Xiaomi Redmi 7A With its modest 16-32GB of internal memory, it often requires the use of a computer. SD-But after installing the memory card, many people face a problem: the Xiaomi Gallery does not see files or asks for permission to access. In this article, we will discuss all the solutions - from standard settings. MIUI before hand-mounting through ADB.
The problem is typical for Android 9 Pie and Android 10 smartphones, where Google has tightened its policies for accessing external drives. On Redmi 7A, this is complicated by the features of the MIUI 10/11 shell, which blocks automatic scanning of media files on SD. We tested all methods on firmware V11.0.4.0.PCMIXM and V12.0.1.0.QCMIXM — below only working solutions.
Why the gallery doesn't see files SD-map?
The reasons are divided into three categories:
- 🔹 Programmatic limitations MIUI: By default, applications are prohibited from accessing the root SD-cards without the express permission of the user.
- 🔹 Incorrect formatting: the map is formatted in NTFS or exFAT, whereas Redmi 7A It only works consistently with FAT32 (up to 32 GB or ext4 (power-user).
- 🔹 Media scanner failures: Mediaserver system process does not update media file database after card connection.
The first sign of the problem is that only files from internal memory are displayed in the Gallery, and folders on the SD-The second signal is that when you try to open a photo from the file manager, you get a notification saying, "No permission to access".
Method 1: Permissions through MIUI settings
The easiest method is to issue an explicit permission to the Gallery to access the SD-This is a system setting that works on 90 percent of the firmware. MIUI rootless.
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Find the listing for Gallery (or Google Photos if you use it).
- Slip on "Permissions" → "Memory."
- Activate the switch "Allow access to" SD-map".
- Restart your smartphone – Gallery should start scanning files.
If the memory is not in the permissions, your version of MIUI is blocking that path.
☑️ Preparation SD-pre-setting
Method 2: Configure via Xiaomi File Manager
Built-in File Manager MIUI Can "push" the system to scan SD-This method helps if the Gallery does not automatically update the library.
- Open the Files app (the folder icon on the desktop).
- Go to section "SD-map" (or "External memory").
- Open any folder with a photo/video (e.g. DCIM).
- Click on the three dots in the top right corner → "Select all" → "Share".
- In the list of applications, select "Gallery" and confirm the action.
This procedure adds a way to the SD-The map is in the Gallery database, and the media files must appear on the Device album or "SD-map".
💡
If after these actions files still do not appear, try to create on the SD-You can map a new folder (like Test), copy 1-2 photos and open them through the File Manager.
Method 3: Formatting SD-The card is an internal memory (adoptable storage)
A radical but effective method is to make SD-This is a way to extend the internal memory, and then all the applications, including the Gallery, will have full access. Attention: this way erases all the data on the map and makes it tied to this smartphone (it won't work on other devices without formatting).
- Put it in. SD-map 7A.
- Go to Settings. → Memory. → SD-map.
- Slip on three dots in the corner → “Memory settings” → “Format as internal”.
- Confirm the action and wait for the completion (5-10 minutes).
- After restarting, transfer data from the internal memory to the SD-Map through Settings → Memory. → Data portability.
Cons of the method:
- 🚫 The card becomes incompatible with other devices (PCs, cameras, other smartphones).
- 🚫 Speed of class map operation UHS-I It will be lower than the internal memory.
- 🚫 When you remove the map, the applications installed on it will stop working.
What if the “Format as internal” button is inactive?
Method 4: Manually Update Media Base Through ADB
For advanced users, if the Gallery persists in not seeing files, you can force the database to be updated via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which will work even without root rights.
You'll need:
- 💻 A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB (download).
- 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
- ⚙️ Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to tap according to the version → return to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
adb shell
su
cmd media scan /storage/XXXX-XXXXWhere XXXX-XXXX — identifier SD-maps (you can find it by the LS command) /storage). After execution, the media scanner will restart and files should appear in the Gallery.
adb shell am broadcast -a android.intent.action.MEDIA_MOUNTED -d file:///storage/XXXX-XXXX
This simulates the event of connecting the drive.-->
Method 5: Alternative Galleries with Support SD-map
If the MIUI staff gallery refuses to cooperate, install a third-party app.The best options for Redmi 7A:
| Annex | Advantages | Deficiencies | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Photo | Automatic backup, smart search | Free Cloud Restriction (15 GB) | Play Market |
| Simple Gallery | No Internet, supports hidden folders | Advertising in the free version | Play Market |
| QuickPic | Minimalist interface, fast work | Development is discontinued (but is still operating) | APKPure |
After installing an alternative gallery:
- Open the app and give access to the memory.
- In the settings, find the item "Scan" SD-Map" or "Show hidden files".
- Restart the application – files should be displayed.
Frequent mistakes and their solutions
Even after setting up access to SD-The map may not work properly. Let's look at the typical scenarios:
⚠️ Warning: If after formatting the card as internal memory, the smartphone began to slow down, return to standard mode. → Memory. → SD-map → Format it as a portable, and it'll erase the data!
- 🔄 Files come and go: the problem is that the card is in unstable contact with the connector. Try to re-extract and paste it again or clear the contacts with alcohol.
- 📛 SD-The card is defined as damaged: format it on the PC in the FAT32 with a cluster size of 4096 bytes (use the utility) SD Formatter).
- 🔒 Permission requests appear constantly: reset the Gallery app settings (Settings) → Annexes → gallery → Warehouse → Clear the data).
If none of these methods worked, check the physical status of the card, connect it to your PC via a card reader, and run the test using H2testw (Windows) or F3 (Linux/Mac), and damaged sectors often cause access failures.