How to transfer applications to a memory card in Xiaomi smartphones: all working ways

Owners of smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO Often face a lack of internal memory, especially if the device is equipped with a modest 32 or 64 GB. One solution to this problem is to transfer applications to a microSD memory card. MIUI (12, 13, 14) this function is either hidden or limited. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to migrate applications to the Internet. SD-map, including official and alternative methods, and explain why some programs cannot be moved and how to circumvent these restrictions.

It is important to understand that portability depends on the firmware version, smartphone model and memory card type. For example, Xiaomi Mi A1/A2 (based on Android One) supports this feature out of the box, while devices with pure MIUI require additional manipulation. We tested all of these methods on current models from 2023-2026, including Redmi Note 12 Pro+, POCO X5 Pro and Xiaomi 13 Lite to ensure that the instructions work.

Why Xiaomi restricts the portability of applications to SD-card?

Modern versions of MIUI (starting with the 12th) have significantly reduced the ability to migrate applications to external media, for several key reasons:

• 🔒 Data security: Annexes to the SD-It is easier to steal or replace cards, especially if the card is retrieved and connected to other devices.
• ⚡ Performance: MicroSD memory cards (even class) A2) They are slower than the built-in memory. UFS 2.2/3.1, What can slow down applications.
• 📱 Google policy: Starting with Android 9 Pie, Google has restricted apps from external media due to security risks.
• 🔄 System Stability: Some system applications (Mi Account, Security) may cause a malfunction during transfer.

However, some applications (e.g. messengers, cache games, multimedia players) can be ported without risk to the system, and we will look at how to do this legally and bypasses.

Method 1: Transfer over standard MIUI settings (for supported applications)

Some annexes to MIUI still possible to transfer SD-This method works for programs that allow portability (usually games, messengers like Telegram, or utilities like this). FX File Explorer. Here's the step-by-step instruction:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the app you want to port (like Spotify or VK).
3. Stick to the item Warehouse (or Memory in older versions of MIUI).
4. If the option is available, you will see the Change or Move button. 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 not, the application does not support this function).

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

If your smartphone on MIUI does not allow you to port applications, you can try formatting the memory card as internal storage. This method works on most Xiaomi devices (except models with Android One), but has the nuances:

• 📌 The card will be encrypted and linked to the device – it will not be read on another phone or PC.
• 🔋 After formatting, the map cannot be removed without malfunctioning of the transferred applications.
• ⚠️ Not all applications will work correctly (especially system-based and high-performance applications).

Formatting instructions:

1. Put it in. SD-Card to smartphone (class recommended) A2 or UHS-I speed).
2. Go to Settings → Storage → Memory Map.
3. Slip on the three dots in the top right corner and select Storage Settings.
4. Click Format as internal and confirm the action.
5. After formatting, restart the device.

Now, when installing new applications, the system will prompt you to choose a storage location (internal memory or storage). SD-The already installed programs can be transferred through Settings. → Applications as described in Method 1.

Method 3: Transfer of cache and application data to SD-map

If the application itself cannot be moved, you can free up space by moving its cache and data (for example, downloaded maps in Google Maps or media files in Telegram).

1. Open the application settings (Settings → Applications → [application name] → Storage).
2. Slip on Clear cache (this won’t delete data, but will free up space).
3. For some applications (for example, Spotify) there is an option Download Storage – change the path to the new one. SD-map.
4. In the Google Play Store, you can limit automatic updates to Wi-Fi only to save traffic and memory.

For games like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile, the cache often weighs several gigabytes.

1. Delete the game (the data will be saved if it is linked to the account).
2. Reinstall it by selecting it. SD-map as installation site (if available).
3. Or use a file manager (such as Mi File Manager) to manually move the cache folder (usually located in /Android/obb/).

💡

If the game doesn't start after transferring the cache, try clearing the application data in the settings and downloading the cache again. Sometimes it helps to restart the smartphone.

Method 4: Transfer applications over ADB (for power users)

If standard methods do not work, you can use them. ADB-This requires connecting your smartphone to your PC and basic command line knowledge. ADB It can cause malfunctions in the application or system!

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on Developer Mode on your smartphone: go to Settings → About Phone and tap 7 times on the MIUI version.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and activate Debugging over USB.
3. Connect your phone to your PC through USB-Cable (use the original cable for stability).
4. Download ADB Tools and unpack the archive.
5. Open the command prompt (Win + R → cmd) and go to the folder with ADB:

cd C:\platform-tools

1. Check the connection of the device:

adb devices

1. If the device is displayed, type a port command (replace com.example.app with the application batch name):

adb shell pm set-install-location 2

This team will establish SD-map as the default installation location for new applications. To migrate an already installed application, use:

adb shell pm move-package com.example.app

⚠️ Note: Not all applications support portability ADB. System utilities (Mi Home, Mi Cloud) and Google services (Play Market, GMS) You can’t move it, it will lead to mistakes.

💡

ADB-commands allow you to transfer even those applications for which the option is not available in the settings MIUI. However, this method requires caution and is suitable only for experienced users.

Comparison of methods of transferring applications to SD-map

Frequent problems and their solutions

When transferring applications to SD-Xiaomi users often encounter typical errors. Let's consider the most common and ways to fix them:

• 🚫 "Transfer button is inactive: Reason: the application does not support transfer or SD-Solution: Try formatting the card as an internal card or use it. ADB.
• ⚠️ "App does not start after transfer": "Maybe the memory card is too slow (class below) A1). Solution: Use the map A2 Or move the application back.
• 🔄 "After extracting the map, the apps disappeared: This is normal – apps on the map SD-Solution: don't pull the map out, or only transfer programs that aren't critical.
• 📱 "There's not enough room for SD-map": Some applications (such as games) can create duplicate files after transfer. Solution: clear the cache or use a larger card.

If the smartphone starts to slow down after the transfer, return the applications back to internal memory. Memory cards (even class A2) will not match the speed of the built-in UFS memory.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions