How to install applications SD-Map in Xiaomi: All ways + fixing

Owners of Xiaomi smartphones with limited internal memory often face the need to transfer applications to the Internet. SD-Map. Despite the fact that modern versions of Android (13/14) and shell MIUI 14/15 There are very limited workflows, and in this article, we'll look at all the current methods, from standard settings to use. ADB and third-party utilities, and also explain why some applications cannot be moved in principle.

It’s important to understand that manufacturers (including Xiaomi) are deliberately blocking full-featured portability of applications to external drives due to performance and security issues. 12, Poco X5 or Mi 11 Lite even partial transfer can release critical 2-5 GB of internal memory. Next, step-by-step instructions that take into account the features of different versions. MIUI smartphone models.

Why Xiaomi is limiting the portability of applications SD-map

With Android 6.0 Marshmallow, Google introduced the concept of Adoptable Storage, allowing you to format SD-But Xiaomi (like most manufacturers) has disabled this feature in the MIUI for several reasons:

• 🔹 Low speed: even class A2 SD-card 5-10 time-slower than the built-in memory UFS 2.2/3.1, resulting in lags.
• 🔹 Data loss risk: External drives are more likely to fail, and applications may dye when map is removed.
• 🔹 Safety: on SD-It is easier to replace application data with a card (especially critical for banking programs).
• 🔹 Xiaomi wants to encourage the purchase of models with a large amount of memory (for example, Redmi Note 13 Pro)+ 512GB).

However, some applications (such as instant messengers, cache games, or media players) can be ported partially or completely, and then what exactly works in 2026.

Method 1: Standard transfer over MIUI settings (limited)

This method only works for applications that support external storage (usually cache games or file management software) and is relevant for MIUI 14/15:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the application you want (such as Telegram or Spotify).
3. Slip on Warehouse.
4. If the option is available, the Change button will appear. → choose SD-map.

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 15 (based on Android 14) this option is hidden for 90% of applications. If the buttons change no, the application does not support portability.

Use a Class A2/UHS-I (minimum A1) card

Format it in FAT32/exFAT (not NTFS!)

Check the vacant space (at least 10% of the volume)

Make sure the card is not damaged (check on PC)

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Method 2: Formatting SD-The card is an internal memory (adoptable storage)

This method only works on older Xiaomi models with Android 8-9 (MIUI 10-11), such as the Redmi Note 5 or Mi A2. On new devices (Android 10+), the function is blocked, but it can be activated via ADB (more on this below). If your smartphone supports Adoptable Storage mode by standard means, follow the instructions:

1. Put it in. SD-smartphone-card.
2. Go to Settings. → Warehouse → [Name of name SD-map] → Three dots (menu) → Storage settings.
3. Select Internal Memory (Warning: All data on the map will be deleted!).
4. Confirm the formatting and wait until it is completed (may take 5-15 minutes).

⚠️ Note: once formatted as internal memory, the card cannot be read on other devices (including a computer) without being completely erased, and Xiaomi can automatically transfer only cache and data parts to it, not the cache itself. APK-file.

Method 3: Transfer over ADB (for power users)

If your Xiaomi runs Android 10-14 (MIUI 12-15) and the Adoptable Storage option is hidden, it can be unlocked via Android Debug Bridge (ADB).

Step 1: Preparation

• 📱 Enable Developer Mode: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (tap 7 times).
• 📱 Activate Debugging on USB In Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
• 💻 Download. ADB Tools for Windows/macOS/Linux.
• 📱 Connect your phone to your PC and select File Transfer Mode.

Step 2: Execution of commands

Open the command prompt (or Terminal) in the ADB folder and type:

adb shell


sm list-disks

You will see the card ID (e.g., disk:179.64).

sm partition disk:179,64 private

Replace 179.64 with your ID, and the card will become internal memory.

💡

If the sm partition command is not allowed, try mounting the card using the adb shell sm forget first. [disk_id], then repeat the procedure.

Method 4: Transfer cache and application data (without root)

If the transfer of APK-The file is impossible, you can free up space by moving the cache and user data (for example, uploaded files to Telegram or music to Spotify:

1. Open the application settings (e.g. Settings → Apps → Telegram → Storage).
2. Click Clear cache, then select Change Storage (if optional).
3. For games (such as Genshin Impact) use the built-in settings: usually in the game menu there is a item Move data to the game. SD-map.

Some apps (such as Google Maps or Netflix) allow you to save offline content directly to your website. SD-map:

• 🗺️ In Google Maps: Profile → Offline maps → Settings → Save it on. SD-map.
• 🎬 At Netflix: Settings → Downloads. → Memory of the device → SD-map.

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Even if the application itself cannot be moved, its data (cache, media, offline content) is often occupied by the user. 2-3 more space than APK. Their transfer may release 1-3 GB of internal memory.

Method 5: Use of third-party utilities (with risk)

There are applications like AppMgr. III or Link2SD, which promise to transfer programs to SD-The map is rootless. MIUI 14/15 They work very limitedly:

• 🔧 AppMgr III: It can only carry cache and data, but it cannot. APK (Android requires 8-9).
• 🔗 Link2SD: Creates symbolic links, but you need root rights (on new Xiaomi, it is almost impossible to get them).
• 📁 FolderMount: mounts folders with data on SD-map, but it's not working smoothly.

⚠️ Note: the use of such utilities can lead to:

• 🚨 Crushing applications when extracting SD-map.
• 🔄 Automatic data return to internal memory after updating MIUI.
• 🛡️ Security Block (e.g. Google Pay) will stop working).

If you do decide to try, download APK only from official sources (such as APKMirror) and back up your data through Settings → System → Backup.

Which applications cannot be transferred to SD-map

Some programs fundamentally block the transfer due to security or technical limitations.

It is also impossible to transfer:

• 📱 Widgets (they are always stored in internal memory).
• 🔊 Apps with persistent notifications (e.g. Google Sound Search).
• 🔄 Programs with background services (e.g. AccuBattery).

If you are critically short of space, consider alternative solutions:

• 🗑️ Cleaning the cache through Settings → Warehouse → Cleaning (can release) 1-5 GB).
• ☁️ Transferring photos/videos to the cloud (Google Photos or Mi Cloud).
• 📲 Buy a smartphone with a large amount of memory (for example, Redmi Note 13 Pro)+ 512GB).

FAQ: Frequent questions about transferring applications to SD-map