How to transfer data from phone to memory card in Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro: 5 working ways

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro sooner or later face a shortage of internal memory, especially if they actively shoot video in 4K or install resource-intensive games. The microSD card (up to 512 GB in this model) solves the problem, but not everyone knows how to transfer data to it. In this article, 5 proven ways to move files, including hidden nuances for MIUI.

It is important to understand that not all types of files can be transferred to the SD-For example, the cache of applications and system data remain in internal memory, but media files, documents and even some games move without problems. We will analyze the options for both beginners (through standard Explorer) and experienced users (using the use of the same system). ADB and TWRP).

If you just bought a memory card, check it first: Redmi Note 8 Pro supports microSDXC (up to 512 GB) format FAT32 or exFAT. NTFS cards will not work — the phone just won’t see them. Also note that read/write speed in the class A1/A2 higher than in conventional cards, which is critical for running applications with SD.

1. Preparation of a memory card before data transfer

Before you can transfer files, the memory card needs to be formatted and configured correctly. SD-card, phone will offer to format it – agree, but choose the exFAT file system (it supports files more than 4 GB, unlike the one that is not used in the file system). FAT32).

How to check the format of the card:

1. Open the Settings → Storage.
2. Tap your name. SD-map.
3. At the top of the screen will be the file system type.

If there is FAT32 and you need to store files larger than 4GB (like 4K video), you will have to reformat the card via PC.

Attention to details: in MIUI There is a function called "Inner Memory" for SD-It allows you to combine the card with internal memory, but then the card can not be removed without losing data - it will become "tied" to the phone. Use this mode only if you are sure that you will not take out the card. SD-map.

⚠️ Note: If you activate the internal memory mode, all data on the card will be erased, and then the card will not be read on other devices (for example, on a PC through a card reader) without formatting.

2. Transfer files through standard MIUI Explorer

The easiest way to do this is to use the built-in Explorer (aka File Manager), which is a method that can be used to transfer photos, videos, music and documents, but not to use applications.

1. Open the Explorer app (the folder icon on the home screen).
2. Go to the Categories tab and select the file type (e.g., Images).
3. Press a file or folder with your finger, then tap on other files to highlight a few.
4. Click "More" (three dots below) → "Move".
5. At the top of the screen, select "SD-map" then the destination folder (e.g, DCIM/Camera photo).
6. Confirm the transfer with the "Move here" button.

If you want to move the entire folder (such as WhatsApp/Media), do it manually:

• 📁 Open the Conductor. → Internal memory. → WhatsApp → Media.
• 🔄 Select WhatsApp Images, WhatsApp Video, etc.
• 📤 Click "Move" and select SD-map.

Selected the correct file system (exFAT for >4GB files)

SD-card inserted to the end in the tray (check the click sound)

Battery charge of more than 20% (in case of long-term copying)

Important files are backed up on PC (in case of an error)-->

Why can't files be moved? A common mistake is trying to move system files (e.g. from an Android folder) that are protected and MIUI will block the operation, and check if Read Only mode is on the map itself (some models with a physical switch).

3. Automatically transfer photos and videos through camera settings

If you shoot frequently on the Redmi Note 8 Pro, you can set up automatic saving of new photos and videos directly to the camera. SD-This will eliminate the need for manual transfer:

1. Open the Camera app.
2. Tap on. ⚙️ Settings (cog in the upper corner).
3. Scroll down to the "Storage" section.
4. Select "Device memory" → "SD-map".
5. Confirm the choice (the phone may suggest restarting the camera).

All new images and videos will now be saved to the memory card. Please note that the old files will remain in the internal memory - they must be transferred manually (see section 2).

If you're optional "SD-The card is inactive, check it out:

• 🔌 The card is correctly inserted and recognized by the phone (see Settings). → Warehouse).
• 📱 There is enough space on the map (minimum 100 MB free).
• 🔄 The card is formatted in exFAT or FAT32 (NTFS unsupported).

💡

If photos are not displayed in the gallery after transferring, reboot your phone or use Google’s Gallery app instead of the standard one. MIUI-gallery.

4. Transfer of applications to SD-map (with limitations)

V MIUI Redmi Note 8 Pro has the ability to transfer some applications to the SD-map, but with serious limitations:

• 📱 It only works for apps that support this feature (many games and social media sites don’t).
• 🔄 Only a portion of the data is transferred (cache and shared files remain in internal memory).
• ⚡ Speed of application with SD-The cards are below (even on class cards). A2).

How to migrate supported applications:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select an app from a list (like Netflix or Spotify).
3. Put the vault.
4. If the option is available, click "Change" and select "SD-map".
5. Confirm the transfer (reboot may be required).

Why not all applications are portable? Developers can block this feature in the application manifest, and MIUI does not allow you to port system applications (for example, Gallery or Settings).

⚠️ Warning: If the app starts to slow down or crash after transfer, return it to internal memory. A2) slower-than-integrated memory UFS 2.1 in the Redmi Note 8 Pro.

5. Data transfer via computer (for large volumes)

If you need to move tens of gigabytes (like a movie collection or backup), it's easier to use a PC, which is faster than copying through MIUI, and avoids battery drain on your phone.

Step-by-step instructions for Windows:

1. Connect the Redmi Note 8 Pro to the PC USB-cable (preferably original).
2. On your phone, select File Transfer (MTP) mode in the connection notification.
3. On PC, open This computer - the phone will appear as a removable disk.
4. Copy files from the phone’s internal memory (Internal drive) to SD-map (Removable disk).
5. Once you have finished copying, safely remove both devices.

MacOS requires you to install Android File Transfer (the official software from Google).

• 🖥️ The speed of copying depends on the version USB: Redmi Note 8 Pro is used in the USB 2.0 (up to 480 Mbps), so large files will be transferred longer than over the next two years. USB 3.0.
• 🔌 If your PC can’t see your phone, try another cable or port. USB (Sometimes it helps to restart the phone).

6. Data transfer via ADB (for power users)

If standard methods don’t work (for example, you need to transfer hidden files or system data), you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires command-line skills, but gives you complete control.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB-Drivers (you can download it in Android) SDK or through Minimal ADB and Fastboot).
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on the phone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times tap to activate the developer mode, then Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).

Commands for transferring files:

adb pull /sdcard/DCIM/Camera/ D:\Backup\Camera\# Copy photos from your phone to your PC


adb push D:\Backup\Camera\ /storage/1234-5678/DCIM/Camera/ # Copy a photo from a PC to a SD- card

Where /storage/1234-5678/ — path SD-map (you can find it by adb shell ls command) /storage/).

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB It can cause data loss or system failure. /system or /data without understanding the consequences!

💡

ADB allows you to transfer files that are not available through standard Explorer, but you need to be careful. Always back up before mass operations.

7.Alternative methods: cloud services and third-party applications

If physical data portability is not possible (for example, a memory card slot is broken), you can use cloud services or specialized applications, which is suitable for backup, but not for permanent storage.

Popular options:

• ☁️ Google Drive/Yandex Disk: Upload files to the cloud from your phone, then download them to your PC and transfer them to your phone. SD-map.
• 📱 Send Anywhere: Wi-Fi transfer between cloud-free devices (supports large files).
• 🔄 Solid Explorer: File Manager with Support FTP-server (you can connect to the phone from the PC via the local network).

How to transfer files via Send Anywhere:

1. Install the application on your phone and PC.
2. On the phone, select files and click "Send".
3. A 6-digit code or QR is generated.
4. On PC, enter the code in the Send Anywhere app and download the files.
5. Copy the downloaded files to SD-map.

Pros of the method: does not require cables and works even if the memory card slot is faulty.Cons: depends on the speed of the Internet and can take a long time for large files.

FAQ: Frequent questions about data transfer to SD-map