Installing Genshin Impact on Xiaomi Memory Card: The Complete Guide 2026

Why Genshin Impact “Doesn’t Want” to Be Introduced SD-map?

MiHoYo’s Genshin Impact is one of the most resource-intensive mobile RPGs, taking up more than 15 GB after full installation. Owners of Xiaomi smartphones with limited internal memory (especially the Redmi Note 8/9, Poco X3 or Mi A3) often face a problem: the game stubbornly refuses to install on a memory card, despite the availability of space, the reason lies in the peculiarities of Android and MIUI policy.

The fact is that Genshin Impact is installed by default in internal memory, and an attempt to transfer it through the standard settings Settings. → Annexes → Genshin Impact → The storage usually ends with the error “Not enough space on the device, although the device is not available for use.” SD-free-card+ GB." This is because MIUI block APK-External storage files for high-performance applications, but this limitation can be circumvented, and we'll explain how to do it.

In this guide, you will find 4 working ways to install the game on a memory card (including methods for MIUI 12/13/14), as well as tips for optimizing performance to avoid lags. All instructions are tested on Xiaomi models from 2020-2026.

1.Preparation: Which memory card is suitable for Genshin Impact?

Not every microSD card can handle the load from Genshin Impact. The game actively uses cache and temporary files, so the drive must meet three key requirements:

  • 🔹 Speed class: minimum UHS-I (U3) or V30. Class cards U1 Class 10 will cause constant texture loading.
  • 🔹 Volume: from 64 GB (optimally 128 GB), as after updates the game can take up to 20 GB.
  • 🔹 Formatting: exFAT file system (for maps) >32 GB) or FAT32 (volume ≤32GB). NTFS not supported by Android!

Recommended memory card models for Xiaomi:

ModelVolume.Class speedEstimated price (2026)
Samsung EVO Select128GBU3, V301 200–1 500 ₽
SanDisk Extreme256GBU3, V602 000–2 300 ₽
Kingston Canvas Go! Plus64GBU3, V30800–1 000 ₽

⚠️ Attention: No-name memory cards of brands (such as Transcend base series or Samsung fakes) often have understated real-world write speeds.This leads to friezes when downloading Teivat open world. A1 SD Bench – it should be at least 40 MB/s per record.

Before installing the game, format the card in your phone: go to Settings → Storage → Memory Map → Format as internal storage. This step is mandatory for methods 2 and 3 from our instructions.

📊 What memory card do you use in Xiaomi?
Samsung EVO
SanDisk Extreme
Kingston
Another (write in the comments)
I don't use it.

Method 1: Installation via ADB (operates on MIUI 12-14)

This method involves the use of Android Debug Bridge (ADB) — debugging tool that allows you to manually specify the installation path APK on SD-This is suitable for most Xiaomi models, except Android Go devices (e.g. Redmi Go).

What will be required:

  • 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux;
  • 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original);>
  • 📱 Included debugging by USB phone-on;
  • 📂 APK-Genshin Impact file (download from the official website of miHoYo).

Step-by-step:

  1. Activate Developer Mode on Xiaomi: go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap 7 times on the build number.
  2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
  3. Connect your phone to your PC and select File Transfer (MTP) mode.
  4. Download ADB Tools and unpack the archive.
  5. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB and type:
adb devices

(Your device name should appear. If not, check the drivers.)

adb shell pm set-install-location 2

(This team is forced to install all new applications on SD-map.)

adb install -s /path/k/genshin.apk

(Replace the path with a real address APK-file.)

⚠️ Note: After installing the game through ADB Don't disconnect the memory card from your phone, it'll crash the game the next time you run it. SD-First, transfer Genshin Impact back to internal memory via Settings → Annexes.

USB debugging enabled

Download the official APK Genshin Impact

ADB Tools Unpacked on PC

Phone is connected in mode MTP-->

Method 3: Transfer through “Forced Use of SD” (requires root)

If your Xiaomi has an unlocked bootloader and root rights (for example, through Magisk), you can use the ForceAllowExternal module. This method allows you to bypass the restrictions of MIUI on installing games on external drives.

Instructions:

  1. Install Magisk Manager and check root status.
  2. Download ForceAllowExternal module.
  3. Install the module via Magisk and restart the phone.
  4. Download. APK Genshin Impact and manually install it. The system automatically prompts you to select the installation site — specify. SD-map.

Advantages of the method:

  • 🔧 It works even for game updates;
  • 📱 It does not require a PC connection;
  • 🔄 Allows you to transfer the game's cache to the map.

Disadvantages:

  • ⚠️ Requires root, which deprives of guarantees;
  • 🛠️ Save bugs are possible (it is recommended to synchronize your account with miHoYo).
What to do if the game crashes after installation?
If Genshin Impact is dyed when starting with SD-Cards, try: 1. Clear the game's cache in Settings → Appendices. 2. Disable background optimization MIUI 3. Reset the game to internal memory and then transfer the data to the map through App2SD (requires root). 4. Check the memory card for errors through SD Card Tester (available on Play Market).

Method 3: Use Link2SD (for a card formatted as internal memory)

If you're formatting. SD-Card as internal storage (via Settings) → Warehouse → Memory map → Formatted as internal, you can use the application Link2SD. It allows you to “bind” part of the game data to an external drive.

Step-by-step:

  1. Install Link2SD from the Play Market.
  2. Give the application root rights (if any) or use the no root mode.
  3. In the list of applications, find Genshin Impact and select Create a link.
  4. Check the App Data and Cash, then click OK.
  5. Reboot the phone.

Link2SD does not tolerate the game itself, but creates symbolic links, so:

  • ✅ The game will be launched as usual;
  • ✅ Updates will be installed automatically;
  • ❌ When the card is removed, the game will stop working.

💡

If the game is slowing down after transferring over Link2SD, try turning off MIUI Optimization for Genshin Impact. Go to Settings → Applications → Genshin Impact → Battery → Optimization MIUI and select No Limits.

5. Method 4: Manual file copying (for power users)

This method is suitable if the game is already installed in internal memory, but you want to free up space by transferring some files to the internal memory. SD-Attention: Not all files can be moved without consequences!

What can be transferred safely:

  • 📁 Cache folder (Android/obb/com.mihoyo.GenshinImpact);
  • 📁 Folder with loaded resources (Android/data/com.mihoyo.GenshinImpact/files).

Instructions:

  1. Connect your phone to your PC and activate File Transfer (MTP) mode.
  2. Copy obb and files from internal memory SD-map (e.g. in the /storage/XXXX-XXXX/Android/obb/).
  3. Remove the original folders from your internal memory.
  4. Create symbolic links (requires root or ADB):
adb shell


su




ln -s /storage/XXXX-XXXX/Android/obb/com.mihoyo.GenshinImpact /sdcard/Android/obb/com.mihoyo.GenshinImpact




ln -s /storage/XXXX-XXXX/Android/data/com.mihoyo.GenshinImpact/files /sdcard/Android/data/com.mihoyo.GenshinImpact/files

Replace. XXXX-XXXX real ID yours SD-maps (you can find it through adb shell ls) /storage/).

⚠️ Attention: Don't move the folder Android/data/com.mihoyo.GenshinImpact It's going to reset the whole thing, and it's going to reset the progress. /data/data/com.mihoyo.GenshinImpact (It requires rooting and can break the game).

💡

Transferring only cache and resources (obb and files folders) is the safest way to free up 10-12 GB of internal memory without risking storage.

6.Optimization of performance after transfer to SD-map

Even after successfully transferring Genshin Impact to a memory card, you may experience friezes or long downloads. SD-versus internal memory, to minimize the lags:

  • 🔧 Set low graphics settings in the game: Settings → Graphics → Texture quality: Low, Shadows: Low, Effects: 30 FPS.
  • 📵 Disable background apps through Settings → Battery → Optimization MIUI.
  • 🔄 Clean the game cache regularly (but don't delete the obb folder!).
  • 🔋 Use the game mode in MIUI: Settings → Special facilities → Turbo-playing mode.

If the game is slowing down, check your speed. SD-map:

  1. Install the A1 SD Bench from the Play Market.
  2. Run the write/read test.
  3. If the write speed is below 20MB/s, the card is not suitable for Genshin Impact.
Problem.Possible causeDecision
The game flies off at launchIncorrect symbolic referencesReset the game to internal memory, then repeat the transfer
The world's long loadLow speed. SD-mapReplace the card with a model with a class V30/U3
No updates are installedThere's not enough space on the map.Clear the cache or expand the section for applications

7. Frequent errors and their solutions

When installing Genshin Impact on SD-Xiaomi users often face typical problems, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:

  • 🚫 “Insufficient Memory” Error in Installation: Reason: MIUI lock-in SD-map APK. Solution: Use the method with ADB (Method 1) or format the card as an internal storage.
  • 🔄 The game is updated, but not launched: Reason: updates are installed in internal memory and the main files remain on the computer. SD. Solution: Move the obb folder back to the map or use it Link2SD.
  • 📱 The phone can't see. SD-post-transfer card: Reason: incorrect formatting or file system failure Solution: format the card in exFAT via PC and repeat the procedure.

If none of the methods worked, check:

  • 🔍 Compatibility of your Xiaomi model with installation on SD (Some budget models, such as Redmi 9A, This function is not supported by iron levels).
  • 📋 Free space on the map (minimum 5 GB in excess of the game volume).
  • 🔄 Version MIUI (on older versions, for example MIUI 11, there may be bugs with external drives).
Can I install Genshin Impact on the SD-root-card?
Yes, but with limitations. The most reliable way to do this without root is to use ADB (Method 1) or format the map as an internal storage (then the system will suggest moving the game), but updates may not be installed correctly.
Will the game be broken if you put it on a memory card?
It depends on the class. SD-On the cards. U3/V30 (for example, Samsung EVO Plus, textures are loaded almost without delay. On cheap Class cards. 10 Freezes are possible when moving between locations.
What if the preservation is lost after the transfer?
Genshin Impact saves are tied to miHoYo account, not file location. If you're logged in, progress will be restored once you re-sign in. If the game was pirated, saves are lost.
Can I play the maximum graphics settings with SD-map?
Technically, yes, but this will lead to frequent hang-ups, as the card reads less than the internal memory, and we recommend setting Medium settings or Low for stable FPS.
Why does it take up internal memory after the game is updated?
This is a feature of MIUI: the default updates are installed in internal storage. To avoid this, transfer the game back to the map via Link2SD or ADB before upgrading.