How to transfer applications to a memory card in Xiaomi Mi 7: a complete guide with nuances

Xiaomi Mi 7 (codenamed Dipper) is still popular with users due to its powerful hardware and the ability to expand memory via a microSD card. Even after you install a memory card, the applications default to internal memory, quickly filling it up. In this article, we will discuss all the working ways to transfer applications to the internal memory. SD-map, including hidden settings MIUI, Bypassing Android Restrictions and Alternative Solutions for Freeing Up Space.

It is important to understand that portability depends on the firmware version (MIUI 10/11/12/13/14), the type of memory card (conventional or adoptable storage) and root rights. We will look at methods for both standard users and advanced users using ADB and modified firmware. You will also learn why some applications (such as WhatsApp or Google Play Services) are fundamentally unmodified, and how to circumvent this restriction.

Why Xiaomi Mi 7 does not allow you to transfer applications SD-default-card

The main reason lies in the security policy of Google and features MIUI. Starting with Android 6.0 Marshmallow, Google introduced the concept of adoptable storage, which formats a memory card as part of internal storage, but Xiaomi disabled this feature in standard firmware, leaving only the possibility of using the device. SD-cards as a portable storage device (for photos, music, documents).

Here are the key limitations:

• 🔹 System applications (e.g. Mi Browser, Security) cannot be ported without root rights.
• 🔹 Apps with widgets (like Poco Launcher) may not work after a port.
• 🔹 The memory card must be of class 10 (UHS-I) or higher, otherwise the applications will slow down.
• 🔹 Some games, for example, PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact block transfer due to cheating protection.

In addition, in MIUI 12+ Xiaomi has removed the option “Move to” SD-map" from the app menu, leaving it for media files only: SD-cards slower than internal memory UFS 2.1, which may result in lags.

Method 1: Transfer through standard MIUI settings (without root)

This method works for MIUI 10–11 and partly on MIUI 12, but requires you to pre-configure the memory card as internal storage. SD-The card is a portable device, it will have to be formatted (all data will be deleted!).

Instructions:

1. Put it in. SD-Xiaomi Mi 7 slot card (hybrid slot for the second one) SIM).
2. Go to Settings → Memory → Memory Map.
3. Click on “Format as internal storage” (if no option, see Method 2).
4. After formatting, restart the phone.
5. Open the Settings. → Annexes → Application management, select the desired application and click “Move to” SD-map (if the button is active).

⚠️ Note: Once formatted as an internal storage card, it will not be read on other devices (PCs, cameras) without completely erasing the data.

If the button “Move to” SD-The card is inactive, try the following steps:

• 🔄 Restart your phone and check again.
• 🔄 Remove the app's cache Settings → Annexes → All applications → Settings → Clear the cache.
• 🔄 Update the firmware to the latest version MIUI (In some cases, the option returned).

Method 2: Using ADB for forced transfer (without root)

If you don’t have the option of formatting your card as internal storage, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which works on all versions of MIUI, but requires you to connect your phone to your PC.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original......>
• 📥 Utility. ADB Tools by Google.
• 🔧 Included debugging by USB on the phone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times press to unlock the developer mode, then Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect the Xiaomi Mi 7 to your PC and select File Transfer Mode (MTP).
2. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with adb.exe.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices should appear the name of your device.
4. Execute the command to format SD-The card as an internal storage (replace) disk:179,XX to your identifier, which can be recognized by the adb shell sm list-disks command: adb shell sm set-force-adoptable true adb shell sm partition disk:179,XX private
5. Reset the phone. SD-The card will be displayed as part of the internal memory.

⚠️ If after completing the commands, the phone stopped seeing SD-Map, try formatting it manually through Settings → Memory or perform reset settings (Settings) → Additionally. → Recovery and resetting may be necessary in rare cases.

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If the sm partition command doesn’t work, try first to run the adb shell sm set-force-adoptable true, then restart the phone and repeat the procedure.

Method 3: Transfer applications using root rights

If you have Magisk or another root rights management system installed, you can use applications like App2SD or Link2SD to force portability, which allows you to bypass the limitations of MIUI and even migrate system applications.

Instructions for Link2SD:

1. Install Link2SD from Google Play.
2. Provide root access when requested.
3. Select the app from the list and click “Create a link” (or “Move to SD card” in newer versions).
4. Confirm the transfer of.dex,.lib and.obb files (for games).
5. Reboot the phone.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔹 Ability to port any application, including system.
• 🔹 Save widgets and notifications (as opposed to standard portability).
• 🔹 Automatically create symbolic links to save space.

Disadvantages:

• 🔸 Risk of application malfunction during updates.
• 🔸 Some banking applications (such as SberBank Online) can block work on rooted devices.

Method 4: Alternative solutions for memory release

If the application portability is not possible or does not solve the problem, consider these options:

Critical information: Xiaomi Mi 7 firmware MIUI 13/14 portability SD-The only way to do this is to format the map as an internal storage device. ADB or use of root rights.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When porting applications, users of Xiaomi Mi 7 often face the following problems:

• 🚫 “Not enough space on the device” error when trying to transfer: Solution: Clear the cache through Settings → Memory. → Clean or remove unnecessary files manually.
• 🚫 The “Move to the button” SD-Card" inactive: Solution: Check that the card is formatted as an internal storage (see Method 1 or 2).
• 🚫 App dyes after transfer: Solution: Move it back or use Link2SD with the option “Create a link».
• 🚫 SD-card is not determined after formatting: Solution: Reboot the phone or execute a command to ADB: adb shell sm forget disk:179,XX (substitute XX your ID).

If none of these methods worked, consider the following radical measures:

• 🔄 Install custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience or LineageOS) where the adoptable storage function works out of the box».
• 🔄 Replacement SD-cards for a model with a higher speed class (for example, Samsung) EVO Plus U3 or SanDisk Extreme A2).

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Xiaomi Mi 7 S MIUI 12+ The only reliable way to port applications is formatting SD-as an internal storage facility through ADB. Standard settings MIUI This function is not provided.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions