How to transfer applications to the memory card Xiaomi Redmi 7: all ways + problem solving

Xiaomi Redmi 7 owners often face a shortage of internal memory, especially if the device has been in use for several years. Even after cleaning the cache and removing unnecessary files, the system can issue a notification “Memory is full”, blocking the installation of new applications. The solution seems obvious to transfer programs to a microSD card, but in MIUI this process has nuances.

Unlike many Android devices, where the app portability feature is available out of the box, Redmi 7 can be limited to the manufacturer, which is due to Xiaomi's policy of security and system optimization. However, there are both official methods (for supported applications) and alternative solutions – from formatting the card as an internal drive to using the card. ADB-In this article, we will discuss all the working methods, their pros and cons, and also tell you how to avoid typical mistakes.

Why Redmi 7 can’t be used to transfer all applications to the Redmi SD-map?

The main reason for the restrictions is the Android architecture and Xiaomi policy, and since Android 6.0 Marshmallow, Google has introduced the Adoptable Storage concept, which allows you to format a memory card as part of internal storage. MIUI (Especially in Redmi 7 versions, it often blocks this feature or implements it with reservations:

• 🔒 Manufacturer restrictions: Xiaomi disables portability of system applications and some third-party programs (for example, instant messengers or bank customers) for security reasons.
• 📱 Architecture MIUI: The shell is optimized for working with internal memory, and transfer applications to the SD It may cause them to slow down.
• 💾 Memory card type: Not all microSDs support Adoptable Storage format. A1/A2 (high-speed random reading/write).
• 🔄 System Updates: After Updating MIUI Transferred applications can “fly” back to internal memory.

In addition, some applications (such as WhatsApp, Viber, Google Play Services) cannot be moved technically due to their close integration with the system, and attempts to do this manually can lead to malfunctions or complete failure of programs.

Official method: transfer of supported applications

If your application supports portability (this is evident by the presence of the corresponding button in the settings), follow this instruction:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the desired application from the list.
3. Click on "Storage".
4. If the option "Change" is available (or "Move to" is available) SD-map, tap it.
5. Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed.

Important: Do not remove the memory card after the transfer, otherwise the application will stop working.

• ⚡ Widgets of migrated applications can disappear from the main screen.
• 🔄 Auto-update apps via Google Play may not work smoothly.
• 📥 Some data (such as cache) will remain in internal memory.

Formatting SD-maps as internal memory

If the official method doesn’t work, you can try combining the memory card with internal storage.This method works on Redmi 7 with MIUI based on Android 9 Pie and later, but has critical nuances:

1. Insert the memory card into the slot (cards up to 256 GB are supported).
2. Go to Settings → Storage → Memory Map.
3. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select “Storage settings”.
4. Tap “Format as internal” (or “internal memory”).
5. Confirm action. Attention: all data on the map will be deleted!
6. After formatting, select “Move Data” (if a suggestion appears).

Advantages of the method:

• 🔄 Applications are installed on the card by default (if selected in the settings).
• 📁 Some of the system data can also be transferred.

Disadvantages:

• ⚠️ The card cannot be retrieved without data loss (it is encrypted).
• 🐢 Application speed may decrease (depending on the card class).
• 🔧 After resetting the phone to the factory settings, the map will have to be formatted again.

Transfer applications over ADB (for power users)

If previous methods have failed, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a tool for debugging Android devices, which requires connecting the phone to a computer and basic command line knowledge.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install ADB Tools on PC.
2. Turn on the phone Developer Mode (go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap 7 times on this item).
3. Activate USB Debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
4. Connect Redmi 7 to your computer and confirm debugging permission.
5. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:

adb shell


pm set-install-location 2

This command will force the system to install applications on SD-Default card. To transfer programs that are already installed, use:

adb shell pm move-package com.example.app /sdcard

(Replace com.example.app with a real application package, such as com.whatsapp).

⚠️ Note: Not all applications support portability ADB. For example, Google Play Services or MIUI System Apps will not work after this operation. Before executing commands, back up your data!

💡

To find out the batch name of an application, use the command adb shell pm list packages | grep "app name". For example, for Facebook, type adb shell pm list packages | grep facebook.

Comparison of methods of transferring applications to SD-map

As you can see from the table, there is no universal solution. The choice of method depends on your technical skills and goals. For example, if you want to move 1-2 applications, the official method is enough. For mass transfer, formatting the card as internal memory is better, but this will entail limitations (for example, the inability to use the card in other devices).

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When transferring applications to SD-Redmi 7 users often face the following problems:

• 🚫 The “Move to the button” SD» Inactive: This means that the application does not support transfer. The solution is to try the method with the ADB or format the map as an internal.
• 🔄 The app flies back to internal memory: This happens after the update MIUI So the solution is to repeat the transfer or to fix the location through the ADB:

adb shell pm set-install-location 2

• ⚡ Apps are slowed down after transfer: slow memory card is to blame. Class card solution A2 (for example, Samsung EVO Plus or SanDisk Extreme).
• 📵 Phone doesn't see card after formatting: Try restarting the device or formatting the card again via PC (in format) FAT32 exFAT).

⚠️ Note: If the application stopped working after transferring, check: 1. Is there enough space on the map (minimum reserve is 10% of the volume). 2. Was the card removed during operation of the application. 3. Does the transfer block antivirus or antivirus or MIUI Optimizer (turn off optimization in battery settings).

Alternative ways to free up memory in Redmi 7

If porting apps doesn’t help or isn’t possible, use these tips to free up internal memory:

• 🧹 Cache Clearing: Go to Settings → Warehouse → Clean up and delete unnecessary files. Pay special attention to Download folders, DCIM WhatsApp.
• ☁️ Media Transfer: Photos, videos, and music can be moved manually to the map via any file manager (e.g. Mi File Manager).
• 📦 Using cloud storage: Google Photos, Mi Cloud or Yandex Drive let you automatically upload photos and videos to the cloud, freeing up space on your phone.
• 🔄 Disable Auto Updates: In Google Play, turn off automatic app updates or configure it over Wi-Fi only.
• 🗑️ Removing duplicates: Apps like Files by Google or CCleaner help you find and delete duplicate files.

It’s also worth checking which apps take up the most space:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Sort the list by size (slip on "Size" in the top panel).
3. Remove or clear the cache for the most “heavy” programs.

💡

If the internal memory is 90% or more full, the phone starts to slow down, and the optimal filling rate is up to 80%.

FAQ: Frequent questions about transferring applications to SD-map 7