How to transfer applications to a memory card in Xiaomi Redmi 8: 3 working ways

Xiaomi Redmi 8 is a popular smartphone with a hybrid slot for memory cards, but many users face a problem: the system does not allow you to transfer all applications to the mobile device. SD-In this article, we'll look at why this happens, what applications can be moved without root rights, and how to get around the restrictions. MIUI Using hidden functions and third-party tools.

Xiaomi officially allows only some applications to be transferred to a memory card, those that support this feature at the code level, but even then users face errors such as “Not enough memory” or “The application does not support portability”. We tested all the current methods on Redmi 8S MIUI 12-14 and selected only working solutions, including: ADB-commands and configure the map as internal storage.

Important: the transfer procedure depends on the firmware version and the type of memory card. For example, microSD class 10 (UHS-I) shows better speed than cheap cards without certification. If your Redmi 8 "can't see" the card or gives a formatting error, first check it on another device.

Why not all applications can be moved to SD-map

The main reason for the restrictions lies in the architecture of Android and Xiaomi policy:

• 📱 Android 9–11 Limits: Starting with Android 6.0, Google has tightened its rules for external media. SD-map, but full portability (moveToSD) supports only those programs where it is laid down by the developer.
• 🔒 Politics MIUI: Xiaomi’s firmware blocks the portability of system applications (e.g., com.miui.gallery or com.android.contacts) even if they technically support this feature.
• 💾 Performance: Class Memory Cards A1/A2 It is slower than the built-in memory (eMMC). 5.1 redmi 8). Transferring heavy applications (games, instant messengers) can cause lags.

In addition, some applications (such as WhatsApp or Telegram) store cache on the memory card, but the program itself cannot be transferred, due to data encryption and security requirements.

Method 1: Transfer through standard MIUI settings

This method works for applications that support code-level portability, such as many Google Play games or lightweight utilities (calculators, readers).

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the app you want (like Facebook Lite or Spotify).
3. Click on "Storage".
4. If the option is active, tap "Change" and select SD-map.
5. Confirm the transfer and wait until the completion (may take up to 5 minutes).

⚠️ Note: If the Change button is inactive or not, the application does not support the transfer. In this case, use Method 2 or Method 3.

Make sure that SD-The card is formatted as a portable storage

Close the application you want to transfer

Connect the charger (the process consumes the battery)

Check the free space on the map (needs at least 1.5).× size)-->

Method 2: Setup SD-maps as internal storage

This method allows you to deceive the system by making it perceive SD-card as part of the main memory. Suitable for Redmi 8s MIUI 10–14, but has important nuances:

• 🔄 The card will be encrypted and will not be read on other devices.
• ⚡ Application speed may drop (depending on the card class).
• 📵 After extracting the map, the application will stop working on it.

Step-by-step:

1. Put it in. SD-card to the slot (if it has already been used, make a backup copy of the data).
2. Go to Settings. → Warehouse → SD-map.
3. Slip on three dots in the top right corner and select “Storage Settings”.
4. Click on “Format as internal” → “Clean and format.”
5. After formatting, select “Move Data Now” (optional).
6. Reboot the phone.

Now, when installing new applications, the system will offer to save them to the SD-To move the programs already installed:

1. Open the Settings → Applications.
2. Select the app and click on “Storage”.
3. Tap "Change" and specify SD-map.

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If after formatting the card as internal storage, the phone began to slow down, return the settings back: go to Settings → Warehouse → SD-map → Storage settings → Format it as a portable, and it'll delete the data!

⚠️ Attention: Don't pull out SD-map without first "safe extraction" in the settings! This can cause data corruption and application failure. In Redmi 8, you need to go to Settings → Warehouse → SD-map and press "Extract».

Method 3: Transfer over ADB (for power users)

If previous methods didn't work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a debugging tool that lets you manually tell the system which apps to move, which requires a PC and enabled USB debugging.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original or certified).
• 📦 Utility. ADB Tools by Google.

Instructions:

1. Turn on USB debugging on Redmi 8: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version to activate Developer Mode. Return to Settings → Additional → For Developers. Activate USB Debugging.
2. Connect your phone to your PC and confirm your trust in your computer.
3. Open the command prompt (cmd in Windows) and go to the folder with adb.
4. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices should appear the name of your device.
5. Find out the application's package name (e.g. Facebook's com.facebook.katana) via App Inspector or the command: adb shell pm list packages | grep "facebook"
6. Move the app to SD-Map by command: adb shell pm set-install-location 2 Then: adb shell pm move-package com.facebook.katana Replace com.facebook.katana with the desired package.

After you execute the command, the application will be moved, but its data (cache, settings) will remain in the internal memory. To transfer them completely, use the command:

adb shell pm set-install-location 2 && adb shell pm move-package --user 0 com.facebook.katana

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When transferring applications to SD-In Redmi 8, users are faced with typical problems:

• 🚫 “Insufficient Memory” Error: Occurs if there is less free space on the card than the application takes up + 10% reserve. Solution: vacate space or use a larger map.
• 🔄 The app has moved but doesn't work: Often happens with games that require quick data access.Solution: transfer back to internal memory or use a class card A2.
• 📵 SD-Card not defined: Check the format (should be) FAT32 or exFAT for cards >32GB. If the card is damaged, format it via PC.
• 🔒 No option "Format as internal": This means the card is already formatted as portable or damaged.

If applications start to fly or slow down after they're transferred, put them back in your internal memory, especially if you're:

• 🎮 Playing 3D-graphic (PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty).
• 📱 Messengers (WhatsApp, Viber).
• 🔍 Applications with background synchronization (Gmail, Google Photos).

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The best result of the transfer is shown by the SanDisk Extreme (A2) or Samsung EVO Plus (A2) memory cards, which are optimized for working with applications and minimize lags.

How to Free Your Internal Memory Without Transferring Applications

If the transfer is SD-The card is not helpful or impossible, use alternative ways to vacate the space:

• 🧹 Cache Clearing: Go to Settings → Warehouse → Clear.Delete the cache for unnecessary apps (e.g. YouTube or Chrome can take up to 1-2GB).
• ☁️ Cloud Storage: Move photos and videos to Google Photos or Mi Cloud, then delete local copies.
• 🗑️ Remove duplicates: Use tools like Files by Google or CCleaner to find duplicate files.
• 📦 Lite versions of apps: Replace heavy apps with lightweight ones (like Facebook Lite instead of regular Facebook).

MIUI also has a hidden function called “Storage Optimization”:

1. Open the Settings → Storage.
2. Slip on "Clean" in the upper right corner.
3. Select “Deep Clean” and follow the instructions.

This feature removes temporary files, remnants of deleted applications and unused APKs.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions