How to transfer files from phone to memory card in Xiaomi Redmi 8: all working methods

Why Redmi 8 Needs to Move Files to the Internet SD-map

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi 8 sooner or later face the problem of lack of internal memory. Despite the official 32/64 GB, depending on the modification, the user is really available only 22-55 GB - the rest is MIUI firmware and system files. When you actively use the camera (especially in 48 MP mode), install games or record video in Full HD memory ends in a matter of days.

The microSD card (up to 512GB in Redmi 8) solves this problem, but not all users know how to properly migrate data. Mistakes when moving can lead to file loss or app crashes, if you don’t take into account the features of MIUI. In this article, proven ways for photos, videos, music and even applications, including hidden firmware features.

Preparation: which memory card to choose for Redmi 8

Before transferring files, make sure your microSD is compatible with Redmi 8. The phone supports SDXC cards (up to 512 GB) with UHS-I (U1/U3) or Class 10 speeds. Using cards below Class 4 will cause brakes when recording videos or transferring files.

The best options for Redmi 8 are:

• 🔹 SanDisk Ultra (A1, U1) — Budget Choices for Photos and Music.
• 🔹 Samsung EVO Plus (U3, A2) — videotape 4K applications.
• 🔹 Kingston Canvas Go! Plus (U3, A2) — high-speed reading/writing.

⚠️ Note: ExFAT maps (often used for volumes) >64 GB) may not be correctly displayed in MIUI. Before using it, format it in FAT32 via phone: Settings → Warehouse → Map. SD → Formatting as an internal.

Method 1: Transfer files through the built-in MIUI file manager

The easiest method is to use Xiaomi's standard File Manager, which supports packet movement and does not require root rights.

1. Open the Files app (yellow folder icon).
2. Go to Internal Storage → select a folder (e.g. DCIM for photo).
3. Press and hold the file / folder → tick the desired → tap More (three dots) → Move.
4. In the top menu, select SD Card → specify the target folder (or create a new one).
5. Confirm the transfer with the button Ready.

🔹 If the card is formatted as internal memory, the path will look like /storage/XXXX-XXXX (where XXXX — unique ID). For portable storage, it's easy. /sdcard.

Make sure the card is inserted and recognized|Check the vacant space for SD|Close all applications that use files (gallery, player)|Disable cloud sync (Google Photos, Mi Cloud)-->

⚠️ Note: When transferring folders DCIM The entire Gallery may not display the photo temporarily. Update the media base: go to Settings → Annexes → gallery → Warehouse → Clear the data (cache).

Method 2: Automatically transfer photos and videos through camera settings

If you shoot frequently on Redmi 8, set your camera to save new files right away. SD-It'll save you from manual transfer:

1. Open the Camera app.
2. Tap on. ⚙ Settings (cog in the upper right corner).
3. Select a Retention Site → Map. SD.
4. For video separately configure Video Resolution → Save Place.

🔹 Important: When recording video in 4K full HD 60fps card must be of class U3 or higher, or there will be errors in the recording.

Method 3: Transfer applications to a memory card (only for MIUI 12 and below)

In Redmi 8 with MIUI 12/13/14 firmware, the portability of applications to SD is limited due to Google's policy, but MIUI 12 and below has a hidden feature:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the desired application → Warehouse.
3. If the Change option is available, tap it and select the SD Card.

🔹 Limitations:

• 🚫 Not all apps support portability (especially system and cache games). >1GB).
• 🚫 After the transfer, the application may run slower (depending on the card class).
• 🚫 V MIUI 13/14 The option is hidden - required ADB (see 5).

💡

Before you move the app, clear the cache (Settings → Applications → Storage → Clear the cache) and this will reduce the amount of data you move and reduce the risk of errors.

Method 4: Using a PC to transfer files

If there are many files (for example, thousands of photos), it is easier to use a computer. USB-cable and follow instructions:

1. On the phone, when connecting, select File Transfer (MTP) mode.
2. On PC, open Explorer (Win + E) → find the Redmi 8 device.
3. Copy files from Internal Storage folders to SD Card.
4. To speed up, use Ctrl + C/Ctrl + V keys or managers like Total Commander.

⚠️ Note: When you copy the Android folder (with application data) on your PC, you may not display hidden files. Turn them on: in Explorer, go to the View tab → Check the hidden elements.

Method 5: Transfer applications over ADB (for advanced users)

If your version of MIUI has an app port option hidden, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires a PC and enabled USB debugging.

Instructions:

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (tap 7 times).
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers → Enable Debugging by USB.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and install ADB drivers.
4. Open the command prompt in the adb.exe folder and type: adb shell pm set-install-location 2 This will force the system to install new applications on the SD by default.
5. To transfer an already installed application (e.g. com.whatsapp): adb shell pm move-package com.whatsapp

🔹 Warning: Not all applications support portability.If the command returns a Failure error [INSTALL_FAILED_INVALID_INSTALL_LOCATION], So the app is blocked.

💡

The pm set-install-location 2 command is valid only for NEW applications. Those already installed must be transferred separately via pm move-package.

Problem Solving: Errors in Transferring Files to SD

When working with a memory card in Redmi 8, you can experience typical errors.

• 🛑 "Map. SD damaged": Format the card via phone (Settings) → Warehouse → Map. SD → Format. If the error repeats, the card is faulty.
• 🛑 "Not enough space when transferring: Delete unnecessary files from the card or use a larger card. Check if the space is occupied by hidden files (for example, the cache.thumbdata).
• 🛑 "Files are not displayed after transfer": Update the media base through the Gallery app (tap on three dots → Update).
• 🛑 "The app does not start after transfer": "Return it to internal memory or clear the cache (Settings → Annexes → Warehouse → Clear the cache).

⚠️ Warning: If after formatting the card as internal memory, the phone starts to brake, return it to portable storage mode. → Warehouse → Map. SD → Settings (cogs) → Portable storage, and the data will be deleted!

FAQ: Frequent questions about transferring files to Redmi 8