How to transfer applications to a memory card in Xiaomi Redmi 4X: 3 proven ways

Xiaomi Redmi 4X owners often face the problem of lack of internal memory, especially if the device has been in use for several years. Even after cleaning the cache and removing unnecessary files, the system can give a notification “Memory is filled”, blocking the installation of new applications. The solution is: transfer applications to a microSD card. However, in MIUI this feature does not work as clearly as in “pure” Android.

Redmi Smartphone 4X (codename santoni is equipped with a hybrid slot for two SIM-card SIM + microSD to 128 GB: But just inserting a map is not enough, you have to set it up properly and use special tools. 3 working methods of transferring applications, including hidden functions MIUI bypassing the limitations of Android 6.0/7.1.

⚠️ Important: Not all applications can be moved to SD-System programs (e.g., com.miui.home or Google services) will remain in internal memory, and note that after transferring some widgets may stop working, and notifications may come with a delay.

If your Xiaomi 4X runs MIUI 8-12, all of the methods described will be relevant. Newer versions (MIUI 13+) may require additional steps due to changes in security policy. Before starting, we recommend checking the free space on the memory card and formatting it into FAT32 or exFAT (but not NTFS – Android does not support it).

1. Method: Built-in MIUI "Switch to SD" function

The easiest method is to use the standard MIUI tool, which is not available for all applications, but allows you to quickly free up to 1-3 GB of internal memory.

To take advantage of it:

1. Open the Settings → Applications.
2. Select the app you want (like Facebook or VK).
3. Slip on Warehouse.
4. If the button is moved to SD-The card is active – press it and confirm the action.

⚠️ Note: After porting, the application may run slower, especially if the Class 4 or lower memory card is used. UHS-I.

Disadvantages of the method:

• 🔴 It only works for a few applications (usually those that support Android:installLocation).="auto" in manifesto).
• 🔴 Does not transfer application data (cache, settings) - only APK-file.
• 🔴 After updating the application, it can automatically return to internal memory.

2. Method: Formatting the card as an internal drive (Adoptable Storage)

This method combines a memory card with internal storage to create a single partition, suitable for users willing to sacrifice compatibility with other devices (after formatting, it can only be used in this smartphone).

Instructions:

1. Insert the memory card in the Redmi 4X.
2. Go to Settings → Storage → Configure → Format as an internal drive.
3. Confirm the action and wait until the process is completed (it can take up to 10 minutes).
4. After formatting, select Move Data Now (optional).

⚠️ Warning: After that, the card will be encrypted and tied to the device, and if you take it out and paste it into another smartphone or PC, the data will be unavailable without formatting.

Advantages of the method:

• 🟢 Allows you to port most applications, including large-cache games (e.g., large-cache games, PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact).
• 🟢 The card is used as part of internal memory, which speeds up access to data.
• 🟢 Application updates are automatically transferred.

Disadvantages:

• 🔴 The card cannot be used in other devices without full formatting.
• 🔴 When resetting the phone to factory settings, the map will also be formatted.
• 🔴 Some applications (such as WhatsApp) may not work properly with external storage.

Make a backup copy of data from the card|Check the speed class (Class 10 is recommended)|Charge your phone at least 50 times%|Disable two-factor authentication in important applications (during the process)-->

Method 3: Transfer over ADB (for power users)

If the first two methods didn’t work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB) debugging, which will force you to migrate even those applications for which the “Move to SD” button is blocked.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).li>
• 🛠️ Utility. ADB Tools (download from the official Android website).
• 🔧 Included Debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times tap to unlock the developer settings).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect Xiaomi 4X to your PC and select File Transfer (MTP) mode.
2. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (Linux/macOS) in the folder with adb.exe.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
4. Find out the batch name of the application (for example, for Telegram it is org.telegram.messenger). You can do this through Settings → Applications → Select the application → Information or by command: adb shell pm list packages | grep "application name application name"
5. Run the port command (replace package.name with real name): adb shell pm set-install-location 2 adb shell pm move-package package.name

If the command is successful, you will see a message Success. To return the application back to internal memory, use:

adb shell pm move-package package.name 0

⚠️ Note: Not all apps support forced porting. Some (e.g. Google Play Services) may issue a Failure error. [INSTALL_FAILED_INVALID_INSTALL_LOCATION]. In this case, the transfer is not possible.

Comparison of application portability methods

To choose the best way, compare them on key parameters:

For most of the Xiaomi users 4X The best solution is to combine the first and second method: first try the built-in transfer, and then - if necessary - format the card as an internal one. ADB It is suitable only for those who are ready to understand the technical nuances.

💡

If, after transferring the application to SD-The card is gone, try to clear its cache (Settings) → Annexes → Warehouse → Clear the cache. Also check the card for errors using the program SD Card Tester (available on Google Play).

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When you migrate applications to a memory card, Redmi 4X users often face typical problems, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

Error 1: “Move to the button” SD-card.

• 🔹 Reason: Application does not support transfer (as indicated in the manifesto android:installLocation)="internalOnly").
• 🔹 Solution: Use the method with ADB Or format the map as an internal one.

Error 2: After the transfer, the application will not open.

• 🔹 Reason: Memory card is too slow (class below Class 10) or damaged.
• 🔹 Solution: Replace the card with a faster one or check it for errors via PC.

Mistake 3: There is not enough space on the map, even though it is empty.

• 🔹 Reason: File system FAT32 Limits the size of a single file to 4GB, and some applications (such as games) require more.
• 🔹 Solution: Format the card in exFAT (but note that Adoptable Storage only works with the same system). FAT32 or ext4).

Error 4: After the MIUI update, the transferred applications reset.

• 🔹 Reason: System Update May Reset Storage Settings.
• 🔹 Solution: Repeat the transfer manually or use ADB forcing the return of applications to SD.

💡

If you use the memory card as an internal storage, back up your data regularly. When you reset your phone to factory settings, the card will be formatted automatically!

How to check which applications can be transferred

Not all programs support the transfer of SD-To avoid wasting time, check compatibility in advance.

Method 1: Through MIUI settings

1. Open the Settings → Applications.
2. Stick to three points (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Sort → By size.
3. View the list: apps that can be moved will have a Move to button. SD-map in the "Storage" section».

Method 2: Through ADB (Advanced)

Run a command to output a list of all applications indicating the portability:

adb shell pm get-install-location

Result:

• 0 [auto] - the application can be moved.
• 1 [internal] - transfer is prohibited.
• 2 [external] — pre-appendix SD-map.

To view detailed information on a particular application:

adb shell dumpsys package package.name | grep "installLocation"

Alternative ways to free up memory

If porting apps didn’t help or isn’t possible, try other memory optimization methods on the Xiaomi Redmi 4X:

• 🧹 Cache Clearing: Go to Settings → Warehouse → Clear the cache. This can free up to 1-2 GB of space.
• 🗑️ Removal of unnecessary APK: In a file. /sdcard/Download Old installation files (.apk) are often accumulated.
• ☁️ Media Transfer: Photos and videos can be automatically uploaded to Google Photos or Mi Cloud and then deleted local copies.
• 🔄 Use Lite versions: Replace heavy apps with lighter ones (e.g. Facebook Lite instead of regular Facebook).
• 🛠️ Disabling pre-installed applications: C Settings → Find unnecessary system programs (such as Mi Music or Mi Video) and click Disable.

Important: The Xiaomi Redmi 4X with MIUI 9 and below has a hidden feature called Memory Optimization, which automatically clears the cache when space is scarce. To enable it, type ##4636## in the Phone app and select Memory Optimization.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions