How to transfer applications to a memory card in Xiaomi Redmi 8T: a complete guide with nuances

Xiaomi Redmi 8T — A popular smartphone with expandable memory, but not all users know how to use it effectively SD-The internal memory of the device (usually 32-64 GB) fills up quickly, especially if you actively install games or programs. MIUI This process has its own characteristics.

Unlike the newer Xiaomi models, where the application portability function is often limited or hidden, the Redmi 8T (based on Android 9/10 with MIUI 11/12) still supports this option, but with reservations. Not all applications can be moved, and some after portability can work unstable. In this article, we will discuss all the available methods, including system settings, using ADB and circumventing restrictions for specific applications.

Why you can’t move the app to the SD-map 8T?

The problem lies in the policy of Google and Xiaomi: since Android 6.0, the transfer of applications to external drives has become partially blocked. 8T It's manifesting itself like this:

• 🔹 Systemic constraints: MIUI The default hides the portability option for most apps, even if they technically support this feature.
• 🔹 Memory card format: SD-The card must be formatted as an internal memory (Adoptable Storage), otherwise the transfer will not be available for many applications.
• 🔹 Software manufacturers: Developers (such as Gameloft games or instant messengers) often block the transfer due to the risk of piracy or performance issues.
• 🔹 Version. MIUI: In older assemblies (e.g, MIUI 10) the port option was more available than in the new (MIUI 12+).

Another point: if you use it, SD-As a portable storage (not internal storage), you can only transfer.apk files and cache, but not application data, PUBG Call of Duty or Mobile will still take up internal memory.

Preparation SD-Maps: Formatting as internal memory

To unlock the ability to port most applications, SD-This process is irreversible: once formatted, the card cannot be used in other devices without being completely cleaned. Also, note that the card must be at least Class 10 (preferably not lower than Class 10). UHS-I), Otherwise, the app will be slowed down.

Formatting instructions:

1. Put it in. SD-slot 8T (Supported cards up to 512 GB).
2. Go to Settings. → Memory. → Storage settings → SD-map.
3. Select Format as internal (if the option is inactive, the card is already formatted or not supported).
4. Confirm the action and wait until the completion (can take up to 5-10 minutes).
5. After formatting, the system will prompt you to Transfer Data – agree to free up internal memory.

⚠️ Warning: After that, all data on the map will be deleted! copy important files to your PC or cloud in advance. Also note that some applications (such as WhatsApp or Telegram) may not work properly with internal data. SD-map due to recording restrictions.

Method 1: Transfer applications through MIUI settings

If SD-The card is formatted as internal memory, you can try the standard method:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the app you want to migrate (like Facebook or Spotify).
3. Click Warehouse → Change (if the option is active).
4. Choose. SD-map and confirm the transfer.

However, MIUI 11/12 for Redmi 8T often doesn’t have this option even for compatible applications. If the Change button is inactive or missing, move on to the next method.

⚠️ Note: If the app starts to crash or doesn’t update after the transfer, return it to internal memory, especially for push notification applications (such as Viber or Skype) that may not work properly.

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Before moving the app, check its Google Play ranking.If it has a lot of complaints about "doesn't work with" SD-It is better to leave it in your internal memory.

Method 2: Transfer over ADB (for power users)

If the standard method didn't work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a debugging tool that lets you manually tell the system which apps you can port, which requires you to connect your phone to your PC.

Steps to carry through ADB:

1. Download and install ADB Tools on PC.
2. Turn on Developer Mode on Redmi 8T: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
3. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
4. Connect your phone to your PC via USB (select File Transfer Mode).
5. Open the command line (Windows) or the terminal (Mac/Linux) and type:

adb devices

(Series numbered device should appear. If not, check the drivers.)

adb shell pm set-install-location 2

(This command forces the system to default to install applications on SD-map.)

adb shell pm move-package com.example.app /sdcard

(Replace com.example.app with the batch name of the app, such as com.facebook.katana for Facebook.)

To find out the batch name of the application, use the command:

adb shell pm list packages | grep "facebook"

⚠️ Note: Not all applications support forced transfer via ADB. For example, system utilities (Google Play Services, MIUI Launcher can't be moved, it'll cause a phone malfunction. MIUI setting ADB may throw off.

Method 3: Use of third-party applications (with reservations)

Google Play has utilities that promise to transfer applications to the Internet SD-map (e.g. AppMgr) III or Link2SD). But at Redmi 8T They operate with serious limitations:

• 🔹 Root rights required: Without them, functionality is minimized (only viewing the application list).
• 🔹 Security risk: Root-access applications may contain malicious code.
• 🔹 Unstable work: After the transfer, some apps stop updating through Google Play.

If you do decide to use such utilities, follow the instructions:

1. Download Link2SD from Google Play.
2. Give root access (if the phone is unlocked).
3. Select the application and click Create a link (this will transfer some files to the SD-The card, leaving a "tag" in the internal memory).

⚠️ Note: Using root rights voids Redmi warranty 8T! In addition, after the update MIUI You may need to re-configure Link2SD, Because the system resets access rights.

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Third-party utilities for transferring applications to SD-map 8T They only work with root rights and they don't guarantee stability.

What if the application does not port or work after the transfer?

If you encounter errors after the transfer, try the following steps:

• 🔹 Clear the cache: Go to Settings → Annexes → [Title of the annex] → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
• 🔹 Reinstall the application: Remove it and install it again by selecting SD-map as installation location (if option is available).
• 🔹 Check the speed. SD-maps: Use the app A1 SD Bench for testing. If the write speed is below 10 MB/s, the card is not suitable for applications.
• 🔹 Turn off optimization. MIUI: B Settings → Battery. → Battery Optimization Add Problem App to Exceptions.

If the application is critically important (for example, a banking or messenger), it is better to leave it in internal memory. Alternatively, transfer only media files (photos, videos, music) to the Internet. SD-And this is a map, making room for applications:

1. Open the gallery or the music.
2. Select files → Move it → specify SD-map.

You can also set up the camera to save photos and videos immediately on SD-Map: Camera settings → Preservation site → SD-map.

Alternative ways to free up memory in Redmi 8T

If porting apps hasn’t helped or isn’t possible, try other methods:

• 🔹 Cache cleaning: In Settings → Memory. → You can delete unnecessary temporary files.
• 🔹 Removing duplicates: Apps like Files by Google or CCleaner will find duplicate files.
• 🔹 Disable pre-installed applications: Many system programs (Mi Video, Mi Music) can be disabled in Settings → Annexes (but not deleted!).
• 🔹 Using cloud storage: Google Photos (compression photo) or Mi Cloud will help free up space.
• 🔹 Factory reset: Extreme measure if memory is crammed with unknown files (don't forget to make a backup!).

It’s also worth checking which apps take up the most space:

1. Go to Settings → Memory → Applications.
2. Sort by size (click on the icon) ⋮ top-right).
3. Remove or clean the most “heavy” programs.

⚠️ Note: Some apps (like Google Chrome or YouTube) may take up gigabytes due to cached data. Cache clearing is safe for them, but don’t delete app data (Delete data) unless you want to lose accounts or settings.

FAQ: Frequent questions about transferring applications to SD-map 8T