How to install apps on a memory card in Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus: a complete guide with nuances

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus (codename vince) often face a lack of internal memory, especially if the device is released in the modification with 32 GB. Transfer of applications to a microSD card seems to be a logical solution, but in MIUI this process has peculiarities. Unlike “pure” Android, Xiaomi firmware limits the ability to work with external drives – and this is not a bug, but a conscious policy of the manufacturer.

In this article, we will analyze all working methods of installing applications on SD-Redmi 5 Plus card, including official settings MIUI, circumvention ADB, We will also focus on the common mistakes, for example, why some applications (such as WhatsApp or bank customers) are not fundamentally portable to external media.

We warn you that not all methods are universal. The effectiveness depends on the version of MIUI (9 to 14), the type of memory card (UHS-I/UHS-II), and even the specific application. If you need to make room for new games or messengers, read on. If the goal is to migrate all data (including cache and updates) then you will have to consider alternative solutions.

Why? MIUI restricts the transfer of applications to SD-map?

Xiaomi’s MIUI firmware is initially focused on optimizing the work with internal memory, due to several factors:

• 🔹 Performance: Memory cards (even class) A1/A2) slower-than-built flash memory eMMC/UFS. Launching applications with SD may cause lag.
• 🔹 Xiaomi blocks transfer of system and banking applications to avoid data leaks.
• 🔹 Stability: MIUI caches application data in internal memory to speed up work. SD violates the mechanism.
• 🔹 Google Policy: Starting with Android 6.0, migrating apps to Android SD Requires support from the developer (android:installLocation attribute in the manifesto).

However, some applications (such as games with large data files or messengers with media files) can be moved, followed by step-by-step instructions for different scenarios.

Method 1: Transfer through standard MIUI settings (without root)

It's the easiest method, but it doesn't work for all applications, and it's suitable for MIUI 9-14 and doesn't require any additional tools.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the application you want (such as Telegram or Spotify).
3. Stick to the item Warehouse (or Memory in older versions of MIUI).
4. If the option is available, the Change button (or Move to) will appear. SD-Press it.
5. Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed (it can take up to 1-2 minutes).

⚠️ Note: If the transfer button is inactive or absent, then:

• 🚫 The app does not support portability (e.g. WhatsApp, Google Play Services).
• 🚫 The memory card is formatted as a portable storage (you need to make it internal).
• 🚫 Version. MIUI older than 12.5 and requires a bypass ADB (see method 3).

Method 2: Formatting SD-maps as internal storage

This method allows the memory card to be used as part of the internal memory, but has critical drawbacks:

⚠️ Warning: Once formatted, the card will be encrypted and tied to the phone, it will not be read on other devices without losing data! It can also slow down the phone if the card is slow (class below). A1).

Instructions:

1. Insert the memory card in the Redmi 5 Plus.
2. Go to Settings. → Warehouse → SD-map.
3. Slip on the three dots in the top right corner and select Storage Settings.
4. Click Format as Internal (or Internal Memory in newer versions of MIUI).
5. Confirm the action. It'll take a few minutes.
6. After formatting, restart the phone.

Now, when you install new applications, the system will suggest you choose a storage location.

• 🔸 Not all applications can be moved (depending on the developer).
• 🔸 The card will be constantly loaded, which will reduce its service life.
• 🔸 When you remove the map, the application will stop working on it.

Method 3: Transfer over ADB (for power users)

If standard methods don’t work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires connecting your phone to your computer, but allows you to migrate even those applications for which the button in MIUI is blocked.

⚠️ Attention: Wrong commands ADB This can cause malfunctions in applications or systems, and we recommend that you back up your data before starting.

Steps:

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version. Go back to Settings → Additional → Developer. Activate USB Debugging.

Redmi 5 Plus

File transfer

ADB Tools

Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB.

adb devices

Your phone’s serial number should appear.

com.example.app

adb shell pm set-install-location 2

The command sets the priority of installation on SD-map for all supported applications.

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 | grep "appendix name"

Example for Telegram:

adb shell pm move-package org.telegram.messenger

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If the move-package command returns the error [INSTALL_FAILED_INVALID_INSTALL_LOCATION], The application does not support the transfer of SD. Try another way or make room in your inner memory.

Compatibility table: which applications can be transferred?

Not all applications support memory transfer, but below are the popular programs for Redmi 5 Plus (relevant to MIUI 12-14):

If your application is not in the table, check its compatibility through adb shell pm get-install-location. value 2 means that transfer is possible.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When transferring applications to SD-In Redmi 5 Plus, users are faced with typical problems:

• 🛑 "Not enough space on the device" when transferring Reason: The memory card is formatted as portable storage. Solution: reformat it as internal (see Method 2).
• 🛑 Application moved but not started Reason: Memory card too slow (class below) A1) Solution: Check the card on another device or replace it.
• 🛑 The "Transfer" button is inactive in MIUI Reason 1: System or secure application (e.g. Mi Account) Reason 2: Version MIUI over 12.5 blocks the transfer. Solution: use ADB (Method 3).
• 🛑 After the transfer, the application slows down Reason: Read/write card speed is not enough. Solution: use class cards A2 or UHS-I U3.

⚠️ Note: If, after transferring applications to SD-The card phone is overheating or running out quickly, and you can put the apps back in your internal memory, which is a sign that the card is not coping with the load.

Alternative ways to free up memory

If the applications are transferred SD-The card is not helpful or impossible, consider other methods:

• 🗑️ Cache Clearing: Go to Settings → Warehouse → Clear. Delete unnecessary files and app cache.
• 📁 Media transfer: Photos, videos and music can be manually moved to SD through the conductor.
• ☁️ Cloud Storage: Use Google Photos, Mi Cloud or Yandex Drive to automatically upload files.
• 🔄 Factory reset: Extreme measure, but effective if phone is clogged with unnecessary data.
• 🛠️ Root access: With superuser rights, you can forcibly transfer any application (for example, through a user’s own control). Link2SD), But it's risky.

For games with large data files (such as Call of Duty Mobile or Genshin Impact), some developers allow you to choose the location of installing additional files. Check the game settings - there may be an option to download to the game. SD-map.

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Transfer of applications to SD-The Redmi 5 Plus card is a temporary solution, and for long-term use, it’s best to consider buying a phone with a lot of internal memory or regularly cleaning up unnecessary files.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions