How to transfer applications to memory card Xiaomi Redmi 7: all working ways

Xiaomi Redmi 7 owners often face a shortage of internal memory, especially if there are many apps or games installed on the device. Moving programs to a microSD card seems like a logical solution, but in MIUI this feature does not work as clearly as in other firmware. Unlike older versions of Android, where the portability was available in the settings of each application, modern versions of the operating system and the Xiaomi shell impose restrictions.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to transfer applications to SD-Redmi 7 card, including standard tools MIUI, methodologies ADB, You'll learn which applications can be ported and which can't, how to properly prepare the memory card, and what to do if the system blocks the transfer.

It's important to understand that not all apps support external storage, depending on the developer's policies and the software's technical features, such as messengers like WhatsApp or Telegram, which usually don't allow you to migrate to an external drive. SD-However, many games and utilities (such as Google Maps or Spotify) may be partially or completely moved.

Before you start the transfer, make sure that your memory card meets the requirements:

• 🔹 Format FAT32 or exFAT (for cards larger than 32 GB)
• 🔹 Class 10 speed class (for smooth application operation)
• 🔹 The amount of free space is not less than 10-15% from the amount of data transferred

If you use a card as internal storage (Adoptable Storage in Android), remember that once formatted, it cannot be retrieved without losing data. This method is only suitable for continuous expansion of memory.

1. Preparation of a memory card for transferring applications

Before you port applications, the memory card must be properly prepared. Xiaomi Redmi 7 has two use cases SD-map:

1. Portable storage: The card is used as a removable drive (photo, music, documents) and cannot be moved to it.
2. Internal Storage: The card is formatted as part of the system and can store applications, which requires a complete formatting of the card and makes it tied to the device.

To set up the map as an internal storage:

1. Insert the card into the Redmi 7 slot.
2. Open the Settings → Storage.
3. Click on your name. SD-maps (e.g. SanDisk) 64GB).
4. Select Set up as an internal storage.
5. Confirm the formatting (all data will be deleted!).

⚠️ Note: Once formatted as an internal storage card, it will not be used on other devices without completely erasing the data. Also, do not remove the card without first "safely extracting" in the settings - this can lead to malfunctioning of applications.

If you don’t want to format the card as internal memory, you can try to transfer only cache and application data (not the application itself). APK-This method is less effective, but does not require changes to the file system.

2. Transfer applications through standard MIUI settings

V MIUI 10/11/12 (Depending on the version of the Redmi firmware 7) There is a built-in tool for transferring part of applications to SD-But it doesn't work with all the software, it has limitations:

Instructions for transfer:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the app you want to migrate (like Google Chrome or Facebook).
3. Press Warehouse.
4. If the option is available, a button will appear to Move to SD-Change or change (in new versions) MIUI).
5. Confirm the transfer and wait for the process to be completed.

Pay attention to a few nuances:

• 🔸 The transfer button may be inactive for system applications and some games.
• 🔸 Even after transferring some data (e.g. updates) may remain in internal memory.
• 🔸 Some applications may run slower after a transfer, especially if the memory card is low-end.

If the buttons are moved to SD-No card, which means that the app developer has banned this transfer, and in this case, only the method of using the card will help. ADB (described below or use of the card as internal storage.

3. Transfer applications over ADB (for power users)

If the standard method didn’t work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a tool for debugging Android devices, which requires connecting Redmi 7 to a computer and executing commands in the terminal, but allows you to transfer even those applications that are blocked in the MIUI settings.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows, macOS or Linux.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📥 Installed Xiaomi drivers and package ADB Tools.
• 🔧 Included debugging by USB smartphone.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on Developer Mode on Redmi 7: Go to Settings → About Phone. Click 7 times on MIUI until the notification "You've become a Developer" appears.

Settings → Additional → For Developers

USB debugging

File Transfer (MTP)

adb devices

Make sure the device is identified (serial number should appear).

com.example.app

adb shell pm set-install-location 2


adb shell pm move-package com.example.app

To find out the batch name of the application, use the command:

adb shell pm list packages | grep "appendix name"

For example, Facebook would be com.facebook.katana.

⚠️ Note: Not all applications work properly after forced porting through ADB. Some may crash or lose data. Back up important data before transferring!

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If the adb device command does not find the device, try reinstalling the drivers or using another device. USB-Also check if the debugging mode on your smartphone is on.

4. Alternative ways to free up memory

If the applications are transferred SD-The card is not possible or does not solve the memory problem, consider alternative methods:

Cleaning cache and unnecessary files

• 🧹 Go to Settings. → Warehouse → Clean and delete unnecessary files (cache, temporary data, downloads).
• 🗑️ Use the built-in utility MIUI Cleaner for automatic cleaning.

Transfer of multimedia to SD-map

• 📸 Move photos and videos to the Gallery: highlight files → More. → Move it → SD-map.
• 🎵 For music, use a file manager (e.g. Files by Google).

Disabling or removing unnecessary applications

• 🚫 Remove unused programs in Settings → Annexes.
• 🔕 Disable pre-installed system applications (such as Mi Video or Mi Music) if you are not using them.

Use of cloud storage

• ☁️ Upload rarely used files to Google Drive, Mi Cloud or Yandex Disk.
• 📱 Set up automatic photo sync in Google Photos.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When transferring applications to SD-Redmi 7 cards are often used to make mistakes, and we'll look at the most common ones and how to fix them:

Problem 1: “Move to the button” SD-card.

• 🔹 Reason: Developer blocked the transfer or card formatted as portable storage.
• 🔹 Solution: Try the method with ADB Or format the card as an internal memory.

Problem 2: The application does not start after the transfer.

• 🔹 Reason: The memory card is too slow (class below Class 10) or the application does not support external drive.
• 🔹 Solution: Return the app to internal memory or use a faster card (recommended) UHS-I).

Problem 3: After extraction SD-Application maps disappeared.

• 🔹 Reason: Applications were moved to a map that was used as internal storage.
• 🔹 Solution: Put the map back in. If the data is lost, reinstall the apps.

Problem 4: There is not enough space for SD-The map, though it is almost empty.

• 🔹 Reason: Part of the space is reserved for system needs (especially if the card is used as an internal storage device).
• 🔹 Solution: Release 10-15% Places or use a larger map.

6. Optimizing the operation of applications after the transfer

Even if you have managed to transfer your applications to SD-The map, they may work differently than the original map, and here are some tips on how to minimize the potential problems:

Use a fast memory card

• 🔹 Class card is recommended for applications UHS-I (U1 or U3) recording speed of at least 30 MB/s.
• 🔹 Avoid cheap no-name cards – they often have understated features.

Do not tolerate critical applications

• 🔹 Widgets, launchers, system utilities are better left in internal memory.
• 🔹 Applications that frequently use notifications (such as WhatsApp) may not work smoothly. SD-map.

Regularly clean the cache of transferred applications

• 🔹 Cash on. SD-The map may fragment and slow down.
• 🔹 Use the settings. → Warehouse → Clear cache for transferred programs.

Watch the vacant space.

• 🔹 Leave at least. 1-2 GB of free space on the SD-stable-work card.
• 🔹 If the card is filled at 90%+, Transfer some of the data back to internal memory.

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Transfer of applications to SD-For long-term memory optimization, consider buying a smartphone with a lot of built-in storage or using cloud services.

7 How to return applications to internal memory

If the application is unstable after the transfer or you need to release SD-You can put the programs back in your internal memory:

Method 1: Through the MIUI settings

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the desired application and click Storage.
3. Click Transfer to internal memory (or Change if MIUI 12+ is used).

Method 2: Through ADB (if the application was forcibly transferred)

1. Connect Redmi 7 to your computer and open the terminal.
2. Follow the command: adb shell pm move-package --internal com.example.app (replace com.example.app with your application's batch name).

Method 3: Reinstall the application

1. Remove the application through Settings → Apps.
2. Install it again from Google Play, and it will be installed in internal memory by default.

If the application is installed on SD-The card is like an internal storage device, you can't just "move it back" in which case only resetting or resetting the smartphone settings will help (but this is an extreme measure).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions