Owners of the popular budget smartphone Xiaomi Redmi 9 often face a lack of built-in storage. Standard volume of 32 or 64 gigabytes may not be enough to install all the necessary programs, games and multimedia content. Android system over time overgrows cache, which leads to slowdown of the device and notifications of space shortages.
Fortunately, Redmi 9’s design includes the ability to expand storage, allowing you to store photos, videos, music, and even some types of applications on your device using a microSD card, but the process of data transfer has its own nuances that are important to consider for the stable operation of the gadget.
In this article, we will take a look at all the available ways to optimize disk space, learn how to format the drive correctly, port applications with regular MIUI tools, and use the hidden capabilities of the operating system to maximize the freedom of internal memory.
Preparation of memory card and smartphone for work
Before you start any manipulation of the file system, you need to make sure that the storage drive used is healthy. For Xiaomi Redmi 9, it is recommended to use UHS-I cards of class 10 or higher. Using slow cards can lead to applications running longer than usual or working with errors.
Insert the memory card into the appropriate slot located on the bottom end of the case. Use a special paper clip included in the delivery to remove the tray. It is important to insert the card correctly, observing the orientation of the contacts so as not to damage the connector.
Once you install the drive, the system will automatically suggest formatting it. Choose formatting as portable storage if you plan to use the card to transfer files between devices. If the card is only used in this smartphone, you can consider formatting as internal storage, although this option is often hidden in new versions of MIUI.
- 📱 Make sure your smartphone is at least 50% charged before you start working with the file system.
- 💾 Back up important data as formatting will clear the map completely.
- 🔍 Check the card for errors with your computer before installing it on your phone.
The formatting process takes only a few minutes, but it is a critical step: the system creates the necessary folder structure and checks sectors for defects, interrupting this process can lead to damage to the file table.
⚠️ Warning: Never remove a memory card while your smartphone is running or writing data.This can lead to irreversible loss of information and software errors in the OS.
Standard method of transferring applications through settings
The Android operating system installed on Redmi 9 provides basic functionality for managing applications. Not all programs support portability, as it depends on the software developer. However, a significant portion of user applications can be moved to an external drive by regular means.
To start, go to the smartphone settings menu. Find the Apps or All Apps section. From the list that opens, select the program you want to move. Please note that system apps and some Google services are not portable.
In the menu of the selected application, find the item "Storage". If transfer is possible, there will be an active button "Change" or "Move to" SD-Clicking on it will start the file copying process, and the duration of the operation depends on the size of the application and the speed of your memory card.
☑️ Pre-transfer check
Once the transfer is complete, some of the application data will remain in internal memory, which is the normal behavior of the system, which is necessary to ensure the safety and stability of the operation, and the main resources of the program and its cache will be placed on an external medium.
Use of the memory extension function in MIUI
The MIUI shell, which is equipped with Xiaomi Redmi 9, has a special feature for working with external drives, which allows you to combine internal and external memory in a logical sense, making it easier for the user to manage files, but for applications, this feature works selectively.
To activate advanced features, go to settings and type in the search phrase «SD-In some versions of the firmware, the option "Use as internal storage" is available, and when activated, the system encrypts the card and makes it available only to the device.
It is important to know that once the card is formatted as internal storage, it will not be read on other devices without re-formatting and data loss.
Using the card as part of internal memory allows the system to automatically install new applications on the external drive if the internal space is full, eliminating the need to move each program separately.
Why can't some apps be moved?
Transfer of multimedia and documents to vacate the place
Even if you can't migrate the app itself, you can move all the files it creates. The camera, voice recorder, messengers, and browsers store huge amounts of data. Transferring those files to a MicroSD card frees up valuable internal space.
Open the standard Files Explorer or download a more functional counterpart, like Total Commander. Find the folders that take up the most space. Usually it is DCIM (camera photos and videos), Download (downloads) and instant messenger folders (WhatsApp, Telegram).
Select the files or entire folders you want, select Move or Copy, and specify the path to the memory card, and it is recommended that you create a separate folder structure on the map to organize the data so that you do not get confused in the future.
| Type of data | Default location | Recommended seat on SD | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Photos and videos | /DCIM/Camera | /Pictures/Archive | High-pitched |
| Downloads. | /Download | /Downloads | Medium. |
| Music. | /Music | /Audio/Music | High-pitched |
| Documents | /Documents | /Docs | Low. |
Regularly cleaning up the download folder and transferring archived photos allows you to keep the smartphone in a fast state. Internal memory works faster than external memory, so the system and heavy applications are better kept inside, and archives are put on the map.
Setup of camera and messengers to work with SD
Many users forget that standard apps have their own file-saving path settings.The Xiaomi Redmi 9 camera by default can save snapshots to internal memory even if the card is installed.
Go to the Camera app, click on the menu (three bars or gears) and find the settings. There should be a "Save to the SD-Activating this switch will allow you to immediately save new photos and videos to an external medium.
Similarly, do the same with popular messengers: in the WhatsApp, Telegram or Viber settings, look for the Data and Storage section, where you can specify a path to save media files, and this is especially true for group chats, which quickly clog up memory with gigabytes of videos and pictures.
- 📸 Enable auto-save photo on the map in the camera settings.
- 💬 Configure automatic download of media in messengers only through Wi-Fi.
- 🗑️ Set a timer for auto-delete old messages in chat settings.
Decision and possible errors in the transfer
In the process of optimizing storage, users may encounter various errors: the system may report that the application does not support portability, or that the memory card is damaged, most often the problem lies in the file system or access rights.
If your smartphone doesn't see the card or refuses to write data to it, try restarting the device. Sometimes it helps to re-format the card directly on your phone instead of on your computer. Make sure the file system format is compatible with Android (usually exFAT or FAT32).
In some cases, after updating the MIUI firmware, the file path settings may get lost. Check the permissions for applications in the Settings menu -> Applications -> Permissions. Make sure the programs have access to the device's memory.
⚠️ Warning: If the application stops running or doesn't work properly after the transfer, put it back in internal memory. Some heavy graphics games require high read speeds that are not easy to read. SD-The card cannot be provided.
For advanced users, there is a possibility of using ADB-commands to force transfer of applications that don't have this option in the interface, but it requires a computer connection and command line skills.
adb shell pm set-install-location 2This team tries to prioritize installation on an external map, but on current versions of Android, this is unstable and can lead to unpredictable behavior, so use this method with caution.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I transfer all apps to Redmi 9 without root rights?
Why does it take longer to play after the game is postponed?
What happens to the data on the map if I reset my phone settings?
What is the maximum memory card supported by Xiaomi Redmi 9?
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Optimal strategy for Redmi 9: keep active apps and games in internal memory, and transfer photos, videos and documents to the memory. SD-map for maximum performance.
Proper memory management allows you to significantly extend the comfortable life of your smartphone. Regularly check the storage capacity and delete unnecessary files so that the Xiaomi Redmi 9 continues to please you with speed.