How to transfer applications to a memory card in Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro: the full guide

Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro owners often face a shortage of internal memory, especially if the device is used for games, photos or a large number of applications. A microSD card seems to be a logical solution - but why does the system not always allow you to transfer programs to it? The Case for Android Architecture and Security Policy MIUI, Which limits this feature to most modern smartphones.

In this article, we will discuss all working methods for transferring applications to SD-map 8 Pro – from standard tools MIUI 12/13/14 bypassing methods with the use of ADB You'll learn which applications can be moved and which ones will remain in internal memory, and how to avoid errors that lead to malfunctions. We will pay special attention to the nuances of formatting the card as an internal drive - this step is often missed, although it is critical for successful transfer.

Why not all applications can be moved to SD-map

The main reason for the restrictions lies in the Adoptable Storage mechanism, which Google implemented in Android 6.0 Marshmallow, and then modified in subsequent versions. MIUI For the Redmi 8 Pro, this mechanism works with a number of caveats:

• 📱 System applications (e.g. com.miui.gallery or com.android.settings) are never portable, they are tightly bound to the partition. /system.
• 🎮 Games with anti-piracy protection (e.g. Genshin Impact or PUBG Mobile) blocking the transfer due to the risk of hacking.
• 🔒 Annexes with OBB-Files (additional game data) may not work properly if they are transferred to the SD-grade-up A1.
• ⚡ Widgets and background services (such as Nova Launcher or Greenify) lose functionality when ported.

Xiaomi also artificially limits this feature in MIUI for stability, for example, if the memory card is slow (Class 4 or Class 6), the system can hide the transfer option altogether to avoid lags, as does the Redmi 8 Pro, despite microSD support of up to 512 GB.

Preparation of a memory card: formatting as an internal storage device

Before you can port applications, the card must be formatted as internal memory, which makes it part of the Android file system, allowing you to install programs on the SD. Note: after this formatting, the card will not be read on other devices (PCs, cameras) without completely erasing the data.

Formatting instructions:

1. Insert the card in Redmi 8 Pro and open Settings → Memory.
2. Tap by name. SD-maps (e.g. SanDisk) 128GB).
3. Select Settings → Format as an internal drive.
4. Confirm the action and wait until it is completed (may take up to 5 minutes).
5. After formatting, restart the phone.

Important: Use A1 or A2 memory cards (such as Samsung EVO Plus or SanDisk Extreme). Class 10 cards without A1 marking may not be suitable - they are optimized for sequential recording (video) rather than random access (application).

Make a backup copy of data from the card|Check the class of the card (should be) A1/A2)|Charge your phone at least to 50%|Make sure the card is not fake (check through app) SD Insight)-->

Standard Application Transfers through MIUI Settings

If the card is formatted as internal memory, you can try to migrate applications through standard MIUI tools. This method does not work for all programs, but is suitable for most user utilities (for example, VLC, FX File Explorer or Telegram).

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the app you want to migrate (such as WhatsApp).
3. Slip on Warehouse.
4. If the option is active, click Change → Memory Card.
5. Confirm the transfer and wait until it is completed (may take a few minutes).

Note that after porting some features of the application may work slower, especially if the memory card does not meet the speed requirements. SD-Class 10 cards (not available) A1).

Transfer applications over ADB (for power users)

If the standard method didn’t work, you can use the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) tool, which requires connecting your phone to your computer, but allows you to transfer even those applications that MIUI blocks. Importantly, improper use of ADB can lead to system failures!

Instructions:

1. Download and install ADB Tools on PC.
2. Turn on the phone Developer Mode (7 times tap the MIUI version in Settings → About phone).
3. Activate Debugging by USB in Settings → Additional → For developers.
4. Connect Redmi 8 Pro to your PC and confirm debugging permission.
5. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with ADB and type:

adb shell pm set-install-location 2

This command forces the system to install applications on SD-To transfer an already installed application (for example, Facebook), use:

adb shell pm move-package com.facebook.katana

Replace com.facebook.katana with the batch name of the desired application (you can find out through App Inspector or adb shell pm list packages).

💡

If the move-package command returns the error [NOT_MOVED], Try first to remove application updates through Settings → Appendices, then repeat the transfer.

Use of third-party utilities for transfer

If ADB seems complicated, you can use specialized applications from Google Play, which automate the transfer process, but require root rights or at least an unlocked bootloader.

• 📲 AppMgr III (App 2 SD) — It shows you what applications you can migrate, and it does it in one tap. It works without root, but with limitations.
• 🔧 Link2SD — requires root, but allows you to create symbolic links for applications that cannot be ported in the standard way.
• 🗃️ Files by Google – does not carry apps, but helps to clear cache and unnecessary files, freeing up space in internal memory.

In the case of Link2SD It is important to properly set the second section to SD-map (format ext2/ext3/ext4). You can do this through MiniTool Partition Wizard on PC. Without this partition, the app won't be able to create symbolic links.

💡

Third-party utilities don’t guarantee stability!Moving system applications (such as Mi Home or Security) can result in a cyclical phone reboot.

Optimizing memory without transferring applications

If porting applications is not possible or causes crashes, consider alternative ways to free up memory:

To remove preloaded applications (bloatware) without root rights, use the ADB command:

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.videoplayer

Replace com.miui.videoplayer with the batch name of the unwanted app. The full list of bloatware for Redmi 8 Pro can be found on the XDA Developers or 4PDA forums.

💡

Before you uninstall your system applications, back up your phone via TWRP or Mi Backup, which will help you recover your phone if it stops booting after you delete it.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When transferring applications to SD-Redmi 8 Pro users often face some problems, and here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

• ❌ "Not enough "device space" when transfer Solution: Free up at least 10% of internal memory. Use Settings → Memory. → Clean or delete heavy files (such as uploaded videos to Telegram).
• ❌ Application does not start after transfer Solution: Move it back to internal memory or clear the data (Settings) → Annexes → Warehouse → Clear the data).
• ❌ SD-The card is not defined as internal memory Solution: Reformat the card via PC to FAT32, Repeat formatting in your phone as an internal drive.
• ❌ Phone brakes after transferring applications Solution: Use a class memory card A2 Or transfer back the most resource-intensive applications (games, instant messengers).

If after transferring applications, the phone began to overheat or discharge quickly, check the activity of background processes through Settings. → Battery → Battery use: Some programs (e.g. Facebook or TikTok) when working with SD-Cards consume more energy.

💡

If, after transferring the applications to SD-The card stopped loading, so take the card out and reboot the device, and most of the time, it helps to get back up.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions