How to transfer applications to memory card in Xiaomi Redmi 8: all working ways

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.Moving programs to a microSD card seems like a logical solution, but in MIUI this process has its nuances. Unlike the newer Xiaomi models, the Redmi 8 runs on MIUI 11/12 (depending on the firmware version), where the functionality of porting applications is limited to the manufacturer.

In this article, we will analyze all available methods - from standard settings to alternative solutions using the use of ADB You'll learn which applications can be ported and which remain "tied" to internal memory, how to avoid errors when working with the computer. SD-We will pay special attention to the specifics of the Redmi 8, since the instructions for other Xiaomi models may not work due to differences in firmware and hardware platform.

Why Redmi 8 can’t be used to transfer all applications to the SD-map?

Android smartphone manufacturers, including Xiaomi, are artificially limiting the ability to fully migrate applications to external drives, due to several factors:

• 🔒 Security: Annexes to SD-It is easier to replace or hack the card, as the file system of the external drive is less protected than the internal memory of the smartphone.
• ⚡ Performance: Memory cards (even class) A1/A2) It is slower than the built-in flash memory eMMC 5.1, This can lead to lag in games and heavy programs.
• 📱 Limitations MIUI: In firmware for Redmi 8 disabled Adoptable Storage (binding) SD-Maps as an internal drive, which was available in “pure” Android.

In addition, many modern applications (especially games and instant messengers) use the OBB-files and cache that are stored by default in internal memory, even if you transfer it to the computer. APK-App to the card, its data can stay in the phone, occupying precious megabytes.

Preparation of a memory card: formatting and class selection

Before transferring applications, it is necessary to properly prepare SD-map. Redmi. 8 supports maps up to 512 GB, but for optimal operation it is recommended to use class drives A1 or A2 (They're optimized for application installation. Class maps. UHS-I/UHS-II They will also work, but their speed advantages in the smartphone will not be used.

If the card is new, it should be formatted directly on the phone:

1. Insert the card into the slot (in Redmi 8 it is combined with a tray for the game). SIM-map).
2. Go to Settings → Memory → SD card.
3. Choose Format as internal (if you need binding) or Format as portable (for standard use).
4. Confirm the action – all data on the map will be deleted!

⚠️ Warning: Formatting as "internal memory" will bind the card to this device, and once removed, it will not be read on another phone or PC without full formatting.

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If the card is not determined after formatting, try restarting the phone or pasting it into another slot (if any). Sometimes cleaning the cache in Settings helps → Apps → All apps → Memory

Method 1: Standard Transfer through MIUI Settings

This is the easiest method, but it doesn't work for all apps. Xiaomi lets you port to SD-The map is only for those programs that support this feature at the Android level, and these are usually lightweight utilities, not games or social networks.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the desired application from the list.
3. Click on Memory (or Storage in newer versions of MIUI).
4. If the option is available, the Change button will appear → select the SD Card.
5. Confirm the transfer and wait until it is completed (may take a few minutes).

If there is no Change button, the application does not support portability, in which case only ADB will help (see next section).

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 to port, which requires connecting your phone to your computer and basic command line knowledge.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on Developer Mode on Redmi 8: Go to Settings → About Phone. Click 7 times on MIUI until the notification "You've become a developer" appears.

USB debugging

Settings → Additional → For Developers

ADB

Google

Xiaomi ADB/Fastboot Tools

adb devices

Make sure the device is identified (should appear its serial number).

package.name

adb shell pm set-install-location 2

This team is setting up SD-Map as the default installation location for new applications.

adb shell pm move-package package.name

You can find out the name of the package through the App Inspector (the application in the Play Market) or the team:

adb shell pm list packages | grep "appendix name"

⚠️ Note: Not all applications work properly after forced porting through ADB. For example, WhatsApp, Telegram and banking programs may be able to give out errors or stop updating.

Method 3: Use the card as an internal memory (Adoptable Storage)

In the “pure” Android has a feature Adoptable Storage, which allows you to “tether" SD-The card is part of the internal memory, but in MIUI For Redmi 8, this option is disabled by default. ADB third-party.

Advantages of the method:

• 📲 Applications are installed on the map automatically.
• 🔄 Oh.BB-Files and cache are also transferred (unlike the standard method).
• 🔒 The card is encrypted and linked to the device (increased security).

Disadvantages:

• 🔌 The map cannot be retrieved without data loss.
• ⚠️ When resetting the phone to factory settings, the map is also formatted.
• ⏳ Application speed may decrease (depending on class) SD).

How to turn on Adoptable Storage:

1. Format the card as “internal” through Settings → Memory → SD Card → Settings → Internal Memory.
2. If there is no option, use it. ADB-Command: adb shell sm set-force-adoptable true Then restart the phone and try formatting again.

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Adoptable Storage is most effective for phones with a small amount of internal memory (16-32 GB); on Redmi 8 64 GB, it is justified only when installing dozens of heavy games.

Alternative methods: Link2SD and App2SD

If none of the above methods are suitable, you can use third-party utilities, such as: Link2SD or App2SD. These programs create symbolic links (symlinks) to application files, in fact “deceiving” the system and transferring some of the data to the application file. SD-map.

How Link2SD works:

1. Install an app from the Play Market.
2. Provide root rights (on non-rooted devices functionality is limited).
3. Select the application from the list and click Create a link.
4. Transfer APK, Dex and Lib files to the map.

Limitations:

• 🛠️ Root is required for full operation (on Redmi 8 you can get root rights through Magisk, but this voids the warranty).
• 🔄 Some applications may give an error after the transfer "Application does not respond".
• 📁 Not all data is transferred (for example, the cache of Google Play Services will remain in internal memory).

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Before using Link2SD, back up your data via Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset. In the event of a failure, you can restore the system.

Frequent mistakes and their solution

When transferring applications to SD-Redmi 8 users are facing typical problems. Let's look at the most common problems and how to fix them:

If the app stopped updating through the Play Market after the transfer, try:

1. Transfer it back to your internal memory.
2. Update through the store.
3. Move it back to SD-map.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions