Transfer of applications to SD-map A7: guide

Smartphone Xiaomi Mi A7 (also known as Mi CC9e in China, with its modest 64/128 GB of internal memory often faces the problem of lack of space - especially if you are actively installing games or applications. SD-The map seems to be a logical solution, but owners of Android One devices face limitations: standard Android settings do not always allow you to do it in a couple of clicks.

In this article, we will look at all the working ways to migrate applications to a memory card in the Mi A7, from basic root-free methods to advanced solutions using ADB and modified firmware. Particular attention will be paid to the unique feature of the Mi A7: the lack of the “Adoptable Storage” feature in stock firmware due to Google’s policy for Android One devices. You will learn which applications can be ported and which will remain in internal memory, and how to circumvent the restrictions without risk to the system.

Why Xiaomi Mi is in the works A7 You can't just transfer applications to the SD-map

Unlike many Xiaomi smartphones on MIUI, the Mi A7 model runs on “pure” Android under the Android One program.

• 🔄 No Adoptable Storage feature – Google has banned it on Android One devices to avoid performance issues.
• 📱 Limited application portability – even if SD-The card is formatted as internal storage, the system blocks the transfer of most applications.
• 🛠️ No built-in tools MIUI — into MIUI There is an option "Move to the SD" In the app menu, but in Android One it was removed.

In addition, many modern apps (especially games and instant messengers) prohibit transfer to a memory card for security or performance reasons, such as WhatsApp, Telegram and Genshin Impact fundamentally do not support this feature.

⚠️ Attention: Formatting SD-The card as an internal storage (Adoptable Storage) A7 It can only be done through unofficial scoring or ADB-This can lead to loss of warranty and unstable operation of the system.

Preparation of SD-card for application transfer

Before you try to move apps, make sure yours is yours. SD-card meets the requirements:

• 📏 Speed class: Minimum Class 10 or UHS-I (better UHS-II Class Class cards. Class cards. 4/6 They will slow down applications.
• 🔢 Volume: 32 GB (optimally 64-128 GB) Cards less than 16 GB may not be recognized as internal storage.
• 🔄 Formatting: The card must be formatted in exFAT or FAT32 (not NTFS!).

To check the current map format:

1. Connect. SD-card to PC via card reader.
2. Open Disk Management (Win + R → diskmgmt.msc).
3. Look at the file system in the properties of the map.

Method 1: Transfer applications without root (standard Android settings)

This method only works for a portion of applications that support porting to SD-Here's how to do this:

1. Open the Settings → Applications.
2. Select the app you want (like Spotify or Netflix).
3. Press Warehouse. → Change. → SD-map.
4. Confirm the transfer. The system will copy some of the data (usually cache and media files, but not the APK itself).

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ It only works for 10-15% of Google Play apps.
• ❌ Does not transfer executable files (.apk), only data.
• ❌ After updating the application, it can automatically return to internal memory.

SD-map inserted and recognized by the system

There is enough free space on the map (minimum 2x of the application size).

The application supports transfer (check in its settings)

Smartphone is not connected to charging (during transfer it is better not to interrupt the process)-->

Method 2: Using ADB for forced transfer (without root)

If the standard method didn’t work, you can try forced porting via ADB (Android Debug Bridge) which doesn’t require root rights, but you need to enable USB debugging.

Instructions:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on the Build Number 7 times.
2. Go back to Settings → System → For developers and enable USB debugging.
3. Connect the phone to the PC, confirm access to debugging on the smartphone screen.
4. Open the command line (Windows) or the terminal (Mac/Linux) and type in adb shell pm set-install-location 2 This command forces the system to install new applications on the SD-default-card.
5. To migrate an already installed app (e.g. Facebook), use: adb shell pm move-package com.facebook.katana (replace com.facebook.katana with your app's batch name).

List of packet names of popular applications:

⚠️ Attention: After use ADB-Pm set-install-location 2 commands all new applications will be installed on the SD-To return the default settings, do: adb shell pm set-install-location 0

Method 3: Transfer applications with root rights (advanced)

If you're ready to root, like Magisk, you'll get more options, and the most reliable way to do that is to use an App2SD or Link2SD application.

Step-by-step instructions for Link2SD:

1. Install Link2SD from Google Play.
2. Provide root access when requested.
3. Select the application from the list and click Create a link.
4. Check the boxes: 📁 Dex file (the main code of the application) 🗃️ Libraries (native libs) 📄 Application data (if necessary)

Reboot the phone.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ He's carrying it all over. APK-file, not just cache.
• ✅ It works even for system applications (with caution!).
• ✅ Allows you to “freeze” unnecessary applications.

What to do if the application is not portable

Some applications (e.g. Google Play Services or Banking apps) do not support portability in principle.

• 🔄 Clear the cache: Go to Settings → Annexes → [Annex] → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
• 🗑️ Delete unnecessary data: In the same menu, click Clear Data (Warning: This will reset the app settings!).
• ☁️ Use Cloud Storage: Move your media files (photos, videos) to Google Photos or Yandex Drive.
• 🔧 Turn off automatic update: Go to Settings on Google Play → Auto-update of applications → Never.

For games (such as PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty), you can only transfer additional files:

1. Open the Settings → Applications → [Game] → Storage.
2. Click Clear Cache and Place Management.
3. Choose. SD-map to download new updates.

💡

If the game takes up a lot of space (e.g. Genshin Impact), try installing it on the game. SD-To do this, before installing from Google Play, transfer the obb file to the map manually through the PC to the folder. Android/obb/[package.name].

Risks and how to avoid them

Transfer of applications to SD-The card may cause the following problems:

To minimize the risks:

• 🔋 Don't take it out. SD-map during the operation of transferred applications.
• 🔄 Check the card regularly for errors (via chkdsk on PC).
• ☁️ Backup important data before transferring (e.g., via Titanium Backup).

💡

If the application stops working after the transfer, delete it and re-installe it in internal memory. APK and refuse to start with SD-map.

FAQ: Frequent questions about porting applications to SD to Mi A7