How to combine memory card with internal memory on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8: the complete guide

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 is one of the most popular smartphones in the budget segment, but its 64 or 128 GB of internal memory is not always enough for photos, videos and applications. The solution is to combine a microSD card with internal storage into a single partition.

In this article, you will find a step-by-step guide to MIUI 12-14 features, a comparison of combining methods (including alternatives like Link2SD), and answers to common questions. We will discuss why some cards are not supported, how to avoid formatting errors, and what to do if the system does not see a microSD after combining.

What is a Memory Unit and Why You Need It

Adoptable Storage technology allows Android devices to expand internal storage with microSD. Once combined, the card becomes part of the system, you can install applications, save cache and game data, and this is especially true for the Redmi Note 8 with 3/32 GB or 4/64 GB, where free space ends quickly.

Advantages of the method:

• 📈 Increased Available Space for Apps and Games (up to 2TB on Supported Maps).
• 🎮 The ability to transfer heavy games (such as Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile) to a microSD.
• 🔄 Automatic file distribution system (photos, videos, documents).

There are, however, downsides:

• ⚠️ The card is tied to the device – it cannot be extracted for use in another smartphone or camera without formatting.
• ⚡ Speed depends on the microSD class: for applications it is recommended UHS-I (U3) or A2.
• 🔧 Not all cards are supported – the system may refuse to format cheap or damaged media.

⚠️ Warning: Once combined, the card is encrypted. If you reset your phone to factory settings, the microSD data will be lost without recovery. Always back up before the procedure!

Requirements for a memory card for combination

Not every microSD is suitable for memory expansion. Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 has strict requirements for the media:

The system may refuse to format the card if:

• 🔍 It is damaged (check on PC with chkdsk or fsck).
• 📉 Its speed is below Class 10 (check CrystalDiskMark utility).
• 🔒 It was already formatted as internal memory on another device.

Step-by-step: how to combine memory

Before the procedure begins, it is mandatory to:

• 📱 Battery charge >50%.
• 🔄 Make a backup of the data from the card (it will be formatted!).
• 🛠️ Update. MIUI Up to the latest version (old firmware may have bugs).

Make sure the card is inserted into the slot | Check the free space on the card (>5 GB) | Close all applications | Connect your phone to charge-->

Now we move on to the settings:

1. Open the Settings → Memory.
2. Tap on the name of your card (for example, SD-map: 128GB).
3. Select Settings → Format as internal memory.
4. Confirm the action and wait until it is completed (may take 5-15 minutes).
5. After formatting, select Transfer Data if you want to move the photo/video right away.

If the item is not formatted as internal memory:

• 🔧 The card is not supported (see above requirements).
• 📵 Phone's installed. MIUI China (Global version supports the function).
• 🔄 Try to re-extract and insert the map.

Alternative ways to expand memory

If combining through Adoptable Storage is not suitable (for example, you often retrieve a card), consider alternatives:

1. Link2SD application (for rooted devices)

Link2SD allows you to transfer applications to a card without formatting it as internal memory.

• 🔄 The card can be retrieved and used in other devices.
• 📱 It works on any microSD (even Class 4).

Cons:

• ⚠️ Requires root rights (risk of losing warranty).
• ⚡ Apps can slow down if the card is slow.

2. Manual file transfer

Without memory combination, you can manually move:

• 📷 Photo/Video: Select files in the Gallery → Move it → Memory map.
• 🎵 Music: in the Music app or through the file manager.
• 📄 Documents: Use Files or Total Commander.

3. Cloud storage

Services like Google Drive, Mi Cloud, or Yandex Disk allow you to free up space by moving files to the cloud, minus the Internet required to access it.

💡

If you often shoot 4K video, set up the camera to save immediately to the memory card: Camera settings → Save Place → Memory Map.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Problems with memory integration Redmi Note 8 usually involve a card or firmware.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone starts to brake after the pairing, check the card speed. Cheap microSD Class 10 can have real write speeds below 10MB/s, which is critical for applications. A1 SD Bench to test for.

If none of these methods worked, try:

1. Update MIUI to the latest version.
2. Reset your phone settings (without deleting data).
3. Test the card on another device.

How to transfer applications to a memory card

Once memory is combined, not all applications can be migrated to a microSD, depending on the developer: some programs (such as WhatsApp or Banking applications) block the transfer for security reasons.

To migrate supported applications:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the appropriate app (such as Facebook).
3. Slip the vault. → Change. → Memory map.
4. Confirm the transfer (may take a few minutes).

If the option to Change is inactive:

• 🔒 The app does not support portability (check in Google Play).
• 📵 The card is formatted as portable (you need to make it internal).
• 🔧 In the phone disabled option for developers Forced transfer to SD (included in the settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times tap the version).

💡

Even after transferring the application to the card, some data (cache, updates) can remain in internal memory. Use Settings → Memory → Clear cache for complete cleaning.

How to cancel the merger and return the card to its original state

If you decide to disconnect the memory, all the data on the map will be deleted.

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings. → Memory.
2. Slip on the memory card → Settings → Format as portable.
3. Confirm the action. The map will be formatted in exFAT and removable.

If the option to format as portable is not available:

• 🔧 Connect your phone to your PC and format your card via Disk Utility (Mac) or Disk Disk Management (Windows).
• 📵 Use another smartphone to format.

⚠️ Attention: Once the memory is disconnected, the applications installed on the map will stop working. They will have to be reinstalled manually!

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions