How to transfer applications to the memory card Xiaomi Redmi Note 7: all ways + problem solving

Why Redmi Note 7 can’t save apps SD-map?

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 often face a problem: despite the support of microSD up to 256 GB, the MIUI system blocks the transfer of most applications to external memory. The reason lies in Google’s policy and the restrictions of Android 9 Pie, which runs the device. Since Android 6.0 Marshmallow, the portability of applications to SD has become partially blocked – developers can prohibit this feature for their programs.

But there are nuances: some applications (such as instant messengers or games) do support transfer, while others require workarounds. In this article, we will discuss all the working methods for the Redmi Note 7, including MIUI settings, ADB use, and alternative solutions.

Important: On the Redmi Note 7 with MIUI 12+, transferring applications through standard settings only works for a portion of the software – the rest require manual intervention via ADB or formatting the card as internal memory (with the risk of data loss).

Method 1: Standard Transfer through MIUI Settings

The easiest method is to use the built-in tools of the system, and it's suitable for applications that allow portability (usually games, some utilities, and old programs).

Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
Select the desired application from the list (for example, Telegram or PUBG Mobile).
Slip on Warehouse.
If the option is active, click Change and select Memory Card.
Confirm the transfer and wait until the completion (may take up to 5 minutes).

⚠️ Note: If the Change button is inactive or missing, the application has blocked the transfer.

Memory card formatted as portable storage (FAT32/exFAT)|

There is enough free space on the map (at least 20% more than the size of the application)|

The application is not system-based (e.g. Google Play Services)|

The device is not in power saving mode (may interrupt the process)-->

Method 2: Formatting SD-maps as internal memory

This method circumvents the limitations of Android, but it has serious consequences: the card will be tied to the phone and will not be read on other devices without formatting, and after removing the card, the applications on it will cease to work.

Instructions:

Put it in. SD-map in Redmi Note 7.
Go to Settings → Storage → Memory Map.
Slip on the three dots in the top right corner and select Storage Settings.
Click Format as internal and confirm the action.
After formatting (it takes 1-3 minutes), restart the phone.
Now in the application settings, the ability to transfer to SD for most programs will appear.

Warnings:

🔄 All the data on the map will be deleted! Pre-copy it on your PC.
📱 The card will be encrypted and will only work on this phone.
⚡ When you remove the map, the applications on it will stop running.

What to do if the card is not formatted?

If the system gives you a formatting error, try: 1. Remove the card and paste it back. 2. Format it on your PC in FAT32 (use the SD Formatter utility). 3. Check the card for errors through chkdsk in Windows. If nothing helps, the card may be corrupted or incompatible (for example, SDHC instead of SDXC).

Method 3: Transfer over ADB (for power users)

If standard methods don't work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a debugging tool that allows you to force applications to be moved, which requires a PC connection and basic command line knowledge.

Steps:

Turn on Developer Mode on Redmi Note 7: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version. Go back to Settings → Additional → Developer. Activate USB Debugging.

Connect your phone to your PC via USB (use the original cable).

ADB Tools

cmd

cd C:\platform-tools

adb devices

(The name of your device should appear).

com.whatsapp

adb shell pm list packages | find "whatsapp"

adb shell pm set-install-location 2

(This will set the default installation to SD for supported applications).

Or for a specific application:

adb shell pm move-package com.whatsapp

⚠️ Note: Not all applications support this method.If the team returns a Failure error [INSTALL_FAILED_INVALID_INSTALL_LOCATION], So transfer is impossible.

Enter the command:

adb shell pm get-install-location

Result 2 means that SD-The map is chosen as the default installation location. To see the list of portable applications, use:

adb shell pm list packages -f | find "asec"

This will show applications that are already installed on external storage or support portability.-->

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

Google Play has utilities that promise to port apps to SD, like AppMgr III or Link2SD. However, on the Redmi Note 7 with MIUI, they don't work as well because of the manufacturer's limitations.

🔧 AppMgr III — It shows you a list of portable applications and lets you do it in one click, but it only works for programs that already support portability through settings. MIUI.
🔗 Link2SD — requires root rights, which voids the warranty and may disrupt the work MIUI. On non-rooted devices useless.
⚠️ Danger: Many such applications contain advertisements or ask for unnecessary permissions (e.g. access to the app). SMS).

If you want to try it, we recommend AppMgr III, which at least doesn't require root, but don't expect miracles: if the application is blocked for portability, no utility will help.

Standard settings MIUI|

Formatting SD as internal memory |

ADB (command line)|

Annex side (AppMgr, Link2SD) |

I haven't tried it, just read it.-->

Why can’t some apps be migrated to SD?

Even with all the methods, some applications are not portable to the memory card, and here are the main reasons:

Type of application	Reason for blocking	Examples
System applications	MIUIs are protected, their transfer may disrupt the system	Settings, Phone, Google Play Services
Appendices with widgets	Widgets don't work with SD-Maps due to Android restrictions	Weather, Google Calendar, Yandex.Weather
Permanently notified annexes	Services in the background (e.g., messengers) may not run from SD	Viber, Skype, Slack
Anticheat games	Protection against hacking (e.g. PUBG, Free Fire) blocks transfer	Call of Duty: Mobile, Genshin Impact
Banking applications	Security requirements (e.g. Sberbank Online, Tinkoff)	Alpha-Click, VTB Online

⚠️ Note: if you are forced to transfer such an application (for example, through the ADB), It can: not start, give errors or lose data after a reboot. SD Often stops sending notifications.

Alternative ways to free up memory on the Redmi Note 7

If porting apps hasn’t helped or isn’t possible, try these methods:

🗑️ Cache Clearing: Go to Settings → Warehouse → Clean and delete unnecessary files (especially the Google Play Services and social media cache).
☁️ Cloud Storage: Move photos and videos to Google Photos or Mi Cloud (into Google Photos) MIUI It has built-in synchronization).
🎮 Games: Use Lite versions of apps (e.g. Facebook Lite, Messenger Lite) or stream games through Google Play Games.
🔄 Dalvik cache reset: in recovery mode (Power) + Vol Up) Select Wipe Dalvik Cache – this will not delete data, but will free up the data. 1-3 GB.
📦 APK-extractor: APK Applications (through the application) APK Extractor, remove the originals and install them on SD manually (not for everyone).

💡

On the Redmi Note 7 with MIUI 12+, the most efficient way to free up memory is by combining cache cleaning, transferring supported applications to SD, and using Lite versions of software.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When transferring applications to SD-Redmi Note 7 card users face typical problems. Here's how to solve them:

⚠️ Warning: If the application stopped working after the transfer, check if you have removed the memory card. SD not launched if the card is disabled or damaged.

Mistake.	Reason.	Decision
The "Change" button is inactive	App blocked the transfer	Use ADB or look for an alternative app
The “Not Enough Space” Error During Transfer	Less than 10% of the free space on the map	Clean the map or format it in exFAT
App dyes after transfer	Slow card (class below UHS-I)	Use a UHS-I (U1/U3) class card or faster
ADB misstep INSTALL_FAILED_INVALID_INSTALL_LOCATION	The application does not support SD	Transfer is impossible, try clearing the app cache
The card is not defined after formatting as an internal card.	File system error	Reboot your phone or format the card again

If none of these methods have worked, consider the following options:

🔧 Recoil to MIUI 10/11: In older versions, the transfer worked more stable, but it is risky and not recommended.
📱 Replacement of memory card: some users solve the problem by buying a card from another manufacturer (for example, SanDisk Ultra instead of Kingston).
⚙️ Resetting: in extreme cases, reset to factory settings (Settings) → The phone. → Reset), but it will delete all data.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can WhatsApp be transferred to a memory card in Redmi Note 7?

WhatsApp does not officially support the transfer of SD, But there is a workaround: Make a backup of chats in Settings → chat → Backup. Delete the application. Reinstall it by selecting SD-map as installation location (if option appears) Restore chats from backup. Risk: notifications may be delayed and media files will not automatically be saved to the card.

Why does it slow down after transferring the game to SD?

This is related to the speed of reading/write a memory card. UHS-I (U3) If the card is slow (for example, Class 10 without a card) UHS), FPS Solutions: Buy a card marked U3 or A2 (Transfer only a portion of the game data (such as cache) through Settings. → Warehouse → Game. → Clear the cache and select SD loader.

How to transfer system applications (e.g. Gallery) to SD?

System applications cannot be migrated without root rights. Alternatives: Use a third-party gallery (such as Google Photos or Simple Gallery) and set up photo saving on the site. SD. Turn off system app updates in Google Play (but it won't free up memory). ⚠️ Note: Attempting to transfer system applications through ADB root can cause a cyclical reboot of the phone!

What happens if you take it out? SD-map to which the applications are transferred?

When you retrieve the card: the apps on it will stop working (the icons will remain, but there will be an error when you start the card), once you return the card to the application site, you may need to reinstall it. If the card was formatted as internal memory, the phone may freeze when you boot. Tip: before you retrieve the card, transfer the critical applications back to internal memory.

Can I use it? SD-Card as internal memory of the Redmi Note 7 MIUI 14?

Yes, but with reservations: Format as internal is available, but after upgrading to MIUI 14 may not work smoothly.Some users report a slowdown when using the card as internal memory. It is recommended to use SanDisk or Samsung cards marked A2 for better performance.