How to install applications SD-Xiaomi Redmi map: all ways of 2026

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:

  • πŸ”’ Data security: Annexes to the SD-It is easier to copy or steal a card when physically accessing a device.
  • πŸ“± Fragmentation MIUI: Different Redmi models support different versions of Android, which complicates the universal implementation of the feature.
  • πŸ’Ύ 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.

⚠️ 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-mapMinimum recording speedIs it suitable for applications?Examples of models
Class 1010 MB/s❌ No (laying games)SanDisk Ultra
UHS-I U110 MB/s❌ No.Kingston Canvas Select
UHS-I U330 MB/s⚠️ Partially (simple applications)Samsung EVO Plus
A110 MB/s (IOPS 1500)⚠️ Partially.Lexar Play
A24000 IOPSβœ… Yes (optimally)SanDisk Extreme Pro A2

Formation of the card as an internal drive (if supported):

  1. Put the card in the Redmi slot.
  2. Go to Settings β†’ Memory β†’ Memory Map.
  3. Select Format as an internal drive (if the option is available).
  4. Confirm the action – all data on the map will be deleted!

⚠️ 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.

πŸ“Š What? SD-You are using the card in Xiaomi Redmi?
Class 10
UHS-I U3
A1
A2
I don't know/no map/no map/

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:

  1. Open Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management.
  2. Select the app you want (like Facebook or Spotify).
  3. Press Warehouse. β†’ Change. β†’ SD-map.
  4. Confirm the transfer and wait until it is completed.

If the button is inactive or absent:

  • πŸ”„ The app does not support portability (such as WhatsApp or Google Maps).
  • πŸ“΅ The memory card is formatted as portable, not internal.
  • πŸ”§ 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:

  1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings β†’ About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
  2. Return to Settings β†’ Additional β†’ For developers and activate Debugging over USB.
  3. Connect your phone to your PC, install Xiaomi drivers (download from the official website).
  4. 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.
  5. 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"

πŸ’‘

If the adb device command doesn’t 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:

  • πŸ“± 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.
  • πŸ”„ Files by Google – has a built-in memory manager that offers to migrate rarely used applications to the Internet SD-The map (not working on all models).
  • πŸ› οΈ Link2SD β€” It's a powerful tool, but it requires root rights to work properly.

Example of AppMgr III:

  1. Install the utility from Google Play.
  2. Open it and give access to the storage.
  3. In the list of applications, click on the one you want to transfer.
  4. Select Move to SD card (if the option is active).

⚠️ 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:

  1. Put it in. SD-phone-card.
  2. Go to Settings β†’ Memory β†’ Memory Map.
  3. If you have the option to format as an internal drive, choose it.
  4. After formatting, the phone will suggest moving the data. Choose Move now or Do later.

Advantages of the method:

  • βœ… Applications are installed on the map automatically.
  • βœ… There is no need to manually transfer each application.

Disadvantages:

  • ❌ The map cannot be retrieved without data loss.
  • ❌ Speed is lower than that of the built-in memory.
  • ❌ It does not work with the new Redmi models. MIUI 13+.
What if the option "Format as internal drive" is not available?
On some firmware, Xiaomi hides this feature. Try: 1. Install an alternative firmware (e.g., Pixel Experience). 2. Use ADB-Command: adb shell sm set-force-adoptable true 3. MIUI (In 90% of cases, this method will not work on new Redmis due to manufacturer restrictions.

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.

CategoryExamples of applicationsReason for limitation
SystemicSettings, Google Play Services, MIUI SecurityCritical for the OS
MessengersWhatsApp, Telegram, ViberRequires quick access to memory for notifications
Anticheat gamesPUBG Mobile, Free Fire, Call of DutyCheating protection blocks launch with SD
BankingSberBank Online, Tinkoff, VTB OnlineSecurity requirements (data storage)
Video/photo editorsAdobe Lightroom, KinemasterNeeds high speed recording

If you can transfer such an application, expect:

  • 🚫 Startup errors (e.g., β€œApplication not installedΒ»).
  • πŸ”„ Constant reboots (especially system utilities).
  • πŸ“΅ Loss of functionality (no notifications are received, no data is stored).

πŸ’‘

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).

FAQ: Frequent questions about transferring applications to SD-map

Can I transfer WhatsApp to WhatsApp? SD-map in Redmi Note 11?
WhatsApp officially bans transferring to external drives due to security risks (leakage of chats, media files). ADB The application will give you an error of 24 (β€œFailed to move”). Alternative: transfer WhatsApp media files (photos, videos) to the SD-manually mapped through Files β†’ Internal storage β†’ WhatsApp β†’ Media.
Why did the application stop updating after the transfer?
This is because Google Play defaults to installing updates to internal memory.Solution: Remove the app from SD-Update it through the Play Store. Transfer it back to the map. Or use it. ADB-command to force the installation of updates on SD: adb shell pm set-install-location 2
How to transfer games to SD-map POCO X3 Pro?
On the POCO X3 Pro (as on other Redmi with MIUI 12+), the only way to transfer games is through ADB (see Method 2 above). With the AppMgr III utility (if the game supports portability). Anticheat games (PUBG, Genshin Impact) cannot be transferred - they block the launch from external drives.
What to do if your phone can’t see SD-card after formatting as an internal drive?
Possible causes and solutions: πŸ”Œ Bad contact: Remove the card and paste back, check the slot for dust. πŸ› οΈ Incompatibility: Some cards (especially cheap no-name) don't support Adoptable Storage. A2 from a proven brand. πŸ”„ Formatting Failure: Reboot your phone and format the map again via Settings β†’ Memory. If nothing works, the card might have failed. Check it on another device.
Can you transfer Xiaomi system applications to the SD-map?
Technically, yes, but it's highly discouraged. System applications (Mi Home, Themes, Security) are tied to firmware and can: Cycling the phone. Lead to loss of functionality (e.g., theme or fingerprint scanner will stop working); Reset settings after the MIUI update. If you really need to vacate space, it's best to disable unnecessary system applications through Settings β†’ Apps β†’ Application Management β†’ Disable.