How to transfer all applications to a memory card in Xiaomi Redmi 8: 3 proven ways

Xiaomi Redmi 8 is a popular budget smartphone with 32/64 GB of internal memory, which is often not enough to install all the necessary applications. Transferring programs to a microSD card seems like a logical solution, but in MIUI this feature does not work as clearly as in other Android devices. In this article, we will analyze all possible ways, from standard settings to hidden commands for power users.

It is important to understand that not all applications can be transferred to the SD-Developers often block this capability because of security risks or unstable work, but even a partial transfer can help to free up the system. 2-5 GB of internal memory. We tested all methods on Redmi. 8 s MIUI 12.5 Android 10 — The results are shown in the comparison table below.

If you’re just planning to buy a memory card, look at the speed class (UHS-I U1 or higher is recommended) and the volume is optimally 64-128 GB for price and performance balance. Cheap cards without certification can slow down applications or even lead to data loss in sudden extraction.

1. Standard transfer through MIUI settings

The easiest way is to use the built-in MIUI feature, which is suitable for most users, but it doesn't work with all applications.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the app you want to migrate (like Facebook or Spotify).
3. Press Warehouse. → Change (or Move to) SD-card if the button is active).
4. Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed (it can take up to 1-2 minutes).

Unfortunately, many system applications (such as Google Play Services) and high-demand games (such as PUBG Mobile) do not support this method, and some programs may run slower after porting, due to speed limits on read/write memory cards.

The memory card is formatted as internal storage (if needed)

There is enough free space on the map (at least 20% more than the weight of the application)

The application is not system or secure

The smartphone is not discharged below 30% (to avoid failures)

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If the button is moved to SD-The card is inactive, which means that the developer has blocked this possibility, in which case one of the alternative methods described below will help.

16GB

32GB

64GB

128GB or more

I don't use it.-->

2. Formatting the map as an internal storage

This method allows you to expand your internal memory. SD-It has critical limitations, but once formatted, the map cannot be retrieved without losing data, and it will only work on this smartphone, but it allows you to port almost any application, including games (except for secure system systems).

Instructions:

1. Insert the memory card into the slot (in Redmi 8 it is combined, so SIM-The card will be temporarily removed).
2. Go to Settings → Memory → Memory Map.
3. Click Format as internal storage (Warning: All data on the map will be deleted!).
4. Confirm the action and wait until the completion (can take up to 5-10 minutes).
5. After formatting, restart the smartphone.

Now, when you install new applications, the system will ask you to choose a storage location, so you can transfer the programs that are already installed:

1. Go to Settings → Apps.
2. Select the application and click Storage → Change.
3. Indicate. SD-storage-place.

⚠️ Note: This method is not recommended for Class 4 or lower memory cards, and low read/write speeds will lead to interface brakes and application errors. UHS-I U3 or A2 (For example, SanDisk Extreme or Samsung EVO Plus).

3. Transfer over ADB (for power users)

If standard methods don’t work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a debugging tool that lets you manually tell the system which apps you can port, which requires connecting your smartphone to your computer and basic command line knowledge.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on Developer Mode on your smartphone: Go to Settings → About Phone. Press the MIUI version 7 times in a row until you become a developer notification appears!

Settings → Additional → For Developers

USB debugging

Redmi 8

ADB Tools

Win + R → cmd

adb devices

(Your device name should appear – if not, check the drivers or cable.)

adb shell pm set-install-location 2

This command forces the system to default to install applications on SD-To transfer the programs already installed, use:

adb shell pm move-package com.example.app /sdcard

(Replace com.example.app with a real-life app package, such as com.facebook.katana for Facebook).

A list of packages of installed applications can be obtained by the command:

adb shell pm list packages -f

⚠️ Note: Not all applications support portability ADB. For example, WhatsApp and banking apps often block this feature for security reasons. MIUI setting ADB They may be reset and the procedure will have to be repeated.

💡

Before using ADB, back up your data via Settings → System → Backup. Errors in commands can cause app crashes or even a bootloop (locked reboot) of your smartphone.

Alternative methods: Link2SD and App2SD

If the built-in MIUI tools fail, you can use third-party utilities such as Link2SD or App2SD. These programs allow you to create symbolic links to a memory card, bypassing the limitations of Android. However, they require root rights, obtaining which on Redmi 8 is associated with the risk of loss of warranty and unstable system operation.

The advantages of Link2SD are:

• 🔹 Transfer any application, including system (from root).
• 🔹 Ability to transfer Dalvik-cache and lib files.
• 🔹 Automatic creation of simlinks when installing new programs.

Disadvantages:

• ⚠ Requires root (on Redmi 8 this means unlocking the bootloader and installing custom recavator type) TWRP).
• ⚠ Risk of data loss when settings are incorrect.
• ⚠ Some apps (like Google Pay) will stop working due to a SafetyNet breach.

If you do decide on this method, follow the instructions:

1. Get root rights (instructions for Redmi 8 are available on the 4PDA or XDA-Developers forums).
2. Install Link2SD from Google Play.
3. When you first start, the program will suggest selecting the file system for the second partition on the SD-map (recommended) ext4).
4. Reboot your smartphone.
5. In the list of applications, select the ones you want to move and click Create a link.

💡

No root rights. Link2SD and App2SD They only work in a limited way, they can only transfer cache and some data, but not themselves. APK-For a full transfer, you will need to unlock the bootloader, which will void the Xiaomi warranty.

5. Limitations and risks of porting applications to SD

Moving apps to a memory card isn't the perfect solution, but here are the main problems you might face:

In addition, some applications (such as Netflix, Disney+, or banking programs) refuse to work from the memory card due to DRM (content protection) or security requirements, in which case the only way out is to leave them in internal memory or delete them.

Another nuance: after transfer, MIUI may show an incorrect amount of free memory, which is due to the fact that the system only considers internal storage, ignoring the extended space on the SD. To see the real balance, use a file manager (for example, Solid Explorer) or a utility DiskUsage.

6.Memory optimization without application portability

If the transfer is SD-The card is not helpful or impossible, try alternative ways to vacate the space:

• 🧹 Cache Clearing: Go to Settings → Memory. → Clear the cache. It can release until 1-3 GB.
• 📁 Media Transfer: Photos, videos and music can be manually moved to the map through the Gallery or Files.
• 🗑️ Removal of unnecessary APK: B Settings → Find and remove unused programs.
• ☁️ Cloud Storage: Move rarely used files to Google Drive, Mi Cloud or Yandex Disk.
• 🔄 Dalvik cache reset (requires root): Releases up to 500MB, but can slow down the first boot after restart.

You should also disable auto-update apps in Google Play and manually update only the most necessary programs.

1. Open Google Play.
2. Click on the profile avatar → Settings → Network Preferences → Auto-Update applications.
3. Choose Not to Update Automatically.

💡

Use Files by Google to automatically search and delete duplicate files, temporary data, and unnecessary downloads. It's free and doesn't require root rights.

7. Frequent errors and their solutions

When transferring applications to SD-Redmi 8 users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

• 🚫 "Not enough “device space” when transferring: Delete unnecessary files or transfer them manually to the map via Explorer.
• 🔄 The app returns to internal memory after the update: Before the update, temporarily transfer it back, and then again to the internal memory. SD.
• 🛑 Smartphone doesn’t see memory card: Check if your Redmi 8 model supports cards over 128GB (some firmware has a limitation).
• ⚡ Quick battery discharge after transfer: Memory cards consume more power than internal memory. Try turning off background activity for ported applications.

If the application stopped working after the transfer, try:

1. Clear its cache (Settings → Apps → [name] → Clear the cache).
2. Reinstall the program.
3. Transfer it back to your internal memory.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI Redmi 8 (especially custom) porting applications to SD This can cause data loss when restarting.Before experimenting, back up through Settings → System system → Backup or Mi Cloud Backup.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions