How to transfer applications to a memory card in Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro: 3 working methods

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro is still a popular smartphone due to the balance of performance and price, but its main drawback is only 64/128 GB of internal memory (depending on the modification). Over time, users face a lack of space, especially if you actively install games like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile, which “weigh” 5-10 GB each. The solution seems obvious: transfer applications to a microSD card. However, in MIUI (even in current versions), this feature does not work as in “pure” Android.

In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to transfer applications to the SD-Redmi Note 8 Pro card – from standard system tools to manual methods using ADB You'll learn which applications can be ported without risking stability, and which ones are better left in internal memory. We will also explain why some programs (such as WhatsApp or Telegram) do not support transfer to an external drive and what to do in such cases.

Why Redmi Note 8 Pro cannot be ported to all applications SD-map?

The main problem lies in the architecture of Android and Xiaomi policy. Since the version of Android 6.0 Marshmallow, Google introduced the concept of Adoptable Storage, the ability to “tether” to the Internet» SD-It's a card as part of the internal memory. MIUI Disables this feature on most devices, including the Redmi Note 8 Pro, due to the risks of reduced performance and compatibility:

• 🔹 System applications (e.g. com.miui.gallery or com.android.settings) cannot be migrated under any circumstances.
• 🔹 Annexes with OBB-Files (games, heavy software) are often blocked because of protection against piracy.
• 🔹 Social networks (Facebook, Instagram) and instant messengers (Viber, WhatsApp) store cache in internal memory by default.
• 🔹 Class memory cards UHS-I (Even with high write speeds, they can slow down the work of ported applications.

Besides, MIUI 12/13/14 on the Redmi Note 8 Pro uses a file system F2FS internal memory that is optimized for fast operations, while SD-The cards are usually formatted in exFAT or FAT32 — This means that even if you manage to migrate an application, it may be slower or cause errors.

⚠️ Attention: Transfer of applications to SD-Class 4 or lower cards can cause lags and departures. Redmi Note 8 Pro recommended to use cards at least lower UHS-I (U1) recording speed of 30 MB/s.

Method 1: Standard transfer through MIUI settings (no root)

It's the easiest way, but it doesn't work for all applications. MIUI 12.5–14:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the app you want to migrate (like Spotify or Google Maps).
3. Slip on Warehouse.
4. If the option is available, the Change → button will appear, select Memory Card.
5. Confirm the transfer and wait until the completion (may take up to 5 minutes).

This method has critical limitations:

• 📌 It only works for applications that support external storage (usually lightweight utilities).
• 📌 Some programs (such as Netflix) refuse to run after the transfer. DRM-defense.
• 📌 Application data (cache, settings) can remain in internal memory.

Memory card not lower than UHS-I (U1)

There is enough free space on the map (at least 20% more than the weight of the application)

The application is not system or critical (messaging, banking)

Data backup of the application (via Titanium Backup or manually)

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If there is no Change button, the app developer has blocked the portability, in which case move on to the following methods.

Method 2: Transfer through ADB (without root but with PC)

Android Debug Bridge Tool (ADB) It allows you to manually specify which applications can be transferred to the system. SD-map, even if in the interface MIUI This method does not require root rights, but it will require a computer and basic command line skills.

Steps:

1. Turn on Developer Mode on Redmi Note 8 Pro: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version. Go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers and activate Debugging over USB.

File transfer

ADB Tools

Win + R

cmd

cd C:\platform-tools

adb devices

(Should appear serial number of your Redmi Note 8 Pro).)

com.example.app

adb shell pm set-install-location 2

adb shell pm move-package com.example.app

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

adb shell pm list packages | find "appendix name"

For example, for Google Chrome:

adb shell pm list packages | find "chrome"

⚠️ Note: pm set-install-location 2 command forces the default system to install new applications on the SD-This can cause crashes if the card is slow or off. To return the settings, follow: adb shell pm set-install-location 0

Method 3: Forced transfer using Link2SD (requires root)

If the first two methods didn’t work and the root rights on your Redmi Note 8 Pro are already obtained, you can use the application. Link2SD. It allows you not only to port apps, but also to create symbolic links (symlinks), "cheating" the system, which is especially useful for games with large numbers of users. OBB-file.

Instructions:

1. Install Link2SD from Google Play.
2. When you first start, select the ext2/ext3/ext4 file system (ext4) recommended and allow superuser access.
3. Reboot the phone.
4. In the list of applications, select the one you want to transfer, and tap Create a link.
5. Check the boxes: 🔹 Annex (APK-file) 🔹 Application data 🔹 Dalvik Cash (if available)

Confirm and wait for completion.

Link2SD has a key advantage: it doesn't delete original files from internal memory, it creates links, which means that if something goes wrong, you can roll back the changes.

• 🛑 When removed SD-Link maps will break and applications will stop working.
• 🛑 Some antiviruses (such as Avast) may block symbolic links as suspicious activity.
• 🛑 Protected games (PUBG Mobile, Free Fire can detect and block your account.

💡

Before using Link2SD, make a full backup of internal memory via TWRP or MIUI Backup, which will help you recover data if something goes wrong.

Which apps can not be transferred to SD-map?

Even if you can get around the limitations of MIUI, some programs are not designed to work with external memory, and their transfer will lead to crashes, data loss or even account lock (in the case of banking applications).

If you are critically short of space, it is better to clean the cache of these applications manually (via Settings → Storage) or transfer only media files (photos, videos, music) to the memory card, not the programs themselves.

Standard settings of MIUI

ADB (via computer)

Link2SD (with root)

Nothing, enough internal memory.

Another way.-->

Alternative ways to free up memory in the Redmi Note 8 Pro

If the application portability didn’t help or isn’t possible, consider these options:

• 🗑️ Cache Clearing: Go to Settings → Warehouse → Clean. Select Clear cache of applications (can be deleted before 1-3 GB of garbage).
• 📁 Transfer of media files: Use the file manager (MIUI File Manager or Solid Explorer. Move the folders DCIM, Downloads, Music on SD-map.
• ☁️ Cloud Storage: Set up an automatic photo upload in Google Photos or MI Cloud.Delete local copies after synchronization.
• 🔄 Factory reset: The last resort if the phone is full of unnecessary files. → Additionally. → Backup.

For big games OBB-File sharing (e.g. Asphalt 9) can be used:

1. Download. APK and OBB-PC-file.
2. Transfer the APK to your phone and install it.
3. Place it. OBB-file Android/obb/[name-packet SD-map.
4. In the game settings, specify the path to the external storage.

💡

Transfer OBB-file SD-The card is the only safe way to make room for games without the risk of blocking your account.

FAQ: Frequent questions about transferring applications to SD-map