Owners of brand smartphones Xiaomi often face a lack of free space in the internal memory of the device. Modern mobile games, such as Call of Duty Mobile or Genshin Impact, take up gigabytes of space, quickly filling up the drive. This leads to a slowdown of the system and the inability to install new interesting projects.
Fortunately, many Redmi and POCO models support installation of memory cards of format MicroSD. However, standard Android settings often do not allow you to transfer the application files themselves (APK) to external media, limiting yourself only to media files. In this article, we will look at all the available ways to solve this problem: from standard functions to advanced methods using a computer.
We will take a detailed look at how to bypass system limitations so that your favorite titles work quickly and the internal memory remains free for system updates. Be careful when performing these steps, as some methods require caution.
Preparing the device and selecting the right drive
Before starting any manipulations with the file system, you need to make sure that your equipment is ready for use. Not all memory cards are equally useful for installing games. Reading and writing speed directly affects the loading time of levels and the absence of “freezes” during gameplay.
It is recommended to use class cards UHS-I or UHS-II marked Class 10. If you insert a slow card, the game may take longer to start than when installed in the internal memory. Insert the card into the slot until you hear a characteristic click and make sure that the system recognizes the media.
Be sure to back up important data, as some setup methods require formatting the drive. Go to menu Settings → About phone and check the operating system version MIUI or HyperOS. The available options in the hidden developer menus depend on this.
⚠️ Attention: Cheap memory cards from unknown brands often have inflated declared characteristics. For games, recording stability is critical, otherwise saves may be damaged.
Before purchasing a card, check its real speed using applications like A1 SD Bench on another device or computer.
Using standard transfer functions in MIUI
The Xiaomi shell provides the basic storage management tools. An app transfer feature is available in some firmware versions, although it is often limited by Android system security rules. To check this feature, go to the application management section.
Find the desired game in the list of installed software. Click on the gear icon or app name to open detailed information. If the “Move to SD card” button is active (not gray), you are in luck - the system allows you to perform the operation in one click.
However, most often this button is inactive for heavy games. This is because game developers prohibit installation on external media to protect against piracy and ensure performance. In this case, the standard method will not work, and you will have to resort to other solutions.
- 📱 Go to
Settings → Applications → All applications. - 🔍 Select a game from the list that takes up a lot of space.
- 💾 Click the "Move to SD card" button if available.
- 🔄 Wait for the data copying process to finish.
Setting up a memory card as internal storage
Starting with Android version 6.0, the Adoptable Storage function appeared, allowing you to combine an external card and an internal one memory into a single space. On Xiaomi smartphones, this option is often hidden by developers, but it can be activated through console commands.
To implement this method, you will need a computer and an installed package ADB (Android Debug Bridge). First you need to enable USB debugging mode in the developer menu. This will make it possible to send commands from the PC to the smartphone.
After connecting the phone to the computer and authorizing debugging, a command is entered to format the card. The system will encrypt the drive, and it will become an integral part of the internal memory. All new applications will try to install there by default.
adb shell sm set-force-adoptable true
adb shell sm partition disk:179,64 private
Remember that after this operation the memory card will no longer be readable on other devices without formatting. Also, the operating speed may decrease if the card does not have high performance indicators.
⚠️ Attention: When using the card as internal memory, removing it without first “unmounting” it in the settings will lead to application crashes and data loss.
What to do if the command is not executed?
If the console displays an error, make sure that debugging mode is enabled, the cable is working properly, and the ADB drivers are installed correctly. Try reconnecting the cable to another USB port.
Manually transferring game cache folders through a file manager
The most common and safest method that does not require root access is manual transfer of cache data. Many games store the main executable file (APK) in the internal memory, and heavy resources (textures, sounds, models) in a separate cache folder.
It is these cache folders that can be moved to the memory card manually. To do this, use the built-in explorer MIUI or third-party file managers, for example Total Commander or FX File Explorer. You need to find the folder Android/obb or Android/data.
Copy the folder with the name of the game (usually the developer's domain name, for example com.activision.callofduty.shooter) to the internal storage. Then paste it into a similar directory on your SD card. After that, delete the original folder from the internal memory to free up space.
| Data type | Internal location | SD location | Can be transferred |
|---|---|---|---|
| APK file | /data/app | No | ❌ No |
| Cache (OBB) | /Android/obb | /Android/obb | ✅ Yes |
| Data | /Android/data | /Android/data | ⚠️ Partially |
| Saves | Different folders | Depends on the game | ❌ Risk of loss |
It is important to follow the folder structure. If you place the files in the wrong directory, the game will not see the resources and will require a second download of the data when starting. Be extremely careful when moving files.
☑️ Cache transfer algorithm
Using specialized utilities for transfer
There are applications that automate the transfer process, emulating the operation of system functions. One of these tools is App2SD or Files To SD Card. They scan your device for apps that support moving and help optimize space.
These utilities often have a "Link2SD" feature that requires root access. If your Xiaomi has an unlocked bootloader and root access, such apps can create symbolic links, tricking the system into thinking that the application is inside.
Without root access, the functionality of such apps is limited. They can only suggest which applications can be transferred using standard means, or help clear the cache. However, for ordinary users this is a convenient way to analyze the occupied space.
When using third-party software, always download it from trusted sources, for example, from the official store Google Play. Avoid modified versions, as they may contain malicious code.
- 🛠 Download a memory management application from the store.
- 🔎 Grant the necessary permissions to access the files.
- 📂 Select a game to analyze the transferability.
- 🚀 Start the data migration process.
⚠️ Attention: apps that require root access can void the device warranty and lead to bricking if used improperly.
Symbolic links only work on devices with With Root access, for ordinary users only manual transfer of OBB folders is safe.
Solving problems and common errors during installation
Even if you follow all the instructions, users may encounter errors. The game may crash on startup, write “files are corrupted,” or simply not see the memory card. Most often, the problem lies in the file system of the drive.
Android works best with the file system exFAT or FAT32. If your card is formatted in NTFS (Windows standard), the phone may only see it read-only or not at all. Format the card into a compatible format through the smartphone settings.
Another common mistake is incorrect folder permissions on new versions of Android (11, 12, 13 and higher). The system restricts application access to the folder Android/data on external media. In such cases, you may need to provide special permissions through the system file manager.
If the game requires data to be downloaded after transfer, do not interrupt the process. Make sure your Wi-Fi connection is stable. Sometimes it’s easier to delete the game completely and, when installing, immediately select the memory card as a place to download additional files, if the game supports such a choice.
Why does the game write “Not enough space” after transfer?
Even if the cache is transferred, the APK file and some system libraries still take up space in the internal memory. It is rarely possible to completely transfer a game 100%.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to transfer absolutely any game to an SD card on Xiaomi?
No, it is not possible. Android system restrictions and game developer policies prohibit the transfer of executable files for many applications. Most often, it is possible to transfer only cache files (resources), and the APK itself remains in the internal memory.
Will the game performance worsen after transferring to the card?
Yes, it can get worse. The speed of reading data from a memory card is usually lower than that of the built-in flash drive. This can lead to increased loading times for levels and stuttering when loading textures.
Do you need to format the memory card before use?
Yes, it is strongly recommended to format the card through your phone settings (Settings → Storage). This will ensure the correct file system and folder structure necessary for Android to work correctly.
What will happen to the game if I remove the memory card?
The game will stop launching or will display an error when you try to log in. All data on the card will become inaccessible. Do not remove the card while the corresponding applications are active or running in the background.
How to return all files back to the internal memory?
Simply perform the reverse operation: copy the folders from Android/obb on the memory card to a similar folder in the internal storage. After this, delete the files from the card and reboot the device.