How to transfer data from phone to memory card in Xiaomi Redmi 7A: all working methods

Xiaomi Redmi 7A is one of the most popular budget smartphones with support for microSD cards up to 256 GB. But even with this feature, many users face problems when trying to free up the internal memory of the device. Why does the system prevent you from moving applications? How to move photos and videos correctly so that they do not disappear after retrieving the card? And why some files persist in returning to internal memory?

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to transfer data to Redmi. 7A β€” standard-function MIUI You will learn which files can be moved without risk, which are better left on the internal drive, and how to avoid typical errors when working with the computer. SD-We will pay special attention to the limitations of Android 9 Pie, which runs this smartphone.

1. Memory card preparation: formatting and file system selection

Before transferring data, you need to properly prepare the microSD. Xiaomi Redmi 7A supports cards up to 256 GB, but there are nuances with the file system:

  • πŸ”Ή FAT32 β€” It is compatible with all devices, but limits the size of a single file to 4 GB.
  • πŸ”Ή exFAT – removes the file size limit, but may not be readable on older computers or car radios.
  • πŸ”Ή NTFS β€” Not recommended for Android, as the system does not support writing to such cards.

If you buy a new card, you usually need to format it right on your phone.

  1. Insert the card into the slot (located under the cover next to the SIM-card).
  2. Go to Settings β†’ Storage β†’ Memory Map.
  3. Click Format as internal storage or Format as portable.

⚠️ Warning: Formatting as internal storage encrypts the card and links it to the phone. Once extracted, the data will not be available on other devices! Use this mode only if you plan to keep the card permanently in Redmi 7A.

For most users, the best option is portable storage (FAT32/exFAT). It makes it easy to retrieve the map and read it on a PC or other gadget, but not all applications can be migrated to the computer. SD-The map is the limitation of Android 9 Pie.

πŸ“Š How you usually use a memory card in a smartphone?
Photo and video only
For apps and games
Expanding Internal Memory
I don't use it.

2. Transfer files through the standard MIUI Explorer

The easiest way to move photos, videos or documents is to use the built-in File Explorer.

  1. Open the Files app (the folder icon on the desktop).
  2. Go to the Internal Memory section and find the folder with the files you want (for example, DCIM for a photo).
  3. Press your finger on a file or folder to select it, then mark the rest.
  4. Click More β†’ Move (or Copy if you want to leave the original).
  5. Select a Memory Map and specify the target folder (for example, create a Photos folder).

If you're transferring a lot of files, it can take a few minutes. Don't interrupt it, otherwise some of the data might get corrupted. Once you're done, check that the files actually show up on the map -- sometimes MIUI shows an error, but in fact the transfer was successful.

β˜‘οΈ What to check after transferring files

Done: 0 / 4

Constraint: You can't transfer applications or their data through the Explorer (e.g., game cache), and you need other methods, which I'll talk about later.

3. Transfer applications to a memory card: what can and cannot

Redmi owners 7A They often try to move applications to SD-But because of Google's policy on Android 9 Pie, it's not possible for all programs:

  • πŸ“± Applications that explicitly support this feature (such as certain games or instant messengers) are limited to.
  • 🚫 Cannot be moved: System applications (Settings, Phone, Google Play) and most of the software from the Play Market, unless the developer has added support.
  • ⚠️ Risks: Transferring applications to a card can slow them down because the read/write speed of a microSD is lower than that of internal memory.

To check which applications can be transferred:

  1. Open Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management.
  2. Select the app you want (such as WhatsApp).
  3. Click Warehouse β†’ Change β†’ Memory Map.

If there is no Modify, the application does not support the transfer, in which case it is only necessary to clear the cache or delete unnecessary programs.

πŸ’‘

If the application is slow after transfer to the card, try to return it back to internal memory. To do this, repeat the steps above and select Internal Memory instead of the card.

4. Using a computer to transfer data

If you need to transfer a large amount of files (for example, a backup or a music collection), it is more convenient to do it through a PC. USB-cable (combined with Redmi) 7A) and a computer running Windows, macOS or Linux.

Step-by-step:

  1. Connect your phone to your computer using a cable.
  2. On your phone, select File Transfer (MTP) (will appear in the notification curtain).
  3. Open this computer (Windows) or Finder (macOS) and the Redmi 7A device will appear on your computer.
  4. Copy files from the phone’s internal memory (Internal Storage folder) to the memory card (SD Card folder).

Important nuances:

  • πŸ”Œ If your computer can’t see your phone, try another one. USB-cable (sometimes cheap cables only support charging).
  • πŸ›‘οΈ On Windows, you may need to install Xiaomi drivers (download from the official website).
  • πŸ“ Some folders (such as Android or Data) may be hidden – enable the display of hidden files in Explorer settings.

⚠️ Note: When connecting through MTP If you need to move tens of gigabytes, you'd better take the memory card out of your phone and put it directly into your computer through a card reader.

5. Automatic transfer of photos and videos from the camera

If you're actively shooting on Redmi 7A, your internal memory fills up quickly, so that new photos and videos are immediately saved to the map, set up the camera:

  1. Open the Camera app.
  2. Touch the badge. βš™οΈ (Settings) in upper right corner.
  3. Select a Retention Site β†’ Memory map.

After this setup, all new images will be saved to SD-map, but the old photos will remain in the internal memory, they must be transferred manually through the conductor.

If the Memory Card option is inactive (grey), it means:

  • πŸ”˜ The card is not inserted or formatted.
  • πŸ”˜ The card is formatted as an internal storage (in this case, all files are already stored on it).
  • πŸ”˜ The map is damaged – try formatting it again.
What if the camera doesn’t see the memory card?
1.Reboot the phone. 2. Remove the card, check the contacts for dirt and paste back in. 3. Try formatting the card in the phone (the data will be deleted!). 4. If it doesn't help, test the card on another device (it may be faulty).

6. Data transfer through third-party applications

If standard methods do not fit (for example, you need to transfer the cache of games or large files), you can use third-party utilities. 7A:

AnnexWhat's the point?Limitations
Files by GoogleConvenient conductor with memory cleaning and file transfer functionDoes not transfer applications, only media files and documents
AppMgr IIITransfer applications (including to a memory card)It does not work with all programs, requires root rights for full functionality.
Solid ExplorerAdvanced file manager with cloud storage supportPaid version is required for some functions

To transfer the cache of games (for example, Call of Duty Mobile or PUBG), you can use AppMgr III:

  1. Install an app from the Play Market.
  2. Open it and select the Moving tab.
  3. Find the game in the list and click Move to SD-map.

If the game doesn't start after transfer, put it back into internal memory. Some games (especially online) block external drives.

πŸ’‘

The app side cannot bypass the limitations of Android 9 Pie, they only make it easier to transfer data that is already allowed by the system.

7. Mistakes and problems when working with a memory card

When you migrate data to Redmi 7A, users often encounter common errors, and let's look at the most common and ways to solve them:

  • 🚨 "Memory card is damaged" - try formatting it on your phone. If it doesn't work, the card may have failed (check on another device).
  • 🚨 "Not enough space on the map, even if the map is empty, MIUI It reserves some space. Try moving files one by one or use a larger map.
  • 🚨 "The files disappeared after the card was removed, most likely the card is formatted as an internal storage, in which case the data is encrypted and only accessible on this phone.
  • 🚨 "The app doesn’t work after the transfer – return it to internal memory or clear the cache (Settings) β†’ Annexes β†’ [name] β†’ Clear the cache).

If the phone doesn’t see the memory card at all:

  1. Reset the device.
  2. Remove the card, wipe the contacts with dry cloth and insert back in.
  3. Check if the card is inserted correctly (chip up).
  4. If nothing helps, the card could burn (especially if it is cheap or fake).

⚠️ Warning: Do not buy microSD cards from unverified sellers. Counterfeit (especially "128 GB for 300 rubles") often have a real volume of 2-4 times less than claimed and quickly fail.

FAQ: Frequent questions about data transfer to Redmi 7A

Can I transfer WhatsApp to a memory card?
WhatsApp does not officially support the transfer of SD-But you can manually copy the WhatsApp folder (located in internal memory) to the map and then through the messenger settings specify a new path to backups. But note: when you update the application or reset your phone, chats can disappear.
Why did they disappear from the gallery after transferring the photo to the map?
You probably used Copy instead of Move, and the originals are stored in the internal memory, or the gallery didn't scan the map. Try: Reboot your phone. Open the Gallery app and wait for the thumbnails to update. If the photos aren't displayed anyway, check if they're hidden (some handlers have a "Show Hidden Files" option).
How to transfer music to a memory card so that it plays in a player?
Copy audio files to the Music folder on the memory card. If the player does not see them: Open the Music app (or Google Play Music). In the player settings, find the option to Scan Storage or Update the Library. If you use Spotify or Yandex Music, downloaded tracks can only be transferred through the settings of these applications (usually there is an option "Storage Place").
Can I use the memory card as an internal memory on the Redmi 7A?
Yes, but it's not recommended if you're planning on retrieving the card: πŸ”Ή The card is encrypted and becomes unreadable on other devices. πŸ”Ή All data (including applications) will be stored on it, but the system speed may drop. πŸ”Ή When you retrieve the card, the phone will stop working normally (many apps will refuse to start), which is only suitable if you constantly use the card in Redmi. 7A And you don't plan on taking it out.
How to transfer downloaded files from Telegram to the card?
By default, Telegram saves files to internal memory. To change the path: Open Telegram and go to Settings β†’ Data and memory. Click the Download folder and select Memory Map. Old files must be transferred manually through the Explorer (the Telegram folder is in internal memory). If there is no option to select the memory card, update Telegram to the latest version.