How to install applications to a memory card in Xiaomi smartphones: all methods and nuances

Owners of smartphones Xiaomi with limited internal memory sooner or later face the need to make room for new applications. One of the obvious solutions is to use a memory card microSD. However, standard functions Android and shell MIUI do not always make it easy to transfer apps to an external drive. In this article, we will analyze all working methods, including hidden settings, bypassing restrictions and alternative solutions for different firmware versions.

It is important to understand that the transfer capabilities depend on the version Android (starting from 6.0 the function appeared Adoptable Storage), smartphone model (for example, Redmi Note 10 and POCO X3 Pro behave differently) and even the memory card manufacturer. We tested the instructions on current devices and collected only those methods that actually work in 2026 - without outdated advice like “format the card in FAT32.”

If you have already tried to transfer applications through the standard menu and received the message “Cannot be moved to an SD card,” do not rush to despair. In the article you will find workarounds, including manually formatting the card as internal storage, using ADB-commands, and even third-party utilities to force the transfer. We will also tell you which applications you should never transfer to an SD card - this can lead to malfunctions of the smartphone.

Why does Xiaomi block the transfer of applications to the SD card?

The manufacturer deliberately limits this function in the shell MIUI, and there are several reasons for this. Firstly, performance: even the fastest memory card UHS-II works slower than the built-in memory eMMC or UFS. Transferring system applications or games with high requirements (for example Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobileto the SD card will lead to lags and stuttering.

Secondly, security. Memory cards are easier to remove, which means malicious software can use them to steal data. Thirdly, stability: not all applications correctly process transfer to external storage, which is fraught with sudden crashes. And finally, Xiaomi promotes cloud storage Mi Cloud and memory expansion services via MIUI+, so it is not interested in popularizing alternative solutions.

• 🔍 Limitation 1: In new versions MIUI 14+ the application transfer function is hidden in deep settings or is completely absent from the menu.
• ⚡ Limitation 2: Even if transfer is available, some applications (for example, WhatsApp, Google Play Services) block this feature at level Android.
• 💾 Limitation 3: Memory cards of format exFAT do not support the function Adoptable Storage —only FAT32 or EXT4.

⚠️ Attention: If your smartphone runs on Android 10 or newer, standard transfer of applications through the "Settings → Applications" menu may not be available. In this case, you will have to use ADB or third-party utilities.

Preparing a memory card: which format to choose?

Before transferring applications, the memory card must be formatted correctly. It depends on the format whether you can use it as internal storage (Adoptable Storage) or only for storing files. Let's consider all the options:

For most users Xiaomi the optimal choice is EXT4, but it can only be applied through ADB. If you are not ready to work with the command line, use FAT32 for cards up to 32 GB or exFAT for cards of larger capacity (but without the ability to transfer applications).

Make sure the card has a speed class of UHS-I (U1/U3) or higher|Make a backup copy of the data from the card|Check the card for errors via a PC (via chkdsk or fsck)|Format the card in your phone, not on your computer-->

Method 1: Standard transfer via MIUI settings (if available)

On some models Xiaomi (for example, Redmi 9A or POCO M3) the application transfer function remains in the menu. You can check its presence like this:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Manage applications.
2. Select the desired application (for example, Facebook or Telegram).
3. Tap on item Storage.
4. If there is a button Change or Move to SD card —click it.

If there is no button, then your model Xiaomi blocks this method. In this case, proceed to the following methods. Also note that even if the transfer is successful, some application functions may not work correctly (for example, notifications or widgets).

⚠️ Attention: Do not transfer system applications to the SD card. (for example Mi Browser, Security or Google Play Market). This may lead to malfunctions MIUI and the need to reset the settings.

Method 2: Formatting the card as internal storage (Adoptable Storage)

This method allows you to “trick” the system, forcing it to perceive the SD card as part of the internal memory. The advantage is the ability to install applications directly onto the card. Disadvantages: the card cannot be removed without losing data, and it will be encrypted (unreadable on other devices). Instructions:

1. Insert the memory card into the smartphone.
2. Go to Settings → Storage → Memory card.
3. Tap on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Storage settings.
4. Click Format as internal (or Internal Storage in English firmware).
5. Confirm the action and wait the process is completed (may take 5–10 minutes).

After formatting, the system will offer to transfer the data to a new “internal” memory. Select Transfer now or do it manually later. Important: this method does not work on all models Xiaomi. For example, on Redmi Note 11 Pro+ s MIUI 14 the option may not be available.

After formatting, check that the card is recognized as internal storage:

1. Open Settings → About phone → Storage.
2. Make sure that the internal memory has increased by size SD cards.

Method 3: Transferring applications via ADB (for advanced users)

If standard methods do not work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method requires connecting your smartphone to your computer, but gives you more control. You will need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows, macOS or Linux.
• 🔌 Cable USB-Type C (better original).
• 📥 Utility ADB (download from the official website Android Developers).
• 🔧 Enabled debugging on USB on the smartphone.

Steps:

1. Activate Developer mode to Xiaomi:
   • Go to Settings → About phone.
   • Tap 7 times on the item Version MIUI.
   • Return to Settings → Advanced → For Developers.
   • Enable USB Debugging.

adb devices

adb shell pm move-package com.example.app

If the command is successful, you will see a message Success. To transfer all possible applications immediately, use the script:

adb shell pm get-packages | grep -E 'package:' | awk '{print $2}' | xargs -n1 adb shell pm move-package

⚠️ Attention: Some applications after transferring via ADB may stop updating via Google Play. In this case, they will have to be deleted and installed again.

Method 4: Using third-party applications (without root)

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

• 📱 AppMgr III (App 2 SD) —shows which applications can be transferred and does it in one tap. Supports batch transfer.
• 🔄 Link2SD — creates symbolic links, saving space on internal storage. Requires root for full operation, but some functions are available without it.
• 🗃️ Files by Google - helps clear the cache and transfer media files, freeing up space for new applications.

Example of working with AppMgr III:

1. Install the application from Google Play.
2. Open it and provide access to the storage.
3. In the list of applications, find those with an icon next to them SD cards.
4. Tap on the application and select Move to SD card.

Restriction: third-party utilities cannot bypass prohibitions Android at the system level. If an application is blocked for transfer, no app will be able to move it without rootrights.

What applications cannot be transferred to an SD card?

Even if transfer is technically possible, some applications are better left in the internal memory. Here is the blacklist:

• 🏦 Banking applications (SberBank, Tinkoff, VTB) - can block access for security reasons.
• 🔒 Messengers with encryption (WhatsApp, Telegram Secret Chats, Signal) - risk of losing messages.
• 🎮 Games with online multiplayer (PUBG Mobile, Free Fire, Brawl Stars) - bugs and account bans are possible.
• 🛠️ System utilities (Mi Security, Google Play Services) - transfer will lead to failures MIUI.
• 📱 Launchers and widgets (Nova Launcher, KWGT) - will stop working after removing the card.

Transferring applications for working with payments (for example, Google Pay or Mir Pay) to an SD card can lead to the bank blocking the service. This is due to requirements PCI DSS to the security of storing payment data.

What to do if the transfer is not works?

If none of the methods worked, consider alternative solutions:

1. Clearing the cache: Go to Settings → Applications, select a heavy application (for example, Facebook or Instagram) and press Clear cache. This can free up several gigabytes.
2. Removing unnecessary files: Use the built-in utility Cleaning v MIUI or application Files by Google to search for large and duplicate files.
3. Transferring media files: Photos, videos and music can be easily moved to SD card manually through any file manager (for example, Mi File Manager).
4. Using the cloud: Mi Cloud or Google Photos allows you to free up space by saving files on the network. Xiaomi has a function Smart cleaningthat automatically deletes unnecessary files.
5. Factory reset. settings: An extreme method if the smartphone is full of unnecessary data. First make a backup copy via Settings → Advanced → Backup and reset.

⚠️ Attention: On some models Xiaomi (for example POCO F4 or Xiaomi 12T) function of transferring applications to an SD card blocked at the firmware level. In this case, the only option is to clear the memory or buy a smartphone with a large amount of storage.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about transferring applications to an SD card in Xiaomi