Owners of Xiaomi Redmi 8T often face the problem of lack of internal memory, especially if the device is used to install dozens of applications or games. Despite the presence of a microSD card slot, the MIUI system by default blocks the ability to directly install programs on an external drive, due to the security policy of Android 9 Pie, which runs this model, and the manufacturer’s restrictions.
In this article, we will discuss all working methods for transferring applications to a memory card in Redmi. 8T — standard-function MIUI bypass solutions using ADB It is important to understand that not all applications support external memory: some games (for example, for example, the use of external memory, PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact may refuse to run from SD-We will also analyze the risks of formatting the card as an internal drive and give recommendations on choosing the best option.
Why Redmi? 8T does not allow the installation of applications SD-default-card
The main reason for the restrictions lies in the architecture of Android 9 Pie, which is based MIUI 11/12 for Redmi 8T. Google has introduced strict rules for working with external drives, reasoning for this:
- 🔒 Data security: applications to SD-It is easier to steal or replace cards, especially if the card is retrieved and connected to other devices.
- ⚡ Performance: MicroSD (even class) A2) They are slower than the 5.1 eMMC memory, which can lead to lags.
- 📱 Xiaomi simplified the system by removing the option "set on" SD" from the interface to avoid complaints about unstable work.
But these limitations are not absolute. The manufacturer has left loopholes for power users, and some applications (like Google Photos or Spotify) can partially work with external memory through their settings. SD-map 8T impossible without root rights or formatting the card as an internal drive.
Method 1: Formatting SD-Cards as internal memory (official method)
This is the only way that MIUI supports out of the box, and when formatting a card as an internal drive, the system combines it with the main memory, allowing you to install some applications on the SD.
⚠️ Warning: Once formatted, the card will not be retrieved and used on other devices without being completely cleaned, and it will be encrypted and the data will become unavailable when the phone is reset.
Step instructions:
- Put it in. SD-map 8T (Supported cards up to 512 GB of class UHS-I).
- Go to Settings → Memory of the device → Memory Map.
- Slip on the three dots in the top right corner and select Storage Settings.
- Click Format as internal and confirm the action.
- After formatting, restart the phone.
Now, when installing applications, the system will suggest you choose a place to save, but even then, some programs (such as WhatsApp or Banking applications) will remain in internal memory.
☑️ Preparation for formatting SD-map
Method 2: Transfer of applications to SD-map without formatting (through settings)
If you don't want to format the card as an internal one, you can try migrating applications that are already installed, which doesn't work for all programs, but it frees up some of the internal memory.
Algorithm of action:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Select the app you want to migrate (like Facebook or Telegram).
- Slip on Warehouse.
- If the option is active, click Change and select Memory Card.
- Confirm the transfer and wait for the process to be completed.
Important: The Change option will be inactive for:
- 🔐 System applications (MIUI Launcher, Settings and Others.).
- 🎮 Games with protection from piracy (Call of Duty Mobile, Free Fire).
- 💳 Banking and payment applications (Sberbank Online, Google Pay).
💡
Before transferring the application, close it through the “Last Apps” menu – this will speed up the process and reduce the risk of errors.
Method 3: Use of ADB for forced transfer (for advanced)
If the previous methods did not help, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB) — a debugging tool that allows you to manually specify to the system which applications can be ported to SD-This method requires connecting the phone to a computer and basic command line knowledge.
Step-by-step:
- Download and install ADB Tools on PC.
- Activate Developer Mode on Redmi 8T: go to Settings → About Phone and tap on MIUI Version 7 times.
- Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
- Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable (select File Transfer Mode).
- Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:
adb devices(Your device should be displayed. If not, check the drivers.)
adb shell pm set-install-location 2(This command forces the system to default to install applications on SD-map.)
To return the settings to the original, use:
adb shell pm set-install-location 0⚠️ Note: Some applications may not work stable or even fail to run after forced transfer.
What if the ADB can’t see the device?
Comparison of methods of transferring applications to SD-map 8T
To choose the best method, we will evaluate the pros and cons of each method in the form of a table:
| Method | Pluses | Cons | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Formatting as an Internal Memory | ✅ Full integration with the system✅ The ability to install new applications SD | ❌ The card is tied to the phone.❌ Cannot be extracted without loss of data❌ Slower than internal memory | Users who need to free up internal memory as much as possible |
| Transfer through MIUI settings | ✅ No formatting required.✅ Ease of execution | ❌ It doesn't work for all apps.❌ Doesn't free up a lot of space. | For beginners who want to migrate a few lightweight apps |
| Use of ADB | ✅ It works for most applications✅ No need to format the map | ❌ Requires PC and knowledge ADB❌ Risk of instability of some programs | Advanced users who are ready for experimentation |
| Third-party applications (e.g. AppMgr III) | ✅ Automation of the process✅ Additional functions (cleaning the cache) | ❌ May contain advertisements❌ Not all functions work for MIUI | Those looking for alternatives to standard methods |
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Formatting SD-And the most radical, but also the most effective way to use this card as an internal memory is to use it only if you're willing to sacrifice the universality of the card for free space.
Frequent problems and their solutions
When transferring applications to SD-map 8T And we're going to look at the most common mistakes that people have:
- 🚫 "Failed to move the app: usually because the app doesn't support external memory. ADB or refuse to carry over.
- 🔄 "The app is constantly restarted after the transfer: this is due to slow operation SD-Solution: Return the app to internal memory or use a class card. A2.
- 📛 "SD-The card is not defined after formatting as “internal”: try restarting the phone or formatting the card again via PC (in format) FAT32).
- 🔒 "You can’t move system applications: this is a limitation. MIUI, which cannot be circumvented without root rights.
If, after transferring the application to SD-The map started to slow down, try it:
- Clear the app cache in Settings → Apps → [Name] → Storage → Clear the cache.
- Move it back to your internal memory.
- Use a memory card with a higher speed class (e.g. UHS-I U3 instead of Class 10).
Alternative ways to free up memory in Redmi 8T
If the applications are transferred SD-The card did not solve the problem of memory shortage, consider alternative methods:
- ☁️ Cloud storage: transfer photos and videos to Google Photos, Mi Cloud or Yandex.Disk. This will free up gigabytes of space.
- 🗑️ Cache Cleanup: Use the built-in Cleanup utility in MIUI (Settings → Memory. → Cleanup).
- 📂 Transfer media files: Move music, movies and documents to SD-a hand-held card through any file manager (e.g., Mi File Manager).
- 🔄 Factory reset: the last method that will bring the phone back to its original state.
You should also pay attention to lightweight alternatives to popular applications:
- Instead of Facebook, Facebook Lite.
- Google Chrome is the Chrome Lite or Opera Mini.
- Instead of Instagram, it is a web version via a browser.
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Check the Storage section in your settings regularly to delete unnecessary files in time. MIUI automatically sorts data by category (images, videos, APK), which makes it easier to clean.