How to install applications on a memory card in Xiaomi smartphones: all the ways and nuances

Installing applications on a memory card in Xiaomi smartphones is a topic that causes a lot of questions for users. On the one hand, the manufacturer is actively promoting models with a large amount of internal memory (up to 1 TB in the flagships of Xiaomi 14 Ultra), but on the other hand, budget devices are still equipped with modest 32-64 GB, which is enough only for basic tasks. The microSD memory card seems to be the ideal solution, but here users are waiting for the limitations of Android and the features of the MIUI firmware.

Starting with Android 6.0 Marshmallow, Google introduced Adoptable Storage, which allows you to format the memory card as internal storage. MIUI This option is either hidden or works with reservations. MIUI 12 the possibility of transferring applications to SD-This is not to say that there is no solution! In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to install applications on a memory card in Xiaomi smartphones, including bypassing system restrictions and choosing the right hardware.

It’s important to understand that not all applications can be migrated to an external drive, such as Google Play Services (MIUI Security) and messaging apps (WhatsApp, Telegram) most often block this feature for security reasons.

Why Xiaomi is limiting the installation of applications SD-map?

Xiaomi is not accidentally narrowing the possibilities of working with memory cards.

• 🔒 Data security: MicroSD cards are easier to steal or lose, and applications stored on them may contain sensitive information (logins, cache).
• ⚡ Performance: Even the fastest cards UHS-II They are slower than the built-in memory. UFS 3.1, which affects the speed of application launch.
• 🛠️ System Stability: Poor quality memory cards can cause failures, especially when using Adoptable Storage features.
• 📱 Marketing considerations: The manufacturer is interested in selling models with a large amount of internal memory.

However, the restrictions can be circumvented. MIUI 13/14 portability SD-The map is hidden in the developer mode, and in older versions (MIUI 11 And below, it's available by default, and there are alternative methods, such as using it. ADB third-party launchers.

⚠️ Note: Transferring applications to a memory card can cause them to run unstable, especially if the card has a lower speed class. UHS-I (U3). We recommend using cards with markings. A2 (application-optimized).

Which memory card to choose for Xiaomi: technical requirements

Not every microSD card is suitable for installing applications, but here are the key options to look out for:

Pay special attention to the A1/A2 marking. Class A2 cards are optimized for application use and provide:

• 📈 Minimum speed of random recording 2000 IOPS (1500 IOPS bal A1).
• 🔄 Resistance to fragmentation with frequent records (relevant for cache applications).
• ⚡ Quick start of programs due to optimized buffer control.

Avoid cards of unknown brands (for example, NoName from China) – they often have understated real characteristics and can fail when used intensively. Also, we do not recommend using cards with a volume of more than 512 GB – some Xiaomi models (especially on MediaTek Helio) do not work properly with such drives.

Method 1: Transfer applications through MIUI settings (for older versions)

If your smartphone is working on MIUI 11 or lower (e.g. Redmi Note 8 Pro, Mi 9) SE), portability of applications to SD-The card is available by default. Here's how to use it:

1. Insert the memory card into a microSD slot (or hybrid-slot if it is combined with a tray for the microSD slot). SIM-map).
2. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
3. Select the application you want (like Spotify or VLC).
4. Press Warehouse.
5. Slip the Change button and select Memory Card.
6. Confirm the transfer and wait for the process to be completed.

Note that not all applications support portability, and if the Change button is inactive, the developer has blocked this option, and some programs (such as Google Maps) may not work stable after portability.

⚠️ Note: After the application has been moved to SD-The cache card and the data will remain in the internal memory. To make room, manually clean the cache through the same Storage section.

Method 2: Use Adoptable Storage (Hidden Function)

Adoptable Storage allows you to format your memory card as part of your internal storage, so you can install applications on it without restrictions, but in MIUI, this mode is hidden.

1. Put the memory card in the smartphone.
2. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version. Enter password/pattern lock if required.

Settings → Additional → For Developers

Formatting as an internal storage

MIUI

Default storage

Choose yours. SD-map and confirm formatting.

Once formatted, the card will be encrypted and linked to your device, and it won't be read on another smartphone or PC without being reset, and you'll also be aware that once you've extracted the card, some apps may stop working.

Advantages of this method:

• 📲 The ability to install any applications on the map (including games).
• 🔄 Automatic data distribution between internal memory and SD-card.
• 🛡️ Encrypting data to improve security.

Disadvantages:

• 🚫 The card becomes incompatible with other devices.
• ⚠️ If the card is damaged, the data will be lost without the possibility of recovery.
• ⏳ The formatting process takes up to 10-15 minutes.

Method 3: Installation of applications on SD-map ADB (power-user)

If your smartphone runs MIUI 12/13/14 and you don't have Adoptable Storage, you can use the ADB (Android Debug Bridge) tool, which requires a connection to your computer, but allows you to migrate applications even on newer versions of the firmware.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and package ADB Tools.
• 📱 Smartphone with enabled debugging USB.
• 🔌 USB-Type-C Cable (Original or Certified).

Instructions:

1. Download and unpack Google’s Platform Tools.
2. Connect your smartphone to your PC and allow debugging over USB.
3. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with ADB.
4. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
5. Run the command to port the application (replace com.example.app with the batch name of the program): adb shell pm move-package com.example.app

To find out the batch name of the application, use the command:

adb shell pm list packages | find "keyword"

For example, for Facebook, type:

adb shell pm list packages | find "facebook"

The result will look like com.facebook.katana – this is the desired identifier.

⚠️ Note: Not all applications support portability ADB. If you see a Failure message after completing the command [INSTALL_FAILED_INVALID_INSTALL_LOCATION], So transfer is impossible.

💡

To return the app back to internal memory, use the same command, but with the --internal flag:

adb shell pm move-package --internal com.example.app

Method 4: Using third-party launchers and file manager

If system methods don't work, you can use third-party tools, such as the launcher Nova Launcher or the file manager Solid Explorer allow you to specify the path of installing applications on the Internet. SD-map.

Instructions for Solid Explorer:

1. Install Solid Explorer from Google Play.
2. Open the application and give it access to the storage.
3. Go to the menu → Settings → Install applications.
4. Select the item Install on SD-default-card.
5. Download. APK-Open the application file and open it with Solid Explorer.

Advantages of this method:

• 📥 Possibility to establish APK-file-to-card.
• 🔧 No need to connect to a PC or use ADB.
• 📂 Support for batch installation of several applications.

Disadvantages:

• 🚫 Not all applications will work properly from external storage.
• 🔄 Updates via Google Play can reset the installation path.

You can also use launchers like Nova Launcher, which allow you to create shortcuts for applications installed on the platform. SD-It doesn't carry the app, but it makes it easier to access.

💡

Third-party launchers and file managers do not guarantee stable operation of migrated applications, which is best used for games or programs that do not require constant access to the Internet (for example, offline maps or music players).

Frequent problems and their solutions

When installing applications on a memory card, Xiaomi users often encounter errors, and let’s look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

If, after transferring the application to SD-The map has stopped updating through Google Play, try it:

1. Return the app to internal memory.
2. Update it through the store.
3. Remove it to the map (if possible).

For cards formatted as internal storage, an error may occur "SD-The card is damaged." In this case:

• Reset the device.
• Check the card for errors via PC (use chkdsk in Windows).
• If the error repeats, format the card again (the data will be lost!).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions