How to transfer applications to memory card in Xiaomi Redmi 8: all working ways

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi 8 often face the problem of lack of internal memory, especially if the device has been in use for several years. Even after cleaning the cache and removing unnecessary files, the system can give a notification about crowded storage - because of installed applications that take up precious gigabytes of internal flash memory by default. The solution seems obvious: transfer programs to a microSD card, but here users are waiting for pitfalls.

Unlike the newer Xiaomi models, where the function of transferring applications to the newer ones SD-The card is either missing or is running selectively, Redmi 8 (released 2019 year-round Android 9 Pie with a shell MIUI 10/11) It also supports this capability, but with serious limitations. Not all applications can be moved, and some applications become unstable after the transfer. In this article, we'll look at all the current ways, from standard settings to manual commands through the Internet. ADB, We also tell you how to avoid errors and what to do if the system blocks the transfer.

Why you can’t transfer applications to SD-map in Redmi 8

Before you start to manipulate memory, it’s important to understand why Xiaomi is restricting this feature, not just because of Google’s policies, but because of the technicalities.

• 🔒 Data protection: Applications installed on SD-The card becomes more vulnerable to theft or damage, and the card can be easily retrieved and connected to another device.
• ⚡ Performance: MicroSD (even class) A1/A2) It is slower than the built-in eMMC memory 5.1, which could lead to lags.
• 📱 Limitations MIUI: Xiaomi’s shell blocks the transfer of system applications and those that use them OBB-files (e.g. games).
• 🔄 Compatibility: Some applications (such as WhatsApp or Banking) explicitly prohibit external storage for security reasons.

Besides, if yours SD-The card is formatted as a portable storage (not as internal memory), the application transfer will not be possible without additional actions. → Memory. → Storage settings → SD-map.

⚠️ Attention: If you are using SD-The card is an Adoptable Storage, which cannot be retrieved without losing data, and can also cause updates to crash. MIUI.

Method 1: Transfer through standard MIUI settings

The easiest method is to use built-in MIUI tools. It is suitable for most custom applications (e.g. Facebook, Instagram, VK), but does not work for system utilities and big data games.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings and go to the Applications → Application Management section.
2. Select the app you want to transfer (such as Telegram).
3. Slip on Warehouse.
4. If the option is available, the Change button (or Move to) will appear. SD-Press it.
5. Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed (may take up to a few minutes).

After the transfer, check that the application is working correctly. Some functions (such as notifications or widgets) may disappear - this is normal for applications installed on the app. SD-map.

⚠️ Note: If the app stops opening after the transfer, try clearing the cache in the settings or returning it back to internal memory. Some programs (for example, Google Play Store) will not update if installed on the device. SD-map.

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 connecting the phone to your computer and basic command line knowledge.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install ADB Tools on PC.
2. Turn on Redmi 8 Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and tap on MIUI Version 7 times.
3. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and activate Debugging over USB.
4. Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable (select File Transfer Mode).
5. Open the command prompt (or PowerShell in Windows) and type:

adb devices

(Your device name should appear as a confirmation of your connection.)

adb shell pm set-install-location 2

This team is forced to establish SD-The map is the default installation site for new applications. To get it back, use it:

adb shell pm set-install-location 0

To transfer already installed applications, use:

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

(Replace com.example.app with the real app package, which can be found through the App Inspector utility or Google Play site, as indicated in the link.)

💡

If the adb device command doesn’t find the device, try reinstalling Xiaomi drivers or using the original one. USB-Also check if the debugging mode is on. USB developer-setting.

Method 3: Formatting SD-maps as internal memory

If you're willing to sacrifice the card's compatibility with other devices, you can format it as internal storage, in which case Android will perceive the microSD as part of the main memory, and most applications will be able to install on it automatically.

How to do this:

1. Put it in. SD-map in Redmi 8.
2. Go to Settings. → Memory. → SD-map.
3. Slip on the three dots in the top right corner and select Storage Settings.
4. Click Format as internal (Warning: All data on the map will be deleted!).
5. After formatting, the system will offer to transfer some of the data to the map – agree.

Important: After this procedure, the card will not be removed without completely resetting the phone, and some applications (such as Netflix or Google Pay) may refuse to work, as they do not support installation on external media, even formatted as internal ones.

Method 4: Third-party utilities for transferring applications

If previous methods have failed, you can use specialized programs from Google Play, which do not guarantee 100% results, but sometimes help to bypass the limitations of MIUI.

Popular utilities:

• 📱 AppMgr III (App 2 SD) — Shows you which applications can be transferred and suggests alternative methods (e.g., cache cleaning).
• 🔄 Link2SD — It creates symbolic links to allow you to cheat the system. It requires root rights.
• 🗃️ Files by Google – helps free up space by finding and deleting unnecessary files (does not tolerate applications, but reduces memory load).

Example of AppMgr III:

1. Install the utility from Google Play.
2. Open it and give access to the storage.
3. In the list of applications, find those next to which the icon burns. SD-map.
4. Slip on the app and select Move to SD.

⚠️ Attention: Programs like Link2SD require root access, which cancels the warranty on Redmi 8 and can lead to unstable system operation. MIUI These tools often stop working.

What to do if the application is not portable or is not working properly

Even after a successful transfer, some programs may be acting strangely: fly out, not update, or lose data.

• 🔄 Cache Clearing: Go to the app's settings and click Clear Cache.This often solves lag problems.
• 📥 Manual Update: If the app is not updated through the Play Store, download APK From the official website and install on top of the old version.
• 🔙 Return to internal memory: If errors are critical, return the application back: Settings → Annexes → [Name of the annex] → Warehouse → Change. → Internal memory.
• 📦 Data only transfer: For games (e.g. Genshin Impact) transfer only data files (OBB), and APK leave it in your internal memory.

If the problem persists, check:

• Class of yours. SD-maps (for applications required) A1 higher).
• Free space on the map (should be at least 10% of the volume).
• MIUI updates (sometimes bugs are fixed in new versions)

💡

If the application is transferred to SD-The card stopped sending notifications, check its settings: perhaps the function is disabled automatically due to the restrictions of Android on the work of background processes from external media.

Alternative ways to free up memory on Redmi 8

If the application portability didn’t help or isn’t possible, consider other options:

• 🧹 Cache cleaning: In Settings → Memory. → Cleaning can remove unnecessary temporary files.
• ☁️ Cloud Storage: Move photos and videos to Google Photos, Mi Cloud or Yandex Drive.
• 🗑️ Remove duplicates: Use tools like Files by Google or CCleaner to find duplicate files.
• 🔄 Factory reset: Extreme measure, but sometimes the only one if the system is clogged with debris.Be sure to back up!

It’s also worth checking which apps take up the most space:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Sort the list by size (slip on the filter icon in the upper right corner).
3. Remove or transfer to SD-The most "heavy" program map.

If your Redmi 8 supports OTG, you can connect the flash drive through the adapter and transfer media files to it, freeing up internal memory.

FAQ: Frequent questions about transferring applications to SD-map