How to transfer applications to the full SD-Xiaomi Redmi 8: official and hidden ways

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi 8 often face a shortage of internal memory, especially if the model is purchased with a minimum volume (32 GB). Even after cleaning the cache and removing unnecessary files, the system can issue a notification "Memory is full", blocking the installation of new applications. Transfer of programmes to SD-The map seems to be a logical solution, but in MIUI This process has nuances: not all applications support the function, and some methods require root rights.

In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can migrate applications to an external drive in Redmi 8, from standard settings to advanced methods using ADB and third-party utilities, which applications can be ported without losing functionality and which ones will remain in internal memory, as well as how to avoid common errors (such as crashes after a reboot).

⚠️ Xiaomi Redmi 8 is based on the MIUI, where the function of transferring applications to SD-The card is limited by the manufacturer, and even if you see the option in the settings, it can be blocked for most programs, and this is due to Google's security policy and the optimization of Android.

1. Verification of compatibility SD-Redmi 8 cards

Before transferring applications, make sure your SD-The card meets the requirements of Xiaomi Redmi 8. The smartphone supports microSD memory cards (up to the previous one). 512 GB) with a file system FAT32 However, for full portability of applications, it is recommended to use class cards. UHS-I (U1/U3) — They provide high read/write speeds, which is critical for the operation of programs.

How to check the map:

• 🔍 Format: Open Settings → The storage and see if the card is defined. If it's not, check it on another device or format it.
• 📊 Speed: Class Class Class Cards 4/6 They can slow down applications. The optimal is Class. 10 or U3.
• 🔄 Status: If the card has been used in other devices before, format it with Redmi 8 (Settings) → Warehouse → SD-map → Format).

⚠️ Note: Formatting erases all data! backup important files on your PC or in the cloud before starting the procedure.

2. Standard transfer through MIUI settings

MIUI in Redmi 8 allows you to port only those applications that support this feature at the Android level. Unfortunately, most modern programs (including WhatsApp, Instagram, games) block the transfer due to the risk of unstable work.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select an app from a list (such as Google Maps or Files).
3. Click on Warehouse → Change (if the option is active).
4. Choose. SD-map and confirm the transfer.

If the Change button is inactive or not, the application does not support the transfer, in which case move to alternative methods (sections 3-5).

3. Transfer over ADB (for power users)

If the standard method didn’t work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a debugging tool that allows you to manually specify where to install applications, which requires connecting your phone to a PC and basic command line knowledge.

Step-by-step:

1. Enable Developer Mode on Redmi 8: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times)
2. Activate USB Debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Connect your phone to your PC, install ADB drivers (download from the official website).
4. Open the command line (Windows) or the terminal (macOS/Linux) and type in adb shell pm set-install-location 2 This command forces the system to install applications on SD-default-card.
5. Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Attention: Teams ADB For example, the set-install-location 0 option will return the installation to internal memory, but some applications may stop working. After using this method, some programs may give errors when updating through Google Play.

4.Use of SD-The card is an internal memory (adoptable storage)

Android 6.0+ Supports Adoptable Storage, which allows you to "unify" SD-But Xiaomi has disabled this option in the MIUI Redmi 8 can only be restored through the ADB:

Instructions:

1. Connect the formatted SD-phone-card.
2. Enter ADB with the command: adb shell sm set-force-adoptable true
3. Reset the device.
4. Go to Settings. → Warehouse → SD-map → Threefold (⋮) → Settings → Formatting as an internal.

⚠️ Warnings:

• 🔐 After formatting, the card will not be used in other devices without complete cleaning.
• 🐢 Application speeds may drop (depending on class) SD-map).
• 🚫 Not all apps will work correctly (especially games and instant messengers).

💡

If applications start to slow down after transferring, return them to internal memory through Settings → Applications → Storage → Change.

Alternative methods: Link2SD and App2SD

If the previous methods did not help, you can use third-party utilities, such as: Link2SD or App2SD. These programs create symbolic links, transferring some of the application data to the SD-However, they require root rights, which are obtained on Redmi 8 is associated with the risk of loss of warranty and unstable operation of the system.

How to use Link2SD:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Give root access (if the phone is rooted).
3. Select the application from the list and click Create a link.
4. Transfer the data to SD-map (option Move to the map) SD).

⚠️ Note: Not all versions MIUI compatible Link2SD. Redmi 8 with firmware MIUI 12+ You might have errors like "Mount script cannot be created — App2SD (It requires Xposed Framework, which is even more difficult to set up).

💡

Third-party application portability utilities are unstable on MIUI. Risks: data loss, application failures, inability to update.

6.Memory optimization without application portability

If porting applications is impossible or causes crashes, try alternative ways to free up memory:

• 🧹 Cache Clearing: Go to Settings → Apps, select the program and click Clear Cache. Use Security App (built-in Xiaomi utility) for bulk cleaning).
• ☁️ Cloud Storage: Move Photos and Videos to Google Photos or Mi Cloud (gives 5GB for free).
• 🗑️ Remove duplicates: Use Files by Google to find unnecessary files.
• 🔄 Media Transfer: In Camera Settings (Settings) → Camera. → Select the place of preservation SD-map for new photos/video.

It is also worth turning off auto-update apps in Google Play (Settings → Auto-Update apps → Wi-Fi only) and regularly check the list of installed programs for unnecessary ones.

FAQ: Frequent questions about transferring applications to SD-map 8