How to transfer applications to SD-Xiaomi Redmi 8: All working methods

Xiaomi Redmi 8 owners often face a lack of internal memory, especially if the device has many applications or games. SD-But in the MIUI (In the case of Xiaomi, this feature is not as straightforward as in pure Android. In some cases, the option is not on the menu at all, and in others, the transfer is blocked by the system.

In this article, we’ll look at all the possible ways to move applications to an external drive in Redmi 8, including standard settings, ADB commands, and third-party utilities. We’ll focus on the limitations of MIUI 12/13/14 and how to get around them without losing data. If you’ve tried migrating apps through the menu and you’ve got an error, here’s a solution.

Why Redmi 8 can’t move apps to the same place SD-map?

The problem lies in Xiaomi’s policies and MIUI features, and since MIUI 9, the company has significantly limited the ability to migrate applications to external media, and here are the main reasons:

• 🔒 Blocking from the outside MIUI: In the new versions of the shell option "Move to the SD-The card may not be available even for compatible applications.
• 📱 Memory architecture: Redmi 8 uses eMMC 5.1, and the system prioritizes internal memory to speed up work.
• 🛡️ Security: Xiaomi believes that the storage of applications on the SD-Cards (especially slow ones) increase the risk of failure.
• 🎮 Games and heavy applications: Most games (e.g, PUBG Mobile, Genshin Impact block transfer due to cheat protection.

Also, even if the option is available, some applications may not work as well after the transfer, especially if they are not available. SD-The card is Class 4 or Class 6. Redmi 8 is recommended to use memory cards. UHS-I (Class 10 or U1) high-speed reading/write.

⚠️ Note: Transfer system applications (e.g. Google Play Services or Google Play Services) MIUI Launcher) can cause critical crashes up to the device's "brick." Never move programs marked in the settings as "Systems".

Method 1: Transfer through standard MIUI settings

If your application supports portability, it's the easiest method, but it doesn't work for all programs, just those that are designed with that feature in mind.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the desired application from the list.
3. Click on Warehouse.
4. If the option is available, move to SD-map (or modify) → SD-map MIUI).
5. Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed.

If there is no transfer button, the app does not support this function, in which case move on to the following methods.

SD-The card is formatted as internal memory (if not, see Method 3)

There is enough free space on the map (at least 20% more than the weight of the application)

The application is not system or secure (e.g. banking programs)

Speed. SD-Cards are Class 10 or higher-->

Method 2: Using ADB for Forced Transfer

If the standard method didn't work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a debugging tool that lets you manually tell the system where to install applications, which requires a connection to a computer, but gives you more control.

Before we start:

• 🖥️ Install. ADB and Fastboot Tools on PC.
• 📱 Enable Developer Mode on Redmi 8: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (press 7 times).

Now run the following commands in ADB (via Command Prompt or Terminal):

adb shell


pm set-install-location 2

This command forces the system to install applications on SD-It's the default card, but it doesn't work with all programs:

adb shell pm move-package com.example.app /sdcard

(Replace com.example.app with a real application package, such as com.whatsapp).

⚠️ Note: Some apps (e.g. Facebook, Instagram) block the transfer through ADB. In this case, you will get a Failure error. [NOT_MOVED: Operation not allowed. These will require manual editing of configuration files (see Method). 4).

Standard settings of MIUI

ADB teams

Third-party utilities (e.g. App2SD)

I haven't tried anything, it's my first time.

Another way.-->

Method 3: Formatting SD-maps as internal memory

If SD-The card is formatted as a portable storage, the system limits the ability to transfer applications, so the solution is to make it an internal memory, but that has consequences:

• 🔄 The card will be encrypted and will not be read on other devices.

How to do this:

1. Put it in. SD-map in Redmi 8.
2. Go to Settings. → Warehouse → SD-map.
3. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Storage Settings.
4. Tap format as internal and confirm the action.
5. After formatting, restart the device.

Now try migrating apps again through Settings → Apps. Note: this method does not guarantee that all programs will become portable, but increases the odds.

Method 4: Third-party utilities for transferring applications

If none of the previous methods worked, you can use specialized programs.

The most reliable option on this list is Link2SD, but it requires root rights. If you don't have any, try App2SD or FolderMount (the latter is good for heavy gaming).

⚠️ Attention: Utilities like APK Editors can disrupt the app or cause bugs when updating. Use them only if you understand the risks. Also avoid programs that require you to disable Google Play Protect - this can threaten the security of the device.

💡

If you use Link2SD, divide before setting up SD-map in two sections: first (FAT32) for files, second (ext2) This can be done through the MiniTool Partition Wizard on PC.

Method 5: Manual TWRP Transfer (for Advanced Users)

If your Redmi 8 has custom TWRP recovery installed, you can manually migrate applications by editing files in the /data/app folder.This method is risky and requires experience, but sometimes it is the only one that works.

Step-by-step:

1. Make a full backup through TWRP (Backup section).
2. Connect your phone to your PC in mode MTP or use ADB pull /data/app/[package_name] on SD-map.
3. Delete the original application folder.
4. Create a symbolic link: ln -s /sdcard/Android/data/[package_name] /data/app/[package_name]
5. Reset the device.

This method can lead to data loss or cyclical loading if something goes wrong, and only use it if other methods have not worked and you are prepared for the consequences.

💡

Transfer applications through TWRP — In most cases, a combination is sufficient. ADB formatting SD-If you're not sure what you're doing, you should use safer methods.

Frequent mistakes and how to fix them

When transferring applications to SD-Redmi 8's card often has typical problems. Here are the most common ones and their solutions:

If neither solution worked, the problem may be the firmware.Some custom MIUI builds (e.g. Xiaomi.eu) bring back portability - consider flashing.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions