How to insert a memory card into the smartphone Xiaomi Redmi 8: instructions with photos and tips

Xiaomi Redmi 8 is a popular budget smartphone with the ability to expand memory with a microSD card. However, many users face difficulties when first installing: the phone does not see the card, the slot seems inaccessible, or formatting errors. In this article, we will analyze the step-by-step process of inserting a memory card taking into account the features of the Redmi 8 hybrid slot, choose the right drive and learn to avoid typical errors.

It’s important to understand that Redmi 8 is equipped with a hybrid slot, which means you can use either of the two. SIM-card SIM + If you're planning to expand your memory, you're going to have to donate a second memory card. SIM-Also, not all microSD cards are compatible with the device: the maximum supported volume is 512 GB, but the best choice will be the models of the class. A1 or A2 smooth-work.

Before you start installing, check if your firmware supports Adoptable Storage (converting a memory card to a part of internal storage). In Redmi 8 based on MIUI, this option can be disabled, we will explain this in the appropriate section.

1. Which memory card to choose for Xiaomi Redmi 8

Not all microSD cards are equally useful. Redmi 8 is critical to consider three parameters: volume, speed class and manufacturer. The minimum recommended volume is 32 GB, but it is better to take 64-128 GB if you plan to store photos, videos or install applications. Maps 256 GB and higher can run slower due to the limitations of the smartphone controller.

At the speed, focus on the classes:

• 🔹 Class 10 (U1) — It is suitable for photos and music, but can slow down when recording video in the video 4K.
• 🔹 UHS-I U3 / V30 — Optimal for Full Video HD and 4K, fast-moving.
• 🔹 A1 / A2 — specifically for application installation (indicates high speed random read/write operations).

SanDisk, Samsung EVO or Kingston Canvas are the best choice for manufacturers, as they guarantee stable operation and long life. Avoid nameless cards from Chinese stores: they often have understated real capacity and fail after a few months.

⚠️ Note: MicroSDXC cards (over 32 GB) require exFAT formatting or NTFS. Redmi 8 supports exFAT out of the box, but if the card is formatted in the box NTFS, It will have to be re-formatted via a computer.

2. Preparation of the phone before installing the card

Before you insert the card, follow a few simple steps to avoid problems:

1. Turn off your phone. It's a must-have -- hot memory card replacement can cause the file system to crash.
2. Check the battery power. Make sure the charge level is above 20% so that the phone doesn't shut down during card initialization.
3. Free the slot if you already have two on your phone. SIM-cards, remove the second (slot) SIM2 microSD-combined).
4. You'll need a paper clip or a special key to retrieve the tray that came with the phone.

If you plan to use the card to install applications (Adoptable Storage), transfer important data from internal memory to a computer or cloud beforehand, and after formatting the card as internal storage, all files on it will be encrypted and not available on other devices.

3. Step-by-step instructions: how to insert a memory card in Redmi 8

Now, to the process itself, follow the instructions carefully so as not to damage the slot or card:

1. Find a card slot. In Redmi 8, it's on the left end of the phone (if you look at the screen), and you'll see a little hole to extract the tray.
2. Remove the tray. Put a paper clip or key in the hole and press a little until the tray is pushed out. Pull it out carefully to the end.
3. Install a memory card. Place the tray on a flat surface with the contacts up. The microSD card should be placed in the SIM2 slot (usually signed or marked with an SD icon). Make sure the card is inserted with gold contacts down and before the click.
4. Put the tray back in place. Carefully insert the tray back into the phone before the characteristic click. Don't put too much effort into it!
5. Turn on the phone. Once the system is loaded, a notification will appear about the new memory card.

Critical nuance: in Redmi 8 slot for microSD is combined with SIM2, So if you are using two of them. SIM-You're going to have to delete one of these cards, and you're going to try to insert the memory card with two of them. SIM This will lead to an initialization error.

Phone's off.|Charge level >20%|Retrieved second SIM-card (if any)|There's a paper clip/key for the tray|Memory card formatted in exFAT-->

4. Set up the memory card after installation

After turning on the phone, the MIUI system will offer two options for using the card:

• 📱 Portable storage – the card will be used as a removable drive for files (photo, video, music).
• 🔧 Internal Storage – the card will become part of the system, it will be possible to install applications.

The choice depends on your tasks:

If you've chosen internal storage, the phone will suggest formatting the card, delete all the data on it, and once formatted, the map will become an integral part of the system, and you can't just retrieve it, you'll need to unmount it through settings first.

⚠️ Note: When using the card as internal storage, Redmi 8 can slow down if the card speed is below Class 10. A1 or A2.

5. Typical errors and their solutions

Even if you install the map correctly, you can have problems.

• 🚫 Phone can't see memory card Causes: improper formatting, corrupted contacts, incompatible file system Solution: format the card in exFAT through your computer or check it on another device.
• 🚫 Map is determined, but files are not saved Reasons: not enough rights, file system failure Solution: restart your phone or format the card in your phone (Settings) → Warehouse → Map. SD → Format).
• 🚫 Persistent read/write errors Causes: cheap or damaged card, overheating phone Solution: Test the utility card H2testw (PC or replace it with a class model A1/A2.

If the card was previously used in another device (for example, in a camera), its file system can be FAT32 with a file size limit of 4 GB. In this case, 4K video or large archives will not be recorded.

6 How to safely remove the memory card

It's not enough to just pull a card out of your phone, which can cause data loss or damage to your file system.

1. Open the Settings → Storage.
2. Click on the SD Card (or External Storage).
3. Slip on the three dots in the top right corner and select Extract (or Safe Extract).
4. Wait for the notification "Card can be removed".
5. Turn off your phone and take out the card with a paper clip.

If you use the card as an internal storage device, you can't get it out without first unmounting it.

1. Go to Settings → Storage → SD card.
2. Select Data Transfer and Disconnect.
3. Confirm the data transfer back to internal memory (this may take time).
4. After completion, press Disconnect.

⚠️ Note: If you remove a card formatted as internal storage without unmounting, all data on it will be lost, and some applications may stop working.

7.Alternative ways to expand memory

If for some reason you can’t or don’t want to use a microSD card, consider other options:

• ☁️ Cloud storage (Google Drive, Mi Cloud, Yandex Disk) – suitable for backups of photos and documents.
• 💻 USB-OTG Drives are Type-C flash drives that connect directly to the phone, plus: a large capacity (up to 2 TB.
• 🔄 Optimizing internal memory – removing cache, transferring applications to the card (if it is configured as internal storage), cleaning up garbage using the help of MIUI Cleaner.

Redmi 8 also uses Type-C memory card adapters, which allow you to connect a microSD directly to your phone without inserting a slot, but the speed will be lower than that of the built-in slot.

💡

If you often shoot 4K video, you’d better use a U3/V30 memory card and save files directly to it. To do this, select Settings → Save Place → SD Card.

FAQ: Frequent questions about memory cards in Redmi 8

💡

Hybrid slot at Redmi 8 — The main limitation: choose between the second SIM-Use a card or a memory card for maximum performance. A1/A2 volume 128 GB.