How to download and listen to music on Xiaomi Redmi 8: All ways 2026

Xiaomi Redmi 8 is a budget smartphone with good sound, but not all users know how to use it to listen to music. Unlike the flagships, there is no pre-installed music service with selections, but there is a flexible setting for working with local files and streaming. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to download tracks, from classic USB transfer to synchronization with cloud services.

The Redmi 8 has an extensible memory capacity of up to 512GB via microSD, making it the perfect storage device for a large music library, but many people are facing problems: the player can’t see files, the tracks are distorted or there is no sound at all, and we’ll not only show you how to download music, but also explain how to avoid the typical errors when working with audio files on this device.

Preparation of the smartphone: checking memory and formats

Before you download music, make sure Redmi 8 has enough space and supports the formats of your audio files.The smartphone works with most popular extensions, but there are nuances:

• 🎵 Supported formats: MP3, AAC, FLAC, WAV, OGG, M4A (ALAC not supported natively).
• 📱 Minimum free space: For comfortable operation of the player, leave at least 1 GB on internal memory.
• 🔧 Sound settings: Check what is in Settings → Sound on. MI Sound Enhancer to Improve Quality.

If you plan to use microSD, please note that exFAT cards may not display files correctly in a standard player — FAT32 (but with a file size limit of 4GB. To check for free space, go to Settings → Memory.

2. Method 1: Transfer of music through USB-cable (most reliable)

The classic method, which works without the Internet and does not require additional applications, you will need a USB Type-C cable (included in the Redmi 8 kit) and a computer.

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC. In the Xiaomi notification curtain, select File Transfer (MTP) mode.
2. Open the explorer on your computer. Your Redmi 8 will appear as a removable drive (usually called Xiaomi Redmi 8).
3. Go to the Internal Storage → Music folder (if you don’t have one, create it manually).
4. Copy audio files into this folder, and you can create subfolders by artist or album for convenience.

Important: If you connect your smartphone to a Mac, you may need to install an Android File Transfer driver (download from Google's official website). After copying files, remember to safely remove the device through the icon in the system tray.

Connect the cable to USB 3.0 port (blue connector)

Select MTP mode in the notification curtain

Check if the Music folder exists (or create one)

Copy files without special characters in names

Safe to remove the device after copying-->

Method 2: Download music through cloud services

If you have a large collection of music, it's more convenient to store it in the cloud than to take up space on your smartphone. Redmi 8 supports all popular services: Google Drive, Yandex Drive, Dropbox and even Mail.ru Cloud.

Instructions on the example of Google Drive:

1. Upload audio files to your cloud via the web version or desktop application.
2. Install Google Drive from Play Market on Redmi 8.
3. Open a file in the cloud → click on three dots → select Download.
4. The file will be saved to the Download folder. Move it to Music for convenience.

AutoSync (paid but trial-period) can be used to automate the process, synchronizing selected cloud folders with local storage on a schedule.

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If tracks are in the cloud in FLAC format, convert them to MP3 before downloading (for example, through Audacity or online services). The standard MIUI player can play FLAC, but with delays when scrolling.

Method 3: Using a microSD card (for large collections)

Redmi 8 supports memory cards up to 512 GB, which allows you to store thousands of tracks without loading on internal memory.

• 📁 Formatting: It is better to format the map directly in the smartphone (Settings) → Memory. → Format).
• 🔄 Portability of annexes: B MIUI Some applications can be transferred to SD, Music players usually remain in the internal memory.
• 🎧 Music folder: Create a Music folder on the map - so the player will automatically find all the tracks.

If the music is not displayed after inserting the card:

1. Reboot your smartphone.
2. Check that the card is not connected as Portable Storage (Inner Memory mode must be).
3. Update your media files in the player settings (usually the option to Update the library).

5. Method 4: Streaming services (without downloading files)

If you don't want to upload music to your device, you can use streaming services. Redmi 8 works well.

To save traffic on mobile networks:

1. In the application settings, select Reproduction Quality → Low.
2. Turn off Autoplay in playlists.
3. Use Wi-Fi to download playlists offline (if available).

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Streaming services are convenient, but consume battery and traffic. For the Redmi 8 with a battery of 5000 mAh, this is not critical, but on trips it is better to download playlists offline in advance (where possible).

6. Method 5: Alternative music players

The standard Mi Music app in MIUI is functional, but not always convenient. Consider the best alternatives from the Play Market:

• 🎶 Poweramp: All formats, 10-band equalizer, themes, paid after the trial period.
• 🎧 VLC Android – free, without advertising, plays even corrupted files.
• 📊 Musicolet - lightweight player with support for playlists and a widget on the main screen.
• 🔊 JetAudio – built-in sound effects (reverb, bass), support FLAC and APE.

To install the player by default:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Applications by default.
2. Choose a Music Player.
3. Please specify the desired application from the list.

Tip for Poweramp: In player settings, enable High-quality resampling and turn off DSD-processing (not supported on Redmi 8 and only consumes battery).

7. Solving Typical Music Problems on Redmi 8

Even after downloading music correctly, users encounter errors.

⚠️ Note: If the player does not see the files on SD-Check that the Music folder is at the root of the map, not inside other directories (e.g., the map, Android/data/...). Standard media file scanner MIUI Ignores the nested folders deeper 3 level.

Problem 1: Music is played with distortions

• Check the bitrate of files – if it is above 320 kbps, the smartphone may not be able to cope with decoding.
• Turn off all sound effects in Settings → Sound → MI Sound Enhancer.
• Try another player (for example, VLC is better at heavy formats).

Problem 2: Tracks are interrupted or slowed down

• Close the background apps (especially instant messengers and games).
• If music is SD-Check the speed of the card (class 10 is mandatory).
• Turn off Adaptive Brightness – it sometimes conflicts with audio drivers.

Problem 3: Player can’t see files after MIUI update

• Reboot your smartphone.
• Clear the cache of the Mi Music app in Settings → Apps.
• Update your media files manually (the player usually has an Update Library button).

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If all playlists are missing after the MIUI update, check the Android/data/com.miui.player folder - sometimes it is reset. Backups of playlists can be made through Poweramp (export to XML).

8.Sound optimization: settings for better quality

The Redmi 8 is equipped with a single speaker and a 3.5 mm audio jack, which allows you to improve the sound software.

• 🔊 MI Sound Enhancer: Enable in Settings → Sound to enhance bass and high frequencies.
• 🎛️ Equalizer: In the standard player, choose Preset Rock or Pop (depending on genre).
• 🔇 Dolby Atmos: Install Dolby Digital Plus via Magisk (requires root).
• 📱 Developer Mode: Activate Turn off absolute volume for independent media and notifications.

For headphones with an impedance higher than 32 ohms (such as the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro), turn on the option of headphone amplifier (if any) in the player.

Sound quality test:

1. Include a track with a wide dynamic range (e.g., "Bohemian Rhapsody" - Queen).
2. Listen to low frequencies (bass guitar) – they should not wheez.
3. Check the high frequencies (plates, violin) – they should not cut the ear.

FAQ: Frequent questions about music on Xiaomi Redmi 8