Why Redmi 7A owners want to merge memory – and should they?
The Xiaomi Redmi 7A, launched in 2019, is still a popular budget device due to its reliability and simple MIUI. However, its main drawback is its modest 16 or 32 GB of internal memory, which quickly run out when installing apps, taking photos and downloading music. The solution seems obvious: buy a microSD card and combine it with an internal drive.
Unlike the flagship models, the Redmi 7A runs on Android 9 Pie with a MIUI 10/11 shell, where Adoptable Storage is implemented with limitations. Users often face formatting errors, data loss or system slowdown. This article will help avoid typical errors and properly configure combined storage - taking into account the features of the Redmi 7A.
It's important to understand that memory integration is not a panacea; it's good for installing applications and storing media, but it won't solve the performance problem (SD-If your goal is simply to expand the space for photos and videos, simply transfer files manually or use the card as a portable storage.
What are they? SD-Cards are suitable for Redmi 7A: requirements and recommendations
Not every microSD card is suitable for combining with internal memory. Xiaomi Redmi 7A supports microSDHC (up to 32 GB) and microSDXC (up to 2 TB), but models with characteristics are recommended for stable operation:
- 🔹 Speed class: not lower UHS-I (Class 10). Optimally — A1/A2 (installing applications).
- 🔹 Capacity: 32 to 128 GB. Cards with 256 GB or more may not format correctly.
- 🔹 Brand: SanDisk Ultra, Samsung EVO Plus, Kingston Canvas Go! – Proven versions without fakes".
- 🔹 File system: exFAT or FAT32 (After the merger, it will be re-formatted into ext4).
Critical note: A1/A2 cards are more expensive, but they are specifically optimized for installing applications. Using a cheap card without A1 labeling will lead to lags and errors when working with applications.
Before buying, check the card for authenticity with either H2testw (for Windows) or SD Insight (Android). Counterfeitings often have understated real capacity and speed, making memory integration useless.
Preparation for the merger: backup and system verification
The process of combining memory erases all data from SD-This is the first step, and it can cause a failure if you don't follow the first steps:
- Create a backup of internal memory and card: 📱 For contact, SMS and applications use Settings → System system → Backup. 📁 Photos and videos can be copied to your PC or cloud (Google Photos, Mi Cloud).
Check the health of the card
- 🛠️ Install the app A1 SD Bench and test the read/write speed. If the values are below 10 MB/s, the card does not fit.
- 🔍 B Settings → Warehouse make sure the card is determined without errors.
- Update your firmware to the latest MIUI (preferably MIUI 12 or later) as older versions have had bugs with Adoptable Storage.
If the item is not formatted as internal, it means:
- 🔧 Your firmware has been modified (possibly installed Global) ROM functionless).
- 🔧 The map is already formatted as portable (try formatting it as external, then repeat the steps).
- 🔧 Device Protection is enabled in the system (disable it in Settings). → Additionally. → Confidentiality).