How to transfer data to a memory card in Xiaomi Redmi 8: photos, videos and applications

Xiaomi Redmi 8 is a popular smartphone with the ability to expand memory to 512 GB due to microSD. But many users face the problem: how to transfer data to the card correctly to free up internal memory and not lose files? In this article, we will analyze all the ways – from standard MIUI tools to hidden functions and third-party applications.

The Redmi 8 is a feature that supports Adoptable Storage, but with nuances. SD-map, and some files (such as WhatsApp cache) require manual movement, we will explain how to circumvent the restrictions and make the most of external memory.

Important: Check your memory card speed class before transferring data. Redmi 8 recommends UHS-I Class 10 or higher - otherwise apps will slow down and 4K video can be recorded with jerks.

Preparation of a memory card: formatting and verification

Before transferring data, you need to prepare a memory card. If you just bought a microSD, you will have to format it directly in your smartphone. Redmi 8 supports exFAT (for cards > 32 GB) and FAT32 (for cards ≤ 32 GB).

How to check the compatibility of the card:

1. Insert the card into the slot (hybrid or separate, depending on the modification of the Redmi 8).
2. Go to Settings → Storage → Memory Map.
3. If the system offers to format - agree (data will be deleted!).

⚠️ Warning: Do not remove the card during formatting! This can damage the file system and the smartphone will not recognize it. If the card has already been used in another device (for example, in a camera), back up the data on the PC before formatting.

2. Transfer files (photos, videos, music) manually

The easiest way to free up internal memory is to transfer media files. MIUI has a built-in File Manager for this, but you can also use third-party applications like Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer.

Step-by-step:

• 📁 Open the Files app (Folder icon on the desktop).
• 🔍 Go to Images, Videos or Audio.
• 📌 Select files with a long tap (or check the boxes in the upper right corner).
• 📥 Click Move and select Memory Card → destination folder (e.g, DCIM/Camera photo).

💡 Tip: To avoid transferring files one by one, use the Sort by Date (in the upper right corner of Files) feature, so you can highlight all the photos from the last month and move them at a time.

Memory card inserted and recognized by the system

Enough free space for you. SD-map

Files are not used by other applications (for example, music is not played)

Backup of important data on PC or cloud-->

3. Automatically transfer photos and videos using Google Photos

If you are too lazy to manually move files, use Google Photos. the application can automatically free up space on the internal drive, saving the originals to a memory card or to the cloud.

How to set up:

• 📱 Install Google Photos from Play Market (unless installed).
• 🔧 Open the app. → tap on the avatar → Photo settings → Make room.
• 📤 Select Delete files already saved (files will remain in the cloud and on the cloud). SD-If you have previously copied them there).

⚠️ Note: If you use Google Photos in High Quality (free storage) mode, the original photos will be compressed. To maintain the original quality, select Original Quality (but it takes up space in your Google account).

4. Transfer of applications to a memory card (with restrictions)

Redmi 8 can only transfer some applications to the SD-This is due to Android security policies and manufacturer restrictions, like system applications (MIUI Launcher, Security and some games (PUBG Mobile, Genshin Impact cannot be moved.

How to check which applications can be transferred:

• 📱 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
• 🔍 Select an app (such as Facebook or Telegram).
• 📤 If there is a button, move to SD-map -- press it.

🔧 Alternative method: Use AppMgr application III (It shows which apps support the transfer, and it allows you to do it in one click, but even with it, some programs (like WhatsApp) can not be moved, they block this feature at the code level.

5. Use of a memory card as an internal storage (Adoptable Storage)

Redmi 8 supports Adoptable Storage, which allows you to "mix" the memory card with the internal drive. SD-card as part of the main memory, and you can transfer even those applications that do not usually support external drives to it.

⚠️ Note: Once activated, the Adoptable Storage card will not be retrieved and used in other devices without full formatting! and application speed may decrease if the card is slow (class below). UHS-I Class 10).

How to turn on:

1. Put the memory card in the smartphone.
2. Go to Settings → Storage → Memory Map.
3. Press Three dots (⋮) → Storage settings → Formatting as an internal.
4. Confirm the action and wait until it is completed (may take a few minutes).
5. After formatting, select Move Data Now or do it manually later.

💡

If you activate Adoptable Storage, your smartphone slows down, go back to the standard mode: go to Settings → Storage → Memory Map → Transfer and Disable. The map will be formatted, and the data will have to be transferred again.

6. transfer of cache and application data (WhatsApp, Telegram, etc.)

Some apps (such as WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram) store media files and cache in internal memory. SD-map, we'll have to use detours.

For WhatsApp:

• 📁 With Files or Solid Explorer, go to the folder. /sdcard/WhatsApp/Media.
• 📤 Copy all folders (WhatsApp Images, WhatsApp Video, etc.) to the memory card in the same directory.
• 🔄 Remove originals from internal memory.
• 📱 On WhatsApp, go to Settings → Warehouse and data → Storage management and clear cache.

💡 Important: After transferring media files, WhatsApp may not show them in chats. To fix this, restart the app or go to any chat and scroll up - the files will be automatically downloaded.

For Telegram:

1. Open Telegram → Settings → Data and memory → folder for downloads.
2. Select a Memory Card and specify a folder (e.g. Telegram).
3. All new files will be downloaded to SD, and the old ones will have to be transferred manually from /sdcard/Telegram.

7.Memory optimization after data transfer

After transferring files to the memory card, it is recommended to clear the cache and check which applications still take up a lot of space.

Cleanup steps:

• 🧹 Go to Settings. → Warehouse → Cleanup.
• 🔍 Press Analysis and wait for the scan to be completed.
• 🗑️ Select unnecessary files (cache, temporary data, duplicates) and click Clear.

It is also useful to disable auto-save media in messengers:

• On WhatsApp: Settings → Storage and Data → Media Autoboot → Turn off downloading when mobile Internet.
• In Telegram: Settings → Data and memory → Autoboot → Select Never for photo/video.

💡

Regular cache cleaning and disabling autoload media in instant messengers can free up to 3-5 GB of internal memory per month.

FAQ: Frequent questions about data transfer to SD-map 8