How to transfer applications to SD-Map in Xiaomi Mi 8: all the ways and nuances

Why Xiaomi Mi 8 owners are facing a memory shortage

Xiaomi Mi 8, released 2018 The year, still remains a popular smartphone due to the powerful “iron” and current updates. MIUI. But even 64/128 GB of internal memory eventually runs out — especially if you actively install games, messengers and multimedia applications. SD-The map seems to be a logical solution, but here users are waiting for pitfalls.

Unlike many Android devices, Xiaomi MIUI-based smartphones have strict restrictions on external drives. The default system blocks most applications from being transferred to a memory card, leaving this option only for select programs. In this article, we will analyze all available methods - from standard settings to manual transfer via ADB - and also tell you which applications will never be able to migrate to the SD in the Xiaomi Mi 8 due to the architectural limitations of MIUI 10/11/12.

It's important to understand that even if you can get around the limitations, the performance of the migrated applications can fall. SD-cards (even class) UHS-I) However, the internal memory of eMMC 5.1 installed in the Mi 8 is slower than the internal memory. However, for storing media files, cache and some “light” programs, the external drive remains a useful tool.

What are they? SD-Maps are suitable for Xiaomi Mi 8: requirements and recommendations

Before you try to move apps, make sure yours is yours. SD-The card meets the technical requirements of the device, the Xiaomi Mi 8 supports micro.SD Up to 256 GB (officially) and format FAT32 However, for stable work with applications, it is better to choose cards with high read/write speeds.

Optimal characteristics:

• 🔹 Class speed: UHS-I (U1 or U3), minimum Class 10
• 🔹 Capacity: 64–256 GB (cards less than 32 GB may not be recognized as internal memory)
• 🔹 Brand: SanDisk, Samsung EVO, Kingston Canvas – These manufacturers guarantee compatibility with the MIUI
• 🔹 Formatting: exFAT (preferably for files) >4 GB) or FAT32

⚠️ Attention: Cheap cards without certification often have understated real speeds, which leads to lags when you run ported applications. Before buying, check the reviews of a particular model on forums (for example, check the reviews of a particular model on the forums, 4PDA or XDA Developers).

Standard Application Transfers through MIUI Settings

The easiest way is to use the built-in MIUI function, but it's not available for all applications.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the desired application from the list.
3. Slip on Warehouse.
4. If the option is active, a button will appear. SD-map.

⚠️ Attention: B MIUI 12 and later, this option may not be available even for compatible applications, due to Xiaomi's policy of optimizing performance. If the button is not, try alternative methods in the following sections.

List of applications that can usually be transferred in a standard way:

• 📱 Messengers: Telegram, Viber (but not WhatsApp!)
• 🎵 Music players: AIMP, Poweramp
• 📖 Readers: FBReader, Moon+ Reader
• 🎮 Some casual games (but not AAA-project)

💡

If the application becomes slow after transfer, return it to internal memory. SD-cardboard U3 Lose in speed of built-in eMMC 5.1 in Mi 8.

Formatting SD-Cards as internal memory: pros and cons

MIUI allows you to format SD-The system combines the memory of the card and the smartphone, which theoretically allows you to carry more applications:

Pros:

• ✅ Ability to port some system applications
• ✅ Automatic data distribution between memory
• ✅ Support for files >4 GB (if exFAT is selected)

Cons:

• ❌ The card becomes “tied” to the device – it cannot be retrieved without losing data.
• ❌ The speed of the system can drop by 15-30%
• ❌ Not all apps will work properly (especially games)
• ❌ When resetting the settings, the card is formatted automatically

To activate this mode:

1. Put it in. SD-slot-card.
2. Go to Settings. → Warehouse → SD-map.
3. Select Settings (⋮) → Formatting as an internal.
4. Confirm the action (all data on the map will be erased!).

Transfer applications through ADB: instructions for experienced users

If standard methods don’t work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires connecting your smartphone to your PC and basic command line knowledge, and the advantage is that you can port applications that MIUI blocks out of the box.

Step 1: Preparation

• 🖥️ Install. ADB Tools on PC.
• 📱 Turn on Debugging. USB In Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Tap 7 times, then return to the Additional Settings → For developers).
• 🔌 Connect Xiaomi Mi 8 to your computer and confirm your trust in the device.

Step 2. Follow the commands:

adb shell


pm set-install-location 2 # allows installation on SD by default




pm move-package com.example.app # replace with your application package

List of popular application packages:

⚠️ Note: Not all applications support portability ADB. For example, com.android.vending (Google Play Store) and com.miui.home (Launcher) are locked at the system level. [INSTALL_FAILED_INVALID_INSTALL_LOCATION].

💡

Transferring over ADB does not guarantee stable application performance. MIUI system updates can reset settings and applications will “fly” back into internal memory.

Alternative ways to free up memory without transferring to SD

If porting applications is not possible or feasible, consider other memory optimization methods:

1. Clearing cache and unnecessary files

• 🧹 Use the built-in cleaning utility in MIUI (Settings → Warehouse → Clean up).
• 🗑️ Remove the cache of individual applications in Settings → Annexes → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
• 📂 Transfer media files (photos, videos) to SD-hand-card through the conductor.

2. Disabling preloading

• 📥 B Settings → Annexes → App management disable autoboot for unnecessary programs.
• 🔄 Limit background activity in Settings → Battery → Energy saving regime.

3. Use of cloud storage

• ☁️ Set up automatic photo uploads in Google Photos or Mi Cloud.
• 📎 Transfer documents to OneDrive or Dropbox.

Systemic debris disposal

• 🛠️ Install. SD Maid for deep cleaning.
• 🗃️ Remove duplicate files with Files by Google.

💡

Check the Download folder regularly – it is often clogged with unnecessary ones APK-files and archives. MIUI It can be cleaned through a conductor. → Categories → Downloads.

Which applications cannot be transferred to SD-map in Xiaomi Mi 8

Even with ADB, some applications are not portable to external storage, which is due to:

• 🔒 Security: applications with superuser rights (e.g. banking).
• 🛡️ Systemic Limitations: Google Services and MIUI, background-working.
• 🎮 Technical requirements: games with protection against piracy (eg Genshin Impact).

The full list of “unbearable” applications:

⚠️ Warning: Attempting to transfer blocked applications through workarounds (e.g., file modification) AndroidManifest.xml) may lead to:

• 🚫 Loss of annex data.
• 🔄 Automatic return to internal memory after rebooting.
• 🛑 Completely inoperable program (especially for games).

FAQ: Frequent questions about porting apps to SD in Xiaomi Mi 8