file manager (such as Mi File Manager) to manually move large files to the file. SD-map.
• 🔄 Resetting the cache of system applications: In Settings → All applications find Google Play Services, Mi Video and other system programs – their cache can take up to 1-2 GB.

For deep cleaning, third-party utilities can be used:

CCleaner (deletes unnecessary files and cache)

Files by Google (helps you find and delete duplicates)

— SD Maid (deep cleaning of system debris, requires root).

⚠️ Attention: Frequent cache cleaning can slow down applications as they have to re-download data, and it is optimal to clear the cache every 1-2 months or if there is a lack of memory.

FAQ: Frequent questions about transferring cache to SD-map