How to expand memory on Xiaomi Redmi 7: from memory card to hidden MIUI features

The Xiaomi Redmi 7, released in 2019, is still a popular budget smartphone due to its balanced specs. However, its basic configuration with 16/32 GB of internal memory often becomes a bottleneck for users who actively shoot videos, install games or store large media libraries. Unlike flagship models, there is no support for UFS 3.1 or flexible memory partitions – only the classic eMMC 5.1 and slot for microSD (up to 512 GB).

In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to expand memory on Redmi 7 – from the obvious (memory card, cloud services) to the little-known (hidden settings). MIUI, Optimization of system files. We will pay special attention to the nuances of working with a hybrid slot (combined slot for the second one). SIM And microSD, because it's a common cause of errors when you install the drive, and we'll also look at what methods maximize the amount of space you can get without losing performance.

1. MicroSD Memory Card: How to Choose and Install Correctly

The most obvious way to expand memory is to use a microSD card. Redmi 7 supports drives up to 512 GB (officially tested with the SanDisk Ultra 512GB A1).

• 🔹 Slot Type: Redmi 7 uses a hybrid slot, which means you can insert either a second slot. SIM-The card or the microSD, both of which are not working at the same time.
• 🔹 Speed class: for recording video in 4K or start games from the card need a class no lower than A1 (better A2). Class cards C10/U1 Suitable only for photos and music.
• 🔹 Formatting: the smartphone will offer to format the card as a portable storage (FAT32/exFAT) The second option allows you to install applications on the map, but there are risks.

To install the microSD:

1. Turn off your smartphone and remove the tray for SIM-paper-card.
2. Place the microSD in the slot (tag up) instead of the second SIM or next to the first (if you use one slot).
3. Turn on the device. Once you find the card, you'll see a notification telling you to configure it.

⚠️ Note: If you choose formatting as internal memory, the card will be encrypted and not readable on other devices. → Warehouse → Extract SD-map) data may be damaged.

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2. Formatting microSD as internal memory: pros and cons

Adoptable Storage (called internal memory in MIUI) allows microSD to be used as part of the main storage, which means that apps and games can be transferred to the map, but there are serious limitations to this method:

To activate this mode:

1. Insert the microSD and wait for notification of its detection.
2. Slip on the notification and select Set Up → Internal Memory.
3. Confirm the formatting (all data on the map will be deleted!).
4. After the process is complete, restart the smartphone.

Important: Once formatted as internal memory, the card will not be used on other devices without completely erasing the data, and some applications (such as WhatsApp or banking programs) may refuse to work with an external drive.

Photo and video only|For music and documents|How internal memory for applications|I don't use it.-->

3.Inline memory optimization: what can be safely removed

Before you spend money on microSD, you should check which files are taking up space in the internal memory. MIUI has built-in cleaning tools, but they are not always effective.

• 🗑️ Application cache: go to Settings → Annexes → Application management, select any application and click Clear Cache. Use Settings for bulk cleaning → Warehouse → Cleanup.
• 🎬 Downloads: The Download folder is often clogged with unnecessary files. Check it through any file manager (e.g. Files by Google).
• 📁 Duplicate and garbage: use apps like CCleaner or SD Maid to find duplicate photos, empty folders and remnants of deleted programs.
• 🎮 Game data: games like this PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty can be used for 2-4 GB on the cache. Move them to the cache. SD or clear the cache in the game settings.

MIUI also has a hidden Deep Clean function that removes system debris to activate it:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap 5 times on the MIUI version until the message “You became a developer” appears.
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
4. Activate the option of Deep Clean Storage.

⚠️ Note: Do not manually delete folders with Android names, MIUI, system or files with the.odex,.apk extension in the root directory.

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If the smartphone is slowing down after cleaning, restart it. MIUI automatically restores critical system files when you start.

4. Transfer of applications to SD-map: step-by-step instruction

Even if you format a card as internal memory, not all applications can be migrated to it. Here's how to check and migrate supported programs:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the app you want to migrate (such as Telegram or Spotify).
3. Slip on Warehouse.
4. If the option to Change is available, select it and specify it. SD-map.
5. Confirm the transfer and wait for the process to be completed.

Some applications (especially system or high security applications) do not support portability, and here is a list of popular programs that can and cannot be ported:

If the port option is not available, you can try to bypass the restriction using ADB (Android Debug Bridge).

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and activate Debugging over USB in the developer settings.
2. Open the command line on your PC and type: adb shell pm set-install-location 2 This command will cause the system to install applications on the SD by default.
3. To return the settings to the standard, use: adb shell pm set-install-location 0

5. Cloud Storage: Which Service to Choose for Redmi 7

If physical memory expansion is not possible (for example, the slot is occupied by the second SIM), you can use cloud services. Xiaomi offers its own solution - Mi Cloud, but it has limitations:

• 🔵 Mi Cloud: 5GB free, deep integration with the MIUI (Automatic synchronization of contacts, notes, photos, but the download speed depends on Xiaomi servers, which are often overloaded.
• ☁️ Google Drive: 15 GB free, reliable sync with Google Photos (unlimited storage of compressed photos.
• 🟢 Yandex Disk: 10 GB free, high speed in Russia, support for offline files.
• 🟠 Mega: 20GB free, data encryption, but there are risks of blocking in some countries.

To set up automatic uploading of photos in Google Photos:

1. Install the Google Photos app from the Play Market.
2. Open the application settings and select Backup and Sync.
3. Specify the quality of the download (High – unlimited volume, Original – is counted from the quota of Google Drive).
4. Turn on the Wi-Fi Only option to avoid wasting mobile traffic.

Tip: To save space on your smartphone after uploading a photo to the cloud, turn on the option to Free up space in Google Photos. the application will automatically delete local copies, leaving only thumbnails.

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Cloud services do not replace physical memory, but allow you to free up to 50% of space through the transfer of media files and backups, the best option is a combination of microSD (for applications) + cloud (for photo / video).

6. Hidden MIUI functions for memory release

MIUI has a few hidden tools that help you manage your memory more efficiently than standard settings.

• 🔍 Storage Analysis: Go to Settings → Warehouse → Storage analysis: This shows all files sorted by size, including hidden system data.
• 🗃️ Duplicate Cleanup: In the same Storage section, there is a Duplicate Search option that finds duplicate photos and videos (even if they have different names).
• 📦 Light Mode: Activated in Settings → Special facilities → Light mode: Disables animations and background processes, reducing the system's memory usage.
• 🔄 Optimization MIUI: In Settings → The phone. → System optimization is a tool for compressing system files (not available on all firmware versions).

Another little-known trick is to disable pre-installed apps (bloatvers). Many system programs (Mi Video, Mi Music, GetApps) can't be removed, but you can deactivate:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the top corner and select Show all apps.
3. Find an unnecessary app (such as Mi Pay) and click Disable.

⚠️ Warning: Do not disable system services called com.android., miui. or google. – This can lead to unstable smartphone operation. It is safe to disable only user applications (for example, Facebook, if you do not use it).

7. Alternative methods: OTG-drives and network storage

If neither microSD nor cloud is suitable, you can use external clouds. USB-storage OTG-adapter. Redmi 7 supports USB OTG, It allows you to plug in flash drives or even hard drives (with external power:

1. Buy it. OTG-adapter (Type-C) → USB-A) or cable (if the flash drive has a Type-C).
2. Connect the flash drive to your smartphone. The notifications will show a message. USB-drive-in.
3. Slip on the notification and select Open to view files.

You can also configure Network Storage (NAS) or access files from your PC over your local network:

• 🖥️ Use applications such as Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer for connecting to FTP/SMB-server.
• 🌐 Set up Nextcloud or OwnCloud on your home PC for remote file access.

The downside of this method is the dependence on the adapter and the speed of reading the flash drive. MicroSD is more convenient for regular use, but OTG is suitable for one-time tasks (for example, transferring a large archive).

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If the smartphone does not see OTG-flash drive, check its file system. FAT32 ExFAT is supported out of the box and NTFS requires root rights or special applications (e.g. Paragon) NTFS).

FAQ: Frequent questions about memory expansion on Redmi 7