How to transfer applications to a memory card Xiaomi Redmi 7A: 3 working methods + error solving

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi 7A often face a shortage of internal memory — just 16 GB (of which ~10 GB is available after firmware) is quickly clogged with applications, cache and multimedia. A microSD card seems like a salvation, but standard MIUI settings do not always allow you to move programs there. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to free up space on the Redmi 7A, including hidden system functions, circumventing restrictions and alternative solutions for specific versions of firmware.

The main problem is that not all applications support porting to SD. Even if the option is available in settings, some programs (such as messengers or online-authorized games) may not work correctly. We tested methods on MIUI 10, 11 and 12 and identified key nuances that are not written about in the standard instructions. For example, on Redmi 7A with V12.0.3.0.QCMCNXM firmware, transfer through the system settings is blocked for 60% of applications from Google Play, but there is a workaround through ADB.

Before you start, check two things:

  1. Your memory card is formatted as an internal drive (this is a must for porting applications).
  2. Nana SD-enough free space (at least 20% more than the weight of the portable application).
📊 What memory card do you use in Redmi? 7A?
Up to 32GB.
64GB
128GB and more
I don't use it.

1. Memory card preparation: formatting as an internal drive

Without this step, transfer applications to SD-The map is impossible. MIUI The card can be used either as a portable storage device (for photos, music) or as an extension of internal memory (for applications), the second option requires formatting, in which the card will be "tied" to the phone and will not be read on other devices.

How to do this:

  1. Insert the memory card into the Redmi 7A slot (up to 256 GB of FAT32 or exFAT cards are supported).
  2. Go to Settings → Storage → SD card.
  3. Slip on the three dots in the top right corner and select Storage Settings.
  4. Click Format as Internal → Erase and Format.

Important! Once formatted, all the data on the map will be deleted. If it had important files on it, copy them to your computer first.

⚠️ Attention: On Redmi 7A s MIUI 12 after formatting the map as internal, the option to transfer applications in the settings may disappear. This is a firmware bug - the solution see method 3.

Advantages of Formatting as an Internal Storage:

  • 📱 Applications can be ported (partially).
  • 🔄 The system automatically saves new photos/videos to the SD.
  • 📈 Increases the total amount of memory for installing programs.

Disadvantages:

  • 🚫 The map becomes invisible to other devices (it can not be read on a PC without special programs).
  • 🐢 Speed of application with SD Lower than internal memory (especially in games).
  • 🔄 When you remove the map, some applications may stop working.

💡

If the phone is slowing down after formatting, try a UHS-I (U1 or U3) card, which is optimized for writing small files (like apps).

Method 2: Transfer through standard MIUI settings

It's the easiest method, but it doesn't work for all applications, and it's good for MIUI 10-12, but with reservations.

Instructions:

  1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
  2. Select the app you want to migrate (like Facebook or VK).
  3. Slip on Warehouse.
  4. If the option is active, click Change → SD card.
  5. Confirm the transfer and wait until the completion (may take up to 5 minutes).

What to do if the Change button is inactive:

  • 🔍 Check if the card is formatted as an internal drive (see section 1).
  • 📵 Some apps (such as WhatsApp, Google Play Services) block the port by default.
  • 🔄 Reboot your phone – sometimes it helps to unlock the option.

⚠️ Note: Once ported, the application may run slower or produce errors (especially if the Class 4 or lower memory card) Test each application separately!

List of applications that can usually be ported without problems:

  • 📖 Readers: Moon+ Reader, FBReader.
  • 🎵 Music Players: Poweramp, VLC.
  • 📷 Photo Editors: Snapseed, PicsArt (without online filters).
  • 🎮 Some offline games: Minecraft, Crossy Road.

Card formatted as internal drive |Free ≥2 GB on SD| Application not system | Phone charged ≥50%-->

Method 2: Transfer over ADB (for power users)

If the standard method didn’t work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a debugging tool that lets you manually tell the system which apps to port, which works even for programs where the Change button is locked but requires a connection to a computer.

What you need:

  • 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
  • 🔌 USB-Type-C cable (original or quality).
  • 📦 Installed Xiaomi drivers (download from the official website).
  • 🛠️ Utility. ADB (installation manual).

Step-by-step:

  1. Download ADB from Android Developers and unpack the archive in the folder C:\platform-tools.
  2. On your phone, activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version. Go back to Settings → Additional → Developer. Turn on USB Debugging.

Redmi 7A

File Transfer (MTP)

Win + R

cmd

Enter

ADB

cd C:\platform-tools
adb devices

The serial number should appear.

com.example.app

adb shell pm set-install-location 2


adb shell pm move-package com.example.app

How to find out the application package:

  1. Install App Inspector on your phone (available on Google Play).
  2. Open the application you want to move.
  3. In App Inspector, find it in the list and copy the Package Name (e.g. com.whatsapp).
  4. SD Maid 🔹 Can clean the cache of transferred applications. 🔹 The paid version will unlock the advanced features.

How to use AppMgr III:

  1. Download the app from Google Play and open it.
  2. Go to the Movable tab – here you will see the applications that can be moved.
  3. Select the ones you need and tap Move to SD card.
  4. If the button is inactive, try Force Move (requires ADB, see Section 3).
Can I transfer WhatsApp to a memory card?
Officially, no. WhatsApp blocks the transfer because of database encryption. If forced to move through ADB, chats may stop syncing. Alternatively, save chat backups to Google Drive regularly and clear the cache manually (Settings → Storage → WhatsApp → Clear cache).
Why does the app slow down after the transfer?
Read/write memory cards (Class 4/6/10) are 5-10 times faster than internal memory (eMMC 5.1 in Redmi 7A). Especially noticeable in games and applications with frequent access to storage (for example, maps in Google Maps). Solution: use UHS-I (U3) cards or only transfer programs that do not require high speed (for example, readers).
Can I transfer system applications (e.g. Gallery)?
No root rights. System utilities (Gallery, Camera, Settings) are tightly tied to internal memory. Trying to migrate through ADB will result in an “Operation not allowed” error. Alternatively, disable updates for these apps in Google Play and use lightweight analogues (e.g. Simple Gallery instead of the standard gallery).
What happens if you remove a memory card with ported applications?
Applications installed on the SD will stop working and disappear from the menu. Once the card is returned, they will reappear, but some data (for example, progress in games) may be reset. To avoid problems: Before retrieving the card, unload the transferred applications from memory (in the menu of recent applications, swipe up). Do not retrieve the card while the transferred programs are running.
How to transfer the application cache to SD?
The cache automatically stays in internal memory, even if the application itself is moved. To clear it: Go to Settings → Apps → [Select App] → Storage. Press Clear Cache. To automatically clean, use SD Maid or Files by Google (Cleanup tab). Cache transfer to SD is possible only with root rights through applications like FolderMount.