How to transfer applications to a memory card in Xiaomi Redmi Note 7: all ways with explanations

Why is the memory card empty and the memory card is empty?

Owners of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 often face a paradoxical situation: the smartphone gives a warning about a lack of memory, although the inserted microSD 64 or even 128 GB is almost not used, the reason lies in the architecture of Android and MIUI policy. By default, the system installs applications in internal memory, and the memory card is considered as a removable drive for media files - photos, music or documents.

Unlike the older versions of Android (before) 6.0), formatting SD-card as internal memory and transfer applications without restrictions, MIUI 10/11/12 on the Redmi Note 7 The manufacturer's motivation is safety and stability, but there are workarounds, both official (with restrictions) and hidden (for power users).

It's important to understand that not all applications can be migrated, for example, system services Google or MIUI will remain in internal memory, and some programs (such as messengers or banking applications) may not work correctly after transfer.

Method 1: Standard Transfer through MIUI Settings

The safest, but also the most limited, method, suitable for most users, not requiring root rights or technical skills, but not all applications.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the application you want to migrate. Please note: if the button is moved to SD-The card is inactive or absent, so the program does not support this function.
3. Press Move and wait until the process is complete. The time depends on the size of the application.
4. Reboot your smartphone (recommended, but not required).

Limitations of the method:

• 🚫 It only works with applications that support the android:installLocation function in the manifesto.
• 🚫 You can’t move widgets, they will stop working.
• 🚫 Google System Applications and Services Remain in Internal Memory.
• 🚫 After the transfer, the application may run slower (depending on the class). SD-map).

⚠️ Note: If the app starts to crash or doesn’t start after the transfer, return it to internal memory. Some programs (such as WhatsApp or SberBank Online) block external drives for security reasons.

Method 2: Formatting SD-The card is an internal memory (adoptable storage)

This method tricks the system into thinking of microSD as part of internal storage, but it has serious drawbacks and is not suitable for everyone.

Advantages:

• ✅ Most applications can be ported (except system applications).
• ✅ Automatic installation of new programs SD-map (if selected in the settings).
• ✅ There is no need to manually transfer each application.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Memory card encrypted and becomes unreadable on other devices.
• ❌ When extracted SD-Application maps will stop working on it.
• ❌ Possible failures after updates MIUI.
• ❌ Requires a full reset of smartphone settings (if the card has already been used).

Step-by-step:

1. Make a backup of your smartphone data and SD-Maps – After formatting, all files will be deleted.
2. Insert the memory card in the Redmi Note 7.
3. Go to Settings. → Memory.
4. Press yours. SD-map → Three dots (menu) → Storage settings.
5. Select Internal Memory → Clean and Format.
6. After formatting, the smartphone will suggest moving the data. Choose Move now or Move later.
7. Reset the device.

⚠️ If after formatting the smartphone began to slow down, the likely reason is slow SD-For this method, it is recommended to use class cards. A2 or UHS-I (For example, SanDisk Extreme or Samsung EVO Class cards C10 or not below.

Make a backup of smartphone data|Copy files from SD-PC-card|Check the class of the card (should be) A1/A2 or UHS-I)|Charge your smartphone at least 50%|Prepare for possible reinstallation of applications-->

Method 3: Transfer over ADB (for power users)

If standard methods don’t work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a tool for debugging Android devices, which allows you to migrate even those applications for which the Move to SD button in the settings is inactive.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows, macOS or Linux.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📥 Utility. ADB Fastboot Tools by Google.
• ⚙️ Included debugging by USB smartphone.

Instructions:

1. Activate Developer Mode on Redmi Note 7: Go to Settings → About Phone. Click 7 times on MIUI until you become a developer.

Settings

Additionally.

For developers

USB debugging

File Transfer (MTP)

adb devices

If the device is displayed, enter:

adb shell pm set-install-location 2

This command forces the system to install applications on SD-default-card.

adb shell pm move-package com.example.app /sdcard

(Replace com.example.app with the real app package)

How do you know the app package? Install the App Inspector from Google Play, and it will show you the full name of the package.

⚠️ Note: Some applications (e.g. Google Play Services) MIUI Security cannot be transferred through ADB — This will cause system failures, and then after you use this command, the new applications will be installed by default on the system. SD-A map that might slow down their work.

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If after the command adb devices the smartphone does not appear, try reinstalling drivers. ADB use another USB-Often the problem lies in the unoriginal cables with damaged contacts for data transmission.

Method 4: Use of third-party applications (with risks)

Google Play has utilities that promise to transfer applications to the Internet SD-One-click card. Most popular: AppMgr III, Link2SD Files To SD However, their performance on the Redmi Note 7 is in question due to limitations. MIUI.

Pros:

• ✅ Simple interface (no need to understand the ADB).
• ✅ Possibility of mass transfer of applications.

Cons:

• ❌ Many applications are not portable (the same restrictions as the standard method).
• ❌ Risk of installing malware (especially in little-known utilities).
• ❌ Nana MIUI 12+ Most of these programs don’t work.

If you decide to try it, we recommend AppMgr III (former App 2 SD).

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Open it and grant superuser rights (if there is root).
3. Select the Transfer tab to SD.
4. Check the boxes of the applications you want to transfer.
5. Click Transfer and wait until completion.

What to do if transfer doesn't help: alternative solutions

If none of these methods free up enough space, consider alternative ways to optimize your memory:

More about each method:

• 🧹 Cache Clearing: Go to Settings → Memory. → Clean up: Select unnecessary files (e.g. Google Play Services cache or MIUI Gallery) and delete them. Do not manually clean the cache of system applications - this can lead to crashes.
• 🗑️ Removal of old APK: After app updates in the folder /data/app You can delete old versions (.apk files) through the root file manager or by using the file manager. SD Maid.
• 📸 Media Transfer: Use the built-in Gallery or Files app to move photos and videos to SD-Also set the camera to save new images to an external drive.
• 🔧 Disable Bloatware: Many pre-installed Xiaomi apps (e.g. Mi Video, Mi Music) can be disabled via Settings → Annexes → Application management → Shut down.

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If the internal memory is 90 percent or more full, the system starts to slow down because of the lack of space for temporary files, and it is optimal to keep at least 10 to 15 percent of the total free.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When transferring applications to SD-Redmi Note 7 users often face typical problems:

• 🔄 App not portable: Check if it supports android:installLocation (you can see the description on Google Play). ADB, Make sure the application package is listed correctly.
• 🐢 Apps brake after transfer: Use SD-class A2 or UHS-I U3. Do not tolerate games with heavy graphics (for example, PUBG Genshin Impact – These require fast memory.
• ⚠️ The smartphone can't see. SD-map after formatting as internal: Reboot the device. Check the card on another device — if it is not read, you will have to format it again (data will be lost).
• 🔌 ADB Does not recognize the device: Make sure that the debugging is enabled USB. Try another one. USB-cable or port. Install Xiaomi drivers USB Drivers from the official website.

If your smartphone overheats or runs out quickly after transferring the apps, return them to internal memory, which may indicate conflicts with the external drive.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions