Xiaomi Redmi 8 is one of the most popular budget smartphones of the brand, which is still actively used due to its reliability and expandable memory. Or is it not there, or is it hidden under the battery, or is it combined with SIM-In this article, we will look at where the slot is, how to insert the card correctly, and what nuances it is important to consider so as not to damage the device.
The design of the Redmi 8 differs from the newer Xiaomi models – it uses a hybrid tray that supports either two nano-SIMs or one. SIM + microSD. This means that you have to sacrifice a second slot to install the memory card, but not so bad, we'll show you how to minimize inconvenience and what alternatives exist (for example, for example, for the memory card, OTG-Adapters or Cloud Storage).
Where is the memory card slot in Redmi 8: photo and diagram
In Xiaomi Redmi 8, the microSD slot is located on the left side of the body - the same place as the tray for the device. SIM-This is a classic solution for most Xiaomi smartphones of the period (2019-2020:
- 📍 Left face - next to the volume buttons.
- 🔍 Small hole to remove the tray (you need a paper clip or a special key).
- 📏 Tray sizes: supports nano-SIM (2 units) or 1 nano-SIM + 1 microSD (up to 512 GB).
Important: Redmi 8 does not have a separate microSD slot – it is combined with the microSD. SIM-That means you have to delete the second one to use the memory card. SIM-Read more about compatibility in the next section.
What type of memory card supports Redmi 8: requirements and limitations
Xiaomi Redmi 8 officially supports microSD up to 512 GB (according to the manufacturer), however, in practice, users successfully use cards and 1 TB, but with some reservations:
| Parameter | Requirements of Redmi 8 | Recommendations |
|---|---|---|
| Type of card | microSD, microSDHC, microSDXC | Choose UHS-I Class 10 for speed |
| Max. Volume. | Up to 512GB (officially) | 1 TB works, but lags are possible |
| File system | FAT32, exFAT | ExFAT is preferred for cards >64 GB |
| Read/write speed | From 10MB/s | For 4K-Video needs a map from U3/V30 |
⚠️ Note: If you are using a 128GB card or more, you need to format it in exFAT (e.g. via computer). FAT32 Does not support files larger than 4GB, which can cause problems when recording high-resolution video.
Cheap no-name cards are also avoided, as they often fake real volume and can lead to data loss. Recommended brands include SanDisk, Samsung EVO, Kingston Canvas.
3. Step-by-step instructions: how to insert a memory card in Redmi 8
The process of installing a microSD in Redmi 8 takes less than a minute, but requires care.
- Turn off your smartphone (not necessarily, but it is recommended for safety).
- Take a paper clip or key to remove the tray (goes complete with your phone).
- Put the paperclip in the hole on the left side and press until the click - the tray will be pushed out.
- Place the tray on a flat surface and place it: 📱 Nano-SIM to the top slot (contacts down). 💾 MicroSD to the bottom slot (contacts up!).
Then, put the slack back in (do not make any effort!).
Make sure the card is formatted in exFAT (if >64GB)
Check the integrity of the contacts on the map (no scratches/mud)
Turn off your phone before removing the tray (optional, but safer)
Use only the original tray (not Chinese counterparts)
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⚠️ If you can’t see Redmi 8 after installing your card, try it:
- Reboot the phone.
- Check if the card is inserted correctly (contacts should be on top!).
- Format the card via phone: Settings → Storage → Memory Map → Format.
What to do if Redmi 8 can’t see the memory card: 5 ways to solve it
MicroSD recognition problems in Redmi 8 are common, but they are 90 percent solvable.
- 🔄 Reboot: Sometimes the system does not recognize the card immediately after installation.
- 🧹 Cleaning contacts: wipe the contacts of the card and slot with a dry cloth (without alcohol!).
- 📱 Formatting via phone: Settings → Warehouse → Memory map → Set up → Formatting as an internal/external storage
- 🖥️ PC Check: Connect the card to your computer via a card reader and check for errors (for example, through chkdsk in Windows).
- 🔧 Resetting settings (last resort): Settings → System system → Resetting settings → Resetting all settings.
If the card is still undetectable, it may be incompatible or damaged. Try inserting it into another device, and check if the contacts in the phone slot are bent (a common problem after sloppy tray removal).
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If the card is detected but the files are not readable, try connecting it to your PC and running the chkdsk E: /f command (replace E with the letter of your drive).
5. Memory card alternatives: what to do if the slot is occupied SIM-card
Since Redmi 8 has a hybrid slot, many users are faced with the dilemma of sacrificing a second slot. SIM-So here's a few alternatives:
- ☁️ Cloud storage: Google Drive (15GB free). Mi Cloud (5GB free for Xiaomi users). Yandex Drive (10GB free).
- 🔌 OTG-adapter + flash drive: allows you to connect USB-drive-through port Type-C.
- 📁 Memory optimization: Remove the app cache (Settings) → Annexes → Clear cache. Move photos/video to your PC. Use Lite versions of apps (e.g. Facebook Lite).
If both are critically important SIM-cards and additional memory, consider buying a dual adapter for the tray (for example, SIM + However, such adapters often cause network problems, so their reliability is questionable.
Can I expand the memory of Redmi 8 without a memory card?
6. Frequent errors when working with a memory card in Redmi 8
Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that lead to loss of data or damage to the card.
⚠️ Warning: Never remove a memory card while recording files (e.g., while taking a video or copying data) this can cause damage to the file system and loss of all data on the media.
- 🚫 Removing the tray when the phone is turned on (the risk of short circuit).
- 🔥 Use of damaged cards (scratches, chips on contacts).
- 📵 Formatting in NTFS (Android does not support this file system).
- 🔄 Frequently shifting the card between devices without secure retrieval.
Another common mistake is using the card as an internal storage (an option in the settings), which speeds up the application, but if the card fails, you lose all the data, including the installed programs.
7. How to transfer data to a memory card: applications, photos, music
Once you install a microSD in Redmi 8, you need to configure it to store files.
- Photo and video: Open Camera → Settings → Storage → Memory Map. All new images will be saved to SD.
- Applications (only for Android 6)+): Settings → Annexes → Select an application → Warehouse → Change. → Memory map ⚠️ Note: Not all applications support portability SD. System programs (e.g. Miui System) cannot be transferred.
- Manual Files: Use Explorer (e.g. Mi File Manager). Select files → Move → Memory Map.
You can use applications like Files by Google or ES Explorer to automatically transfer media files, and they can sort files by type and move them to SD on a schedule.
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If you use a card as an internal storage device, Android encrypts its data, and once extracted, you can't read the files on another device without resetting the settings.