Transfer applications to memory card in Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus: all ways

Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus (also known as Redmi Note 5 in some regions) is still a popular choice due to its balanced features and affordable price. However, its main drawback is limited internal memory (16/32/64 GB depending on the modification). When the internal storage space runs out, users face the need to transfer applications to the memory card. In this article, we will analyze all working methods, including standard MIUI tools, ADB commands and third-party utilities, taking into account the features of the firmware and hardware limitations of the Redmi 5 Plus.

It is important to understand that not all applications can be transferred to the SD-Manufacturers often block this feature for system utilities, games with high performance requirements (for example, for example, for the first time, PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact and software OBB-But for most user applications -- messaging apps, social media, utilities -- transfer is possible. Let's look at each method in detail, starting with the simplest of methods.

1. Transfer through standard MIUI settings

The most obvious way is to use the built-in MIUI tools. Depending on the firmware version (global, Chinese, custom) the path to settings may vary slightly, but the general logic holds. Here's how to do it:

1. Open the Settings → Applications.
2. Select the Application Management tab.
3. Tap on the desired application (for example, Facebook or VK).
4. Press Warehouse. → Change (or Move to) SD-card if the option is active).

If the Transfer button is inactive or absent, this means that:

• 📱 The app does not support transfer (for example, WhatsApp or Telegram store data only in internal memory).
• 🔄 The memory card is formatted as a portable storage, not as an internal memory (more on this below).
• 🛠️ The firmware is modified (for example, custom LineageOS is installed), and the function is disabled.

One important thing is that even if the transfer is successful, some of the data (cache, settings) can remain in internal memory. That's OK, because that's the Android architecture. To make room completely, you can manually clear the app cache through the same Storage section after the transfer.

2. Formatting a memory card as an internal storage

If standard portability is not available, you can try combining the memory card with an internal drive. SD-The card is part of the system, but has serious limitations:

• 🔒 The card will be encrypted and tied to the device – it will not be read on another smartphone or PC.
• 📉 Application speeds may slow down (especially if a Class 4 or Class 6 card is a badge).
• ⚠️ When you remove the map, some applications will stop working.

Formatting instructions:

1. Insert the memory card into the slot (microSD up to 256 GB is supported).
2. Go to Settings → Storage → Memory Map.
3. Click Format as internal (or Configure in newer versions of MIUI).
4. Confirm the action and wait until it is completed (may take up to 10 minutes).
5. After formatting, restart the device.

⚠️ Note: before formatting, copy all data from the card to the PC - the process erases all information without the possibility of recovery.

Save all files from the card on PC| Check the card speed class (Class 10/UHS-I recommended)| Charge the phone at least 50% | Disable important notifications during the procedure-->

After formatting, try re-transferring apps through Settings → Apps. Now the option should be available for most programs. However, remember that some games (such as cheat protection) may refuse to work from an external storage, even if it is formatted as internal.

3. Transfer applications over ADB (for power users)

If standard methods don’t work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a debugging tool that lets you manually specify which apps to migrate, which requires a PC connection and basic command line knowledge.

Preparation:

1. Download and install Platform Tools (part of the Android SDK).
2. Turn on the phone Developer Mode (go to Settings → About phone and 7 times tap on the MIUI version).
3. In the Developer Settings, activate Debugging over USB.
4. Connect Redmi 5 Plus to PC via USB-cable (use the original cable for a stable connection).

Next, run the following commands in the terminal (or Command Prompt on Windows):

adb devices

(Your device should be displayed)

adb shell pm set-install-location 2

(This causes the system to default to install applications on SD-map)

adb shell pm move-package com.example.app /sdcard

(Replace com.example.app with a real app package, such as com.whatsapp for WhatsApp)

To find out the application package, use the command:

adb shell pm list packages | grep "appendix name"

⚠️ Note: Not all applications support portability ADB. If you see a Failure error after the move-package command [NOT_MOVED: Operation not allowed, means the transfer is blocked by the developer, and avoid transferring system utilities (e.g, MIUI Security or Google Play Services – This can lead to unstable smartphone performance.

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Before using ADB, back up your data through Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset. This will help restore the system in the event of a crash.

4. Use of third-party utilities

If the previous methods did not help, you can use specialized applications from Google Play.

• 📱 AppMgr III (App 2 SD) — Shows which applications can be moved and suggests alternative methods (e.g., cleaning cache or disabling unnecessary services).
• 🔄 Link2SD — creates symbolic links, allowing you to “cheat” the system and make it see application files on the system. SD-It requires root rights.
• 🛠️ Files by Google – does not port applications, but helps to clean up unnecessary files (duplicates, old ones) APK, cash).

Example of AppMgr III:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Open it and give access to the storage.
3. In the list of applications, find those that have a tick in the Move to SD column.
4. Slip the app and select Move to SD card.

Link2SD requires:

1. Get root access (for example, through Magisk).
2. Break it up SD-map in two sections: first — FAT32 (for files, second — ext2/ext3 (reference).
3. In Link2SD settings, specify the second section as the place for symbolic links.

Third-party utilities can be useful, but have risks:

• 🔓 Root-access applications can compromise system security.
• 🔄 Some utilities contain advertising or paid features.
• 🛠️ Incorrect transfer can lead to malfunctions in the application.

5. Alternative Memory Release Methods

If porting apps is not possible or does not have enough effect, consider other ways to free up space:

• 🗑️ Cache Clearing: Go to Settings → Warehouse → Clear the cache. It can release until 1-3 GB.
• 📁 Remove Unnecessary Files: Use Files by Google or Built-in File Manager MIUI Search for large or duplicate files.
• ☁️ Cloud Storage: Move photos and videos to Google Photos, Mi Cloud or Yandex Drive.
• 🔄 Disable pre-installed apps: Some system utilities (such as Mi Video or Mi Music) can be disabled via Settings → Annexes → Shut down.

It is also useful to disable automatic updates of applications:

1. Open the Google Play Store.
2. Go to Settings → Auto-Update applications.
3. Choose Never or Only through Wi-Fi.

6. Frequent errors and their solutions

When transferring applications to SD-Redmi 5 Plus users often face some problems. Let's look at the most common and ways to fix them:

Another common problem is that apps automatically return to internal memory after an update, which is because Google Play defaults to install updates to their original location.

1. Before updating, transfer the application back to the memory card.
2. Or turn off auto-update for a specific app on Google Play.

⚠️ Warning: If the app starts to slow down or crash after the transfer, return it to internal memory. 3D-graphics) require high read/write speeds that even class cards cannot provide UHS-I.

7. Recommendations for choosing a memory card

From the right choice SD-Not only does the transfer of the application depend on the success of the card, but the overall performance of the smartphone. For Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus, the following characteristics are recommended:

• 📏 Volume: from 32 GB (minimum comfortable volume) to 256 GB (maximum supported).
• 🚀 Speed class: not lower than Class 10 or UHS-I (U1/U3). Class Cards 4/6 Suitable only for storing media files.
• 🏷️ Brand: Preference to trusted manufacturers - SanDisk, Samsung, Kingston, Lexar. Avoid no-name cards with suspiciously low prices.
• 🔄 Type: microSDHC (up to 32 GB) or microSDXC (64 GB).

Examples of suitable models:

• SanDisk Ultra microSDXC UHS-I 128 GB (A1) – the best choice for the ratio price / quality.
• Samsung EVO Plus microSDXC UHS-I 256GB (U3) – for users who need maximum space.
• Kingston Canvas Go! Plus microSDXC UHS-I 64GB (A2) is a budget option with good speed.

Before buying, check the card for authenticity with utilities like H2testw (for Windows) or SD Insight (for Android). Fake cards often have an underrated speed and real volume less than claimed.

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Class A1/A2 cards (such as SanDisk A1) are optimized for application and provide faster random access speeds, which is critical for program portability.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions