How to increase memory on Xiaomi Redmi 7, everything from memory card to MIUI optimization

The Xiaomi Redmi 7, released in 2019, is still a popular budget smartphone, but its main drawback is limited memory. Even the 64GB version is quickly clogged with photos, apps and cache, especially if you are actively using instant messengers or games. In this article, we will discuss all the working ways to increase memory on Redmi 7, including hardware and software solutions, as well as nuances that are not written in standard instructions.

It’s important to understand that Redmi 7 doesn’t support microSD installation as internal memory (Adoptable Storage is disabled in MIUI), but that doesn’t mean that the memory card is useless. We’ll show you how to make the most of it, and optimize existing storage without losing data. If you’re ready for radical measures, consider replacing the memory chip (spoiler: it’s complicated and not always justified).

Before you start, check your current memory status: go to Settings → About Phone → Storage. If less than 10% is free, the system is already starting to slow down due to lack of space for temporary files. Our guide will help bring Redmi 7 back to life!

1. MicroSD Memory Card: How to Choose and Configure

The most obvious way to expand memory is to install a microSD card. Redmi 7 supports microSDXC format up to 256 GB, but there are nuances:

• 🔹 Speed class: minimum Class 10 (UHS-I), Otherwise, the video recording is slowed down. 4K. For games and apps better UHS-I U3 or A2 (Optimized for Accidental Access).
• 🔹 Formatting: by default, the phone will suggest using the card as a portable storage (files manually ported). MIUI It is blocked, but more on that below.
• 🔹 Brands: avoid no-name cards - they often fake volume.Best options: Samsung EVO Plus, SanDisk Ultra, Kingston Canvas Go!.

To make the card last longer, turn off automatic backup to Settings → Google → Backup – it eats up unnecessary write cycles. Also, do not store live wallpaper or widgets on microSD – they constantly overwrite data, reducing the life of the flash drive.

⚠️ Note: If after installing the card, the phone becomes slower to work, check its authenticity using the utility H2testw (Windows or SD Insight (Android) Fake cards often show false volume, but in fact they are 4-8 GB.

2. Data transfer to memory card: what can and can not

MIUI allows you to transfer to microSD not all types of files.

• 📷 Photo and video: through the Gallery → Select → Move or in the camera settings (Default Storage) → Map. SD).
• 🎵 Music and podcasts: In apps like Google Play Music or Spotify, select the folder on the map in the download settings.
• 📄 Documents: in Google Drive or WPS Office Specify Map as Default Save Place.

Here is what you cannot do with standard means:

• 🚫 Applications (except for part of the data via Settings) → Annexes → Warehouse).
• 🚫 System files and updates MIUI.
• 🚫 WhatsApp cache (Telegram) – manually through the file manager.

The application will need root or ADB-But even with root, not all programs will work from a card – many (such as Netflix or banking apps) block startup from external storage for security reasons.

3. Cleaning up the system: hidden MIUI functions

Before you spend money on a memory card, try to make room with internal tools. MIUI has hidden cleaning features that are not visible at first glance:

1. Deep Clean: Go to Settings → About Phone → Storage → Cleanup. There’s a Deep Cleanup tab that removes the system cache and temporary application files (including remnants of deleted programs).
2. Optimization MIUI: in the same menu, click Optimization - the system will offer to remove duplicate photos, old ones APK-Files and unused language packets.
3. Messenger cache: Go to Settings → Storage & Data → Storage Management on WhatsApp, where you can delete media files over 30 days that take up gigabytes.

MIUI 12.5+ automatically compresses unused files in the background, but this feature only works when there is less than 500 MB of free space. To force the compression to start, reboot the phone to Safe Mode (press the power button → Reboot in Safe Mode).

⚠️ Attention: Do not delete the folder /sdcard/MIUI — It contains system themes and fonts. Also avoid cleaning. Android/obb, If you play games: additional data is stored here (for example, maps for the game). GTA San Andreas).

4. Using cloud storage: pros and cons

If you can't physically expand your memory, consider cloud services, which won't increase your internal storage, but will make room for critical files.

• 🌥 Google Photos: Freely stores photos in high quality (compression up to 16 MP). 1080p Take up space on Google Drive.
• 🌥 Mi Cloud: 5GB free, but only syncs contacts, notes and backups (not suitable for media files).

To automate the boot, set up autosynchronization:

1. In Google Photos: Settings → Backup and Synchronization → On.
2. In Yandex Drive: Settings → Autoboot → Select folders.

An important caveat: with a bad Internet, cloud services can drain the battery by constantly trying to sync files. Turn off mobile startup in the application settings.

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If you use Google Photos, turn on the option to Free up after download (in the storage settings). The system will automatically delete local copies of photos already saved in the cloud, but leave thumbnails for viewing.

5. Advanced methods: root, ADB and custom firmware

If standard methods don't work, you'll have to use advanced methods, which require technical skills and can void warranty, but give you maximum control over memory.

Method 1: Transfer applications to SD via ADB

Even without root, you can force some applications to be transferred to a memory card using ADB:

adb shell pm set-install-location 2

This command will force the system to install new applications on the SD by default, to bring it back:

adb shell pm set-install-location 0

Method 2: Link2SD (requires root)

Link2SD allows you to transfer cache and application data to a second split memory card (fat32 + ext2/ext4).

1. Break the card into 2 sections (e.g. 32GB fat32 + 32GB ext4) via MiniTool Partition Wizard.
2. Install Link2SD and select the ext partition when you first start.
3. In the list of applications, click on the desired → Create a link → Move all three components (APK, data, cache).

⚠️ Attention: Redmi 7s MIUI 12+ post-transfer SD You can have "Application Not Responding" errors when the battery is low, and this is due to energy saving. MIUI, which disables access to the card at a rate below 15%.

Unlock the bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool (wait 72 hours) | Download TWRP for onclite (codename Redmi 7) | Backup via adb backup | Disable Mi Account in the settings-->

6. Hardware memory chip replacement: is it real?

In theory, you can replace the memory chip with Redmi 7, but in practice it is:

• 🔧 Difficult: eMMC chip soldered to motherboard (model) KLMAG2JENB-B041 for 32 GB or KLMAG4JENB-B041 Replacement requires a soldering dryer and experience with BGA-chip.
• 💰 Expensive: the new chip at 128 GB will cost in ~30–50$, plus the cost of work (if you apply for the service).
• ⚠️ Risky: with careless soldering, you can damage the memory controller or processor.

Where can I get a compatible chip?

• 🛒 AliExpress: Search by model KLMAG8JENB-B041 (128 GB) or KLMAG2JENB-B041 (substitution).
• 🛒 Local services: some workshops sell used chips from donor boards.

If you decide to replace them, consider:

1. After replacing the chip, you will have to flash the phone again - the data will not be saved.
2. MIUI may not recognize the new memory capacity, in which case you will need to edit the fstab file in the firmware.

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Replacing your memory chip with a Redmi 7 is only justified if you are confident in your soldering skills or willing to pay for professional repairs, and it is 90% cheaper to buy a new phone with more storage.

Alternative solutions: OTG-storage

If neither of these methods works, consider external drives:

• 📁 OTG-Flash drive: Redmi 7 supports USB OTG. Connect the flash drive through the adapter and use it as a portable storage device.
• 🖥 Network storage (NAS): If you have a router at home USB-port (for example, Xiaomi Mi Router) 4A), Connect to it a hard disk and configure access to SMB or FTP.
• 📡 FTP-Server on PC: Using FileZilla Server or Python script (pyftpdlib) deploy your home FTP, to download files over Wi-Fi.

To work with OTG-drives, we recommend:

• 🔌 Use a powered Y cable so that the flash drive does not discharge the phone.
• 📂 Format the drive in exFAT (supports files) >4 GB) or NTFS (requires rooting).

Example of settings FTP-servers on a PC for Redmi 7:

1. Install FileZilla Server and create a user with folder access.
2. On your phone, use FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer to connect via ftp://[your IP].
3. For automatic mounting, use AutoFTP (set up schedule synchronization).

FAQ: Frequent questions about memory on Redmi 7