How to transfer applications to a memory card in Xiaomi Redmi 9: the complete guide

Xiaomi Redmi 9 owners often face a shortage of internal memory, especially if the device has a lot of applications or heavy games. microSD card seems logical solution — cheap, fast and without data loss. However, MIUI has strict restrictions on portability of applications, and not all programs can be moved by standard means.

In this article, we will discuss all working ways to save applications on the SD-map 9 (including Redmi models 9A/9C/9T), I’ve been wondering why some of these methods stopped working after the updates. MIUI, And we'll show you workarounds, and you'll learn how to format the map correctly, which applications can be moved and which can't, and what to do if the system blocks the transfer.

We warn you immediately: starting with MIUI 12.5 Xiaomi has completely removed the function "Move to the SD-This is due to Google's Android security policy, but there are alternative solutions, from manual file transfer to use. ADB-Read on to understand all the nuances.

Why Xiaomi Redmi 9 does not allow to transfer applications SD-map?

Many users notice that Redmi 9’s settings don’t have the option to transfer applications to a memory card, even though it used to be, and the reasons are rooted in three key factors:

• 🔒 Google policy: Starting with Android 6.0, Google has tightened the rules for working with external drives, applications are installed in internal memory by default, and portability is allowed only for some programs that support adoptable storage).
• 📱 Limitations MIUI: Xiaomi in new versions of firmware (MIUI 12.5+) Completely removed the GUI for transfer, leaving only manual methods through ADB third-party.
• 🛡️ Security and performance: MicroSD memory cards are slower than internal memory eMMC/UFS. Moving system applications or high-demand games can lead to lags or crashes.

It’s important to understand that even if you format a card as internal memory (via Settings → Storage), not all apps will be able to work with it correctly, such as WhatsApp, Telegram and most banking applications refuse to run from an external drive due to security policies.

⚠️ Warning: Formatting a memory card as an internal storage will encrypt it, and once it is removed, it will not be available on other devices, and it can slow down the phone if the class card is lower. UHS-I (U1/U3).

Preparation of a memory card: which class to choose and how to format

Before transferring applications, you need to properly prepare the microSD, and the speed of the transferred programs depends on the card class:

Redmi 9 recommends UHS-I U3 or A2 cards, which provide minimal lags when running ported applications, and cheap Class 10 cards can slow down games or social networks.

How to format a map for applications:

1. Insert the card into the Redmi 9 slot (cards up to 512GB are supported).
2. Go to Settings → Storage → [Map Name] → Three Points (menu) → Storage settings.
3. Select Internal Memory (this will format the card and encrypt it).
4. Confirm the action – the data on the map will be deleted!

Method 1: Transfer applications through MIUI settings (if available)

Older versions of MIUI (before MIUI 12) had a built-in tool for porting applications. If your Redmi 9 hasn't yet updated, try this method:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the app you want to migrate (like Facebook or Spotify).
3. Press Warehouse. → Move it to SD-map.
4. Wait until the process is completed (may take a few minutes).

If the buttons are moved to SD-No map, then no map:

• 📵 The application does not support portability (most modern programs block this function).
• 🔄 Your version. MIUI 12.0 later and the option removed.
• 💾 Memory card is not formatted as internal storage.

⚠️ Note: Even if the transfer is successful, some features of the application (such as notifications or widgets) may not work properly!

💡

Before transferring the application, clear its cache in the Storage section - this will reduce the amount of data moved and speed up the process.

Method 2: Transfer over ADB (for power users)

If you don’t have a port option in your settings, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), an Android debugging tool that works on all versions of MIUI, but requires a connection to a computer.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 🛠️ Utilities. ADB Fastboot (you can download from the official Android website).
• 📱 Included debugging by USB Redmi 9.

Step-by-step:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version. Click on MIUI Version 7 times until you become a developer!
2. Turn on USB Debugging: Return to Settings → Additional → Developer. Activate the USB Debugging Switch.
3. Connect Redmi 9 to your computer and confirm your trust.
4. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (Linux/macOS) in the folder with ADB.
5. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices should appear serial number of your phone.
6. Find out the batch name of the application (for example, for Facebook it is com.facebook.katana): adb shell pm list packages -f
7. Move the app to SD-map: adb shell pm move-package com.facebook.katana If the team returns Success - application moved.

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ Not all apps support portability (e.g. Google Play Services or Google Play Services). MIUI System Apps).
• ❌ After updating MIUI Transferred applications can “fly” back to internal memory.
• ❌ Some programs (such as Netflix) block the launch of the SD-map.

Install ADB on your computer |

Enable the developer mode on Redmi 9|

Activate debugging via USB|

Connect the phone with the original cable |

Check the connection of the adb device team-->

Method 3: Use of third-party applications (App Mgr III, Link2SD)

If ADB seems complicated, you can use specialized utilities from Google Play.

• 📦 App Mgr III (App Manager - allows you to transfer applications, clear cache and manage autoboot. MIUI, It requires root rights for full functionality.
• 🔗 Link2SD — It creates symbolic links, tricks the system, works without root, but you need a partition map. ext2/ext3 (What is not always possible on Redmi 9).
• 🗃️ Files by Google is a built-in file manager with memory cleanup. It doesn't carry apps, but it helps to free up space.

How to use App Mgr III:

1. Download and install App Mgr III.
2. Open the app and give access to Special Features (in Android settings).
3. Go to the Move tab.
4. Select the app from the list and click Move to SD-map.
5. Confirm the action – the application will be moved (if possible).

⚠️ Note: Applications that have been migrated through third-party utilities can automatically update back to internal memory when updated via Google Play!

Method 4: Manual application file transfer (for games and heavy programs)

Some apps (especially games) allow you to transfer only a fraction of the data, such as cache or additional files, which will not free up much space, but will save a few gigabytes.

How to transfer these games to SD-map:

1. Install a file manager with access to root folders (such as Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer).
2. Go to /Android/obb/, where additional game files are stored (e.g., graphics packages for Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile).
3. Copy the folder with the game (for example, com.miHoYo.GenshinImpact) SD-map (/SDCard/Android/obb/).
4. Remove the original folder from your internal memory.
5. Start the game - it must download files from the memory card.

Games that support such a transfer:

• 🎮 Genshin Impact (Folder) ~15GB).
• 🎮 Call of Duty Mobile (Folder) ~2–5 GB).
• 🎮 PUBG Mobile (folder) ~1-3 GB).
• 🎮 Asphalt 9 (folder) ~2 GB).

For the Redmi 9 with 64GB of storage, this method saves up to 20-30GB if you play multiple heavy projects.

💡

Manual transfer OBB-The only way to make room for games without root rights is to make it easier for files to download back to internal memory!

What to do if the applications are not portable?

If none of these methods worked, try alternative solutions:

• 🧹 Cache Clearing: Go to Settings → Warehouse → Clear cache. This can free up 1 to 5 GB without deleting data.
• 🗑️ Remove Unnecessary Files: Use Files by Google to search for large or duplicate files.
• ☁️ Cloud Storage: Move Photos and Videos to Google Photos or Mi Cloud (gives 5GB for free).
• 🔄 Factory reset: The last resort if the phone is full of "junk." Make a backup before reset!
• 🛒 Replacement of memory card: If you have Class 10, try it UHS-I U3 — Some applications may start to be portable.

If you are critically short of memory, consider buying Redmi. 9 with a large amount of storage (for example, Redmi) 9 128 GB or newer model (Redmi Note) 10/11). Price of difference 64 GB and 128 GB usually does not exceed GB 1500–2000 ₽, It’s cheaper than always fighting for a place.

FAQ: Frequent questions about transferring applications to SD-map 9