Owners smartphones Xiaomi Redmi often face a lack of internal memory, especially if the device is from a budget or mid-range line. Even after clearing the cache and deleting unnecessary files, the system may show a storage full warning. The solution seems obvious - to transfer applications to microSD memory card, but here users are faced with nuances: limitations Android new versions, shell features MIUI and technical limitations of the cards themselves.

In this article we will analyze all the relevant ones ways to transfer applications to an SD card for Redmi (including models on Android 10–14), we will explain why some apps cannot be moved, and show workarounds. You will also learn how to properly prepare a memory card to avoid errors, and what to do if the system does not allow you to transfer the application you need. Important: not all methods are universal - their effectiveness depends on the version MIUI and technical characteristics of your device.

Before you begin, check two key points: 1) Make sure that your memory card has a speed class UHS-I (U1/U3) or Class 10 —slow cards may not support transferring applications. 2) B MIUI 12–14 the function of transferring applications to SD is often hidden or disabled by default. This is not a mistake, but a conscious decision Xiaomi to optimize performance.

📊 Which Redmi model do you have?
Redmi Note 10/11/12
Redmi 9/9A/9C
Redmi 10/10A/10C
Redmi 13C/13R
Another model

Why in Redmi you can’t transfer all applications to an SD card?

Many users encounter because the "Transfer to SD" button in the application settings is inactive or missing. This is not an accident, but a consequence of three key restrictions:

  • 🔹 Android 6.0+ Policy: Starting Android Marshmallow, Google has prohibited moving applications to SD by default for security reasons. Developers must explicitly add support for this function to their software.
  • 🔹 Restrictions MIUI: Shell Xiaomi blocks the transfer of system and pre-installed applications (for example, com.miui.gallery or com.android.browser).
  • 🔹 Technical limits of memory cards: Cheap microSD have low read/write speeds (~10–20 MB/s), which leads to lags when launching transferred applications.

In addition, some applications (for example, instant messengers or games with online authorization) store critical data in the internal memory and simply will not be able to work after the transfer. Typical “non-portable” apps:

CategoryExamples of applicationsReason for blocking
Social networksWhatsApp, Telegram, VKStorage authorization tokens in internal memory
Banking applicationsSberBank Online, TinkoffSecurity requirements (ban on SD)
Games with online modePUBG Mobile, Free FireAnti-cheat systems block startup from external drives
System utilitiesMIUI Security, Google Play ServicesProhibition level Android

Important: Moving applications to an SD card can lead to their unstable operation, especially if the card is slow or damaged. In MIUI 14 the transfer function is often completely disabled for models with eMMC memory (for example, Redmi 9A or Redmi 10A).

⚠️ Attention: If your Redmi works on Android 11+, some methods from this article may not work. Manufacturers are gradually abandoning support for transferring to SD in favor of cloud storage.

Preparing a memory card: formatting and selecting a file system

Before transferring applications, it is not enough to prepare the memory card correctly. just insert it into the slot - you need:

  1. Formatting to FAT32/exFAT: By default, cards are formatted in FAT32, but for applications it is better to use exFAT (supports files >4 GB). FAT32/exFAT MIUI this is done through Settings → Storage → SD card → Format as internal.
  2. Speed test: Use the application A1 SD Bench to test read/write speeds. If the readings are lower 20 MB/s, transferring applications is not recommended.
  3. Backup: All data on the card will be deleted when formatted. Save important files on PC.

How to format the card as internal storage:

  1. Insert the card into the slot (cards are supported) to 1 TB v Redmi Note 12 and later).
  2. Go to Settings → Storage.
  3. Click on the card name (for example, SanDisk 128GB).
  4. Select Format as internal (in some versions MIUI This item is called Configure).
  5. Confirm the action and wait for completion (may take up to 10 minutes).

Important: After formatting as internal storage, the card cannot be removed without losing data. It will become “linked” to the phone and will be encrypted. Also, some applications (for example Google Camera) may not recognize it as a removable drive.

U3 or Class 10 card

Write speed > 15 MB/s (tested in A1 SD Bench)

Formatted in exFAT/FAT32

There is a backup copy of data

The phone supports adoptable storage (for Android 6-9)

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Method 1: Transfer through application settings (for MIUI 10–12)

The simplest method is to use the built-in function MIUI. It works on most models Redmi s, but may be disabled in new versions. Instructions: Android 9–11, but may be disabled in new versions. Instructions:

  1. Open Settings → Applications → Manage applications.
  2. Select the application you want to transfer (for example, Spotify or YouTube).
  3. Click Storage (or Memory in older versions).
  4. If option available Edit or Move to SD card, select it.
  5. Confirm the transfer and wait for completion (may take 1-5 minutes).

What to do if the "Transfer" button is inactive:

  • 🔧 Check if the application supports transfer (most games and social networks do not).
  • 🔧 Update MIUI until the latest version (sometimes the function returns in new builds).
  • 🔧 Try alternative methods (described below).

Method limitations:

  • Does not work for system applications.
  • Portable only part of the data (not the entire APK file).
  • The application may work slower.
⚠️ Attention: B MIUI 13–14 on Android 12+ this method is often blocked. If you do not see the "Transfer" option, proceed to the next method.
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If after transferring the application no longer updates via Google Play, return it back to the internal memory, update it, and then transfer it to SD again.

Method 2: Using ADB (for experienced users)

If the standard method does not work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB) a debugging tool that allows you to manually tell the system which applications to migrate. This method works on most versions Android, but requires connection to a PC.

What you will need:

  • 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
  • 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original or certified).
  • 🛠️ Utility ADB Tools (download platform-tools from the site Android Developers).
  • 📱 Enabled USB debugging on the phone.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Activate Developer mode on Redmi:
    • Go to Settings → About phone.
    • Click 7 times on MIUI Version (a notification "You have become a developer" will appear).
    • Return to Settings → Advanced → For developers.
    • Enable USB debugging.
  • Connect your phone to the PC and select the mode File transfer (MTP).
  • Open the command line (cmd in Windows) and go to the folder with platform-tools: 
    cd C:\platform-tools
  • Check the device connection: 
    adb devices

    (Your name should be displayed Redmi.)

  • Run the command to migrate (replace package.name with the application package name): 
    adb shell pm set-install-location 2

    (This command sets the SD card as the default installation location for supported applications.)

  • To migrate specific application, use: 
    adb shell pm move-package package.name

    (You can find out package.name via App Inspector or adb shell pm list packages.)

    • Examples of packages of popular applications:

    • YouTube: com.google.android.youtube
    • Spotify: com.spotify.music
    • Chrome: com.android.chrome

    If the command move-package returns error Failure [NOT_MOVED: Operation not allowed], it means the application does not support transfer.

    How to find the package name of any application?

    1. Install the application from Google Play App Inspector or Package Name Viewer.

    2. Open it and find the desired application in the list.

    3. Copy the value from the column Package Name (for example, com.whatsapp).

    4. Use this value in ADB commands.

    ⚠️ Attention: Incorrect use of ADB can lead to system malfunctions. Do not change the settings for system applications (com.android. or com.miui.).

    Method 3: Forced transfer via Link2SD (Root access)

    If the previous methods did not work, and you have root access, you can use the application Link2SD. It allows you to “link” applications to the SD card even if they do not officially support transfer. This method is the most powerful, but also the most risky.

    What to do:

    1. Get root access to Redmi (for example, via Magisk). To do this:
      • Unlock the bootloader (bootloader) via Mi Unlock Tool.
      • Install custom recovery (TWRP) and flash Magisk.
  • Download Link2SD from Google Play.
  • Open the application and provide root access.
  • Select the application from the list and click Create link (or Link to SD card).
  • Confirm the data transfer and restart the phone.

    • Link2SD advantages:

    • 🔹 Transfers even those applications that are blocked via ADB.
    • 🔹 Allows you to transfer cache and data (obbgame files).
    • 🔹 Works on Android 10–14 (with root).

    Risks:

    • 🔸 Loss of warranty (unlocking the bootloader will void the warranty Xiaomi).
    • 🔸 Applications may malfunction if The memory card is slow.
    • 🔸 Errors during updating MIUI OTA (you will have to reflash it manually).

    Important: On models Redmi with Android 12+ and a dynamic file system (f2fs) Link2SD may not work correctly. Before use, make a backup via TWRP.

    💡

    Link2SD - the only way to transfer games with large obbfiles (for example, Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile) to an SD card without data loss.

    Method 4: Transferring only media files and cache (alternative)

    If you cannot transfer the application itself, you can free up space by moving it cache, media files or downloads to an SD card. This method does not require root access. and works on all versions MIUI.

    How to transfer cache and data:

    1. Open Settings → Applications → Manage applications.
    2. Select an application (for example Google Chrome or Instagram).
    3. Click Storage → Clear cache (this is safe, the data will not be deleted).
    4. To transfer media files (photos, videos), use the built-in function:
      • In Gallery: Settings → Saving → Folder on SD card.
      • In Camera: Settings → Save location → Memory card.

    For games with large files (obb or data):

    1. Connect the phone to the PC and turn on the mode File transfer (MTP).
    2. Go to the folder Android/obb or Android/data on the internal memory.
    3. Copy folders with games (for example, com.gameloft.android.ANMP.GloftDMHM for Asphalt 9) to SD card.
    4. On your phone, use a file manager (for example, Mi File Manager) to create a symbolic link:
      • Delete the original folder from the internal memory.
      • Create a new folder with the same name.
      • Use the application FolderMount (requires root) to link the folder on SD to the internal memory.

    Example: For the game PUBG Mobile transfer the folder com.tencent.ig from Android/obb to SD, and then create a symbolic link. This will save up to 2–3 GB internal memory.

    💡

    To transfer files without root, use the application Files by Google. It can analyze large files and offer to move them to SD.

    Common errors and their solutions

    When transferring applications to an SD card, users Redmi often encounter typical problems. Here are the most common errors and how to fix them:

    ErrorCauseSolution
    "Not enough space on the device" when transferring The card is formatted as portable, and not internal Reformat the card via Settings → Storage → SD card → Format as internal
    The application does not start after transfer The memory card is too slow or damaged Check the speed in A1 SD Bench or replace the card with a faster one (for example, SanDisk Extreme)
    The "Transfer" button is inactive for all applications Version MIUI 13+ blocks function Use ADB or Link2SD (root required)
    After the update MIUI applications on SD stopped working The system has reset access rights to the card Move applications back to internal memory, update them, and then transfer them to SD again

    If the application is unstable after transfer:

    • 🔹 Reboot your phone.
    • 🔹 Clear the application cache (Settings → Applications → Storage → Clear cache).
    • 🔹 Check the memory card for errors via PC (use chkdsk in Windows).

    Special case: On some models Redmi (for example, Redmi Note 11) after transferring applications to SD, access to notifications may be lost. This is due to restrictions MIUI for the background operation of applications on external drives. The solution is to return critical applications (messengers, mail) to the internal memory.

    ⚠️ Attention: If you use a memory card as internal storage, removing it without first "unmounting" (Settings → Storage → Extract) may lead to data loss or system crash.

    FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

    Is it possible to transfer WhatsApp to a memory card in Redmi?

    No, WhatsApp blocks transfer to an SD card for security reasons. However, you can:

    • Transfer media files (photos, videos) in chat settings: Settings → Storage → Manage storage.
    • Use Link2SD with root access (but this may lead to account ban).

    Officially Meta (owner WhatsApp) prohibits launching the messenger from external drives.

    Why did it start to slow down after transferring the game to SD?

    This is due to the low read/write speed of the memory card. Solutions:

    • Buy a class card UHS-I U3 (for example, Samsung EVO Plus or SanDisk Extreme).
    • Move only heavy games back to the internal memory (for example, Genshin Impact or Call of Duty).
    • Use the function Game optimization in MIUI: Settings → Accessibility → Game optimization.

    To test the speed of the card, use A1 SD Bench — if the indicators are lower 20 MB/s (read) and 10 MB/s (write), the card is not suitable for games.

    How to transfer applications to SD in Redmi without root?

    The following methods are available without root access:

    1. Standard transfer via Settings → Applications (does not work on all models).
    2. Using ADB (described in Method 2).
    3. Transfer only media files and cache (without the APK itself).

    If neither method worked, all that remains is:

    • Delete unnecessary applications.
    • Clear cache (Settings → Storage → Cleaning).
    • Use cloud storage (Google Drive, Mi Cloud).
    What happens if you remove the memory card to which applications have been transferred?

    Depends on how the card is formatted:

    • 🔹 Like portable storage: Applications will stop working, but after returning the card they will be restored (if there have been no changes to the system).
    • 🔹 As internal storage: The phone may stop booting or display an error android.process.media has stopped. In this case:
      • Insert the card back.
      • If the phone does not turn on, boot into Safe Mode (hold the power button + volume up).
      • Move critical applications back to the internal memory.

    In the worst case, you will need to reset to factory settings.

    Is it possible to transfer MIUI system applications to SD?

    No, system applications (com.miui., com.android.) cannot be transferred by any of the methods. This is blocked at the kernel level. Android. Attempts to bypass the restriction via root can lead to:

    • 🔸 The phone will “brick” (it will not turn on).
    • 🔸 Loss of functionality (for example, the camera or sensors will stop working).
    • 🔸 Automatic reset of rights when updating MIUI.

    The only exception is disabling unnecessary system applications via ADB:

    adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 package.name

    But this is not a transfer, but a deletion for the current user.