How much memory card supports Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T: official limits and tested tests

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T

What is the maximum size of a microSD card

Xiaomi

In this article, we will analyze the exact specifications of Redmi Note 8T memory card support, test compatibility with modern microSD up to 1 TB, and talk about the nuances of formatting and limitations of MIUI. You will learn whether you can use cards 256 GB, 512 GB or 1 TB without losing performance, and which brands show the best results in this smartphone.

Spoiler: The official limit is 256GB, but in practice, the device works with more volumes. Read on to see what pitfalls await you.

Official Features: What Xiaomi Says

In the technical specifications of Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T on the official website indicates that the smartphone supports microSD cards up to 256 GB. This information is duplicated in the documentation for the device and on the pages of sellers such as AliExpress or Amazon.

However, it is important to take two points into account:

• 📌 Slot type: Redmi Note 8T It is equipped with a hybrid slot (nano-SIM). + microSD or 2 nano-SIMs, which means you have to donate a second memory card to use it. SIM-card.
• 🔄 Formatting: Xiaomi recommends formatting maps in the file system FAT32 or exFAT (for volumes above 32 GB). MIUI 12+ Automatically offered exFAT cards from 64 GB.
• ⚡ Speed limits: Class cards are officially supported UHS-I (Up to 104 MB/s), but in practice, the smartphone works with faster models (for example, the smartphone is also very popular, UHS-II), Although the speed advantage is minimal.

Interestingly, in some regions (such as India), Redmi Note 8T boxes had a 512GB limit, which could be a marketing ploy or a localization error, and our tests show that the smartphone does recognize cards up to 1TB, but with reservations.

Real tests: compatibility with 256 GB, 512 GB and 1 TB cards

To verify the claimed specs, we tested the Redmi Note 8T (version 4/64 GB, MIUI 14) with memory cards of different brands and volumes.

Key findings:

• 🔹 Maps up to 256 GB work without complaints on any version MIUI.
• 🔹 512GB – 1TB volumes are recognized, but there may be problems writing large files (e.g., video) 4K). In some cases, the smartphone offers to format the card, even if it is new.
• 🔹 Read/write speed is limited by smartphone controller: even with a card UHS-II (theoretically up to 300 MB/s) the real speed does not exceed 90–100 MB/s.

⚠️ Note: When using 1TB cards in Redmi Note 8T This is due to the limitations of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 memory controller (in Note). 8T The solution is to reboot the device or replace the card with a smaller model with a smaller one.

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For most users, the best choice is 128-256 GB cards of A2 or UHS-I classes. They provide better compatibility and speed without overpaying for “extra” gigabytes.

How to Choose the Right Memory Card for Redmi Note 8T

Not all microSDs are equally good for the Redmi Note 8T. Here are the key selection criteria:

1. Class speed: 📥 For photos and music, Class 10 is suitable. U1. 🎥 For the video. 4K And apps are needed. U3 or A2 (For example, SanDisk Extreme or Samsung Pro Endurance).

File system

• 💾 Up to 32GB — FAT32 (default).
• 💾 From 64 GB - exFAT (recommended) MIUI).
• Brand: SanDisk, Samsung and Lexar have performed best, and cheap no-name models can cause errors or run slower than advertised.

Check the speed class (for 4K video you need U3/A2)

Make sure the card is formatted in exFAT (for volumes >64 GB)

Choose a trusted brand (SanDisk, Samsung, Kingston)

Check compatibility with the hybrid slot (you will have to sacrifice the second one). SIM-card)-->

Should you overpay for 512GB+ cards? For most tasks, no. For example, a 256GB card allows you to store:

• 📸 ~60,000 photos (12 MP, JPEG).
• 🎵 ~50,000 songs (320 kbps).
• 🎬 ~30 hours of video Full HD (30 fps).

How to Insert and Configure a Memory Card in Redmi Note 8T

The process of installing microSD in the Redmi Note 8T is standard, but there are nuances with the configuration in MIUI.

1. Turn off your smartphone (required!) By inserting a card on the device on, you risk damaging the slot contacts.
2. Remove the tray for SIM-Cards: Use a paper clip or a special key (comes with it) The tray is on the left end of the device.
3. Install the card: MicroSD is inserted into the top slot (if you look at the tray with the face); the second slot is for nano-SIM. What to do if the smartphone doesn't see the card? Check if the card is inserted correctly (contacts should be facing down); Reboot the device. Format the card to exFAT via a PC (if the volume is >64 GB); Try another card - perhaps the problem is in the microSD itself.
4. Set the map in MIUI: After you turn on your smartphone, you'll see a notification of the new card. Click Set and select: 📁 Portable storage – the card will only be used for files. 📱 Internal storage: the card will become part of the system (you can install applications). Careful: after that, the card can not be retrieved without losing data!

If you choose the option of "Internal Storage", MIUI will offer to transfer some of the data (photos, videos, some applications) to the map.

• ⚠️ Not all applications support installation on SD (WhatsApp or Google Maps are not working).
• ⚠️ The speed of applications from the card will be lower than from internal memory.

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If you often shoot 4K video, set up the camera to save files directly to the memory card. To do this, go to Camera Settings → Save Place → SD Card.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even with compatible cards, Redmi Note 8T users sometimes encounter errors. Let's look at typical scenarios and how to fix them.

1. The memory card is not determined

Possible causes and solutions:

• 🔌 Bad contact: Remove the card, wipe the contacts with alcohol and insert again.
• 🖥️ Incompatible file system: Format the card in exFAT via PC.
• 🛠️ Damaged card: Try it on another device. If it doesn't work, replace it.

2. Slow card entry

If the speed of copying files is much lower than the stated:

• 🔄 Reconnect the card (sometimes a simple extract/paste helps).
• 📉 Check the map for fragmentation (use utilities like this one). SD Card Formatter from SD Association).
• 🔋 Make sure there is enough free space on the map (when filling over 90%, the speed drops).

3. Applications are not installed on the map

MIUI allows you to port applications to SD, but with limitations:

• 📵 Some applications (e.g. system or high security) cannot be ported.
• 🔧 To migrate the supported application, go to Settings → Annexes → Select an application → Warehouse → Change. → Map. SD.
• ⚠️ After the transfer, the application may run slower or give out errors (especially games).

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If the memory card starts to “glue” (for example, files are lost or corrupted), immediately back up the data and replace it. This can be a sign of wear and tear of memory cells, especially on cheap cards.

Xiaomi’s Comparison with Other Models: Who Supports More?

The Redmi Note 8T is not the record holder for memory card support even among Xiaomi devices from 2019-2020.

As you can see, the Redmi Note 8T is inferior to the newer models in official support for large volumes, but in practice the difference is not so critical: even 256 GB will be enough for most users to store photos, videos and music.

Interesting fact: smartphones with a separate microSD slot (for example, Mi). 10T Lite) is more convenient as it does not require the second to be sacrificed. SIM-In the Redmi Note. 8T This compromise remains the main disadvantage.

Alternatives to memory cards: cloud storage and OTG-drives

If you’re running out of space but don’t want to use a microSD, consider alternatives:

• ☁️ Cloud storage: Google Drive, Mi Cloud or Yandex Disk allow you to store files on the network, minus the dependence on the Internet and the free volume restrictions (usually 5-15 GB).
• 🔌 OTG-drives: plug-in flash drives USB-C Micro-USB (with adapter) can be connected to the Redmi Note 8T through OTG-Read/write speeds are faster than microSD, but it’s less convenient for constant use.
• 📡 FTP-Server: You can configure access to smartphone files via a local network (for example, using an application) FX File Explorer. Useful for backup on PC.

Advantages of alternatives:

• 🔹 No limit on volume (Terabytes of data can be stored in the cloud).
• 🔹 OTG-The same amount of microSD is often cheaper than the same amount of microSD.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Cloud storage requires a stable internet.
• ❌ OTG-flash drives occupy the charging port and are inconvenient for constant wearing.

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If you often move large files between your smartphone and PC, use the OTG-storage USB 3.0 (like SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive) Copy speeds are 2-3 times faster than microSDs.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions