Transfer applications to the memory card in Xiaomi Mi 8: all the ways and nuances

Xiaomi Mi 8 is one of the most popular flagships of the brand, but even its 64/128 GB of internal memory can run out if you actively install games and applications. migrating some of the software to a microSD card seems logical, but in MIUI this process has its own peculiarities. Unlike newer models (for example, Redmi Note 10 or POCO X3), where the transfer function is integrated into the system, owners of the Mi 8 have to use workarounds.

In this article, we will discuss all working methods for transferring applications to SD-map, including native tools MIUI, manually ADB We will focus on the nuances associated with Android 8.1 Oreo (the original firmware Mi 8) and later versions. MIUI 10-14 You will also learn which applications can be moved and which will remain in internal memory, and how to avoid common errors.

Why Xiaomi Mi 8 cannot be ported to all applications SD-map?

The main problem lies in the Android architecture and Google’s policy. Starting with Android 6.0 Marshmallow, Adoptable Storage was introduced, which allows you to format the memory card as internal storage. However, Xiaomi disabled this option in MIUI for most models, including the Mi 8, for the following reasons:

• 🔹 Productivity: SD-cards (even class) UHS-I) They are slower than the built-in memory. UFS 2.1, which may inhibit applications.
• 🔹 Security: Storing application data on removable media increases the risk of leakage if you lose your card.
• 🔹 Google restrictions: Some system applications (e.g. Google Play Services) do not support portability.

However, some user applications (e.g. messengers, games with cache on the map) can be moved, and below we will look at how to do this as efficiently as possible.

What memory card to choose for Xiaomi Mi 8?

Before transferring applications, make sure your SD-card meets the requirements:

Important: NTFS cards are not supported by Android without root rights. If you use a card from a camera or PC, format it in exFAT via your phone or special utilities (for example, SD Card Formatter).

⚠️ Warning: Don't buy a memory card with a suspiciously low price - there is a high risk of running into a fake with a low write speed. H2testw (Windows or A1 SD Bench (Android).

Method 1: Transfer applications through MIUI settings (for supported applications)

Some annexes to MIUI have a built-in transfer option to SD-This is the simplest method, but it doesn't work for all programs:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the app you want to migrate (such as Telegram or Spotify).
3. Click Warehouse → Change (if the option is active).
4. Select a Memory Card and confirm the transfer.

Limitations of the method:

• 🚫 It only works for applications that support external storage (usually messengers, some games).
• 🚫 Google System Applications and Services Cannot Be Moved.
• 🚫 After updating the application, it can automatically return to internal memory.

Method 2: Using ADB for forced transfer (for power users)

If you don’t have portability in your settings, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a technique that requires connecting your phone to a PC and basic command line knowledge, but allows you to migrate more applications.

Step 1: Preparation

1. Download ADB Tools for Windows/macOS/Linux.
2. Turn on the phone Developer Mode (7 times click on the MIUI version in Settings → About phone).
3. Activate Debugging by USB in Settings → Additional → For developers.

Step 2: Transfer through ADB

1. Connect Xiaomi Mi 8 to your PC and run the command line in the adb folder.
2. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices must appear serial number of the device.
3. Find out the packet name of the app (for example, for WhatsApp it is com.whatsapp).
4. Execute the transfer command: adb shell pm set-install-location 2 This command installs SD-Map as a preferred installation site for new applications.
5. To transfer an already installed application: adb shell pm move-package com.whatsapp (replace com.whatsapp with the desired package).

⚠️ Note: Not all applications support portability ADB. If the team returns a Failure error [INSTALL_FAILED_INVALID_INSTALL_LOCATION], It means that the transfer is impossible, and after using this method, some applications may not work smoothly.

Method 3: Manual transfer of cache and application data

If the application itself cannot be transferred, you can free up space by moving its cache and user data (for example, downloaded files in messengers or games).

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select an app (such as VK or YouTube).
3. Click Warehouse → Clear cache (this is safe, the data will not be deleted).
4. For some applications (such as Google Chrome) you can manually specify the way to save downloads to the Internet. SD-map.

Examples for games: many games (such as PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty) allow you to save resources (maps, textures) to a memory card.

1. Start the game.
2. Go to the graphics settings.
3. Find the option Resource Storage or Download Path.
4. Choose. SD-map and confirm the movement.

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If the game does not allow you to choose a storage path, you can manually move the folder with resources (for example, Android/obb/com.game.package) on SD-map, then create a symbolic link using the FolderMount app (root rights required).

Method 4: Formatting SD-The card is an internal memory (adoptable storage)

This method is not officially supported by Xiaomi in MIUI for the Mi 8, but it can be activated through unofficial firmware or modified recovery (e.g. TWRP).Warning: this is a risky procedure that can lead to data loss or unstable phone operation.

Pros of the method:

• ✅ Applications are installed on the map by default.
• ✅ The system perceives SD-card as part of internal memory.

Cons:

• ❌ The card will be encrypted and will not be read on other devices.
• ❌ Application speeds may fall.
• ❌ When you remove the map, the applications will stop working.

Instructions (for experienced users):

1. Install TWRP Recovery on Xiaomi Mi 8.
2. Back up the data.
3. V TWRP Choose the Wipe → Advanced Wipe → Choose. SD-map.
4. Format the card as Internal Storage (an option called Adoptable Storage).
5. Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Note: Once formatted as internal memory, the card cannot be used on other devices without completely erasing the data, and some applications (such as Netflix or banking) may refuse to work from external storage.

What to do if the transfer does not work?

If none of these methods worked, try the following:

• 🔄 Update. MIUI: In newer versions of the firmware (for example, MIUI 12.5+) Additional options may be available for working with SD-map.
• 📱 Use the “Lite” versions of apps: For example, Facebook Lite, Messenger Lite or Spotify Lite take up less space.
• ☁️ Move your media to the cloud: Services like Google Photos or Mi Cloud automatically upload photos/video, freeing up memory.
• 🗑️ Clear the cache of system applications: C Settings → Memory. → Cleaning can remove unnecessary temporary files.

If the problem is in a particular application, check its settings – some programs (for example, Navitel or other software). 2GIS) They have their own options for transferring cards to SD-map.

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Transfer of applications to SD-The Xiaomi Mi 8 card is possible, but with serious limitations. ADB Formation of the card as internal memory is not recommended due to the risks of unstable operation.

FAQ: Frequent questions about transferring applications to SD-map 8