How to increase memory on Xiaomi 7A: from garbage cleaning to 1TB memory card

Why Xiaomi 7A is running out of memory and what to do about it

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi 7A often face the problem of lack of internal memory — especially if the device is used as the main smartphone for photos, instant messengers and games. the Basic version of the model is equipped with only 16 GB or 32 GB of ROM, of which the user is available 30-40% less due to preinstalled MIUI firmware and system files. Even after the transition to MIUI 14 or HyperOS, the situation does not improve — modern applications are taking up more space.

The main memory eaters on Xiaomi 7A: app cache (especially Telegram, VKontakte, TikTok), residual files after deleting programs, duplicate photos (due to automatic backup in Google Photos), system updates that are downloaded in the background.

Without regular cleaning, the smartphone starts to slow down, and the notification "Memory is full. Clear up space" appears every 5 minutes.

In this article, we will analyze 6 working ways to increase memory on Xiaomi 7A – from basic (cleaning up garbage) to advanced (using a memory card as an internal drive). All methods are tested on current versions of MIUI and HyperOS, taking into account the features of the budget hardware of the smartphone (Snapdragon 439, 2 GB of RAM).

Method 1: Cleaning cache and junk files manually

The first step is to remove temporary files that take up to 3-5 GB of storage but do not affect the operation of applications. On Xiaomi 7A, this can be done without third-party utilities, through built-in MIUI tools.

Cleaning instructions:

1. Open the Settings → Memory.
2. Click "Clean" in the "Junk Files" section.
3. Go to the App Cash tab and select Clear Everything.
4. Go back to the main Settings menu → Applications → Application Management.
5. Sort programs by cache size and manually clean the most “heavy” (for example, YouTube, Chrome, Facebook).

APK-file of remaining updates|folder DCIM/.thumbnails (photo-picture)|.nomedia files in folders|Google Play Services Cash (No More) 500 MB)-->

⚠️ Warning: Do not clear the cache of system applications (MIUI System, Security, Google Play Store – this can cause malfunctions in the smartphone. Also, do not delete the Android folder in the root directory – it stores application data.

Once cleaned, restart the device. If there is 1-2 GB more free space, but the problem remains, move on to the next method.

Method 2: Transfer applications to a memory card (microSD)

The Xiaomi Redmi 7A supports microSD cards up to 512 GB (officially) and up to 1 TB (unofficially, with the risk of instability), and can be used in two ways: as portable storage (for photos, videos, music) or as internal memory (for installing applications).

To transfer applications to the memory card:

1. Insert microSD into the slot (FAT32, exFAT, NTFS formats are supported).
2. Go to Settings → Memory → SD card.
3. Click "Configure" → "Inner memory" (this will format the card!).
4. After formatting, select "Move Data" (if available).
5. For manual application transfer: Settings → Applications → Select program → Storage → Change → SD card.

⚠️ Note: When using a memory card as an internal drive: it cannot be removed without first "disabling" in the settings, the speed of applications will decrease by the time the memory is stored. 20-40% (Depending on the class of the card, some programs (for example, WhatsApp, Banking applications) are not ported to the card. SD.

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Before buying a memory card, check it for authenticity with H2testw (Windows) or SD Insight (Android).Fake cards often have understated write speeds, leading to lags.

Method 3: Use OTG-drive (flash drive or hard disk)

If you're in Xiaomi. 7A No memory card slot (or it's occupied by the second one) SIM-card, you can connect an external drive through OTG-Adapter. Smartphone supports: USB-flash-drive (FAT32/exFAT), external HDD/SSD (Additional power is required!, microSD card readers.

How to connect the OTG-drive:

1. Buy it. OTG-adapter (Type-C) → USB-A, If you have an original cable).
2. Connect the flash drive to the adapter, then to the smartphone.
3. In the notification, click "Open" or go to Files → USB-accumulator.
4. To transfer files, use the built-in file manager or ES Explorer.

➕ Pros of the method:

🔹 No limit on the volume (can be connected) HDD 2 TB).

🔹 Read/write speeds are higher than microSD (if you use it) SSD).

🔹 You can quickly transfer files between devices.

Cons:

🔸 OTG-Adapter takes up the charging port (you can’t charge your phone at the same time).

🔸 Hard drives require external power supply (need a hub with a USB).

🔸 Not all applications are able to work with OTG-storage.

Method 4: Optimizing Storage with Cloud Services

If physical memory expansion is not possible, you can transfer some of the data to the cloud. Xiaomi 7A preinstalled services Mi Cloud (5 GB free) and Google Drive (15 GB), Alternatives are also available: Yandex Drive (10 GB), Mega (20 GB), OneDrive (5 GB).

How to set up automatic uploading of photos and videos:

1. Open Google Photos (set by default).
2. Go to Settings → Backup and Synchronization.
3. Enable the option and select the quality "High (free, unlimited)" or "Original" (counted in the quota).
4. In the “Storage Management” section, click “Free space” to remove local copies of photos already uploaded to the cloud.

For other types of files:

📁 Documents: Use Google Drive with Auto-Booting from Downloads folder.

🎵 Music: Download tracks to Yandex Music or Spotify (offline mode).

📱 Backups: Set up the save SMS Contacts in Mi Cloud (Settings) → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → Synchronization).

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Cloud services do not increase the physical memory of a smartphone, but they allow you to free up to 5-10 GB by transferring rarely used files there, the main drawback is that access to data requires the Internet.

Method 5: Removal of system applications (debloating)

Xiaomi 7A is loaded with pre-installed programs (bloatware), which take up to 1-2 GB and are not removed by standard means, these include: Mi Video, Mi Music, Mi Browser, GetApps, Facebook (in some regions).

You can delete them without root-rights, but you will need to debug via USB and a computer.

Instructions for debloating through ADB:

1. Turn on Developer Mode (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times press).
2. Activate “Debugging by USB” (Settings → Additional → For developers).
3. Connect your smartphone to your PC, install ADB drivers (download from the Android site).
4. Open the command line (Windows) or the terminal (Mac/Linux) and type:

adb devices


adb shell




pm list packages | grep 'miui'




pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.videoplayer # example for Mi Video




pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.player       # Mi Music

📌 List of safe packet removal:

• 🎬 com.miui.videoplayer — Mi Video
• 🎵 com.miui.player — Mi Music
• 🌐 com.android.browser — Mi Browser
• 📦 com.xiaomi.midrop - Mi Drop (if not used)
• 🎮 com.miui.gameturbo - Game Turbo (if you don't play)

⚠️ Note: Do not delete system packages with the names com.android.*, com.google.*, com.qualcomm.* – this will lead to the inoperability of the smartphone!

After debloating, restart the device and check the vacant space in Settings → Memory.

Method 6: Reset to factory settings (last resort)

If none of the methods worked and there was less than 500MB of free memory, there is a hard reset, which will delete all the data, including photos, messages and installed applications, but return the smartphone to its original state.

How to do the reset correctly:

1. Back up your important data (via Mi Cloud or PC).
2. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
3. Select “Erase all data” and confirm the action.
4. After the reboot, configure the smartphone as new without restoring a backup from the cloud (it may contain junk files).

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi 7A Reset via Recovery (Power buttons) + Vol Up) may result in loss of access to the Mi Account if the Mi Account was previously enabled, in which case you will need to enter the login / password after resetting.

After discharge:

• 📱 Install only the necessary applications (avoid duplicate messengers).
• 📸 Set up an automatic upload to the cloud (Google Photo or Yandex Drive).
• 🔄 Regularly (once a month) clear the cache through Settings → Memory.

FAQ: Frequent questions about increasing memory on Xiaomi 7A