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

Xiaomi Redmi 8 owners often face a shortage of internal memory, especially if the device is used to install a lot of applications or store media files. Transferring programs to a microSD card is a logical solution, but in MIUI this feature does not work as clearly as on other Android devices. In this article, we will analyze all the available methods, including built-in system tools and alternative methods for advanced users.

It is important to understand that the portability depends on the version. MIUI Some programs (e.g. system or high-performance) cannot be moved to SD-We'll look at options for both standard conditions and when you need extended access.

Before you start, make sure your memory card is compliant: it should be formatted as internal storage (if you plan to transfer applications) or portable (for storing only media files), which depends on what features will be available.

1. Memory card preparation: formatting and type selection

Before transferring applications, you need to configure the microSD correctly. Redmi 8 has two formatting options:

• 📁 Portable storage: The card is used as a removable storage device for photos, music and documents.
• 🔧 Internal storage: The card becomes part of the system, allowing you to install programs on it, and once formatted, the data from the card will be deleted, and you can not use it on other devices without re-formatting.

To change the type of storage:

1. Insert the card into the Redmi 8 slot.
2. Go to Settings → Memory → Memory Map.
3. Click Format as internal storage (if the option is active).
4. Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed (may take a few minutes).

⚠️ Warning: Once formatted as internal storage, the card will be encrypted, and if you retrieve it without first "wiring" it in the settings, the data may become unavailable.

If there is no option to format as an internal storage, this may mean:

• 🔄 The card is already formatted as portable (try rebooting your phone).
• 🚫 Card damaged or not supported (check on another device).
• 📱 Version. MIUI outdated (update the firmware through Settings) → The phone. → Updating the system).

2. Transfer applications through MIUI settings (without root)

The standard portability is available for most user applications (games, instant messengers, utilities), but does not work for system services.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the app you want to migrate (like WhatsApp or Facebook).
3. Press Warehouse.
4. If the option is active, tap Change and select Memory Card.
5. Confirm the transfer and wait until the completion (time depends on the size of the application).

Not all programs support this method, such as the Google Play Store, Settings or Phone cannot be moved, and some apps (such as Instagram) may not work stable after the transfer.

If the Change button is inactive, it means that:

• 🔒 The app does not support portability (often in games with protection against piracy).
• 📱 The memory card is not recognized as an internal storage.
• 🔄 MIUI Limits the function for a specific firmware version (try to update).

💡

Before transferring the game, back up the saves through Settings → Additionally. → Some games (such as Genshin Impact) don’t keep progress on the game. SD-map.

3. Use of the "Adoptable Storage" function (hidden mode)

Some versions of MIUI for Redmi 8 have a hidden Adoptable Storage option that allows you to “link” the memory card to the system as part of internal storage, which expands portability, but has risks:

• 🔐 The map becomes unreadable on other devices.
• 🔄 When removed without unmounting, data may be damaged.
• ⚡ Application speed may decrease (depending on the card class).

To activate Adoptable Storage:

1. Connect the memory card to the Redmi 8.
2. Open Settings → Memory → Memory Map.
3. If you do not have the option to format as internal storage, use ADB-team:

adb shell sm set-force-adoptable true


adb shell sm partition disk:179,64 private

Where 179.64 is the card identifier (may differ; you can find it by adb shell sm list-disks) and the card will be formatted and linked to the system after execution.

⚠️ Note: Do not remove the card without pre-monitoring through Settings → Memory. → Fix it. SD-Otherwise, you risk losing data or damaging the file system.

4. Transfer applications using root access (for advanced)

If standard methods don't work and internal memory is full, you can use root rights, which gives you full control over the system, but it gives you no warranty and increases security risks, and Redmi 8 will work with Magisk and the App2SD module.

Steps to transfer from root:

1. Get root access through Magisk (instructions for Redmi 8 are available on the XDA Developers forum).
2. Install the App2SD or ForceAdoptable module from Magisk Manager.
3. Reset the device.
4. Use the Link2SD or FolderMount app to link application folders to a memory card.

Advantages of the method:

• 🎯 Transfer of any applications, including system.
• 🔧 Flexible setting (only cache or data can be transferred).
• ⚡ The ability to use the card as an extension of internal memory.

Risks:

• 🛡️ Loss of warranty (if the device is under warranty).
• 🔄 Possible disruptions MIUI (For example, update errors).
• 📱 Some banking applications will refuse to work on a rooted device.

💡

Root access allows maximum freedom, but requires caution, and it is recommended to create a full backup through TWRP before experimenting.

5. Alternative ways to release memory without transferring

If porting apps is not possible or desirable, consider other memory optimization options on Redmi 8:

• 🧹 Cache Clearing: Go to Settings → Memory. → Clear the cache. It frees up a few gigabytes without deleting the data.
• 🗑️ Remove Unnecessary Files: Use the Built-in Cleanup Utility (Garbage tab).
• ☁️ Cloud Storage: Move photos and videos to Google Photos or Mi Cloud, and then delete local copies.
• 🔄 Transfer media files: Manually move music and video to SD-A card via any file manager (e.g., Mi File Explorer).
• 📦 Lite versions of apps: Install lightweight versions of social networks (for example, Facebook Lite, Messenger Lite).

It is also worth disabling the auto-update of applications in the Google Play Store:

1. Open the Play Store.
2. Select your profile avatar → Settings → Network preferences.
3. Choose Not to Update Automatically.

This will prevent unexpected memory filling with updates.

6. Frequent errors and their solutions

When transferring applications to a memory card, Redmi 8 users often face problems.

If after the transfer the application gives an error "Application not installed", try:

1. Clear the app cache in Settings → Applications → [program name] → Storage.
2. Reboot the phone.
3. Return the application to internal memory and repeat the transfer.

For memory cards that are not recognized as internal storage, check:

• 🔍 Card compatibility (up to 256 GB, Class 10 or UHS-I).
• 🔄 Firmware update MIUI (In older versions, there may be bugs with SD).
• 🛠️ Physical state of the slot (try another card).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions