How to install applications on a memory card in Xiaomi smartphones: 3 working ways

Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones allow for microSD-based internal memory expansion, but not everyone knows how to properly migrate apps to an external drive. Unlike older versions of Android, modern devices (such as the Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5) limit this feature due to Google’s security policy and the F2FS file system. However, workarounds do exist — and in this article we’ll discuss them in detail.

It is important to understand that not all applications can be transferred to the SD-Map: System Services (Google Play Services, MIUI Launcher and games with protection against piracy (Genshin Impact, PUBG Mobile will remain in internal memory, but messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp), social networks (Vkontakte, TikTok) and many utilities are ported without problems. MIUI, including relevant MIUI 14 and HyperOS.

Memory card preparation: formatting and class selection

Before you port applications, you need to properly prepare the microSD. Xiaomi smartphones support cards up to 2 TB, but the speed class is not critical for installing applications.

• 🔹 Class 10 (UHS-I) — for basic applications (messengers, social networks).
• 🔹 UHS-I U3 / A2 — for games and heavy software (e.g. Lightroom Mobile).
• 🔹 ExFAT format - if the card >64 GB (otherwise — FAT32).

⚠️ Note: If you use a class card U1 class 4/6, And the apps will slow down or they won't even get installed. You can check the class on the package or with the utility. SD Card Tester (available on Google Play).

Formatting the card is better in a smartphone:

1. Insert the card into the slot (for hybrid SIM2+ microSD slots, you may need to remove the second SIM).
2. Go to Settings → Memory → Memory Map.
3. Click Format as internal memory (this will delete all data!).
4. Confirm the action and wait until it is completed (may take up to 5 minutes).

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If your smartphone can’t see the card, try cleaning the slot contacts with a dry brush or compressed air. Avoid alcohol – it can damage the coating!

2. Method 1: Transfer applications through MIUI settings

The simplest method is the built-in MIUI feature, but it doesn't work on all models, like the Redmi 10C or POCO M4 Pro, which is available, but the flagships (Xiaomi 13) can hide it.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the desired application (for example, VKontakte).
3. Click Warehouse → Change → Memory Map.
4. Confirm the transfer and wait until it is completed (may take a few minutes).

If no paragraph is amended, it means:

• 📱 System Appendix (not portable).
• 🔒 The card is formatted as portable (you need to make it internal).
• 🚫 The manufacturer has disabled the function for your model (relevant for devices with the UFS 3.1).

Method 2: Use of ADB (for power users)

If the built-in option is missing, Android Debug Bridge (ADB) – a debugging tool for PCs – works on all Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 12 and later, but requires the inclusion of Developer Mode.

First, prepare your smartphone:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
3. Connect your phone to your PC via the original cable (use the USB 2.0 port for stability).

Follow the instructions in ADB (download Google’s Platform Tools):

adb shell


pm set-install-location 2 # Install applications on SD by default




pm get-install-location # Check (must return "2")

Now all new apps will be installed on the memory card. To return the default settings, type:

pm set-install-location 0

Download Platform Tools from Google’s official website|Enable debugging on USB developer-setting|Connect your phone to the original cable|Check the connection of the team `adb devices`-->

Method 3: Forced transfer through application managers

If ADB seems complicated, use third-party utilities.The best options for Xiaomi are:

Instructions for App Mgr III:

1. Install the app and give access to Special Features (in Android settings).
2. Select the Moving tab - compatible programs will be displayed here.
3. Click on the app. → Move it to SD-map.
4. Confirm the action and restart the phone.

Built-in settings MIUI|ADB (PC)|Third-party applications (App Mgr, Link2SD)|I can't stand it, I have enough internal memory.-->

5. Solving common mistakes

When migrating applications to a memory card, Xiaomi users often face problems, and here are the most common solutions:

• ❌ “Not enough space” error – even if there is 100 GB on the card: MIUI Solution: Format the card as internal memory again.
• ❌ The application does not open after transfer. Cause: damaged files or slow card (Class 4). Solution: Return the application to internal memory or replace the card with a new one. UHS-I U3.
• ❌ The "Transfer" button is inactive. Cause: The app does not support portability (e.g. Google Chrome). Solution: Use ADB Or install the Lite version of the program.

⚠️ If after transferring the smartphone began to brake, check the memory card for errors using the program H2testw (Windows or SD Insight (Android) – Fake cards with low write speeds are a common problem when buying on marketplaces.

Critical information: On devices with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro) porting applications to the Internet SD-The card can lead to a performance decrease of 15-20% due to the limitations of the Qualcomm memory controller.

6.Alternative ways to free up memory

If porting apps didn’t help or your Xiaomi model doesn’t support this feature, try other methods:

• 🗑️ Cache Clearing: Go to Settings → Memory. → Clear the cache. That'll free up to 1 to 3 GB.
• ☁️ Cloud storage: In MIUI Mi Cloud integrated (5GB free) Activate sync for photos and documents in Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud.
• 📁 Media Transfer: Use Files by Google to Move Photos/Video to a Memory Card by Hand.
• 🔄 Factory reset: The last resort if internal memory is clogged with system debris.Pre-reverse to Settings → Additionally. → Backup.

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On devices with HyperOS (for example, Xiaomi 14) the function of porting applications to the device SD-The card can be completely deleted, and in this case, the only way out is to use cloud services or buy a smartphone with a lot of internal memory.

7. Compatible with different Xiaomi models

Application portability depends on the model and version of MIUI. Below is the compatibility table for popular devices:

For HyperOS devices (such as Xiaomi 14 or Redmi K70), it is recommended to use ADB or third-party managers, as the built-in portability option is often absent. Before buying a memory card, check its compatibility on the official Xiaomi website in the section of your model.

FAQ: Frequent questions