Owners of Xiaomi Redmi 6A Sooner or later, they face a lack of internal memory, especially if they are actively installing games, messengers or multimedia applications. Even after cleaning the cache and deleting unnecessary files, the system can issue a warning about overflowing storage. transfer some of the software to SD-But the standard means. MIUI Often limit this capability, leaving users looking for workarounds.
One of the most effective solutions is the Link2SD utility, which allows you not only to "transfer" applications to an external drive (as the standard Android function does), but also to create symbolic links, effectively "deceiving" the system. Thus, the program continues to work as if it is in internal memory, but physically occupies space on the microSD. However, the process of setting up requires preparation: from choosing the right memory card to manual partitioning. In this article, we will analyze all the nuances from theory to practice, including typical errors and their solutions.
Why standard SD application porting doesnโt work in Redmi 6A
V MIUI (Especially based on Android 8.1 Oreo, which is based on Redmi. 6A) portability SD-The map is either missing or it works selectively, and this is due to Google and Xiaomi policies:
- ๐ฑ Android Restrictions: Starting with version 6.0, Google has tightened the rules for working with external drives. SD Only if you support adoptable storage, which requires formatting the card as internal memory โ which is not always convenient.
- ๐ MIUI Blocks features: Xiaomi often disables the portability to โoptimize performanceโ, arguing this risk of unstable software.
- ๐ฎ Games and System Apps: Even if portability is available, it doesnโt usually work with games (due to data protection) and pre-installed Xiaomi services.
As a result, users see in the settings of the application button "Move to" SD-map, but it's inactive or not. Here comes the help Link2SD โ A tool that bypasses these limitations at the file system level.
Requirements for SD-map Link2SD on the Redmi 6A
Not every microSD is suitable for Link2SD, but here are the key criteria for choosing:
| Parameter | Minimum requirement | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Class speed | Class 10 | UHS-I (U1 or U3) |
| Volume. | 8GB | 32โ128 GB (optimum for applications) |
| File system format | FAT32 | ext2/ext3/ext4 (for the second section) |
| Manufacturer | Anybody. | SanDisk, Samsung, Kingston (fewer fakes) |
The most important nuance is the need for a second partition on the memory card. Link2SD requires that you allocate some space for the ext2/ext3/ext4 file system, where the application data will be transferred, without this partition, the program will not be able to create symbolic links.
โ ๏ธ Note: If you are already using SD-The card as internal memory (adoptable storage function), Link2SD It's not going to work. You're going to have to format the map again, and you're going to lose all the data.
Any utility like MiniTool Partition Wizard (Windows) or GParted (Linux) can be used to mark up the map. On Android, you can use the Partition Tool app, but it requires root rights.
How to set up Link2SD on Redmi 6A
Before starting, make sure that:
A backup of important data on the phone and SD-map|SD-map formatted with section ext2/ext3/ext4|There are root rights on the phone (required!)|Downloaded app Link2SD from the official website (not from the Play Market)|Battery charge at least 50%-->
Now let's get to the setup:
- Installation and launch Link2SD Download. APK-file Link2SD (for example, XDA Developers) and install it manually. Once it's running, it'll ask for root access -- give it to you.
- In the first window, Link2SD will suggest choosing the file system type for the second partition. The best option is ext4 (if supported) or ext3. Press OK and wait for the phone to restart.
- Post-Apps After Rebooting Open Link2SD, Find the app you want in the list and click on it. From the menu, select Create Link: ๐ APK-file (the application itself) ๐๏ธ Data (settings, cache) ๐ Dalvik cache (optional, for experienced users)
It is recommended to transfer at least APK and data.
The process can take anywhere from seconds to minutes depending on the size of the application, and once completed, Linked will be displayed in status, which means that the application has been successfully ported.
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If the app stopped working after the transfer, try clearing its cache in Android settings or returning the data back to internal memory via Link2SD.
Typical errors and their solutions
When working with Link2SD, Redmi 6A users often face the following problems:
- ๐ซ "Mount script cannot be created" Reason: No root rights or misplaced SD-Solution: Recheck root (for example, through Root Checker) and recreate partition ext2/ext3/ext4.
- ๐ Applications are dyed after transfer Reason: Not all data is transferred correctly (for example, there is a cache in the internal memory). Link2SD select the application โ Remove links โ Remove it by noting all available options.
- ๐ SD-The card is not determined after markup Reason: File system incompatibility or physical card malfunction Solution: Try formatting the card into a map FAT32 Over the phone, then recreate the partition. ext4 PC-only.
โ ๏ธ Note: If after use Link2SD The phone is slowing down, check the speed. SD-Cheap Class 4 cards or fake cards may not be able to handle the load, leading to lag. Use utility like this. SD Card Tester for Diagnostics.
Another common mistake is that the app icons disappear after the transfer, which is because MIUI doesn't update the launcher, so you can either restart the phone or manually add shortcuts to the desktop.
Alternative ways to free up memory on Redmi 6A
If Link2SD is not suitable for some reason, consider other methods:
- ๐ Cleaning cache and garbage Use the built-in cleaning utility MIUI (Settings โ The phone. โ Memory. โ Clean it up. The app will also help. SD Maid (requires root).
- โ๏ธ Move photos, videos and documents to Google Drive, Mi Cloud or Yandex Disk. Set up Google Photos to automatically upload photos.
- ๐ฑ Forced transfer through ADB For some applications, you can manually specify the installation path to SD via command: adb shell pm set-install-location 2 Limitation: does not work with all programs and requires a PC connection.
For games like PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact, there are tools like GLTools that allow you to redirect data files to SD without root, but this requires deep knowledge and can disrupt the game.
How to verify authenticity SD-map?
Security and Risks of Link2SD
Despite its effectiveness, Link2SD has a number of risks that are important to be aware of:
- ๐ Root access: Root rights are required to operate the program, which automatically deprives you of Xiaomi guarantees and increases the vulnerability of the system to malware.
- ๐ฅ Data loss: If SD-The card will fail or be retrieved during operation, the related applications may stop running.
- โก Productivity: Applications to SD-The card is slower, especially if the card is cheap or worn out.
To minimize the risks:
- ๐ Backup your important data regularly with Titanium Backup or Swift Backup.
- ๐ก๏ธ Use an antivirus (such as Malwarebytes) to check files on your computer. SD-map.
- ๐ Keep track of the health of your memory card with SD Insight (shows real wear and tear).
โ ๏ธ Note: If you are selling or transferring a phone, be sure to remove all symbolic links in the phone. Link2SD format SD-If not, the new owner may have access to your data!
Link2SD Comparison with Other Application Portability Methods
To choose the best way, compare Link2SD with the alternatives:
| Method | Root is required. | Support for all applications | Speed of operation | Risk of data loss |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Link2SD | โ Yes. | โ Yes (except for the system ones) | โ ๏ธ Medium (depending on the SD) | โ ๏ธ High (if card breaks) |
| Adoptable Storage (MIUI) | โ No. | โ No (supported only) | โ Tall. | โ ๏ธ Medium (card encrypted) |
| App2SD (without root) | โ No. | โ Partially. | โ Tall. | โ Low. |
| Manual transfer via ADB | โ No. | โ No (Android restrictions) | โ Tall. | โ Low. |
The critical nuance for the Redmi 6A is that if you use the memory card as an Adoptable Storage, you can't turn it off without resetting your phone to factory settings, so Link2SD remains one of the few flexible solutions for users who don't want to sacrifice data.
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Link2SD โ The only method that allows you to transfer any user applications (including games) to the SD-map MIUI. However, it requires root and accuracy in the setting.