How to allow gallery access to SD-Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro: full guide

If you are using Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro and are faced with a problem when the gallery does not see the photo on the camera. SD-You're not alone, this is a problem that's typical of devices that are controlled by the map. MIUI — Xiaomi’s shell, which strictly controls the access rights of applications to external drives, can be various reasons, from the lack of permissions in security settings to the features of formatting a memory card.

In this article, we will analyze all possible ways to solve the problem - from basic settings to advanced methods using the use of the ADB. You will learn how to format properly. SD-The map, what permits should be issued to the gallery, and what to do if the system still blocks access. 8 Pro, as this model has specific limitations due to the Android version 9 Pie and MIUI 12/13.

Before you start, make sure that your SD-The card is good and correctly inserted into the slot, if the card is corrupted or formatted in an incompatible file system (for example, NTFS), Neither method will work. Also check if the device has third-party applications to block access, which may conflict with system settings.

Why the gallery doesn't see files on the SD-map?

Problem with access to SD-Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro is usually associated with one of the following reasons:

• 🔒 Lack of permissions for the gallery app in security settings MIUI.
• 📁 Wrong file system SD-cards (e.g., exFAT instead of FAT32).
• 🔄 The conflict with the function "Memory Optimization" in MIUI, which can block access to external media.
• 🛠️ Mistakes in work MIUI, especially after system updates.
• 📱 Use of the SD-Cards as internal memory (Adoptable Storage function), which restricts access for some applications.

The most common reason is the MIUI security policy, which by default restricts applications from accessing external drives. Unlike “pure” Android, where one permission to access files is enough, MIUI requires additional settings in the Permissions → Special Permissions menu.

Another important point: if you are moving the application to SD-The map is set up via the Warehouse settings, which could lead to a rights conflict, in which case the gallery may not see the files because they are "linked" to another user profile.

Method 1: Grant permissions to the gallery manually

The first and easiest method is to check and issue all the necessary permissions to the Gallery app (or Google Photos if you use it).

1. Open Settings on your Redmi Note 8 Pro.
2. Go to the Appendix section → Application management.
3. Find the Gallery app (or Google Photos) and tap it.
4. Select the Permission.
5. Make sure the following permissions are included: 📂 Storage (access to files and media). 🔍 Managing all files (if listed).

Special permits

Additional authorizations

Access to an external storage facility

Changes in system settings

If after these actions the gallery still does not see the files, try to clear the cache of the application:

1. In the same Application Management menu, select Storage.
2. Click Clear Cache (do not clear the data, otherwise the app settings will be deleted!).
3. Reset the device.

If that doesn't work, move on to the next method, and sometimes the problem goes deeper, like settings. SD-map.

Method 2: Formatting SD-Maps in the correct file system

Redmi Note 8 Pro works best with the SD-maps formatted in FAT32 Or exFAT, though. MIUI It may not recognize cards with a file system correctly. NTFS or other non-standard formats, unless your card is formatted in FAT32, Follow the following steps:

⚠️ Note: Formatting will remove all data from SD-Make a backup of important files before continuing.

Formatting instructions:

1. Connect. SD-card to the computer through the card reader.
2. Open this computer (Windows) or Disk utility (macOS).
3. Find yours. SD-map.
4. Right-click on it with the mouse button and select Format.
5. In the File System field, select FAT32 (if the card size is up to 32 GB) or exFAT (if the volume is more than 32 GB).
6. Click Start and wait for the process to be completed.

After formatting, paste the card back into the Redmi Note 8 Pro and check if the gallery sees the files. If the problem persists, try formatting the card directly via your phone:

1. Go to Settings. → Warehouse.
2. Choose yours. SD-map.
3. Slip on the three dots in the top right corner and select Storage Settings.
4. Click Format and confirm the action.

If that didn't work, there might be a problem with the memory card itself, so try inserting it into another device to make sure it works.

Method 3: Use SD-Cards as portable storage (not internal memory)

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro on the first connection SD-The system offers two options for using the card:

1. Portable Storage – The card works as a removable drive available for all applications.
2. Adoptable Storage – The card becomes part of the system storage, but access to it is limited.

If you choose the second option, some apps (including the gallery) may not see the files on the map.

1. Go to Settings. → Warehouse.
2. Choose yours. SD-map.
3. Slip on the three dots in the top right corner and select Storage Settings.
4. Click Format as Portable (if available).
5. Confirm the action. Attention: it will delete all data from the map!

Once formatted, the map will be available for all applications, including the gallery. SD-map through system settings.

💡

If you often transfer files between devices, it is better to use them. SD-This is a portable storage card, and it's going to be as compatible as possible with other gadgets.

Method 4: Allow access via ADB (for power users)

If standard methods don’t work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a tool for debugging Android devices, which is suitable for advanced users, since it requires working with the command line.

Before you start, make sure that:

• 🔧 Drivers are installed on your computer ADB Platform Tools (you can download from Google website).
• 📱 Redmi Note 8 Pro includes debugging USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times, then go back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).

Instructions for access through ADB:

1. Connect your phone to your computer through USB-cable.
2. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with the platform-tools.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices Make sure your device appears in the list.
4. Grant permission to access the external storage for the gallery: 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. If you use Google Photos, replace com.miui.gallery with com.google.android.apps.photos.
6. Reboot the phone.

After completing these commands, check if access to files has appeared on the SD-If not, try the extra command to reset permits:

adb shell pm clear com.miui.gallery

⚠️ Attention: Use ADB It can cause the system to malfunction if the commands are entered incorrectly. ADB without understanding the consequences.

Method 5: Update MIUI and reset settings

If the problem occurred after updating the system or installing custom firmware, it may be the fault of the bug in the current version of MIUI.

• 🔄 Update to the latest version MIUI through settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• ⚙️ Reset app settings (not a full phone reset!): Go to Settings → Annexes → App management. Tap three dots in the top right corner and select Reset App Settings. Confirm action.

Installation of an alternative gallery

Simple Gallery

QuickPic

If none of the methods helped, perhaps the problem is the hardware malfunction of the slot for the SD-card or the memory card itself, in which case it is recommended to contact the service center.

Comparison of problem-solving methods

To choose the most suitable method, read the comparative table:

As you can see from the table, the most effective methods are manual authorizations and ADB. However, if you are not sure about your skills, start with the easiest ways.

💡

If the gallery does not see the files on SD-map, first check the permissions in the settings MIUI. 70% of the time, the problem is solved without formatting or use. ADB.

Frequently asked questions