How to allow gallery access to SD-Xiaomi Redmi 8 map: all ways

You've installed SD-map in Xiaomi Redmi 8, but photos and videos don't show up in the standard gallery? Or the app asks for permission to access, but the settings aren't saved? MIUI — Android's proprietary shell actively restricts the rights of applications to external drives. In 90% of cases, it is not the breakdowns that are to blame, but the security features of the system.

In this article you will find 4 Proven ways to give the gallery full access to SD-map: from basic settings MIUI We'll take you to the hidden Android settings. 8 (model M1908C3JG/M1908C3JH) It blocks access to files, how to get around restrictions without root rights, and what to do if the memory card is not defined at all. MIUI 12–14 Android-based 9–11.

Why the gallery doesn't see files on the SD-map in Redmi 8

The problem lies in the MIUI architecture and Xiaomi's security policy, and here are the key reasons:

• 🔒 Limitations of Android 9+: Starting with Android 9.0 (Pie), Google has tightened the rules for accessing external drives. MIUI further restricts these rights.
• 📁 Map formatting: Redmi 8 supports SD-cards up to 512 GB, but if the drive is formatted in NTFS Or exFAT, you might have errors — FAT32.
• 🛡️ Protection MIUI: The shell by default blocks application access to root folders SD-cards, even if permissions are given.
• 🔄 Cash Gallery: A damaged cache can cause new files to not appear on the map, even though they are physically there.

Interestingly, the Redmi Note 8 (model M1908C3JGG) has a different solution, but the Redmi 8A has similar limitations, as it is built on the same Snapdragon 439 platform.

⚠️ Note: If you are connected SD-The card to the computer and recorded files directly (without safe extraction), this could damage the file table, in which case the card should be reformatted via a smartphone, not a PC.

Method 1: Gallery permissions in MIUI settings

The easiest method is to check and issue all the necessary permits manually, which works 80 percent of the time and doesn't require technical knowledge.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the Gallery app (or com.miui.gallery if you are using search).
3. Go to the Permissions section.
4. Activate all switches in the Memory block (or Storage in newer versions of MIUI).
5. Go back and select Additional Permissions → turn on System Settings Change (if any).

Then restart the gallery. If the files are still not displayed, try the next step:

"Memory" (Storage) activated

Included is "Changing system settings"

Gallery added to AutoRun (Settings → Permissions → AutoRun)

Cleared gallery cache (Settings) → Warehouse → Clear the cache)-->

If you don't have a system settings change, it's okay. In MIUI 13+, it can be hidden. Instead, try updating the gallery through Google Play (if it's not system-based).

Method 2: Formatting SD-maps as internal memory

This method solves the problem, but it has side effects: once formatted, the map will not be read on other devices (except this smartphone), but all applications, including the gallery, will be fully accessible.

Instructions:

1. Put it in. SD-smartphone-card.
2. Go to Settings → Memory (or Storage).
3. Tap your name on it. SD-map → Settings (three dots in the upper right corner) → Warehouse.
4. Select Internal Memory → Clean and Format.
5. Wait until it is completed (it can take 5-10 minutes).

⚠️ Note: After formatting as internal memory, all data on the map will be deleted. Pre-copy important files to your computer or cloud. Also note that Redmi 8 does not support Adoptable Storage on cards larger than 256 GB - they only have portable storage mode.

Method 3: Using a file manager for manual access

If the gallery stubbornly doesn't see the files, but they're physically on the map, you can temporarily bypass the restrictions through the file manager, which is not a permanent solution, but it can help you copy the photos into internal memory.

Steps:

1. Install Solid Explorer or FX File Manager from Google Play.
2. Open the manager and give him access to the memory.
3. Go to the root folder. SD-cards (usually) /storage/XXXX-XXXX).
4. Find folders with photos (for example, DCIM, Pictures).
5. Select the files → Copy → Choose internal memory as your destination.

Once you copy it, you'll see the files, because they're now in the allowed zone, and the downside is you'll have to repeat the process when you add new photos.

💡

Solid Explorer has a function "Cloud storage" - you can automatically synchronize files with the SD-Maps on Google Drive or Dropbox so you don’t copy them manually.

Method 4: Reset permissions via ADB (for advanced)

If the standard methods do not help, it remains. ADB-The team that resets all permissions for the gallery app, and it works even when you're in the gallery. MIUI ignores manual settings.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS
• 🔌 USB-cable (original or quality)
• 📱 Included debugging by USB Redmi 8
• 🛠️ Utility. ADB Tools by Google

Instructions:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and tap the MIUI version 7 times.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and confirm your trust in the device.
4. Open the command line (or Terminal) in the folder with ADB and execute: adb shell pm grant com.miui.gallery android.permission.WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE adb shell pm grant com.miui.gallery android.permission.READ_EXTERNAL_STORAGE
5. Reboot your smartphone.

⚠️ Attention: Teams ADB They give the gallery full read/write rights, which may not be safe. Once the problem is resolved, we recommend that you revoke the permissions: adb shell pm revoke com.miui.gallery android.permission.WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE

💡

ADB-This method is the most reliable, but it requires caution, and do not use it for third-party galleries (e.g. Google Photos), as this may violate security policy. MIUI.

What to do if SD-map is not defined at all

If Redmi 8 doesn’t see the memory card itself (not just the files in the gallery), the problem may be:

• 🔌 Physical contact: Try to take out and repaint the card. Sometimes it helps to clean the contacts of the card with a smooth sweep.
• 🛠️ Incompatibility: Redmi 8 officially supports cards up to 512GB, but some models (especially the Redmi 8) UHS-II) may not be recognized.
• 🔄 File system damage: Connect the card to your PC and check it with chkdsk (Windows) or fsck (Linux/macOS).
• 🔋 Slot malfunctions: If the card doesn’t work on any device but is read on a PC, the problem is in the micro slot.SD telephone (repair required).

For diagnosis:

1. Insert the card into another phone or camera – if it’s not readable, the problem is in the card.
2. Try another card in your Redmi 8 – if it is identified, the problem is in the first card.
3. Check if the contacts in the slot are bent (light the flashlight carefully).

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Redmi 8 users often make these mistakes when working with the user. SD-map:

Tip: If you often transfer files between your phone and your computer, use a card reader instead of connecting Redmi 8 directly to USB. This reduces the risk of damage to the microSD slot contacts.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions