Owners of the popular Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 model often face a lack of built-in storage, especially in versions with 32 or 64 GB of memory. Modern applications take up more space, and the MIUI system requires free space for the correct operation of the cache and updates. Transferring data to an external drive becomes not just a convenience, but a necessity for the stability of the device.
However, unlike older versions of Android, modern MIUI shells limit direct transfer of programs to a memory card in the standard menu. This is done for security and performance, but for the user means finding workarounds. In this article, we will examine all available methods from standard settings to using debugging over USB.
It is important to understand that not all applications can be moved without loss of functionality. System components and some heavy games can not work properly when running from an external medium, so before you start manipulation, you need to weigh the risks and choose the right file allocation strategy.
Preparation of a memory card and choice of speed class
Before you start setting up the Redmi Note 8, you need to make sure the quality of the drive used. A slow memory card can become a narrow neck, causing interface freezes and long downloads. The minimum recommended standard is Class 10, but for comfortable work it is better to choose cards labeled UHS-I or UHS-II.
The storage capacity also plays a role. If you plan to port not only photos but also heavy games or streaming video, it's worth considering options from 64GB and up. The file system should be compatible with Android, usually exFAT or FAT32, although modern versions of MIUI can format a map themselves.
⚠️ Note: (formatting) the memory card in "Internal Memory" mode will completely delete all data from it. be sure to back up important files on your computer or in the cloud before starting the procedure.
Insert the card into the slot and wait for system notifications.The Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 supports a hybrid slot, so make sure you don't use the second one. SIM-The card is concurrent if you have a pair of contacts in your tray.
Standard methods of data transfer in MIUI
The standard MIUI interface offers limited application migration options, but allows for flexible management of media files, and the integrated file manager for photo, video and document transfers should be used first, freeing up precious internal space without the risk of system disruption.
To move media, open the Explorer app and go to the folder DCIM Or Pictures. Once you select the files you want, select the "Move" option and specify the path to the location. SD-Some applications, such as cameras or voice recorders, allow you to immediately select a memory card as the main place to save in your internal settings.
As for the applications themselves, the Settings → Applications → All applications of the Move button may be inactive (shadowed in grey), a restriction of Google and MIUI policy that prohibits the porting of critical components, but for some user programs, this feature is available.
- 📸 Open the camera settings and select "Save" SD-map.
- 🎵 In music players and video players, specify the path to the external storage in the section "Download folder".
- 📂 Use the "Cleanup" in the "Security" app to find duplicates and debris.
If you don't get the space out of the way by standard methods, you'll have to use more advanced techniques, which require attention, but they give you the desired result of expanding the usable volume.
Use of the "Inner Memory" mode (Adoptable Storage)
A feature known as Adoptable Storage allows the system to consider the memory card as part of the internal storage. On the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8, this option is often hidden by default, but it can be activated through special commands or developer mode. Once activated, the system will format the card and encrypt it for use only with this device.
To try to activate the function without a computer, go to Settings → About the phone and several times click on the version MIUI, until you have the word "You're a developer" on it, and then in the advanced settings, look for the formatting item. SD-If it's not available, it'll need to be used. ADB.
Risks of using the card as internal memory
Once formatted successfully, the system will start to transfer data automatically, so you can install new applications on the map, and they will behave like native ones, but the speed can be slower than the built-in memory module, especially if you use a low-cost card.
- 💾 The memory card becomes an integral part of the system and cannot be used in another device without re-formatting.
- ⚡ Read and write speeds directly affect the performance of installed programs.
- 🔄 When resetting phone settings, data on the map can also be lost if you do not make a backup.
This method is the most effective for radical solution of the problem of space shortage, but requires a high-quality memory card with a high write speed.
Advanced settings through ADB-team
If the graphical interface does not give the necessary options, you can use debugging on the USB And this is a method that allows you to force application portability on, USB-cable and minimum set of drivers ADB Windows or Linux.
The first step is to enable USB debugging in the developer menu on your Redmi Note 8. Connect your phone to your computer and open the command line. Enter adb shell pm set-install-location 2 to prioritize installation on an external card. A value of 0 will return everything as it was, and 1 will return to internal memory.
adb shell pm set-install-location 2Once you have completed the command, restart the device. Now, when installing new applications, the system will suggest choosing a place to install, unless the developer has explicitly prohibited this from the application manifest. For already installed programs, you may need an adb shell pm move-package command with the name of the package.
⚠️ Attention: Use ADB-An error in syntax or an attempt to move a system packet can lead to unstable operation of the operanic system or a cyclic reboot.
This gives you more control over the file system, but requires basic technical skills, and if you're not sure what you're doing, you'd better limit yourself to transferring media files.
☑️ Pre-use checks ADB
Transfer of data messengers and social networks
Messengers like WhatsApp and Telegram often take up gigabytes of space from media files. Unlike the apps themselves, their databases and downloads can be easily migrated. On WhatsApp, open chat settings and select "Backup" by pointing Google Drive or local storage to the user. SD-map.
For Telegram, the situation is simpler: in the settings, select Data and Memory → Memory Use → Store Path. Specify the memory card. All new files will be downloaded there automatically. Old files can be manually moved through the file manager by finding the Android/media/org.telegram.messenger folder.
These apps actively access temporary files, and the delay in reading from the card will be noticeable when you scroll through the tape.
- 🗑️ Regularly clean the messenger cache through the app settings to avoid bloating the database.
- 📁 Renaming folders can disrupt applications, move only content.
- 📸 Autouploading photos to the gallery should be redirected to SD-map in the settings of each application separately.
Competent configuration of save ways in popular applications allows you to free up to 10-15 GB of internal space without the use of complex technical means.
💡
Use the Files feature in Google Drive or cloud storage to automatically upload old photos, which will free up space on your phone and memory card, saving access to the archive at any time.
Optimization and maintenance after the transfer
Once you have moved the data, it is recommended to defragment (if the card is in internal storage mode) or simply check the integrity of the files. MIUI has built-in optimization tools, but for memory cards it is better to use specialized utilities if there are problems with speed.
Watch the temperature of the device. Active writing to the memory card can lead to additional heating, especially when recording 4K video or installing games. If the phone starts to warm up, take a break or check if the background copying processes are running.
| Type of data | Recommended seat | Impact on speed | Risk of loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| System applications | Internal memory. | High speed. | Low. |
| Hard games | Internal/Fast SD | Medium/High | Medium. |
| Photos and videos | SD card | It doesn't. | Tall (no backup) |
| Documents | SD card | It doesn't. | Medium. |
Check the status of the memory card regularly, and if it starts to work slowly or files stop reading, it may be time to replace it with a more modern and reliable memory card.