Transfer of applications to SD-The map in Xiaomi smartphones is a challenge that many users face when they lack internal memory. Despite the fact that modern models are equipped with more capacious drives, owners of budget devices or fans of installing dozens of games still need this functionality. However, MIUI It limits portability compared to pure Android, which raises questions about why not all apps can be moved, how to get around the restrictions, and what to do if the option is not on the menu at all.
In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to transfer applications to a memory card in Xiaomi, including the official settings. MIUI, We'll focus on the nuances of adoptingable storage. SD It's like internal memory, compatibility with different versions of Android, and potential risks. If you want to make room on your phone or just optimize memory usage, read on.
Why Xiaomi can’t migrate all applications to Xiaomi SD-map?
Many Xiaomi users are faced with the fact that in the application settings the option to Move to SD-This is not an accident, but a deliberate restriction by Google and Xiaomi:
- 🔒 Android Security Policy: Starting with Android 6.0 Marshmallow, Google has banned the portability of system applications and programs using native code (for example, games with a mobile phone). 3D-This is associated with stability and productivity risks.
- 📱 Optimization MIUI: Firmware MIUI additionally blocks the transfer for applications that are actively working in the background (messengers, launchers) or use push notifications.
- ⚡ Productivity: SD-cards (even class) A1/A2) slower-than-integrated memory eMMC/UFS. Transferring heavy apps can cause lags.
- 🔄 App Updates: After the transfer, some programs may not update via Google Play, requiring a return to internal memory.
It is important to understand that even if the port option is available, it does not guarantee full release of internal memory. Many applications leave some data (cache, settings) on the main drive. For example, a game called Genshin Impact after transfer can only release 10-15% of its weight.
Official method: transfer via MIUI settings
The easiest and safest method is to use the built-in MIUI function, which is suitable for most user applications (social networks, instant messengers, light games).
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Select the app you want from the list (like Facebook or VK).
- Slip on Warehouse.
- If the option is available, click Move to SD-map and confirm the action.
- Wait until the process is complete (may take up to a few minutes for larger applications).
This method has limitations:
- ❌ Not working for system applications (Mi Browser, Security, Gallery).
- ❌ Unavailable for games with OBB-files (e.g., files, PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty).
- ❌ Not all third-party applications support portability (depending on the developer).
☑️ Preparation for the portability of applications
If the button is moved to SD-The card is inactive or absent, try the following steps:
- Update the app to the latest version via Google Play.
- Clear the app cache in the Warehouse section.
- Reboot your phone and try again.
⚠️ Note: After porting, some applications may run slower or produce startup errors. SD-If a game or program is slowing down, return it to internal memory.
Alternative method: use SD-maps as internal memory
If your Xiaomi works on Android 6.0-9.0, You can tie it down. SD-This allows you to install applications directly to the map, but has serious disadvantages:
| Advantages | Deficiencies |
|---|---|
| ✅ The ability to install any applications SD | ❌ The card becomes “tied” to the phone – it will not be read on other devices |
| ✅ Internal memory is released | ❌ Application speed may decrease (depending on class) SD-map) |
| ✅ Automatic data distribution between memory | ❌ When you remove the map, the applications will stop working. |
| ✅ Support OBB-game files and cache | ❌ Risk of data loss in case of card damage |
To activate Adoptable Storage:
- Put it in. SD-Card to phone (class recommended) A2 or UHS-I).
- When a notification appears, select Set Up → Internal Memory.
- Follow the system instructions (the map will be formatted, all data will be deleted!).
- After formatting, go to Settings → Warehouse and select SD-map as default installation location.
Important: This method doesn’t work on Android 10+ in MIUI – Xiaomi has blocked the feature due to frequent complaints of instability. If you have a new model (like the Redmi Note 11 or POCO X5), this method is not available.
What if the “Inner Memory” option does not appear?
Transfer applications over ADB (for power users)
If the standard methods don't work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a debugging tool that allows you to force applications to move even if the option is locked in the interface.
Step-by-step:
- Turn on Developer Mode on your phone: go to Settings → About Phone and tap the MIUI version 7 times.
- Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and activate Debugging over USB.
- Connect your phone to your PC, install ADB drivers (for example, via Mi PC Suite).
- Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type: adb devices Make sure the device is defined.
- Run the port command (replace com.example.app with the application package): adb shell pm move-package com.example.app
To find out the application package, use the command:
adb shell pm list packages | grep "appendix name"For WhatsApp, it would be com.whatsapp.
⚠️ Note: Some apps (such as Google Play Services or Mi Account) cannot be ported even through the user’s mobile phone. ADB. Trying to do this can cause system failures, also after the update. MIUI Ported applications can automatically return to internal memory.
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Before using ADB, back up your data via Settings → System → Backup. This will help restore your phone in the event of a crash.
Bypasses: what to do if transfer is impossible
If none of these methods worked, consider alternative solutions:
- 📁 Transfer of media files: Music, photos and videos can be moved to SD manually through Explorer or Google Files, which will free up space for applications.
- ☁️ Cloud Storage: Use Google Photos (compression photo), Mi Cloud or Yandex Disk to automatically upload files.
- 🗑️ Cache Cleanup: Clean the app cache regularly in Settings → Annexes → Storage. For example, Facebook can borrow up to 1-2 GB cache.
- 🔄 Lite versions of applications: Install lightweight versions (Facebook Lite, Messenger Lite) that occupy the Internet. 2-3 lesser.
- 🎮 Games over the cloud: Services like Xbox Cloud Gaming or GeForce NOW Allows you to play without installation.
For owners of Xiaomi with support for MicroSD, hybrid solutions are also available:
- 📱 Double annexes: B MIUI You can create a clone of an application (for example, a second WhatsApp) and transfer it to the app. SD, unless the original is transferred.
- 🔗 Symbolic links: You can create simlinks through Termux or Root to transfer some data to the map (requires technical knowledge).
If you’re often running into memory shortages, consider buying a phone with a lot of built-in storage. Xiaomi’s current models (like the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ or POCO F6) offer options with 256GB and 512GB, which solves the problem radically.
Frequent mistakes and their solutions
When transferring applications to SD-Xiaomi users often face typical problems, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to fix them:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| "Not enough space on the map." | SD-card is filled or has an exFAT file system (does not support application portability) | Format the card in FAT32 or vacate space. Use the A1/A2 class card. |
| "No appendix installed" | The transfer was interrupted or the card was retrieved during the process. | Reinstall the application and repeat the transfer. Don't remove the card until it's done. |
| Appendix not updated | Google Play blocks updates for ported apps | Temporarily return the application to internal memory, update, then transfer back. |
| "SD-map damaged" | Poor quality map or file system errors | Scan the card on your PC via chkdsk (Windows) or replace it. |
| Application won't start | Incompatibility with SD work or lack of rights | Return the application to internal memory or check the permission settings. |
If after the transfer the application began to “fly out” or work incorrectly, try the following steps:
- Clear the app cache in Settings → Apps → Storage.
- Reboot the phone.
- If the problem persists, return the app to your internal memory.
⚠️ Note: Some banking applications (e.g. SberBank Online or Tinkoff) may block work on the Internet. SD-This is due to the requirements of the Central Bank of the Russian Federation for the protection of financial data.
Compatible with different Xiaomi models
Possibilities for porting applications to SD-The card depends on the phone model, version MIUI and firmware type (global, Chinese, custom) Below is a compatibility table for popular devices:
| Model | MIUI/Android version | Transfer through settings | Adoptable Storage | ADB-transfer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10/10 Pro | MIUI 12.5 / Android 11 | ✅ (partly) | ❌ | ✅ |
| POCO X3 Pro | MIUI 13 / Android 12 | ✅ (limitedly) | ❌ | ✅ |
| Mi 11 Lite | MIUI 14 / Android 13 | ✅ (minimum) | ❌ | ✅ |
| Redmi 9A/9C | MIUI 12 / Android 10 | ✅ (majority) | ✅ (Android 10 only) | ✅ |
| POCO F4 GT | MIUI 13.5 / Android 12 | ✅ (selectively) | ❌ | ✅ |
Adoptable Storage is available for Android 10 and lower (Redmi 8, Mi A3), but on newer devices (Xiaomi 13, Redmi Note 12), this option is completely removed.
If you use custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), portability is build-dependent. Some custom ROMs allow you to activate Adoptable Storage even on newer versions of Android through build.prop file editing.
💡
Since MIUI 14 (Android 13), Xiaomi has removed Adoptable Storage support completely due to frequent complaints of instability.The only working methods are official porting through settings, or ADB.