Combining a memory card with an internal drive on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T: the full guide

Why combine memory on the Redmi Note 8T

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T often face a shortage of internal memory, especially if the model was purchased with a minimum volume (32 or 64 GB). Even after cleaning the cache and removing unnecessary files, the system can issue notifications about overflowing storage.

The Adoptable Storage technology available on Android 6.0+ allows you to format the card as internal memory, which means that apps, photos and system files will automatically be saved to the microSD, freeing up space in the main memory of the phone. However, the method has a nuance: not all cards are suitable, and after formatting they will not be used on other devices without complete cleaning.

In this article, we will discuss:

• 🔍 How to check the compatibility of a memory card with Redmi Note 8T
• ⚙️ Step-by-step instructions for memory merge (including hidden settings) MIUI)
• ⚠️ Possible risks and how to avoid them
• 🔄 Alternative ways to expand memory without formatting

Requirements for a memory card for combination

Not every microSD is suitable for use as internal memory. Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T supports microSDXC cards (up to 512 GB), but for stable operation, the speed class and manufacturer are important.

• 📌 Class speed: UHS-I (U1/U3) class 10. Marked cards A1/A2 (Optimized for applications, preferably.
• 🔄 Volume: from 32 GB (less is inefficient, more than 256 GB may not be supported) MIUI).
• 🛡️ Manufacturer: SanDisk, Samsung EVO, Kingston Canvas – proven brands with low marriage rates.
• ⚠️ Important: The map will be formatted in ext4 or f2fs, This will make it unreadable on other devices (PCs, cameras, etc.).

Before buying, check the card for authenticity with the H2testw utility (Windows) or FakeFlashTest (Android).Fakes often have an understated write speed, which will lead to lags when installing applications.

⚠️ Note: If you use the card as a portable storage (for photo/video), after combining all data on it will be deleted!

Preparing the phone before combining memory

Before starting the procedure, follow several mandatory steps to avoid errors:

1. Update MIUI. Go to Settings → About Phone → Update System and install the latest firmware. Older MIUI 11/12 builds may have map formatting bugs.
2. Battery charge. Make sure it's at least 50 percent charge level. It can take up to 10 minutes to merge, and the interruption will cause data loss.
3. Delete unnecessary files. Free up at least 1-2 GB of internal memory, which is required for temporary files during formatting.
4. Disable antivirus. Software like Avast or 360 Security can block access to system partitions.

If you've used the card as a portable storage device before, retrieve it and check for errors through your PC.

1. Connect the card to the computer through the card reader.
2. Open the Command Prompt (Win + R → cmd).
3. Enter the command: chkdsk E: /f (replace E: with the letter of your drive).

⚠️ Note: If the card was used in another phone as internal memory, it cannot be re-merged without being fully formatted via PC (e.g., in DiskPart with the clean command).

Step-by-step: how to combine a card with memory

The procedure differs depending on the version of MIUI. Below is the universal method for the Redmi Note 8T based on Android 9/10 (MIUI 11–13).

Step 1: Insert a memory card

Make sure the card is inserted correctly into the slot (on the Redmi Note). 8T It is located on the left, combined with a tray for SIM). After the insertion, a notification will appear “New” SD-map discovered".

Step 2: Open the storage settings

Go to: Settings → Device Memory → Memory Map (or Settings → Additional → Memory in MIUI 12+).

Step 3: Select the formatting mode

Click on three dots in the top right corner → "Storage settings" → "Format as internal." The system will warn you to delete all data - confirm the action.

Step 4: Data Transfer (optional)

After formatting, you'll see the "Transfer Data" option, which you can select if you want to move some of your apps and media files to a map, and it can take 5 to 15 minutes.

Critical: Once combined, the card cannot be retrieved without first “safely shutting down” in the settings, otherwise the file system will be damaged and the data will be lost.

Setup applications to write to a memory card

Once the memory is combined, manually specify which data should be stored on the microSD, and this is done separately for each file type:

For applications

Not all programs support installation on the map, so you can transfer compatible:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the application → “Storage” → “Change”.
3. Click Memory Card and confirm the transfer.

⚠️ Note: System applications (e.g. Google Play Services) cannot be moved, and some games (e.g., Google Play Services) can not be moved, PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact may not work with the card due to protection against piracy.

For photo and video

In the Redmi Note 8T camera:

1. Open the Camera app.
2. Put it on the gear (settings) → "Conservation location".
3. Select "Memory Map."

For downloads and files

By default, browsers and messengers store files in internal memory to change the path:

• 🌐 Chrome: Settings → Downloads. → Download folder → indicate the path on the map (for example, /storage/XXXX-XXXX/Android/data/com.android.chrome/files/Download).
• 📥 Telegram: Settings → Data and memory → Telegram folder → select a map.

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If the application doesn’t see the memory card as a save location, try creating a folder manually through a file manager (such as MI File Manager) and pointing the path to it.

Possible problems and solutions

Even if you follow the instructions correctly, you can get errors.

If the phone gets overheated or discharges quickly after the combination, check the card for authenticity. Counterfeiting often has understated characteristics, which leads to an increased load on the processor.

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If the memory card has become slower since formatting as an internal memory card, try turning it off in the settings, retracting it, and pasting it back in again, and the system can re-optimize access.

Alternative ways to expand memory

If combining the card as internal memory is not a good idea (for example, you often retrieve it to transfer files), consider alternatives:

• 🔗 Symlink: Using the FolderMount app or Link2SD You can link the folders of internal memory to the card without formatting.
• ☁️ Cloud storage: Google Drive, Mi Cloud or Yandex Disk allow you to automatically upload photos and videos. 8T There is a built-in backup function in Settings → Xiaomi accounts → Mi Cloud.
• 📁 Manual file transfer: Regularly move heavy files (movies, music) to the map through the map MI File Manager. For convenience, set up automatic sorting by folder.

For gamers, some projects (like Call of Duty Mobile) allow you to install additional data on the map. To do this, select "External Storage" from the installation menu when you first download the game.

FAQ: Frequent questions about memory integration