How to transfer applications to a memory card on Xiaomi Redmi 7A: 3 working ways

Xiaomi Redmi 7A

Android Go Edition

microSD card

MIUI

Android Go

In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to transfer applications to SD-map 7A — from standard system functions to workarounds using ADB We will focus on nuances that are not mentioned in typical instructions: why some applications can not be moved, how to avoid errors in formatting the map, and what to do if after transferring the program begins to slow down.

Important: Redmi 7A runs Android 9 Pie (Go Edition) with MIUI 10/11, where memory management features are cut short compared to flagship models. This means that the classic Settings port → Apps won’t be available for all programs. But don’t get upset – we’ll find workarounds!

Before you start, check:

• 📱 Version. MIUI: Go to Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI. Up-to-date firmware (e.g, MIUI 11.0.6) may block the transfer of certain system applications.
• 💾 Type SD-maps: for Redmi 7A MicroSD Class 10 is recommended or UHS-I (For example, SanDisk Ultra or Samsung. EVO Class 4 cards will slow down applications.
• ⚙️ Card format: If the card is formatted as a portable storage, transferring applications will not be possible – you will need to reformat it into internal memory (more on this below).

Preparation: selection and formatting SD-map

The first step is to choose the right memory card. Redmi 7A is critical not only in volume, but also in read/write speed. Cheap cards without class labeling (Class 2/4) will lead to lags when running migrated applications.

• 🔹 SanDisk Ultra microSDXC UHS-I (up to 128 GB, speeds up to 100 MB/s)
• 🔹 Samsung EVO Plus (up to 256 GB, speed up to 100 MB/s)
• 🔹 Kingston Canvas Go! Plus (up to 128 GB) speeds up to 170 MB/s)

Before buying, check the card for authenticity with H2testw (for Windows) or SD Insight (Android).

Now, formatting. Redmi. 7A There are two options for use. SD-map:

1. Portable storage – the card works like a flash drive (app portability is not possible).
2. Internal memory – the card becomes part of the system (you can transfer applications, but the card can not be removed without losing data).

To port applications, we choose the second option, and note that once formatted into internal memory, all data on the map will be erased and you can't use it on other devices without formatting again!

Formatting instructions:

1. Insert the card into the Redmi slot 7A (undertray SIM-map).
2. Go to Settings → Storage → Memory Map.
3. Click Format as internal (if the option is inactive – the card is already formatted or not supported).
4. Confirm the action and wait until it is completed (may take 5-10 minutes).

⚠️ Note: Once formatted as internal memory, the card cannot be removed without completely resetting the phone, and some apps (such as WhatsApp or Google Play Services) may refuse to work with portability.

Method 2: Transfer through standard MIUI settings

The easiest method is to use the built-in MIUI function. However, it does not work for all applications: system programs, cache games (> 1 GB) and some messengers will not be able to transfer.

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the app you want to migrate (like Facebook or VK).
3. Press Warehouse. → Change (or Move to) SD-map).
4. Confirm the action. The process will take anywhere from 10 seconds to several minutes (depending on the size of the application).

If the transfer button is inactive or absent, it means:

• 🚫 The app does not support portability (typical for Google Play Store, MIUI System).
• 🚫 The map is formatted as a portable storage.
• 🚫 There is not enough space on the map (you need at least 20% more than the weight of the application).

Map formatted as internal memory | Application supports transfer (not on the list of exceptions) | There is enough free space on the map (at least +20%) | Phone is not in power saving mode-->

After the transfer, the app will run slower than with internal memory – this is normal for Redmi 7A due to the limitations of Android Go. Especially noticeable in games and programs with frequent access to storage (for example, Instagram or TikTok).

16GB|32GB|64GB|128 GB or more-->

Method 2: Transfer over ADB (for power users)

If the standard method didn’t work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a tool for debugging Android devices, which allows you to transfer even those applications that are blocked in MIUI, but require a connection to a computer.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📦 Installed Xiaomi drivers (download from the official website).
• 🛠️ Platform Tools (part of Android) SDK or download separately here).

Instructions:

1. Turn on Developer Mode on Redmi 7A: Go to Settings → About Phone. Click 7 times on MIUI Version (you will be notified "You've become a developer").

USB debugging

If the app is not portable, try:

• 🔄 Reboot the phone.
• 🗑️ Clear the application cache (Settings) → Annexes → Warehouse → Clear the cache).
• 📥 Reinstall the app (sometimes helps).

⚠️ Attention: Apps like Link2SD Require root rights that are on Redmi 7A It's hard to get (you have to unlock the bootloader, which will reset all the data). Without root, these tools are useless.

5. Why can't some applications be moved?

Even after all the manipulations, some of the programs will remain in internal memory, and this is due to three types of constraints:

1. Android Go Redmi 7A runs on Android Go Edition, a lightweight version of Android for weak devices.

• 🚫 System Applications (Google Play Services) are blocked, MIUI Launcher).
• 🚫 Limited access to certain functions ADB.
• 🚫 Apps with the targeted version of Android 6.0+ They may ignore the transfer command.

Developer restrictions

Some applications (such as WhatsApp, Banking-applications) explicitly prohibit transfer to the Internet. SD-map (AndroidManifest.xml) for security reasons.

3. Redmi's hardware restrictions 7A has a slow memory controller (eMMC 5.1) and SD-cardboard UHS-I It's slower than the internal memory, so Android can block the transfer of applications that are not connected to the device:

• 🎮 Requires high reading speed (games of the type) PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty).
• 📱 Often turn to the storage (messengers, social networks).
• 🔒 Work with sensitive data (bank applications, password managers).

6.Alternative ways to free up memory

If porting apps hasn’t helped or isn’t possible, try these methods:

1. Clearing cache and unnecessary files

• 🧹 Use the built-in cleaning utility in MIUI (Settings → Warehouse → Cleanup).
• 🗑️ Remove the cache of individual applications in Settings → Annexes → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
• 📂 Transfer media files (photos, videos) to SD-hand-card through the conductor.