How to connect the flash drive to Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro: all ways + mistake-making

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro is one of the most popular mid-range smartphones, but even it has a built-in memory limitation.If you don’t have enough space for photos, videos or documents, plug in an external flash drive via a flash drive. USB OTG But not everyone knows how to do it, especially if the smartphone doesn't recognize the drive or it's getting an error.

In this article, we will analyze all possible ways to connect a flash drive to the Redmi Note 8 Pro - from the standard OTG-We'll focus on file system formats before using hubs and adapters (FAT32, exFAT, NTFS), Because compatibility depends on it, you'll also learn what to do if your smartphone doesn't see a flash drive or gives you a notification «USB-device is not supported».

1.What flash drives does the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro support?

Before you plug in the drive, it's important to make sure it's compatible with your smartphone.The Redmi Note 8 Pro works with most modern drives. USB-scaling, but there are nuances:

• 🔹 Interface: only USB Type-A (through OTG-adapter USB Type-C (if the flash drive with a connector) USB-C). Micro-USB connection is not possible.
• 🔹 File system: the best work FAT32 exFAT. NTFS It is partially supported (read only in most cases).
• 🔹 Capacity: up to 2 TB (theoretically), but in practice, flash drives up to 512 GB work more stable.
• 🔹 Power: Some large storage devices (e.g., external storage) HDD) They require additional power – they will not be connected.

If your flash drive is formatted in NTFS, The smartphone may not see it or offer only viewing files without the ability to write, in which case you will have to reformat the drive to exFAT (supports files more than 4 GB), or FAT32 (4GB limit per file).

⚠️ Attention: Not all OTG-Cheap Chinese adapters may not provide enough current, which will cause the flash drive to shut down or work unstable).

2. Method 1: Connecting through OTG-cable (the simplest)

This is the basic method that works on all smartphones with support USB Redmi Note 8 Pro comes with this out-of-the-box feature, so no additional settings are required.

You'll need:

• 📱 Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro Smartphone.
• 🔌 OTG-adapter USB-C (for the smartphone USB-A (flash-drive).
• 💾 A flash drive formatted in FAT32 exFAT.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect. OTG-smartphone adapter.
2. Put the flash drive in the adapter.
3. Wait for the notice «USB-device connected" (will appear in the notification curtain).
4. Click on the notification and select Open (a standard File Manager will open).

The flash drive is formatted in exFAT or FAT32|

OTG-Adapter is good (check on another device)|

There are no damaged sectors on the flash drive (check on PC)|

Smartphone is not in energy saving mode (OTG may not work)

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If nothing happens after the connection:

• 🔄 Try reconnecting the flash drive.
• 🔋 Check if the battery is still strong (below 20% OTG may be off).
• 📵 Reboot your smartphone.

3. Method 2: Use of USB-hub (to connect multiple devices)

If you need to connect not only a flash drive, but also a mouse, keyboard or external hard drive, it will come in handy. USB-hub OTG. This is true, for example, for working in DeX mode (although Redmi Note 8 Pro does not support it, the hub will allow you to use the peripherals).

How to choose a hub for Redmi Note 8 Pro:

Instructions for connection:

1. Connect the hub to the smartphone through USB-C.
2. Insert the flash drive in one of the ports USB-A.
3. Wait for the connection notification (may appear with a delay of up to 10 seconds).
4. Open files through My File Manager or a third-party application (such as Solid Explorer).

⚠️ Note: Some hubs block data transmission if too many devices are connected at the same time, for example, when using a mouse. + flash-drive + There may be a conflict on the keyboard, so turn off the extra devices.

Method 3: Connecting a flash drive with a connector USB-C (adaptless)

If your flash drive is equipped with a connector USB-C (For example, models from SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive or Kingston DataTraveler, you can do without the help of the new model. OTG-It's convenient because it eliminates the extra adapters.

Advantages of such connection:

• 🔌 No speed loss (direct connection).
• 📱 Compact (no need to carry around) OTG).
• 🔋 Less risk of damage to the smartphone connector.

How to connect:

1. Put the flash drive in. USB-C directly into the smartphone port.
2. Wait for the notification to appear «USB-plug-in».
3. Slip on the notification and select “Open Files”.

If the smartphone does not respond:

• Check if the flash drive is inverted (connector). USB-C symmetrical, but some models require correct orientation).
• Update the firmware of the smartphone (in older versions) MIUI Could be bugs from USB-C accumulator).

USB-A s OTG-adapter|USB-C (direct-connection)|Outside HDD/SSD|I'm not plugging in the flash drives.-->

5. Problem Solving: Smartphone Can't See Flash Drive

If you don't know when you plug in the flash drive, it can be both software and hardware, and we'll look at some of the most common cases and how to fix them.

Reason 1: Incompatible file system

How to check:

• Connect the flash drive to the computer.
• Open "This computer» → right-hand-button → «Properties».
• Look at the line "File system".

Decision:

• If NTFS — reformat to exFAT (via Explorer or DiskPart utility).
• If FAT32, But the flash drive is more than 32 GB, it is better to switch to exFAT.

Reason 2: Faulty. OTG-adaptor

How to check:

• Connect. OTG junction.
• Try another one. OTG-Adapter (known to be an employee).

Reason 3: Problems with firmware or settings

Decision:

• Update MIUI to the latest version (Settings → About Phone → System Update).
• Reset the settings. USB (Settings → Additionally. → Resetting settings → Resetting settings USB).
• Put the debugging on. USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (7 times press) → For developers → Debugging by USB).

6.How to transfer files from the flash drive to Redmi Note 8 Pro?

Once you successfully connect the flash drive, you'll need to copy the files to your smartphone in a number of ways:

Method 1: Using a standard file manager

1. Open the USB flash drive connection notification and select “Open”.
2. Select the necessary files (long press → ticks).
3. Click on "Copy" or "Cut".
4. Go to a folder on your smartphone (for example, Internal Drive). → Downloads).
5. Press "Insert."

Method 2: Through third-party applications

If the standard file manager seems inconvenient, install one of these applications:

• 📁 Solid Explorer (Cloud Support) FTP).
• 📂 FX File Explorer (extended features for the OTG).
• 🗃️ ES The guide (outdated, but still working).

Method 3: Through a computer (if the flash drive is not readable on a smartphone)

If the smartphone persistently does not see the flash drive, but it works on a PC:

1. Connect the flash drive to the computer.
2. Copy files to the cloud (Google Drive, Mi Cloud).
3. Download files to your smartphone through the cloud storage app.

💡

If you need to transfer files often between the flash drive and the smartphone, create a folder on the flash drive Xiaomi_Transfer And you can use it only to share data, and it'll make navigation easier.

7.Alternative ways to expand memory

If you connect the flash drive through OTG Seems awkward, consider other options for boosting memory on the Redmi Note 8 Pro:

• 📱 MicroSD card: the smartphone supports cards up to 512 GB (hybrid slot, instead of the second one) SIM).
• ☁️ Cloud storage: Google Drive (15GB free), Mi Cloud (5GB), Yandex Disk (10GB).
• 🔗 FTP-server: you can deploy on a smartphone via Solid Explorer and connect to it from a PC.
• 🖥️ Wi-Fi Direct Transfer: Apps like Send Anywhere or Xender allow you to send files wirelessly.

Comparison of methods:

💡

If you need to work with large files (for example, video) 4K), The best option is a microSD card. OTG fit for one-off tasks.

FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting a flash drive to a Redmi Note 8 Pro