Owners of Xiaomi Redmi smartphones often face a lack of internal memory, especially if the device is equipped with a modest 32 or 64 GB. SD-The map seems like a logical solution, but in reality it's not that simple. The manufacturer imposes restrictions, and the procedure depends on the version. MIUI, This article will cover all working methods, from standard settings to workarounds for power users.
Many people mistakenly think that it's enough to insert a card and click "Transfer." MIUI 12 and newer function of transferring applications to SD-The card is officially removed for most Redmi models, but there are alternative ways. 9A and POCO X3 Pro - results below.
It is important to understand that even if the transfer is successful, some applications (such as messengers or games with anticheat) may not work stable. SD-map β UHS-I U3 or A2 preferably.
Why Xiaomi restricts the portability of applications to SD-card?
S 2019 Xiaomi has started gradually removing the function of porting applications to external drives. SD-cards (even class) A2) slower-than-integrated memory eMMC/UFS, This leads to errors and errors in the program.
Other reasons for restrictions:
- π Data security: Annexes to the SD-It is easier to copy or steal a card when physically accessing a device.
- π± Fragmentation MIUI: Different Redmi models support different versions of Android, which complicates the universal implementation of the feature.
- πΎ Technical limitations: Not all SD-Cards support Adoptable Storage (linking as an internal drive).
However, workarounds do exist, for example, on Redmi 8A (Android 9), the transfer still works through settings, and on Redmi Note 11 (MIUI 13) you will have to use ADB or third-party utilities.
β οΈ Note: Transfer system applications (e.g. Google Play Services) to SD-The card can cause the phone to reboot cyclically.Before experimenting, back up your Settings β System system β Backup.
Preparation SD-maps: formatting and class selection
Before trying to migrate applications, you need to properly prepare the memory card. Xiaomi Redmi supports cards up to 2 TB, but the speed class is not critical for transferring applications:
| Class class SD-map | Minimum recording speed | Is it suitable for applications? | Examples of models |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class 10 | 10 MB/s | β No (laying games) | SanDisk Ultra |
| UHS-I U1 | 10 MB/s | β No. | Kingston Canvas Select |
| UHS-I U3 | 30 MB/s | β οΈ Partially (simple applications) | Samsung EVO Plus |
| A1 | 10 MB/s (IOPS 1500) | β οΈ Partially. | Lexar Play |
| A2 | 4000 IOPS | β Yes (optimally) | SanDisk Extreme Pro A2 |
Formation of the card as an internal drive (if supported):
- Put the card in the Redmi slot.
- Go to Settings β Memory β Memory Map.
- Select Format as an internal drive (if the option is available).
- Confirm the action β all data on the map will be deleted!
β οΈ Note: After formatting as an internal drive, the card will not be read on other devices (PCs, cameras) without completely erasing. Use this method only if you plan to leave the card on your phone forever.
Method 1: Standard portability through settings (for older versions of MIUI)
If your Redmi is running MIUI 11 or older (e.g. Redmi 7, Redmi Note 8), try the classic method:
- Open Settings β Applications β Application Management.
- Select the app you want (like Facebook or Spotify).
- Press Warehouse. β Change. β SD-map.
- Confirm the transfer and wait until it is completed.
If the button is inactive or absent:
- π The app does not support portability (such as WhatsApp or Google Maps).
- π΅ The memory card is formatted as portable, not internal.
- π§ The phone has disabled the option for developers Forced to allow the transfer to SD (see next section).
SD-The card is formatted as an internal drive|
Class of card not lower than A1/U3|
The application is not system and not from the list of prohibited |
Developer mode is enabled (if necessary)-->
Method 2: ADB Transfer (for MIUI 12/13/14)
The newer versions of MIUI have standard port blocked, but you can bypass the restriction via Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a method that works on the Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO F3/X4 and other Android 10+ models.
Instructions:
- Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings β About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
- Return to Settings β Additional β For developers and activate Debugging over USB.
- Connect your phone to your PC, install Xiaomi drivers (download from the official website).
- Open the command line (Windows) or the terminal (Mac/Linux) and type in adb shell pm set-install-location 2 This command forces the system to install applications on SD-default-card.
- To transfer already installed applications, use: adb shell pm move-package com.example.app /sdcard (replace com.example.app with the batch name of the application, for example, com.facebook.katana for Facebook).
To find the batch name of the application, use the command:
adb shell pm list packages | grep "appendix name"π‘
If the adb device command doesnβt show your Redmi, try reconnecting. USB-cable and select File Transfer mode in the notification curtain.
Method 3: Using third-party utilities (without root)
If ADB seems complicated, try apps from Google Play that automate portability.The best options for Xiaomi Redmi are:
- π± AppMgr III (App 2 SD) β It shows you what apps you can migrate, and it does it in one click. MIUI 12-14, but requires the debugging on USB.
- π Files by Google β has a built-in memory manager that offers to migrate rarely used applications to the Internet SD-The map (not working on all models).
- π οΈ Link2SD β It's a powerful tool, but it requires root rights to work properly.
Example of AppMgr III:
- Install the utility from Google Play.
- Open it and give access to the storage.
- In the list of applications, click on the one you want to transfer.
- Select Move to SD card (if the option is active).
β οΈ Note: Some utility (for example, Link2SD) create "symbolic links" instead of a full port, which can lead to data loss when retrieved SD-Before using, check the reviews for your Redmi model.
Method 4: Binding SD-Cards as an internal storage device (Adoptable Storage)
This method transforms SD-It's part of the internal memory, but it doesn't work on all devices (MIUI 12) option available and on Redmi 10 (MIUI 13) - no.
How to check and configure:
- Put it in. SD-phone-card.
- Go to Settings β Memory β Memory Map.
- If you have the option to format as an internal drive, choose it.
- After formatting, the phone will suggest moving the data. Choose Move now or Do later.
Advantages of the method:
- β Applications are installed on the map automatically.
- β There is no need to manually transfer each application.
Disadvantages:
- β The map cannot be retrieved without data loss.
- β Speed is lower than that of the built-in memory.
- β It does not work with the new Redmi models. MIUI 13+.
What if the option "Format as internal drive" is not available?
What applications cannot be transferred to SD-map?
Even if you manage to activate the transfer, some programs won't work with an external drive.
| Category | Examples of applications | Reason for limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Systemic | Settings, Google Play Services, MIUI Security | Critical for the OS |
| Messengers | WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber | Requires quick access to memory for notifications |
| Anticheat games | PUBG Mobile, Free Fire, Call of Duty | Cheating protection blocks launch with SD |
| Banking | SberBank Online, Tinkoff, VTB Online | Security requirements (data storage) |
| Video/photo editors | Adobe Lightroom, Kinemaster | Needs high speed recording |
If you can transfer such an application, expect:
- π« Startup errors (e.g., βApplication not installedΒ»).
- π Constant reboots (especially system utilities).
- π΅ Loss of functionality (no notifications are received, no data is stored).
π‘
Transfer of applications to SD-If the phone is used for games or critical tasks (banking, work), it is better not to take risks and clean up internal memory in other ways (for example, delete cache or transfer media files).