Combining internal memory and memory card on Xiaomi Redmi 8: a complete guide with nuances

Why Redmi 8 owners want to combine memory and when they really need it

The Xiaomi Redmi 8, released in 2019, is still a popular budget device, but its main drawback is only 32/64 GB of internal storage in the basic versions. Even after cleaning the cache and deleting unnecessary files, users face a notification “Not enough memory”, especially when installing heavy games or shooting high-resolution video. The solution seems obvious: buy a microSD card and combine it with internal storage, turning it into a single partition.

However, the Adoptable Storage technology that Android offers for such cases has a number of pitfalls. On Redmi 8 with MIUI 12/13 firmware, this process is not as straightforward as on pure Android. In some cases, combining memory can even reduce device performance by 15-20% due to slower read/write speeds on an A1 microSD compared to eMMC 5.1. This article will help you understand when combining is justified and when to use alternative methods of memory expansion.

Preparation: Which memory card is suitable for combining on Redmi 8

Not every microSD card will be able to do the job of extended storage, and three things are critical for the Xiaomi Redmi 8:

• 🔹 Speed class: minimum UHS-I (U1) or A1 (optimally A2). Class 10 cards without markings A1 can slow down the system.
• 🔹 Capacity: 32GB to 512GB (the maximum that Redmi 8 slot supports). 1TB cards won't work.
• 🔹 Manufacturer: give preference to brands SanDisk, Samsung EVO Kingston Canvas – they are less forged and more stable in Adoptable Storage mode.

Before buying, check the card for authenticity with H2testw (Windows) or F3 (Linux/macOS). Counterfeit products often have understated real capacity and speed, which will cause failures after the combination. Also note that once the card is formatted in internal memory mode, it will not be retrieved without data loss, the system will perceive it as part of the device.

⚠️ Note: If you use a memory card to store photos/video in a camera, it will no longer be available as a removable storage device once combined, you will have to choose between an extension of memory for applications or a separate storage for media files.

Method 1: Adoptable Storage (official method)

This is a standard Android mechanism that Xiaomi does not block, but does not advertise in the MIUI settings. The process does not require root rights, but has limitations:

1. Insert the memory card into the Redmi 8 slot (a hybrid slot for SIM2/microSD).
2. Go to Settings → Memory → Memory Map.
3. Stick to three points (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Storage Settings.
4. Click Format as internal memory (all data on the map will be erased!).
5. Confirm the action and wait for the formatting to be completed (may take 5-10 minutes).
6. After the device is restarted, the card will be displayed as part of the internal memory in the Warehouse section.

Important: After this step, the system will suggest transferring the data to the new memory, and we recommend that you do this selectively, since some applications (such as WhatsApp or Telegram) may not work stable when placed on a microSD.

⚠️ Warning: If you notice lags when you start apps installed on the map after you combine, return them to internal memory via Settings → Annexes → [Select an application] → Warehouse → Some games (such as Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile) may not work with microSD due to cheating protection.

Method 2: Manual file transfer without formatting (alternative)

If you're afraid of the risks of Adoptable Storage, you can use the memory card as a portable storage device, but manually transfer heavy files to it, which does not increase the amount of memory for applications, but frees up space in the internal storage:

• 📁 Move photos and videos: Use the built-in Gallery app → highlight files → More. → Move it → Memory map.
• 🎵 Music and podcasts: in the Music or Google Podcasts app, change the way you save to /storage/XXXX-XXXX/SDCard/Music.
• 🎮 Cash games: C Settings → Annexes → [Game] → Warehouse → Clear the cache, then in the game settings specify the path to the map for downloads.

To automate the transfer of media files, install Files by Google from the Play Market, which offers a Cleanup feature that analyzes unnecessary files and suggests moving them to a memory card. However, remember: files transferred manually will not be available to applications as internal memory, they will have to open through the file manager.

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If you often shoot 4K video, set the camera to save files immediately to the memory card: Camera settings → Save Place → Memory Map. This will save space in internal storage.

Problems after memory consolidation and how to solve them

Even with the right setup, Redmi 8 users may face the following issues:

1. Slow application performance: if an application is installed on a map, it can take longer to load, and the solution is to transfer critical applications (messengers, banking programs) back to internal memory.
2. Mistake "SD-Card damaged: occurs when using poor-quality cards. Check the card on another device and format it in FAT32 via PC, then repeat the process of combining.
3. There is not enough despite the integration: some system files and MIUI updates are always installed in internal memory. Make room by removing old updates in Settings → Memory → Cleanup → Update files.

If the device starts to overheat or discharge quickly after the combination, check the activity of the processes in Settings → Battery → Battery Use. Class A1 memory cards can put additional strain on the processor during frequent I/O operations.

How to Get Everything Back: Canceling Memory

If the Adoptable Storage experiment didn't meet expectations, you can return the card to its original state.

1. Go to Settings → Memory → Memory Map.
2. Stick to three points (⋮) and select Data Transfer and Formatting as Portable Storage.
3. Confirm the action. All the data on the map will be deleted, and it will become a normal removable drive.

Important: Before canceling the combination, transfer all critical files from the card to internal memory or to the PC. After formatting, it will be impossible to restore them. If the card is not formatted through the settings menu, use the ADB command:

adb shell sm partition disk:179,64 private

This command will force the card to be unmounted as an internal storage unit, and replace 179.64 with the current values of your device (you can find them through the adb shell sm list-disks).

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Canceling memory consolidation erases all data on the card. Always back up before changing the storage format.

Alternative ways to expand memory on Redmi 8

If memory consolidation seems risky, consider other options:

• 📱 Cloud storage: Google Drive, Mi Cloud or Yandex Disk offer up to 15GB for free. Set up automatic photo/video upload to Settings → Google → Backup.
• 🔌 OTG-drive: via adapter USB-C → USB-A plug in the flash drive. Redmi 8 supports USB OTG, but the speed will be limited. USB 2.0 (~40 MB/s).
• 🔄 Memory optimization: Use the app SD Maid to clean up cache and duplicate files. Manually delete game data through Settings → Annexes → [Game] → Warehouse → Clear the data.

For gamers, microSD Express memory cards (if they go on sale) promise speeds comparable to SSDs, but support for them in Redmi 8 is not guaranteed as of 2026 due to memory controller limitations.

FAQ: Frequent questions about memory integration on Xiaomi Redmi 8