Combining external and internal memory on Xiaomi Redmi 7: 3 working methods

Xiaomi Redmi 7 owners often face a lack of internal memory, especially if the model was purchased with a minimum amount of storage (16 or 32 GB). Even after cleaning the cache and removing unnecessary files, free space is melting before your eyes because of system updates, app cache and multimedia files. The solution seems obvious: buy a microSD card and expand storage. But how to make your smartphone perceive it as part of internal memory, not a removable drive?

In this article, we will discuss all the available ways to combine memory on Redmi 7, from standard MIUI functions to manual methods through ADB. It is important to understand that not all options are equally effective. For example, the official Adoptable Storage feature (adopted in Android 6.0+) on Xiaomi works with reservations, and some methods can lead to data loss. We tested each method on MIUI 10-14 firmware and highlighted the key nuances.

Before you start, check:

• 📱 Version MIUI: path of adjustment → The phone. → Version. MIUI. This depends on the availability of functions.
• 💾 Type of memory card: microSD class only UHS-I (U1/U3) Cheap cards can slow down the system.
• 🔄 Backup: Memory integration formats the drive, so copy important data to your PC.

1. Method: Formatting the card as an internal memory (Adoptable Storage)

This is an official method from Google, integrated into Android 6.0 Marshmallow and supported by Xiaomi with reservations. The bottom line: the microSD card is formatted as an extension of internal storage, and applications can be installed on it. However, on Redmi 7, this feature is often hidden or unstable.

How to turn on:

1. Insert the memory card into the slot (up to 256 GB volumes are supported).
2. Go to Settings. → Warehouse.
3. Tap on the name of your card (for example, SD-map: 128GB).
4. In the upper right corner, press three dots (⋮) and select Storage Settings.
5. Select Format as internal (if no item, see ADB).
6. Confirm action. The system will warn you that the card will be encrypted and will not be read on other devices.

⚠️ Note: Once formatted, the map cannot be retrieved without losing data. If you pull it out, the applications installed on it will stop working. Xiaomi can automatically transfer only part of the data to the map (for example, the cache, not the cache itself). APK-file).

Card speed (minimum Class 10/U1) | Free space on the map (at least 10% of the volume) | Backup data | Battery charge >50%-->

2. Method: Connecting through ADB (for power users)

If MIUI does not have the option of formatting the card internally, it can be enabled via Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires connecting the smartphone to the PC and working with the command line, but gives more control over the process.

Step-by-step:

1. Download ADB Tools for Windows/macOS/Linux and unpack the archive.
2. On your smartphone, activate Developer Mode: go to Settings → About Phone and tap the MIUI version 7 times.
3. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
4. Connect Redmi 7 to your PC via cable (use the original cord!).
5. Open the command prompt (or Terminal on macOS/Linux) in the ADB folder and execute: adb devices If the device is displayed, type: adb shell sm list-disks You will see the card ID, for example, disk:179.64.
6. Format the card as an internal command (replace 179.64 with your ID): adb shell sm partition disk:179.64 private

⚠️ If after completing the command, the smartphone rebooted, but the card did not become internal memory, try an alternative command:

adb shell sm partition disk:179,64 mixed 50

Here, 50 is the percentage of memory allocated to applications (the rest is for user files).

3. Method: Using the card as a portable storage with data transfer

If previous methods didn't work or seem too risky, you can go another way: leave the card as a removable drive, but manually transfer files and some application data to it, which does not physically integrate memory, but helps to free up internal storage.

How to set up:

• 📁 Media transfer: In the gallery or file manager (Files from Xiaomi) highlight the photo / video → Move it → Select a memory card.
• 🎵 Music and documents: In apps like Google Play Music or WPS Office specify the default save path to SD-map.
• 📱 Cache of applications: Some programs (for example, Telegram, VK) You can save cache to the card. Go to the app settings and find the Warehouse option.

⚠️ Note: Not all apps support external memory, such as WhatsApp and Instagram, which default to storing media in internal memory, and to change this, you will need additional programs like FolderMount (requires root rights).

Formatting as an Internal Memory|ADB-team|Manual file transfer|Nothing, I'm afraid to break my phone.|Another option-->

Alternative solutions: OTG-drives and cloud services

If a microSD card doesn’t fit (for example, because of slow speed), consider other options for memory expansion:

The Redmi 7 is the best fit for you. OTG-supportive USB OTG. To check compatibility, connect the flash drive through the adapter USB-C → USB-A If the drive is displayed, you can use it. If you can automatically mount it when you connect, install the StickMount app).

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If you use OTG-flash drive for music, in the Mi Music app click Settings → Scan folder and add path to the flash drive, so the tracks will be displayed in the player.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When you combine memory on Redmi 7, users encounter common errors.

• ❌ "Failed to format the map": Check the file system of the map (should be FAT32 Or exFAT. Format it on a PC via SD If the card is damaged, try another one (preferably the original SanDisk or Samsung).
• ❌ "Applications are not installed on the map": "C Settings → Applications select the program → Warehouse → Change. → Specify a memory card. Some system applications (Google Play Services, MIUI Launcher cannot be moved.
• ❌ "Smartphone slows down after the merger: Class cards 4/6 It's too slow. Use it. UHS-I (U3). Turn off automatic cache cleanup in Settings → Warehouse.

⚠️ Note: If after combining memory, the smartphone began to overheat or discharge quickly, return the settings to the original state:

1. Go to Settings. → Warehouse.
2. Slip on the memory card → Storage settings → Format as portable.
3. Confirm the action. All data from the map will be deleted!

💡

On Redmi 7 with MIUI 12+ firmware, Adoptable Storage can be disabled by the manufacturer, in which case the only reliable way is to use ADB or manually transfer files.

Comparison of methods: which to choose?

Xiaomi Redmi 7 is the most stable result of the combination ADB-Complete memory integration through Adoptable Storage doesn't work on all firmware, and using the card as a portable drive doesn't solve the problem with installing applications:

For most users, the best option is:

1. Try standard formatting through Settings.
2. If it doesn’t work, use ADB (if you have a PC).
3. Additionally, transfer media files to the map manually.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions