Budget smartphone owners often face a shortage of internal storage, and the Xiaomi Redmi 7 is no exception. Despite having several modifications in terms of internal memory, modern applications and heavy multimedia files quickly fill the available space. Android on the shell of MIUI by default tries to save all data in the internal buffer for maximum speed, but this leads to constant notifications of space shortages.
Fortunately, the device’s architecture allows for the use of external MicroSD drives to store user data. Expanding the memory card’s functionality allows not only freeing up gigabytes for new games, but also turning the flash drive into a full-fledged analogue of internal storage. In this article, we will discuss in detail all methods of transferring information, from standard settings to advanced methods using a computer.
Before you start any manipulation, you need to make sure that your memory card is working and has a sufficient write speed. Using slow cards of a class below 10 can lead to noticeable interface slowdowns and long downloads of applications. It is critical to understand that formatting the card as internal storage irreversibly erases all data on it and binds it to a particular device.
Preparation of memory card and compatibility check
The first step will be to physically install the drive and its initial system check. Redmi 7 is equipped with a hybrid slot, which means the ability to install either two. SIM-card SIM If you use two SIMs, this method of expanding memory is, unfortunately, not available without losing one of the communication lines.
Once the card is installed in the tray and the smartphone is turned on, the system will automatically prompt you to configure the new drive. Don't ignore this step, since the correct formatting creates the necessary file system. To work as a memory extension, you need an ext4 or f2fs file system, which is created automatically when you select the appropriate mode.
💡
Use 32 to 128GB memory cards from trusted brands. Too small cards will fill up quickly, and very large (256+GB) cards may run unstable on older controllers.
Read and write speeds directly affect how fast photo albums open and games are launched, which are ported to external media. Class 10, UHS-I or A1/A2 cards are recommended. Lower scores will cause the camera to refuse to write high-resolution video directly to the map.
- 📱 Remove the tray with a paper clip and install the MicroSD card in the appropriate slot.
- ⚙️ Wait for notification of the discovery of a new device and click “Configure».
- 🗑️ Accept data cleanup if there are no important files on the card, or pre-copy them.
- ✅ Select the use case as “Internal Storage” (if available) or “Portable Storage».
Standard transfer of media files and documents
The safest and easiest way to free up space is to transfer user files: photos, videos, music and documents. The MIUI shell has a built-in file manager that allows you to move data en masse between partitions without losing folder structure. This action does not require obtaining superuser rights or connecting to a PC.
Open the Explorer app and go to Internal Drive. Here you're interested in folders. DCIM (photo and video), MIUI (Screenshots and voice recorder, Download (browser downloads) and Bluetooth. Once you select these directories, select Move and point the path on the memory card, for example, by creating a folder there. Media_Backup.
⚠️ Note: Do not move system folders such as Android, data or obb manually through Explorer unless you are sure of your actions.This can cause applications that expect to find their files in specific ways to malfunction.
After transferring media files, you need to tell the applications where to look for data. In the camera settings, find the item "Save to the data". SD-You can activate the map, and you can use the same settings in messengers like Telegram and WhatsApp, where you can specify a path in the Data and Storage section to save downloaded files.
Use of the card as an internal storage (Adoptable Storage)
Adoptable Storage, which is introduced in Android 6.0, allows the system to consider the memory card as part of the internal drive. However, manufacturers often hide this option in the MIUI interface to encourage the purchase of models with a large amount of internal memory. On Redmi 7, the standard menu means to switch the card mode may not work.
If the memory setting menu does not have a "Use as internal storage" option, it means that the manufacturer has blocked the option to select, in which case the card only works as a portable medium, and the applications will be installed in internal memory by default, taking up precious megabytes.
To circumvent this limitation, many users use special activator apps available in the Play Market or use ADB commands. Activating this feature forcibly formats the card into ext4 format, making it unreadable on other devices without re-formatting, making the flash drive an integral part of the system.
- 🔒 The memory card is encrypted and linked to a specific smartphone.
- 📉 Interface speed may decrease if card is slower than internal eMMC memory.
- 🔄 When resetting your phone settings, the data on the map will also be deleted.
- ⚡ New applications by default will be offered for installation on the map.
Why is Xiaomi hiding this feature?
Transfer applications over ADB (For advanced users)
If the standard methods of transferring the application fails, you can use debugging on the USB Android Debug Bridge and Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method allows you to force a preferred installation location for applications that support the transfer, USB-cable and on-line debugging USB menu "For developers».
Connect your smartphone to your PC and open the command line in the folder with ADB. Enter the command adb shell pm setInstallLocation 2. The number 2 indicates the priority of the external memory card, the number 0 returns priority to the internal storage, and 1 leaves the choice to the system. After completing the command, try reinstalling the desired application.
adb shell pm setInstallLocation 2Not all applications support external porting, but developers can ban this in the manifest for security or stability reasons, and in such cases, even ADB commands won’t help move the bulk of the application, although some data may be uploaded.
☑️ Checklist before working with ADB
Comparison of data storage methods
The choice of memory management strategy depends on your goals. If you plan to change devices often or use the card in other gadgets, portable mode will be more convenient. If the smartphone is used as a main and only device, and internal memory is critically scarce, it makes sense to take a risk and use internal storage mode.
The table below compares the characteristics of the two main approaches to using a memory card on Xiaomi Redmi 7. This will help you weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.
| Parameter | Portable storage | Internal storage |
|---|---|---|
| Formatting | FAT32 / exFAT | ext4 / f2fs |
| Access to PC | Straight (like a flash drive) | Only through the phone. |
| Portability of applications | Partial (via ADB) | Full and automatic |
| Security | Data available without encryption | Data encrypted |
⚠️ Warning: When you put the card into internal storage mode, make sure it is not retrieved while the phone is running.Abrupt extraction can damage the application database and prevent them from starting.
Optimizing the system after expansion
Once you have switched memory and transferred data, it is recommended to reboot the device, which will allow the system to re-index files and correctly display free space in the settings. Sometimes the memory counter is updated with a delay, so do not worry if the numbers change immediately.
Check the status of the memory card regularly. Wear and speed information is available in the storage settings. If you notice that the phone is starting to run slower, try clearing the cache of applications that have been moved to the storage. SD-Fragmentation of files on external media over time can also reduce performance.
💡
Regular backup of data from a memory card to a computer or to the cloud is the only way to protect yourself from sudden file loss when a flash drive fails.
Using cloud services in conjunction with a memory card gives the best result. Set up automatic synchronization of photos and videos from folders on the memory card with Google Photos or Yandex.Disk. This will create a double reserve: physical on the flash drive and digital in the cloud, which is especially important for photos.