Smartphone Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro – a popular model with expandable memory, but even with SD-The main reason for this is because photos and videos are stored in internal storage by default, and transferring these files to a memory card not only frees up precious gigabytes, but also makes it easier to back up.
In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods for transferring photos to the SD-Redmi 8 Pro card, including built-in tools MIUI, Third-party applications and hidden functions, and we'll focus on the nuances of map formatting, file system selection (FAT32 vs exFAT) and how to avoid loss of image quality when moving. If you've tried to transfer files and you've got an error like "Not enough space" or "File is too big," here's a solution.
1.Preparation: Which memory card to choose for the Redmi 8 Pro
Before transferring the photo, make sure your SD-The card is compatible with Redmi 8 Pro. Xiaomi official requirements:
- 🔹 Type: microSD (up to 512GB) MiniSD cards or adapters will not work.
- 🔹 Speed class: not lower than Class 10 (UHS-I) videotape 4K. Class 4 is enough for a photo.
- 🔹 File system: FAT32 (up to 32GB) or exFAT (64GB) Redmi 8 Pro doesn't support NTFS.
If the card is new, it should be formatted directly on the phone:
- Put the card in the slot (under the tray) SIM-map).
- Go to Settings → Storage → Memory Map.
- Click on “Format as internal” (if you want to expand memory) or “Format as portable” (for file transfer).
⚠️ Warning: Formatting as internal storage encrypts the card. Once extracted, the data will not be available on other devices! Use this mode only if you plan to leave the card on your phone forever.
| Type of formatting | Advantages | Deficiencies |
|---|---|---|
| Portable | Files are available on PC/Other Phones | You can't install apps on the map. |
| Internal. | You can transfer applications, expand memory | Data encrypted, card tied to phone |
| FAT32 | Maximum compatibility | File restriction >4 GB |
| exFAT | Supports >4GB files (e.g. 4K video) | It doesn’t work on older devices. |
2. Method 1: Transfer through the built-in MIUI file manager
The easiest method is to use the standard Files app, which is pre-installed on all Xiaomi smartphones and does not require root rights.
Step-by-step:
- Open the Files app.
- Go to the Images section (or Camera → DCIM).
- Press and hold your finger on any photo, then mark the rest (or click "Select All").
- Slip on the icon "More" (three dots) → Move.
- In the list of storages, select SD-map → folder DCIM/Camera (or create a new one).
- Confirm the transfer with the OK button.
Check the vacant space on SD-map|Close all applications that use photos (gallery, editor)|Connect your phone to charge (for larger volumes)|Turn off cloud sync (Google Photos, Mi Cloud)-->
⚠️ Note: If the error “File not moved” appears during the transfer, check: 🔸 Are there any symbols in the names of photos). 🔸 Is there enough space on the map (minimum reserve - 10% of the volume of transferred files). 🔸 Is the phone connected to the PC by USB (disconnect the cable).
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To speed up the transfer, pre-archive the photo in ZIP. To do this, in the "Files" select a folder → «Squeeze» → transfer the archive to SD-The map, and then unpack it there.
Method 2: Automatically save new photos to a memory card
So that new photos are immediately saved to SD-map, change the camera settings:
- Open the Camera app.
- Slap the icon. ⚙️ Settings (cogs).
- Scroll to the Warehouse section.
- Choose a memory card instead of internal memory.
After that, all the pictures will be saved on SD-Important: If the card is removed or damaged, the camera will automatically return to the internal memory.
What if the camera settings do not have a Memory Card option?
Method 3: Transfer over PC (most reliable method)
If your phone is slowing down when you're working with large files, use a computer, which is also useful if you want to sort a photo before you transfer it or make a backup.
Instructions for Windows/macOS:
- Connect Redmi 8 Pro to PC via USB-cable (use the original cable for stable speed).
- On your phone, select File Transfer (MTP) connection mode.
- On PC, open “This Computer” (Win+E) → search for the Redmi 8 Pro.
- Go to Internal Storage → DCIM → Camera.
- Copy the photo (Ctrl)+C) and insert them into the folder SD-map → DCIM → Camera on the phone.
Advantages of the method:
- 🔹 You can use sorting programs (e.g. FastStone Image Viewer).
- 🔹 Transfer speed is higher than through the phone’s file manager.
- 🔹 It is easy to back up on your PC before removing the originals.
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When connecting to a Mac, you may need to install the Android File Transfer app. download it from the official Google website to avoid device recognition issues.
5. Method 4: Using applications for portability (ES Explorer, Files by Google)
Third-party file managers offer additional features such as batch transfer, compression, and cloud sync. Let's consider two proven options:
ES File Explorer (ES File Explorer):
- 🔹 Install the app from Google Play.
- 🔹 Open the Local Storage section → The device.
- 🔹 Move to the DCIM → Camera, highlight the photo.
- 🔹 Press More. → Move it → SD-map.
2. Files by Google:
- 🔹 Launch the application and allow access to files.
- 🔹 Select the Cleanup tab → Large files.
- 🔹 Tag the photo and click Move Move → Memory map.
⚠️ Attention: Apps like ES The conductor often asks for extra permissions (such as access to contacts). Before installing, check reviews on Google Play for malware. Alternatively, Solid Explorer (paid, but no ads).
Method 5: Transfer over ADB (for power users)
If standard methods don’t work (for example, due to a MIUI failure), you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires command line skills, but guarantees the transfer of even “stuck” files.
Instructions:
- Enable USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times, then go back to Additional → For Developers).
- Connect your phone to your PC and install ADB Tools.
- Open the command line (Win+R → cmd) and enter: adb devices (the name of your device should appear).
- Take the photo with the command: adb pull /sdcard/DCIM/Camera/ C:\Backup\Photos adb push C:\Backup\Photos /storage/XXXX-XXXX/DCIM/Camera/ (substitute XXXX-XXXX on ID yours SD-The card can be recognized by the adb shell ls command /storage).
How do you know? ID SD-map ADB?
7.Place optimization after transfer: what to do next
After transferring the photo to SD-map:
- 🔹 Clear the gallery cache: Settings → Annexes → gallery → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
- 🔹 Remove duplicates: Use applications like Duplicate Files Fixer.
- 🔹 Set up automatic cleaning: in Google Photos, turn on “Free space” (deletes photos already uploaded to the cloud).
Critical error: if photos are not displayed in the gallery after transfer, check for the.nomedia file in the folder on the gallery SD-Delete it -- it's a hidden file that blocks the scanning of the media.