How to properly install games on SD-Map in Xiaomi smartphones: all ways + mistake

Installation of games SD-The map in Xiaomi smartphones is a question that worries many users, especially owners of devices with limited internal memory, POCO and Mi offer options with 128GB or more games like Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile or PUBG It takes tens of gigabytes, and the memory card becomes the lifeline: MIUI by default, block the installation APK-files to external drives, and transferring data through settings does not work for all applications.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to install games on the SD-Xiaomi map (including models) 2023–2026 In the past, we have explained why some methods have stopped working after the updates. MIUI 14/15, We'll show you how to get around the restrictions without rooting rights, and you'll also learn which memory cards are suitable for gaming, how to avoid errors like "No space" or "Application not installed," and what to do if the game slows down or crashes after the transfer.

1. Which one? SD-The cards are suitable for installing games on Xiaomi

Not every memory card can handle modern games, not just in volume, but also in speed class and drive type, and it's critical for Xiaomi to follow two rules:

• 🔹 Minimum class: UHS-I U3 class 10 (speed 30 MB/s. Class cards 4/6 lead to lag in games.
• 🔹 Type: MicroSDXC (64 GB) only – MicroSDHC (up to 32 GB) is not suitable for heavy projects.
• 🔹 Manufacturer: We recommend Samsung EVO Plus, SanDisk Extreme or Kingston Canvas Go! Plus – optimized for Android.
• 🔹 Formatting: mandatory in exFAT or NTFS (FAT32 does not support files >4GB).

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi smartphones with Snapdragon processors 8 Gen 2/3 (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Redmi K60 Pro) may not support cards larger than 1 TB due to controller limitations. Before buying, check the model specifications on the official website.

2. Method 1: Install games directly to SD via MIUI settings

The easiest way is to transfer the game to the memory card after installation, but it doesn't work for all applications.

1. Install the game from Google Play or APK-file-to-internal memory.
2. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
3. Select the desired game, click Warehouse.
4. Tap Change and specify SD-Card (if the option is active).

⚠️ Attention: B MIUI 14/15 Many games (such as Genshin Impact or Honor of Kings) block the transfer to the game. SD In this case, use the methods in the following sections.

Format the card in exFAT| Check the write speed (minimum 30 MB/s)|Insert the card into the slot before turning on the phone |Disable the "Adaptive battery" for the card in the settings-->

3. Method 2: Use of SD-The card is an internal memory (adoptable storage)

Adoptable Storage allows you to "tether" SD-It's the only way to put games directly onto the map without root rights:

• 🔸 The card will be encrypted and will not be read on other devices.
• 🔸 When you remove the map, the applications will stop working.
• 🔸 Not all Xiaomi models support this feature (for example, it is disabled in the app). POCO X5 Pro).

Instructions:

1. Put it in. SD-smartphone-card.
2. When the notice “New” appears SD-map" select Set up → Internal memory.
3. Follow the instructions of the system (the map will be formatted!).
4. After setting up, go to Settings → Storage and select SD as the default installation location.

Method 3: Install APK on SD via file manager

If the game is unpacked in.apk +.obb format (such as Asphalt 9 or eFootball), you can install it directly to the map via MI File Manager:

1. Download. APK and OBB-game-file SD-map (e.g., folder) Android/obb).
2. Open Files → find the APK on the memory card.
3. Slip the file and select Install.
4. In the settings of the installer, specify SD-mapping as a place of data storage.

⚠️ Note: Some games (such as Free Fire or Mobile Legends) check file integrity when running. OBB-file SD, APK In the internal memory, the game may not start:

• 📌 Move the folder. Android/obb manually.
• 📌 Use symbolic links (requires root or Termux).

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If the game is slowing down after installing on SD, try turning off MIUI Optimization for it: go to Settings → Special permissions → Battery Optimization and select No Limits.

5. Method 4: Transfer games over ADB (for advanced users)

If standard methods don’t work, you can force the game to SD using Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which does not require root rights, but you need basic command line knowledge.

Instructions:

1. Turn on USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (stick 7 times) → Additional → For Developers.
2. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.
3. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (Mac/Linux) and type: adb shell pm set-install-location 2 This command forces the system to install applications on the SD by default.
4. Install the game via Google Play or APK – it will automatically be placed on the map.

To return the default settings, use:

adb shell pm set-install-location 0

💡

The pm set-install-location 2 command does not work on all MIUI firmware. If after running it, games are still installed in internal memory, try an alternative method with app2sd (requires a root).

6. Solving common installation errors on SD

Even after successfully transferring a game to a memory card, problems can arise, and here are the most common errors and their solutions:

⚠️ Note: If after the game is transferred to SD it has stopped saving progress (for example, in Brawl Stars or Clash Royale), check if the save files are in internal memory. Use Root Explorer or Mixplorer (with root rights) to move the folder shared_prefs from /data/data/play-off SD.

7.Alternative methods: cloud gaming and streaming

If none of these methods worked, consider SD installation alternatives:

• 🎮 Cloud Gaming: Services such as Xbox Cloud Gaming or NVIDIA GeForce NOW You can play without downloading to the device. Xiaomi will suit the browser version or the Moonlight application (for streaming from PC).
• 🔄 PC portability: Use Scrcpy or Vysor to play on your computer and use your phone as a gamepad.
• ☁️ Cloud storage: Some games (like Roblox) allow you to save progress to the cloud, reducing memory load.

✅ Pros: No need to worry about the place SD internal memory.

❌ Cons: Requires a stable Internet (from 10 Mbps) and may be a delay in input.

FAQ: Frequent questions about installing games on SD in Xiaomi