How to install applications on a memory card in Xiaomi smartphones: all ways

Xiaomi smartphones are getting more powerful every year, but the amount of internal memory remains critical for many users. Even 128 GB are quickly filled with photos, videos and, of course, applications. The microSD card seems the perfect solution - a cheap expansion of storage. The owners of Redmi, POCO Mi often encounters a problem: the system does not allow you to install applications directly on the Internet. SD-Map, as it was in older versions of Android.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to transfer applications to a memory card in Xiaomi, including official and bypass methods, learn why MIUI limits this feature, which applications can be ported and which can not, and how to avoid typical errors, and consider alternative solutions for freeing up memory if porting to SD is not possible.

Important: the procedure depends on the version of MIUI and the model of the smartphone. For example, in the POCO F5 (2023) and Redmi Note 12, the algorithm is different from the old Redmi 4X or Mi A2. We cover all relevant cases, but first check the version of your shell in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.

Why Xiaomi is blocking the installation of applications on the SD-map?

In the latest versions of MIUI (starting with 12), the portability feature is either hidden or completely removed, not a whim of the manufacturer, but a consequence of changes in Google policy and technical constraints:

• 🔒 Data security: Annexes to the SD-It is easier to steal or replace cards, especially if the cards are retrieved and used on other devices.
• ⚡ Performance: Class Memory Cards A1/A2 slower-than-integrated memory UFS 2.2/3.1, What's stopping apps.
• 📱 Adoptable Storage: The internal memory card (before Android 9) feature was often crashing, so Google limited it to a few things.
• 🔄 Updates MIUI: With version 14, Xiaomi has completely removed the portability option from the interface, leaving it only for system applications.

But there are workarounds. Next, there are workarounds for different scenarios.

Method 1: Transfer applications through MIUI settings (official method)

This method works on MIUI 12-14, but only for individual system and third-party applications, and not all programs support portability – for example, WhatsApp, Telegram or games (Genshin Impact, PUBG Mobile) are blocked.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select an app from a list (like Facebook or VK).
3. Slip on Warehouse.
4. If the option is available, the Change → button will appear, select Memory Card.
5. Confirm the transfer and wait until the completion (may take up to 5 minutes).

⚠️ Warning: After porting, the application may run slower and notifications may come with a delay.

Method 2: Formatting SD-maps as internal memory

This method allows the memory card to be used as part of the main storage, but has critical drawbacks: once the card is removed, applications will stop working and data will be lost. UHS-I class A2 (For example, SanDisk Extreme or Samsung EVO Plus).

Step-by-step:

1. Put it in. SD-smartphone-card.
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 → Erase and Format.
5. After formatting, select Move Data Now (optional).

The map will be encrypted and tied to the device, and once it's removed, all the applications and data that have been transferred to it will be inaccessible.

Method 3: Transfer over ADB (for advanced users)

If there is no port option in the MIUI interface, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires a computer and basic command line skills.

Preparation:

• 🖥️ Install. ADB Tools on PC.
• 📱 Turn on Debugging. USB In Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Tap 7 times on the build number, then return to the additional → For developers).
• 🔌 Connect your smartphone to your PC USB (Select the File Transfer Mode).

Transfer commands (enter cmd or terminal):

adb shell


pm set-install-location 2 # Set by default on SD-map




pm move-package com.example.app # Replace with the batch name of the application

To find out the batch name of the application, use:

pm list packages | grep "name appendix"

⚠️ Note: Some applications (e.g. Google Play Services) MIUI System Apps can't be moved, it'll cause system failures. Before experimenting, back up through Settings. → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

💡

To return the application to the internal memory, use the command pm move-package com.example.app 0, where 0 is internal memory.

Method 4: Use of third-party applications (App Mgr III, Link2SD)

If the previous methods did not work, you can use the utilities from Google Play.

• 📌 App Mgr III (App 2 SD): Shows you what apps you can migrate, and it does it in one tap. MIUI 14, but requires root for some functions.
• 🔗 Link2SD: Creates symbolic links, saves space in the internal memory. Works without root, but you need a partition card. ext2/ext4.
• 🗃️ Files by Google: Does not tolerate apps, but helps to clear cache and unnecessary files.

Example of App Mgr III:

1. Install an app from the Play Market.
2. Open the Movable tab (Permanent).
3. Select the app and tap Move to SD card.
4. Confirm the action and restart the smartphone.

🔴 Limitations:

• Most games (Call of Duty Mobile, Free Fire) are not portable.
• Applications with widgets (Weather, Watch) may lose functionality.
• After the MIUI update, the transferred applications may be reset.

Alternative ways to free up memory in Xiaomi

If the transfer is SD-The card is impossible or ineffective, try these methods:

1. Cache Cleanup: Go to Settings → Storage → Clean. Delete the cache for Google Play Services, Chrome and social media.
2. Media Transfer: Use the Xiaomi Gallery to move photos/video to the site SD-map (Select the map) → More. → Move it).
3. Disable pre-installed apps: In Settings → Applications, find unnecessary services (Mi Video, Mi Music) and select Disable.
4. Use cloud storage: Google Photos (photo compression) or Mi Cloud (5GB free).
5. Factory reset: The last resort if the memory is full of system debris.

💡

Regular cleaning of cache and transfer of media files to SD-Up to 30% of memory is freed without risk to the system.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When working with memory cards in Xiaomi, users face typical problems:

⚠️ Warning: If the smartphone starts to slow down after transferring the applications, return them to the internal memory. A2 5-10 times slower UFS-drive-in.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions