Transfer applications to the memory card in Xiaomi Redmi Note 5: all the ways and nuances

Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 is one of the most popular mid-range smartphones, but its 32 or 64 GB of internal memory often becomes a bottleneck. Users face a shortage of space for new applications, photos and videos, especially if you do not use a microSD card. However, porting applications to an external drive in MIUI has its own peculiarities: the system limits this feature, and some methods require additional manipulation.

In this article, we will discuss all available ways to transfer applications to SD-The map in Redmi Note 5 – from standard settings to hidden features of Android 7.1.2 (on which the device runs). You will learn which applications can be moved and which will remain in internal memory, how to avoid errors when formatting a card and what to do if the system does not see an external drive.

Why Redmi Note 5 cannot be moved to all applications SD-map?

Many Xiaomi users wonder why the memory card porting function doesn’t work for all programs, because of the limitations of both MIUI firmware and the Android architecture itself:

• 📱 Limitations MIUI: Xiaomi’s firmware blocks the portability of system applications and some services (such as Google Play Services) to avoid disruptions.
• 🔒 Android security: Starting with Android 6.0, Google has tightened rules for working with external drives. OBB-Files (such as games) may not work properly after transferring.
• 💾 Memory card type: Redmi Note 5 supports microSD up to 256 GB, but to transfer applications, the card must be formatted as internal memory (Adoptable Storage), which has its disadvantages.

In addition, some applications (such as messengers like WhatsApp or Telegram) store cache and media files on a memory card, but the program itself cannot be transferred. SD-map.

⚠️ Note: If you format your memory card as an Adoptable Storage, it cannot be retrieved and used on another device without being completely cleaned.

Preparation of a memory card: formatting and selection of a file system

Before you port applications, you need to properly prepare the microSD card. Redmi Note 5 supports two use cases:

1. Portable Storage – The card works as a removable drive (you can retrieve and connect to other devices), in which case the transfer of applications will be limited to those programs that support this function manually.
2. Internal memory – the card becomes part of the system (formatted as Adoptable Storage) and allows for more applications to be ported, but has risks (see the warning above).

To format the card as an internal memory:

1. Insert microSD into the slot (in Redmi Note 5 it is hybrid – instead of the second one). SIM-map).
2. Go to Settings. → Memory.
3. Click on the name of the card (for example, SD-map: 64GB) → Set up → Internal memory.
4. Confirm the formatting (all data will be deleted!).

⚠️ Note: If you select the internal memory format and then retrieve the card, the phone may start to brake or emit errors. A1 or A2 (application-optimized).

Method 1: Transfer applications through standard MIUI settings

The easiest method is to use the built-in MIUI function. It is suitable for most user applications (for example, social networks, browsers, some games), but does not work with system services.

Instructions:

1. Open the Settings → Applications.
2. Select the app you want to migrate (like Facebook or VK).
3. Press Warehouse. → Change (or Move to) SD-card if the button is active).
4. Confirm the transfer. The system will copy some of the data to the memory card.

Please note:

• 🔄 The Transfer button may be inactive if the application does not support this function.
• 📁 Even after the transfer, some data (such as cache) will remain in internal memory.
• 🎮 Games with big ones OBB-files (e.g., files, PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty may not work properly after a transfer.

Method 2: Using ADB for forced transfer (for experienced)

If the standard method doesn't work, you can use the Android debugging bridge (ADB), which allows you to migrate even those applications for which the Transfer button is blocked, but it requires a computer connection and basic command line knowledge.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on Developer Mode on your phone: Go to Settings → About Phone. Click 7 times on MIUI until you become a developer!
2. Activate USB Debugging: Return to Settings → Additional → Developer. Turn on the USB Debugging Switch.

Command line.

Terminal

com.example.app

com.facebook.katana

Facebook

adb shell


pm set-install-location 2




pm move-package com.example.app

To find out the application package, use the command:

adb shell pm list packages | grep "appendix name"

⚠️ Note: Not all apps will work correctly after being forced to port, for example, WhatsApp or banking programs may give out errors due to security restrictions!

Method 3: Transfer through third-party applications (App Mgr III, Link2SD)

If the first two methods didn't work, you can use specialized utilities from Google Play, which extend portability, but require root rights to work properly.

Popular applications:

• 📦 App Mgr III (App 2 SD) — It shows you which apps you can migrate, and it does it in one click. Supports batch mode (packet transfer).
• 🔗 Link2SD — It creates symbolic links, allowing you to trick the system and migrate even system applications.
• 🗃️ Files by Google – helps to clear cache and unnecessary files, freeing up space without transferring.

Instructions for App Mgr III:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Open it and give access to Special Opportunity Settings (for application analysis).
3. Go to the Movable tab – all the applications that can be moved will be displayed here.
4. Choose the right ones and press Move to SD card.

Link2SD requires:

1. Get root rights (for example, through Magisk).
2. Create a second section on SD-Map (via MiniTool Partition Wizard on PC).
3. In Link2SD, select the application and click Create Link.

💡

Before using Link2SD, back up your data via Titanium Backup – if you make errors in the map partition settings, you can lose all files.

What to do if the transfer does not work: common errors and solutions

Sometimes users experience problems migrating apps, and here are the most common errors and ways to fix them:

If none of these methods worked, consider alternative ways to free up memory:

• 🧹 Clear the app cache in Settings → Memory. → Clear the cache.
• 🗑️ Delete unnecessary files via Files by Google or Clean Master.
• ☁️ Move photos and videos to the cloud (Google Photos, Mi Cloud).
• 🔄 Reset your phone to factory settings (last option if memory is clogged with system debris).

💡

If an A1 or A2 class memory card doesn’t solve the brake problem after transfer, try turning off animation in Settings → For Developers → Animation Scale (off).

Alternative solutions: how to free up space without transferring applications

If porting apps doesn’t work, or you’re afraid of the risks associated with Adoptable Storage, consider other ways to optimize memory:

1. Use of cloud storage

• 📸 Google Photos – automatically uploads photos and videos to the cloud, freeing up space on your phone.
• 📁 Mi Cloud – built-in cloud from Xiaomi (5 GB for free).
• 🎵 Spotify or Yandex Music – streaming instead of downloading songs.

Systemic garbage disposal

• 🧹 Built-in utility Cleaning in MIUI (in the Security section).
• 🗑️ SD Maid – deletes residual files after uninstalling applications.
• 🔍 Files by Google – Finds duplicates and large, unnecessary files.

3. Optimization of existing applications

• 🎮 For games: in the game settings, turn off the download of high-quality textures (for example, in the game settings). PUBG Mobile select Smooths instead HD).
• 📱 Turn off background activity for unnecessary apps in Settings → Battery → Choice of applications.
• 🔄 Update apps regularly – new versions are often size-optimized.

If you’re experiencing a memory shortage, consider buying a Redmi Note 5 with more internal storage (64GB instead of 32GB) or switching to a newer model, such as the Redmi Note 10, where microSD support is better implemented.

FAQ: Frequent questions about transferring applications to SD-map 5