Why Xiaomi is blocking the installation of applications on the SD-map and how to get around
Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often face a problem: even with a 128GB or 256GB microSD card, the system persists in installing applications into internal memory. What's the matter? The reason lies in Google's policy and the features of MIUI firmware.
Starting with Android 6.0 Marshmallow, Google introduced the concept of Adoptable Storage – the ability to format. SD-Xiaomi has disabled this feature in most models (except the Mi A line with pure Android), instead offering only partial data transfers – photos, music or cache – but not the actual ones. APK-But there are workarounds!
In this article, we will examine:
- 🔍 Why Play Market Is Ignoring SD-map
- ⚙️ How to enable installation on the map through hidden settings MIUI
- 📱 Alternative methods: from ADB down-to-earth
- ⚠️ Risks and limitations (including slowing down applications)
Preparation SD-Maps: Formatting and Selection of File System
Before you try to install applications on a map, you need to prepare it correctly. Xiaomi supports two SD modes:
- Portable storage (default) – the card is used as a removable drive for files, but not for applications.
- Internal Storage (hidden in MIUI) – The card is formatted as part of the system, but this mode is officially blocked.
For maximum compatibility, we recommend:
- 📌 Use the cards UHS-I Class 10 or A1/A2 (For example, SanDisk Ultra or Samsung. EVO Plus).
- 🔄 Format the card in exFAT (for files) >4 GB) or FAT32 (If you plan to use it on other devices).
- ⚠️ Avoid. NTFS — MIUI It may not work properly with this file system.
⚠️ Warning: Formatting the card as an internal storage device will encrypt it and make it impossible to use on other devices!
To check the current file system:
- Connect the card to the PC through the card reader.
- Open the Disk Properties (right click → Properties).
- The General section will specify the type (FAT32, exFAT or NTFS).
Method 1: Enable SD installation through hidden MIUI settings
MIUI 12/13/14 has a hidden option that allows you to unlock the installation of applications on the card. It does not work on all models, but check it first:
- Open the Settings. → The phone.
- Tap 7 times on the MIUI version to activate Developer Mode.
- Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
- Find the option Forced to allow installation on external storage (or Force allow apps on external in English).
- Activate it and restart the device.
After the reboot:
- 📲 Go to the Play Market and select the app.
- 💾 On the installation page will appear option SD-card (if the card is formatted as a portable storage).
- ⚙️ If there is no option, move on to the next method.
⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3 Pro) this option may not be available due to manufacturer restrictions, in which case only ADB third-party launchers.
Install Xiaomi drivers on PC| Enable debugging over USB in developer settings | Download ADB platform from Google | Connect phone to PC in file transfer mode-->
Method 2: Transfer applications over ADB (for power users)
If the hidden settings don’t work, use Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method requires a PC, but gives you more control.+.
Instructions:
- Download ADB Tools and unpack it into the C:\adb folder.
- Turn on your phone: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (7 taps) Settings → Additional → For Developers → Debugging over USB
- Connect your phone to your PC and select File Transfer mode.
- Open the command line in the adb folder (Shift + right click → Open the PowerShell window here).
- Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices must appear serial number of the device.
- Execute the port command (replace package.name with application ID, such as com.whatsapp): adb shell pm set-install-location 2 where 2 is the priority of external storage.
To find the application ID:
- Install App Inspector from Play Market.
- Open the app and find what you want in the list – in the column Package Name will be its ID.
| ADB Team Team | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| pm get-install-location | Shows the current installation location (0 – auto, 1 – internal, 2 – external) | adb shell pm get-install-location |
| pm set-install-location 2 | Prioritizes the SD-map | adb shell pm set-install-location 2 |
| pm move-package | Transfers a specific application | adb shell pm move-package com.facebook.katana /sdcard |
⚠️ Note: Not all applications support portability SD. System utilities (com.miui.home, com.android.settings) and games with anticheat (PUBG Mobile, Genshin Impact will not be carried over.
💡
If the pm move-package command gives an error, try first installing the application in internal memory and then transfer it through Settings. → Annexes → [Name of the annex] → Warehouse → Change. → SD-map.
Method 3: Using third-party launchers and file manager
If ADB seems complicated, try to get around the restrictions with third-party tools.
- 📱 Nova Launcher - allows you to choose the installation site for new applications: Install Nova Launcher. → Nova Settings. Go to Apps and icons → Install applications. Choose SD-map.
Important: Applications installed manually through APK on SD-The card can run slower and not be updated through the Play Market. APK.
Why the games are slowing down with SD-map?
Limitations and Risks: What to Know Before Transfer
Transfer of applications to SD-Xiaomi's map isn't the perfect solution. Here are the key flaws:
- ⚡ Decreased performance – memory cards are slower than internal memory, especially when multitasking.
- 🔄 Update issues – Play Market may not update apps SD hand-held.
- 🚫 Incompatibility with some applications – banking applications (SberBank, Tinkoff) and games with protection (Genshin Impact) will not work.
- 🔒 Data loss risk – when you extract the card without safely disabling applications can get damaged.