How to download applications to memory card in Xiaomi Redmi 7A: 3 working methods

Xiaomi Redmi 7A is a budget smartphone with limited internal memory (16 or 32 GB), which quickly ends when installing applications. Many users face the problem that even after inserting a microSD card, new programs are installed by default in internal memory. In this article, we will analyze all the ways to transfer applications to an external drive, from standard MIUI settings to ADB commands and bypass the limitations of Android 9 Pie.

It's important to understand that starting with Android 6.0 Marshmallow, Google has tightened the rules for working with memory cards. On Redmi 7A (with MIUI 10/11 based on Android 9), full portability of applications to SD is not possible for all programs. However, there are workarounds — some require ADB, others work without additional manipulation. We tested all methods on a real device and weed out non-working tips from old instructions.

Why apps aren’t installed on a memory card by default

The main reason is the Android security policies and manufacturer restrictions, and MIUI for Redmi 7A implements the following rules:

• 📱 Forced transfer only works for a portion of applications (usually games and programs that support adoptable storage).
• 🔒 System applications (e.g. Google Play Services or Google Play Services) MIUI Launcher cannot be moved.
• 📁 Application files (cache, data) often remain in internal memory even after transferring. APK.
• ⚠️ Productivity: SD-class UHS-I (even A1/A2) They are slower than the internal memory, which can slow down games.

Second nuance — MIUI By default formats the card as a portable storage (FAT32/exFAT), It's not like internal storage, which means that the system doesn't look at the internal storage. SD-The map is like a full-fledged partition for installing applications. You can manually fix this, as discussed below.

Method 1: Standard transfer through MIUI settings (without ADB)

The easiest way is to use the built-in MIUI tools, which are suitable for applications that support portability (usually games or programs with low weight).

1. Insert a microSD card into the slot (up to 256 GB cards are supported).
2. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
3. Select the app you want (like Facebook or WhatsApp).
4. Click Warehouse → Change → Memory Map.
5. Confirm the transfer and wait until it is completed (may take a few minutes).

⚠️ Limitations of method:

• 🚫 Not all apps support portability (for example, Instagram or Telegram block this feature).
• 📥 It's only transient. APK-file, and cache and data remain in internal memory.
• 🔄 After updating the application, it can automatically return to internal memory.

If the Change button is inactive or not, the application does not support the transfer, in which case you will go to Method 2 or Method 3.

Method 2: Formatting a memory card as an internal (adoptable storage)

This method combines internal memory and SD-The system will treat the card as part of the main storage, and the applications will be installed on it by default.

Instructions:

1. Insert the memory card and open the Settings → Storage.
2. Click on your name. SD-maps (e.g. SanDisk) 64GB).
3. Select Settings (three dots in the top right corner) → Storage settings → Format as internal.
4. Read the warning and click Clean and format.
5. After formatting, select Move Data Now (optional).

⚠️ Important: once formatted as internal memory, the card will be encrypted, and if you take it out and paste it into another phone or computer, the data will be unavailable without Redmi resetting. 7A.

Method 3: Transfer applications over ADB (for power users)

If the first two methods don’t work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB) — debugging tool that allows you to manually specify to the system which applications to transfer to SD-This requires a PC and basic command line knowledge.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install ADB Tools on your computer.
2. On Redmi 7A, turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Click 7 times on MIUI until you become a developer.

Settings → Additional → For Developers

USB debugging

File transfer

Win + R → cmd

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.

🔹 Additional teams ADB application-managing:

• 📌 Transfer a specific application (e.g. com.whatsapp): adb shell pm move-package com.whatsapp
• 📋 View the list of portable applications: adb shell pm get-install-location (value 2 — SD-map, 0 - automatic selection).

⚠️ Note: after using pm set-install-location 2, some applications (such as Google Maps or Gmail) may not work stable. If problems arise, return the setting by command: adb shell pm set-install-location 0

1. Install Xiaomi USB Drivers drivers from the official website.

2. switch USB mode on the phone from File Transfer to MTP or PTP.

3. Use the original USB-cable (not all cables support data transmission).-->

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When transferring applications to SD-mapping 7A We often face typical problems, and we'll look at the most common problems and how to fix them:

If the application is unstable after transfer, try:

1. Clear the app cache (Settings → Apps → [Name] → Clear the cache).
2. Transfer it back to your internal memory and repeat the process.
3. Install an alternative launcher (like Nova Launcher) that works better with external memory.

Alternative ways to save memory

If the applications are transferred SD-The card does not solve the problem of memory shortage, consider additional methods:

• 🧹 Cache Cleanup: Use the built-in Settings tool → Warehouse → Cleaning or annex SD Maid.
• ☁️ Cloud Storage: Move your photos/video to Google Photos or Mi Cloud (gives 5GB for free).
• 📦 Lite versions of applications: install lightweight versions (Facebook Lite, Messenger Lite).
• 🔄 Google Play Services Cache Reset: Often Takes Multiple Gigabytes (Settings) → Annexes → Google Play Services → Warehouse → Clear the cache).
• 🚫 Disabling Unnecessary System Applications: Through Settings → Annexes → All applications (don’t delete, just disable!).

For games with a high weight (for example, PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty can be used externally SSD-storage OTG-adapter. 7A supportive USB OTG, The speed of reading/write will depend on the storage device.

💡

If you’re critically short on memory, the best solution is to buy a Redmi 7A with a lot of built-in storage (32GB instead of 16GB) or consider models with support for adoptable storage without restrictions (for example, the Redmi Note 8 Pro).

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

The choice of method depends on your goals and technical skills.

For most Redmi 7A users, a combination of methods is best:

1. Format the card as internal memory (unless you plan to retrieve it).
2. Move supported applications through MIUI settings.
3. For other programs, use ADB or Lite versions.

FAQ: Frequent questions about transferring applications to SD redmi 7A