Transfer of applications to SD-Map in Xiaomi: full instructions with nuances

Owners of Xiaomi smartphones with limited internal memory sooner or later face the need to make room for new applications. SD-The map is an additional storage unit. MIUI This process has its own peculiarities: not all models support the installation of applications on an external drive, and in some cases, pre-formatting the card as an internal storage is required.

In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to transfer applications to the SD-map in Xiaomi smartphones, including official methods through settings MIUI We will focus on compatibility with different versions of Android (from 9 to 14) and the nuances of working with memory cards of microSDXC format. If you want to not only free up memory, but also avoid mistakes like “App not installed” or “Not enough space”, read more.

What Xiaomi smartphones support installation on SD-map?

Not all Xiaomi devices allow you to install applications on an external drive, the ability depends on the version of Android, the smartphone model and the MIUI policy.

• 📱 Older models (up to Redmi Note 5): usually support installation on the SD through the Warehouse settings → Storage settings → SD-Map: "Use as internal storage" function is enabled".
• 📱 Modern smartphones (starting with Redmi Note 8, Mi 9 and later): in most cases, the ability is blocked at the level of the smartphone. MIUI, There are some paths to follow (below).
• 📱 Devices on Android 11+: Google has tightened the rules for working with external drives, so even if there is a feature, it may not work correctly (for example, applications will “fly” after a reboot).

The full list of supported models is shown in the table below. Please note that even if your device is on the list, for proper operation. SD-The card must be formatted as an internal storage (this will remove all data from the card!).

If your model is not in the table, check the support experimentally: paste SD-If you don't have one, you can look for "Use as internal storage" in the settings.

Preparation SD-maps: formatting and class selection

Before using SD-It's critical that an inappropriate map may be slow or not defined by the system as internal storage.

Requirements for SD-map

• 🔹 Speed class: minimum class 10 (UHS-I/UHS-II Class cards are recommended. 4 or 6 Not suitable – applications will slow down.
• 🔹 Volume: 16GB (optimally 32–128GB) 2GB or 4GB cards are not supported.
• 🔹 Format: exFAT or FAT32 (But the system itself formats in ext4 or f2fs when configured as an internal storage).
• 🔹 Manufacturer: SanDisk, Samsung, Kingston brands are preferred, and cheap no-name cards are often forged (the real amount is less than the stated amount).

2 How to check the speed SD-map

To avoid the brakes, check the map’s real speed with apps like the A1 SD Bench (available on Google Play).

• 📊 Reading: at least 20 MB/s.
• 📊 Record: at least 10 MB/s.

If the speed is lower, the card is suitable only for storing photos and music, but not for applications.

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Before the purchase SD-Check the card for authenticity with the help of the utility H2testw (Windows or F3 (Linux/macOS). This will help to avoid fakes with an understated real volume.

3. Formatting SD-maps as internal storage

If your smartphone supports the function, follow the following steps:

1. Put it in. SD-card to slot (if a hybrid slot is used, make sure the second slot is used) SIM-card).
2. Go to Settings. → Warehouse → SD-map.
3. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Storage Settings.
4. Tap format as internal and confirm the action.

Checking the speed class (Class) 10+)|Authentication test (H2testw/F3)|Formatting in settings MIUI|Data transfer (if necessary)-->

⚠️ Note: After formatting as internal storage SD-The card will be encrypted and will not be read on other devices (even on another Xiaomi smartphone), and it will not be retrieved without first “unmounting” in the settings.

Official method: transfer applications through MIUI settings

If your smartphone supports the installation of SD-map, follow this instruction. The process may vary slightly depending on the version. MIUI (firmware Global, China, EU), But the general logic holds.

Step 1: Setup SD-maps as internal storage

As mentioned, the map needs to be formatted.

1. The system will offer to transfer data from the internal memory to the SD-You can do it right away or you can skip it (the data can be transferred manually later).
2. Reboot your smartphone – this is a must for the application of changes.

Step 2: Transfer of installed applications

Not all applications can be transferred to SD-System programs and certain games (e.g, PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact) stay in internal memory to migrate supported applications:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the application you want to transfer.
3. Slip the Warehouse.
4. If the option is available, click Change and select SD-map.

It can take a few minutes. Don't interrupt it or pull out the map.

Step 3: Install new applications on SD-default-card

To allow new applications to be automatically installed on SD-map:

1. Go to Settings → Storage → Reservation by default.
2. Choose. SD-map.

⚠️ Note: Some apps (such as Google Play Services or Mi Account) will still be installed in internal memory.

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The official method only works on older Xiaomi models: Newer smartphones (starting with the Redmi Note 9 and Mi 10) have the feature locked, but there are workarounds (see next section).

Alternative method: SD installation via ADB (for advanced)

If your Xiaomi model does not have the option to transfer applications to the SD-You can try to include it forcibly through the map. ADB (Android Debug Bridge: This method requires a computer and basic command line skills.

Step 1: Preparation

• 🖥️ Install. ADB Fastboot Tools on the computer.
• 📱 Enable Developer Mode on your smartphone: go to Settings → About the phone and 7 times tap on the version MIUI.
• 🔧 Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and enable debugging by USB.
• 🔌 Connect your smartphone to your computer USB (Select the File Transfer Mode).

Step 2: Checking the connection

Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:

adb devices

If the device is determined (the serial number will appear), you can continue. If not, check the drivers or cable.

Step 3: Commands for Forced Mounting SD-map

Enter the following commands in turn (click Enter after each command):

adb shell


sm list-disks

You'll see something like this. disk:179,XX (where XX — number SD-Remember it and enter it:

sm set-force-adoptable true


sm partition disk:179,XX private

Replace the XX with the actual number from the previous step.

After you execute the commands, restart your smartphone. Now the formatting option should appear in the storage settings. SD-card-based.

⚠️ Attention: Method C ADB This can lead to an unstable system if SD-The card is slow or damaged, and then the card can't be used on other devices without full formatting.

The Route: What to Do When Nothing Works

If not the official method, nor ADB They don't work, there are alternatives. They won't bring applications to the table. SD-The card is literally, but it will help to free up internal memory.

1. Use of clone applications

Programs like App Cloner or Island allow you to create a “clone” of the application and save its data on the Internet. SD-Disadvantage: Not all applications are supported, and some (e.g. banking) block the work in cloned form.

2. Transfer of cache and media files

Many applications (e.g. Telegram, WhatsApp, Spotify) allow you to manually specify the path to download files.

1. Open the application settings.
2. Find the "Storage" or "Memory" section.
3. Point the folder to SD-bootloader.

3. Link2SD (root required)

If you have root rights, the app Link2SD It allows you to transfer the apex, libraries and data to SD-The card is forced:

1. Install Link2SD from Google Play.
2. Select the file system ext2/ext3/ext4 (it will require a re-break SD-map).
3. In the list of applications, tap on the desired and select Move to SD.

Without root rights, Link2SD only works as an application manager.

4. Cleaning up internal memory

If the transfer is SD-The map is not possible, try to make room in other ways:

• 🧹 Remove the app cache in Settings → Warehouse → Cleanup.
• 🗑️ Remove unnecessary APK-files from the Download folder.
• 🎵 Transfer music and video to SD-hand-write.
• 📁 Use Google Drive (Mi Cloud) for backups.

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MIUI has a built-in Deep Clean feature that removes not only cache, but also temporary system application files. Find it in Settings → Storage → Cleanup → Deep Cleanup.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When working with SD-And in the map on Xiaomi, users are facing typical problems. Let's look at the most common problems and how to fix them.

1. "SD-Card damaged" or "Not supported"

Causes and solutions:

• 🔧 Incompatible format: format the card into FAT32 or exFAT on your computer, then repeat the setting in your smartphone.
• 🔧 Physical damage: check the card on another device. If it doesn't work, replace it.
• 🔧 Slot problems: try inserting the card into the adapter and plugging it through USB-OTG. If determined – the problem in the smartphone slot.

2. the annexes are not installed on SD-map

Possible causes:

• 📵 The map is formatted as a portable storage, not an internal one.Reformat.
• 📵 The app does not support installation on external drives (for example, Netflix or Google Maps).
• 📵 In the developer settings, you have the option to do not save actions to external storage.

3. After the reboot, the applications "fly off"

This is a typical problem for Android 11+ devices.

• 🔄 Reinstall the application for internal memory.
• 🔄 Reverse to an older version MIUI (if it's critical).
• 🔄 Use it. Link2SD root-rights for forced mounting.

4. SD-Card is not determined after update MIUI

After major updates (e.g. from MIUI 12 to MIUI 13), the card may disappear to return it:

1. Go to Settings. → Warehouse → SD-map.
2. Press Settings (three points) → Disable.
3. Remove and re-insert the map.
4. If it doesn’t help, re-format it (the data will be deleted!).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions