How to transfer photos and videos to the memory card Xiaomi Redmi 7A: 5 proven ways

Porting photos and video files to a microSD card in the Xiaomi Redmi 7A is a pressing task for users who face a lack of internal memory. Even with modest performance (16/32 GB of internal memory), this smartphone supports expansion to 256 GB via an external drive. However, not everyone knows how to properly organize the storage of media files to free up space for applications and avoid data loss.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods for transferring photos and videos: from standard tools. MIUI to third-party apps with advanced features, you'll learn how to configure saving new shots immediately on the SD-map, what formats are supported, and what to do if the system does not see the external drive. 7A, which allow you to bypass the restrictions of Android 9 Pie on writing files on removable media.

1.Preparation: Which memory card to choose for Redmi 7A

Before transferring files, make sure that your microSD meets the requirements of Xiaomi Redmi 7A. The smartphone supports FAT32, exFAT and NTFS cards, but with nuances:

  • ๐Ÿ“Œ FAT32 โ€” Compatible with most devices, but limited to files up to 4GB. Suitable for photos, but not high-resolution video.
  • ๐Ÿ“Œ ExFAT: Best choice: supports files to 16 EB (exabyte) and works faster FAT32. Recommended for Full Video HD/4K.
  • ๐Ÿ“Œ NTFS โ€” It is rarely used on mobile devices and can cause reading errors.

For the Redmi 7A, the ideal option is a Class 10 (UHS-I) card with a volume of 64-128 GB. SanDisk, Samsung EVO or Kingston brands guarantee stable operation. Before buying, check the card for authenticity using the H2testw utility - counterfeits often have a low write speed.

โš ๏ธ Note: If you use a card from an old phone, format it directly in Redmi 7A through settings โ†’ Warehouse โ†’ Memory map โ†’ It's internal formatted. It'll prevent reading errors.

CharacteristicsRecommended valueWhy is it important?
Volume.64โ€“128 GB16/32GB of internal memory fills up quickly, especially when shooting videos.
Class speedClass 10 / UHS-IIt guarantees smooth 1080p video recording without lags.
File system formatexFATIt supports large files and is faster than FAT32.
BrandSanDisk, Samsung, KingstonMinimum risk of counterfeiting and failure.

๐Ÿ“Š How much memory you use in Redmi? 7A?
Up to 32GB.
64GB
128GB
256GB
I don't use it.

2. Method 1: Transfer through a standard MIUI conductor

The easiest method is to use the built-in Explorer (File app) which allows you to move files without installing additional software.

  1. Open the Files app (the folder icon on the home screen).
  2. Go to the Images or Videos section.
  3. Select files with a long press (a tick will appear).
  4. Press More. โ†’ Move it.
  5. Select Memory Map โ†’ Destination folder (e.g. DCIM/Camera).
  6. Confirm the transfer button Move here.

If you don't have a DCIM folder on the map, create it manually: click Create a folder in the upper right corner of Explorer, which is important for the media in the gallery to be displayed correctly.

Check the free space on the memory card|Battery charge of at least 30%|Close the background applications (especially the gallery)|Create a backup of important files-->

โš ๏ธ Note: When transferring a large number of files (more than 500) MIUI In this case, break the operation into parts of 100-200 files or use method 3 (via PC).

3. Method 2: Configure the camera to save on SD-map

To save new photos and videos automatically to microSD, change your camera settings:

  1. Open the Camera app.
  2. Touch the badge. โš™๏ธ Settings (or swipe from the right edge of the screen).
  3. Select a Save Place (or Warehouse depending on the version of MIUI).
  4. Specify a Memory Map.
  5. Save the changes and restart the camera.

After that, all new images will be written to an external drive, but the existing files will remain in the internal memory โ€“ they will have to be transferred manually (see Method 1 or 3).

What if the Memory Card option is inactive?
If the Memory Card item is obscured, it means: 1. The card is not formatted as portable storage (see section 4). 2. The card is damaged or not supported. Try formatting it in Redmi 7A via Settings โ†’ Storage โ†’ Memory Map โ†’ Format. 3. The smartphone has a beta version of MIUI with bugs. Update the firmware to a stable version.

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If you shoot videos often, create a Movies folder on your memory card and specify it in your camera settings as a save location, which will make it easier to sort files.

Method 3: Transfer over a computer (most reliable)

For large amounts of data (e.g., transfers) 10+ GB video) is more convenient to use a PC, which eliminates the risk of failure due to the lack of RAM on your smartphone. USB-cable (preferably original) and computer under control Windows/macOS/Linux.

Step-by-step:

  1. Connect Redmi 7A to your computer via USB.
  2. On your phone, select File Transfer (MTP) mode in the connection notification.
  3. On PC, open This Computer (Windows) or Android File Transfer (macOS).
  4. Copy files from folders: Internal Storage/DCIM/Camera โ€“ photos and videos from the camera; Internal Storage/Pictures โ€“ uploaded images; Internal Storage/Movies โ€“ videos from other applications.

microSD

Card/DCIM/Camera

Advantages of this method:

  • ๐Ÿ”น High transfer rate (up to 40 MB/s when used) USB 2.0).
  • ๐Ÿ”น The ability to verify the integrity of files after copying.
  • ๐Ÿ”น Minimum load on the smartphone processor.

โš ๏ธ Note: If the computer can't see Redmi 7A, Update the MediaTek drivers (Helio chipset) A22) via Device Manager or install Mi utility PC Suite from the official Xiaomi website.

5. Method 4: Use of Third-Party Applications

If standard MIUI tools seem uncomfortable, install one of the specialized applications.We tested the top 3 options for the Redmi 7A:

AnnexAdvantagesDeficiencies
Files by GoogleAutomatically clean duplicates, integrate with Google Photos.The commercial is free.
Solid ExplorerTwo-panel mode, support for cloud storage.Paid license after 14 days.
FX File ExplorerBuilt-in FTP-server, extended access rights.A complex interface for beginners.

Example of transfer via Files by Google:

  1. Install an app from the Play Market.
  2. Open the Cleanup section โ†’ Large files.
  3. Select the media files and click Move.
  4. Select the Memory Card and the destination folder.

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Applications like Solid Explorer allow you to automatically transfer files older than 30 days to a memory card, which eliminates routine operations.

Method 5: Formatting the card as an internal memory

If you want microSD to be a full extension of internal storage (applications and files are saved by default), format the card as internal memory. This method irreversibly erases all data on the card and binds it to a particular smartphone - once removed, the card will not be read on another device without formatting.

Instructions:

  1. Put the map in Redmi 7A.
  2. Go to Settings โ†’ Storage โ†’ Memory Map.
  3. Click Setup โ†’ Format as internal.
  4. Confirm the action and wait until it is completed (may take up to 10 minutes).
  5. After formatting, select Transfer Data to move some of the applications and media files.

Advantages:

  • ๐Ÿ”น Applications (such as WhatsApp or Telegram) will be able to save media directly to the map.
  • ๐Ÿ”น The system will automatically offer to transfer some data when there is a lack of memory.

โš ๏ธ Note: After formatting as internal memory, the card will not be used in other devices without completely erasing the data. Also, do not remove the card without first "safely extracting" in the settings - this can damage the file system.

7. Solving common problems

When transferring files to a microSD in Redmi 7A, users often encounter errors. Consider typical scenarios and ways to fix them:

Problem.Possible causeDecision
Memory card not determinedBad contact, incompatible formatReboot your phone, check the slot for the card. Format the card in exFAT.
You can't transfer files: "Inadequate rights"Map formatted as internal, but rights resetRestart the device or format the card again.
Files are transferred but not displayed in the galleryNo DCIM folder or no media scanning completedCreate the DCIM/Camera folder manually. Restart the Gallery app.
Slow transfer speedLow-class card (Class 4/6)Replace the card with Class 10/UHS-I. Use the PC for larger files.

What to do if the files disappear after the transfer?
1. Check the.trash folder on the memory card (hidden files can be seen through Explorer by enabling the display of hidden elements). 2. Connect the card to your PC and use the data recovery program (Recuva, DiskDigger). 3. If files are critical, do not write anything to the card until recovery - this will reduce the chances of success.

8 Storage optimization: tips for the Redmi 7A

To avoid repeated memory problems, follow these guidelines:

  • ๐Ÿ“ Regular Cleaning: Use the built-in Cleanup utility in Settings โ†’ Storage for removing cache and unnecessary files.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Automatic Portability: Set up Automatic Media Uploads to the Cloud in Google Photos, and then delete local copies.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Restriction for messengers: In WhatsApp and Telegram, specify saving media to the memory card: Settings โ†’ Data and storage โ†’ The way to preserve.
  • ๐Ÿ” Duplicate Search: Apps like Files by Google or CCleaner can help you find and delete duplicate photos.

๐Ÿ’ก

If you shoot video in Full HD frequently, turn on the option to compress video (if available) in your camera settings, which will reduce file size by 30-40% without noticeable quality loss.

FAQ: Frequent questions about transferring files to Redmi 7A

Can I transfer applications to a memory card in Redmi 7A?
Partially. Once the card is formatted as internal memory (Method 5), some applications can be migrated through Settings โ†’ Applications โ†’ Select Application โ†’ Storage โ†’ Change. However, system applications and high-demand games (such as PUBG Mobile) will not be portable.
Why did they disappear from the gallery after transferring the photo to the map?
Most likely, the gallery didn't have time to scan the new files. Restart the Gallery app or clear its cache in Settings โ†’ Apps โ†’ Gallery โ†’ Storage โ†’ Clear the cache. If the files are still not displayed, check if you created a DCIM/Camera folder on the map.
How to transfer a photo from a memory card back to internal memory?
Use the same algorithm as you used to transfer to the card, but in reverse order: Open Files โ†’ Memory Maps. Select the files you want. Click Move and select Internal Memory. To speed up the process, connect your phone to your PC and copy the files through the Explorer.
What is the maximum memory card capacity supported in Redmi 7A?
Officially, up to 256 GB. However, in practice, 128 GB cards are more stable. For 256 GB, it is recommended to use SanDisk Ultra or Samsung EVO Plus cards with an exFAT file system.
Can I use a memory card as the primary storage for applications?
Technically, but with reservations: Only after formatting the card as internal memory (Method 5). Not all applications support portability (especially games and system utilities); Applications from the card will run faster than from internal memory (even when using UHS-I); For most users, the best option is to store only media files on the card, and leave applications in internal memory.