How to combine phone and memory cards on Xiaomi Redmi 8: the complete guide

Xiaomi Redmi 8 owners often face a shortage of internal memory, especially if the model was purchased with a minimum storage capacity (32 GB), one way to solve this problem is to combine internal memory with a microSD card, which allows them to be used as a whole, but this process has nuances, from choosing the right card format to potential risks to performance.

In this article, we will discuss all available methods of combining memory on Redmi 8, including the official method through Settings, alternative solutions using the same system. ADB, And we'll also explain why it's sometimes better to give up on this idea, and you'll learn which memory cards are good for combining, how to avoid data loss, and what to do if the phone can't see. SD-postcard.

Important: The procedure irreversibly formats the memory card, so copy all important files to your computer or cloud beforehand. Also note that combined memory may be slower than embedded memory, depending on the class. SD-map.

Preparation: Which memory card is suitable for combining

Not every microSD card supports internal memory integration, and the following requirements apply to Xiaomi Redmi 8:

• 🔹 Speed class: minimum class 10 (UHS-I U1/U3). Class cards 4 or 6 They'll slow down the system.
• 🔹 Volume: from 16 GB to 512 GB (but in practice it is better to use 64-256 GB - they are optimal for price and speed).
• 🔹 Format: The card should be formatted as an internal storage (not as a portable storage).
• 🔹 Brand: Preferably SanDisk, Samsung EVO, Kingston Canvas – They are less forged and more stable.

Before buying, check the card for authenticity with H2testw (for Windows) or F3 (for Linux/Mac). Counterfeiting often has a low write speed, which is critical for combined memory.

⚠️ Note: If you use a memory card in portable storage mode, it cannot be combined without full formatting!

Official way: unification through phone settings

The easiest method is to use the built-in MIUI feature, which is available on all firmware versions for Redmi 8, but may not be available on custom ROMs.

1. Insert the memory card into the slot (supports hybrid slot, but if you have two) SIM-cards, you'll have to sacrifice one).
2. Open the Settings → Memory.
3. Tap your name on it. SD-maps, for example, SD-map: 64GB).
4. In the upper right corner, press three dots (⋮) and select Storage Settings.
5. Choose Internal Memory (not Portable Storage!).
6. Confirm the formatting (all data will be deleted!).
7. Wait until the process is completed (it can take 5-15 minutes).
8. Reboot the phone.

Once rebooted, the memory card will become part of the internal storage, and applications can now be installed on it (but not all, some system programs will remain in the internal memory).

⚠️ Attention: If you extract SD-card after combining, the phone may stop loading or not work stable.Always use the Safe Extract feature in Settings → Memory.

💡

After combining the memory, check the speed of the card using the application A1 SD Bench, if the recording speed is lower 10 MB/s, It is better to return the card to portable storage mode - it will slow down the system.

Alternative method: use of ADB (for power users)

If you don’t have a combination option (like custom firmware), you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires a computer and basic command line knowledge.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on Developer Mode on your phone: go to Settings → About Phone and tap the MIUI version 7 times.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and activate Debugging over USB.
3. Connect your phone to your PC through USB-Cable (use the original cable for stability).
4. Download ADB Tools and unpack the archive.
5. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (Linux/Mac) in the folder with ADB.
6. Enter the commands in order: adb devices (should display your device) adb shell sm list-disks (remember the disk ID, for example, disk:179.64) sm partition disk:179.64 private
7. Reboot the phone.

Once these commands are executed, the memory card will be formatted as an internal storage, which is irreversible – the card can only be returned to its original state through full formatting on a PC.

What to do if the phone does not see the card after the merger

Sometimes after the procedure SD-The map is no longer defined. Causes and solutions:

• 🔌 Bad contact: Remove the card and paste it back (the phone must be turned off).
• 🛠️ Damaged file system: connect the card to your PC and execute the command chkdsk X: /f (where X is the letter of the disk).
• 🔄 Firmware failure: If the card is defined as “damaged”, try formatting it through Settings → Memory. → Format as a portable storage (data will be deleted!).
• 📱 Software Glitches: Reset your phone settings to factory settings (Settings) → Additionally. → Recovery and reset), but pre-repair backup.

If the card still doesn't work, check it on another device, it may be physically damaged, and the only way out is to replace it.

💡

If the memory card is no longer defined after the combination, never format it through a PC in NTFS or FAT32 format - the phone will not be able to read it. Use only the built-in MIUI tools.

Risks and disadvantages of combined memory

Before you combine memory, consider the possible problems:

• ⚡ Decreased productivity: even class cards U3 slower than the built-in memory of eMMC. Applications will be longer to open, and games can slow down.
• 🔋 Increased battery consumption: constant operation with SD-The card increases energy consumption by 5-15%.
• 🚫 Application restrictions: Some apps (such as WhatsApp or Google Play Services) cannot be transferred to a map.
• 💥 Data loss risk: When a card is removed or a file system crashes, some of the data may become unavailable.

Alternative solutions:

• 🔄 Clean the cache regularly and delete unnecessary files through Settings → Memory. → Cleanup.
• ☁️ Use Google Drive (Mi Cloud) for photos and documents.
• 📁 Transfer media files (music, video) to the map manually without combining memory.

How to return the card to its original state

If you decide to abandon combined memory, format the card as a portable storage:

1. Go to Settings. → Memory.
2. Tap by name. SD-map.
3. On the menu (⋮) Select Format as a Portable Storage.
4. Confirm the action (all data will be deleted!).

If the card is not formatted via phone:

1. Remove it and connect it to the PC via a card reader.
2. Open Disk Management (Windows) or Disk Utility (Mac).
3. Remove all sections on the map and create a new one in exFAT format.

After that, the card can be used as a normal removable storage.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions