Why Redmi 7A owners are facing memory shortages and how to avoid them
Xiaomi Redmi 7A is one of the most popular budget smartphones, but its main drawback is known to everyone: only 16 or 32 GB of internal memory. Even after installing basic applications, there is critically little free space, especially if you actively shoot photos, download music or use instant messengers. The microSD card is a salvation, but not everyone knows how to correctly transfer data to it without losing quality or malfunctioning your phone.
In this article, we will discuss 5 working ways to transfer information, from standard MIUI functions to little-known life hacks, which files can be moved without risk and which are best left in internal memory, how to avoid errors in formatting a map and why some applications refuse to work with SD. We will also compare the transfer speed through different methods and give recommendations for choosing a memory card specifically for the Redmi 7A.
Important: If you’ve never worked with memory cards on Xiaomi before, start with the section “Preparing a memory card.” Incorrect formatting or choosing a file system can lead to the phone simply not seeing it. SD-map.
Preparation of a memory card: formatting and selection of a file system
The Redmi 7A supports microSD up to 256 GB before transferring data, but there are nuances with the file system:
- 📁 FAT32 — Compatible with all devices, but does not support files larger than 4GB (High-Res video issues).
- 📁 ExFAT is the best choice for Redmi 7A: No restrictions on file size, high read/write speed.
- 📁 NTFS — It is not recommended because MIUI It may work with her unsteadily.
If you're new, your phone will suggest you format it the first time you connect it, and if you're using it from another device, format it manually.
- Insert the card into the Redmi slot 7A (undertray SIM-map).
- Go to Settings → Storage → Memory Map.
- Click “Format” and select exFAT.
- Confirm the action – all data on the map will be deleted!
⚠️ Warning: Do not remove the memory card during formatting. This can damage the file system and the phone will not recognize it. 7A and try again.
Method 1: Transfer files through standard MIUI Explorer
The easiest way is to use a built-in file manager, which allows you to move photos, videos, music and documents without any additional applications.
- Open the Files app (the folder icon on the home screen).
- Go to the Device section and select the file folder (e.g. DCIM for photo or Download for downloads).
- Press your finger on the file to select it, or click "Select" in the top right corner for multiple selection.
- Click "More" (three dots) → "Move".
- In the list of locations, select Memory Map and specify the target folder (or create a new one).
The transfer speed depends on the class of the memory card. Redmi 7A optimally use microSD Class 10 or UHS-I – they provide write speeds up to 90 MB / s, which is 2-3 times faster than Class 4 cards.
☑️ What to check before transferring files
⚠️ Note: Do not carry the Android folder manually, this can disrupt the application. Use method 3 or 4 to transfer these applications.
Method 2: Automatically transfer photos and videos through camera settings
If you need to make room for new pictures, set the camera to save files immediately to the memory card.
- Open the Camera app.
- Touch the gear badge (⚙️) top-right.
- Select “Save Place” → “Memory Map”.
- Confirm the change – all new photos and videos will be saved to SD.
This method does not transfer existing files! To move old photos, use the Gallery:
- Open the Gallery and select an album.
- Press "Management» → «Move it».
- Specify the memory card as a target folder.
Important: If photos in the gallery are displayed at low resolution after transfer, check if the Traffic Saving option is included in the MIUI settings. It can compress the preview for saving memory.
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To speed up the transfer of large numbers of photos, connect Redmi 7A to charge. With low battery level, the system can artificially limit the speed of writing to the card.
Method 3: Transfer application data to a memory card
Not all apps can be migrated to SD, but some (such as instant messengers or games) support this feature.
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Select the desired application (such as Telegram or WhatsApp).
- Press "Storage» → «Change».
- If the option is active, select Memory Card and confirm the transfer.
Limitations:
- ❌ System applications (such as Settings or Phone) cannot be moved.
- ❌ Some games, for example, PUBG Mobile) blocking the transfer due to protection against cheats.
- ✅ Messengers (Viber, WhatsApp) usually support transfer, but media files (photos, videos) will remain in internal memory.
| Annex | Supports SD transfer | Are media files transferred |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Yes. | ❌ No, just cache) | |
| Telegram | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No, only part of the data) |
| ❌ No. | — | |
| Spotify | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yeah (offline music) |
| Google Maps | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes (offline maps) |
⚠️ Note: After transferring the application to the memory card, it can work slower, especially if you use microSD Class 4. For comfortable work, choose cards with read speeds from 80 MB / s.
Method 4: Transfer files through a computer (the fastest method)
If you want to move a lot of data (like movies or backups), you'll be more comfortable using a PC, which is 3 to 5 times faster than transferring it over your phone.
- 🖥️ Computer with Windows, macOS or Linux.
- 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (Combined with Redmi) 7A).
- 💾 Card reader (if the computer does not have a microSD slot).
Step-by-step:
- Connect Redmi 7A to your computer via cable. On your phone, select File Transfer (MTP) mode.
- Open This Computer (My PC in Windows 7) and there will be two devices: the phone’s internal memory and the memory card.
- Copy files from your phone to your computer (for example, to a folder on your desktop).
- Remove the memory card from the phone, insert it into the card reader and connect it to the PC.
- Transfer files from the computer to the memory card.
Advantages of the method:
- ⚡ The speed of the transfer is limited only by the possibilities USB 2.0 (up to 480 Mbps) and memory cards.
- 🔄 You can copy files from your phone and to your card at the same time without taking up space in your internal memory.
- 🛠️ Easy to use with large files (for example, video in the 4K).
What to do if your computer can’t see the Xiaomi Redmi 7A?
Method 5: Using third-party file managers (for advanced users)
The standard MIUI conductor is not always convenient. Alternative managers such as Solid Explorer, FX File Explorer or Total Commander offer advanced features:
- 🔍 Packet transfer of filter files by type (e.g., only.jpg or.mp4).
- 🔄 Synchronize folders between internal memory and card.
- 🔒 Encrypting confidential files before transfer.
- 📊 Analysis of occupied space with visualization of large files.
Example of transfer via Solid Explorer:
- Install the app from Google Play.
- Open the side menu and select “Inner Memory”.
- Find the files to transfer, pinch them and select “Move”.
- In the second window, select Memory Card and specify the destination folder.
- Confirm the action – the files will be moved without making copies.
Warning: Some managers (e.g. ES Explorer) contain ads and may request unnecessary permissions.
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The file managers are convenient for working with large amounts of data, but do not give advantages in speed compared to the standard MIUI conductor. Their main advantage is the flexibility of settings and additional functions (for example, cloud synchronization).
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When transferring data to a memory card, Redmi 7A users often face some problems, and here are the most common ways to solve them:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The phone doesn't see the memory card | Incorrect file system or damage | Format the card in exFAT via phone or PC |
| Files moved, but not opened | Copy damage or incompatible format | Check the integrity of files on PC or repeat the transfer |
| Applications do not work after transfer to SD | The memory card is too slow or damaged | Return the app to internal memory or use a Class 10 card |
| There is not enough space on the map, although it is almost empty. | Hidden files or backups | Use a file manager with the function of showing hidden files |
If the memory card suddenly stops being defined, try the following:
- Remove the card and insert it back (when the phone is turned off).
- Check the card on another device (for example, on a PC through a card reader).
- If the card is damaged, try to recover data using programs like Recuva or PhotoRec.
⚠️ Attention: If Redmi 7A It gives you a memory card damaged error, don't format it right away. First try scanning for viruses with Dr.Web CureIt! - sometimes malicious files are the cause.