How to turn SD-Map to internal memory on Xiaomi Redmi 7A: full-length guide

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi 7A Often faced with the problem of lack of internal memory – everything 16 GB on the basic version, of which the user is available about 10-12 GB: Even after cleaning the cache and removing the unwanted applications, the free space is melting away, and the solution is to convert the microSD card into internal memory, thereby expanding the scope for installing applications and storing data.

This feature, called Adoptable Storage, was introduced in Android. 6.0 Marshmallow and supported by Redmi 7A (firmware MIUI 10/11/12 Android-based 9 But not all memory cards are suitable for this role, and the process itself has critical limitations, for example, once formatted, the card cannot be retrieved without losing data, and it becomes "tied" to a particular device, and we'll figure out how to do it correctly -- and whether it's worth it at all.

Let me warn you right away: it's not a panacea. It's good for installing applications, but it doesn't speed up the system -- read/write speed. SD-cards (even class) A1/UHS-I) Lower than the built-in eMMC memory 5.1. However, for users who store a lot of photos, music or play light games, this is the only way to squeeze the most out of a budget smartphone.

1. Which one? SD-The cards are suitable for use as internal memory.

Not every microSD will do the job of a system drive. - Xiaomi Redmi 7A Supports cards up to 256 GB, but other parameters are important for stable operation:

✅ Speed class: minimum class 10 (designation «10» in the logo) or UHS-I (U1/U3). Class Class Cards 4/6 They're going to slow down the system, causing applications to freeze — A1 or A2 (optimized for applications).

✅ Volume: From 32 GB. Cards are smaller 16 GB system may not offer formatting as internal memory.Recommended range — 64-128 GB (price/volume ratio).

✅ Manufacturer: avoid no-name brands.The best options are SanDisk Ultra/Extreme, Samsung EVO Plus, Kingston Canvas Go! - These models are tested for compatibility with the MIUI.

❌ That's not right:

• 🔴 Maps with exFAT file system or NTFS (need FAT32 initial-formatting).
• 🔴 MicroSD from a suite of other devices (e.g., cameras) – these are optimized for sequential recording rather than random access.
• 🔴 Damaged or “used” cards (check for errors via chkdsk on PC).

The critical nuance: once formatted as internal memory, the card will not be used in other devices without completely erasing the data. 7A.

2. Preparation of smartphone and memory card

Before starting the procedure, follow the mandatory steps to avoid data loss or failures:

🔹 Create a backup copy:

• 📱 Keep in touch, SMS and call log through Settings → System and device → Backup (or use Mi Cloud).
• 🖼️ Move photos and videos to your PC or cloud (Google Photos, Yandex Drive).
• 🎮 Export game saves (for example, via Helium or manually from a folder) /Android/data/).

🔹 Check the map for errors:

1. Insert microSD into your PC through a card reader.
2. Open the Command Prompt on behalf of the administrator.
3. Enter the command (replace X: by the letter of your drive): chkdsk X: /f /r

🔹 Update the firmware:

Adoptable Storage may not be available in older versions MIUI. Check the relevance of the software:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. If you have a new version, install it (preferably via Wi-Fi).

Make a data backup|Check the map for errors|Update MIUI last-minute|Charge your phone at least 50 times%|Insert the card into the slot (not through the adapter)-->

⚠️ Note: If you use the card as a portable storage device (for example, for music), after formatting as internal memory, all data on it will be irretrievably deleted!

3. Step-by-step instruction: how to do SD-memory-card

Now, to the main process, follow the instructions carefully, and any failure can result in loss of data on the map or system failure.

📌 Step 1. Put the card in your smartphone:

Make sure the microSD is properly installed in the slot (on Redmi). 7A It is located under the lid, next to the tray for SIM-Do not use adapters or USB-OTG — straight-slot!

📌 Step 2. Open the storage settings:

1. Go to Settings. → Warehouse.
2. Tap your name on it. SD-maps (e.g. SanDisk) 64GB»).
3. In the upper right corner, press three dots (⋮) and select Storage Settings.

📌 Step 3: Formatting as an internal memory:

1. Click Format as Internal (or Internal Memory, depending on version) MIUI).
2. Read the warning about the consequences and confirm the action.
3. Wait until the process is completed (may take a while). 5-15 The phone will reboot.

📌 Step 4: Data Transfer (optional):

After formatting, the system will offer to transfer some data (photos, videos, some applications) to the SD-You can do it:

• 🔄 Move it immediately (recommended to free up the internal memory).
• ❌ Opt out and do it later manually through Settings → Annexes.

⚠️ Note: If the card does not appear as internal memory after formatting, check it: ✅ Is the microSD inserted correctly (try re-inserting and re-inserting). ✅ Is it used as a portable storage device in another device before. ✅ Is the firmware updated to the latest version. If you crash again, try formatting the card on your PC in the future. FAT32 and repeat the process.

4. How to transfer applications to SD-map

Formatting itself doesn't carry applications automatically. You need to do it manually.

📲 Method 1. Through application settings:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the app you want (like Facebook or WhatsApp).
3. Slip the vault. → Change. → choose SD-map.
4. Confirm the transfer (some data may remain in the internal memory).

📲 Method 2. Through storage settings:

1. Go to Settings. → Warehouse → Your internal memory (now yours) SD-map).
2. Click Transfer Data (not available in all versions) MIUI).

⚠️ Limitations:

• 🚫 Not all applications support portability (e.g. Google Play Services, system utilities, etc).
• 🚫 Some of the data (cache, settings) can remain in the internal memory.
• 🚫 Annexes to SD-The card is slower (especially noticeable in games).

⚠️ Attention: If you delete SD-The card, after the application is transferred, will stop working until it returns.

1. Activate Developer Mode (7 times tap the Version) MIUI phone).

2. Go to Settings → Additional → For developers.

3. Set Windows Animation, Transition Animation and Animator Duration on Off. or 0.5x.-->

5. How to cancel formatting and return SD-map

If you decide to stop using the card as internal memory (for example, because it is slow), it can be returned to its original state, but this will lead to the complete deletion of all data on it.

🔄 Instructions for cancellation:

1. Go to Settings. → Warehouse.
2. Tap it on. SD-map (it should be connected to the card).
3. On the menu (⋮) Choose formatting as portable.
4. Confirm the action and wait for the completion (the phone will restart).

⚠️ Effects of consequences:

• 🗑️ All data on the map will be erased.
• 📱 Annexes moved to SD, They will be unavailable (they will have to be re-installed).
• 🔄 The card can be used in other devices (camera, PC).

🔧 Alternative method (via PC):

If the smartphone does not allow you to format the card:

1. Remove the microSD and connect to the computer.
2. Open Disk Management (Win + X → Disk Management).
3. Find your card, right-click and select Format → FAT32.

💡

After the return SD-You're going to have to re-install all the apps you've moved to the portable mode, and the system doesn't save their data when you cancel the formatting.

Speed comparison: built-in memory vs SD-map

Before you make a decision, evaluate the performance difference. We tested Redmi. 7A multi-storage:

📊 Conclusions:

• 🚀 Built-in memory 2-3 faster than even the best quality SD-map.
• 💰 Class cards A1/A2 They are worth their price, they are worth it. 20-30% faster than usual class 10.
• 🎮 For games (e.g, PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty) SD-The map is not suitable - there will be lags.

🔍 Recommendation: use SD-The card is an internal memory only for:

• 📷 Storage of photos, videos, music.
• 📱 Light applications (messengers, social networks, offline maps).
• 📄 Documents and files (PDF, Word, Excel).

7. Frequent problems and their solutions

Redmi users 7A Often encountered errors in the use of SD-I'm going to look at the most common memory cards:

🔧 Problem 1: The map is not determined after formatting

Reason: file system incompatibility or encryption failure.

Decision:

1. Remove the map and re-insert it.
2. If it doesn’t help, format it on PC. FAT32 And repeat the process on the phone.

🔧 Problem 2: Applications are not transferred to SD-map

Reason: Developer limitations or system applications.

Decision:

• Check if the application supports portability (in Settings) → The appendices should be the button Change).
• Use it. App2SD or Link2SD (Root rights are required).

🔧 Problem 3: Phone slows down after app transfer

The reason: low speed reading / writing cards.

Decision:

• Move back critical applications (settings, launcher) to the built-in memory.
• Buy an A2 class card (such as SanDisk Extreme A2).

🔧 Problem 4: There is not enough space for SD-map

Reason: Part of the volume is reserved for system needs (up to the current level) 5-10%).

Solution: Use a larger card (e.g., 128GB instead of 64GB).

⚠️ Note: If formatted as internal memory, Redmi 7A Starts to reboot often, reset to factory settings (Settings) → Additionally. → Recovery and reset. This may be caused by a firmware conflict.

8.Alternative ways to expand memory on Redmi 7A

If the use SD-Cards as internal memory are not suitable for you, consider other options:

🔄 1. Manual file transfer:

• 📷 Photo/Video: Use Google Photos (free cloud) or transfer to PC.
• 🎵 Music: Store on a map as a portable storage (no formatting).
• 📄 Documents: Use Yandex Disk or Dropbox.

🔄 System cleanup:

• 🧹 Remove the app cache in Settings → Warehouse → Clean up.
• 🗑️ Disable or remove unnecessary system applications (via Settings) → Annexes).
• 🔍 Use Files by Google to find duplicates and junk.

🔄 3. Cloud services:

To save space, set up automatic upload of photos/video to the cloud:

1. Install Google Photos.
2. Enable Backup and Synchronization.
3. Choose High Quality (unlimited storage) or Original (Google Drive counter).

🔄 4. USB-OTG accumulator:

If you have a flash drive with USB-C adapter OTG, Put her on Redmi. 7A. The system will allow you to transfer files, but not install applications.

Importantly, no alternative method allows you to install applications on an external drive without formatting it as internal memory.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions