How to increase memory on Xiaomi Redmi 7: from memory card to hidden MIUI settings

Xiaomi Redmi 7 is one of the most popular budget smartphones of 2019, but its main drawback is limited storage.Even the 64GB version quickly fills with photos, videos and apps.If you encounter a message "Not enough memory" or the phone starts to slow down, this article will help solve the problem.

We'll look at all the ways you can increase memory, from the simple addition of microSD to the hidden features of MIUI that few people know about. Importantly, not all methods are equally effective, so we'll evaluate each one by speed, cost and risk. If you're willing to spend 5 minutes optimizing or considering buying a new drive, here are clear instructions without water.

Installation of a microSD memory card: which format and class to choose

The most obvious way to expand memory is to insert a microSD. Redmi 7 supports cards up to 512GB, but there are nuances with format and speed class. If you choose the wrong card, it will slow down or not be determined by the system.

First, check the type of slot: Redmi 7 uses a hybrid slot (second SIM or microSD), which means you have to sacrifice a second SIM to install the memory card, and if you care about two numbers, this method will not work.

• 📌 Format: MicroSDXC only (for cards) >32GB) or microSDHC (up to 32GB). microSD cards (up to 2GB) are not supported.
• ⚡ Speed class: minimum class 10 or UHS-I (U1/U3). To record video in 4K need U3 or V30.
• 💾 File system: exFAT (for cards) >64 GB) or FAT32 (32GB). NTFS unsupported!

If the card is not identified, format it via your phone: go to Settings → Storage → SD card → Format as internal storage. Attention: once formatted as an internal drive, the card will not be read on other devices without completely erasing the data.

⚠️ Warning: Do not buy memory cards from unknown brands (for example, "no-name" on AliExpress). Counterfeiting often has a real volume of 2-4 times less than claimed, and write speeds may be lower than Class 4. EVO Plus, Kingston Canvas.

2.Inline memory optimization: what can be safely removed

Before you spend money on a memory card, try to free up space in the built-in storage. MIUI has hidden cleaning features that remove up to 3-5 GB of garbage in a few clicks.

Start with the built-in cleaner:

1. Open the Settings → Storage.
2. Click "Clean" in the "Junk Files" section.
3. Select “Deep Clean” and confirm the removal of the app cache.

This method removes temporary files, thumbnails, remnants of deleted programs and duplicates.

Check the large files:

• 📁 Go to the files. → Categories → Large files (sorting by size).
• 🎥 Remove old videos (especially in the video) DCIM → Camera or Movies).
• 🎵 Music Playlists that haven’t been listening to in a long time (Music folder or Download).
• 📦 Archives and APK-Download files (unless you plan to reinstall applications).

For advanced users: Remove system debris via ADB. Connect your phone to your PC, enable USB Debugging (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – press 7 times, then return to Additional → For Developers) and execute the command:

adb shell pm trim-caches -d 1073741824

This command compulsorily clears the cache of all applications, including system ones. Do not use it more than 1 time a month - this can lead to failures.

3. Transfer of applications to a memory card: pros and cons

MIUI has a microSD port feature, but it doesn't work perfectly, and the main drawback is that not all programs support the transfer, and some programs start to slow down or emit errors after moving.

How to move the application:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the app you want (like Facebook or Spotify).
3. Click on “Storage” → “Change” → select a memory card.

⚠️ Note: If you transfer WhatsApp or Telegram to a memory card and then retrieve it, all unsent messages and media files will be lost without recovery! 💡Before transferring the application to the memory card, check its speed using the application. A1 SD Bench (available from Play Market).If the write speed is below 10MB/s, the transfer is meaningless, the apps will slow down. 4. OTG-Drives and external hard drives If the hybrid slot is occupied by the second SIM-card, and memory is catastrophically lacking, you can connect an external drive through OTG. Redmi 7 is supported by USB OTG, So it can be connected: 🖥️ External hard drive (up to 2 TB, powered by USB). 💽 Flash drive (up to 256 GB, USB 3.0 is preferable). 📱 MicroSD card reader (if you need to temporarily copy files). You need to connect. OTG-adapter (stands) ~200–500 ₽). After connecting, the drive will appear in the Files application → USB-The main disadvantage is that you can't transfer applications to the storage. OTG-drive, files only (photos, videos, documents) If the external drive is not identified: Check that it is formatted in exFAT or FAT32. Connect to charging - some drives require additional power. Update the phone's firmware (in older versions) MIUI were bugs with OTG). What? OTG-Buy an adapter for Redmi 7? Most reliable options: 1. Original Xiaomi USB-C to USB-A OTG (formal, ~300 ₽). 2. Baseus USB-C to USB 3.0 OTG (high-speed, ~400 ₽). 3. UGREEN USB-C to Micro-USB OTG (If you have an old adapter with Micro-USB, ~250 ₽). Avoid cheap no-name adapters – they may not provide a stable connection or even damage the port.5. Hidden functions MIUI save memory MIUI It has a few non-obvious settings that help save space without deleting files. Most users are unaware of them, but they can free up to 1-2 GB. 1. Restricting application background activity: Go to Settings → Battery and productivity → Battery management. Select "Background Process Limitation» → «Standard limit. This will reduce the amount of cache that apps create in the background. 2. Disable automatic download of media in messengers: WhatsApp: Settings → Warehouse → Autoboot media → Turn off the photo/video download. Telegram: Settings → Data and memory → Autoboot media → Select Never. This will prevent automatic downloads of memes and videos that take up gigabytes. 3. Clean up downloads in Google Chrome: Open Chrome, click ⋮ → «Downloads». Delete unnecessary files (especially.apk and.zip). Clear the browser cache: Settings → Confidentiality → Clear the data. 💡Even if you don't install new apps, the system cache and background processes can "eat" up to 500MB of storage per week. → Storage can help avoid space shortages. 6. Alternative methods: cloud storage and factory resets If physical memory expansion is not possible, consider cloud solutions or radical measures. These methods will not increase storage capacity, but will help to free up space. Cloud storage: 🖼️ Google Photos: Automatically uploads photos/video to the cloud and allows you to delete local copies (Settings) → Make room). 📁 Mi Cloud (built-in to the MIUI): 5GB free, syncs contacts, notes and photos. 🎵 Yandex.Disk or Mail.ru Cloud: suitable for backup of documents. The downside is that you need the Internet to access files, and free rates are limited. Factory reset: If the phone is full of unnecessary files and slows down, the last resort is a complete reset. This will delete everything, including apps, photos and settings, but return the device to a "clean" state. Make a backup copy: Settings → The phone. → Backup. Go to Settings. → Additionally. → Recovery and discharge → Setting reset. Select "Erase everything" and confirm. After reset, you'll have ~10-12 GB of free space (depending on version) MIUI). ⚠️ Note: If you use Mi Account and have enabled sync, some of the data (contacts, notes) will be automatically restored after the reset, but photos, videos and messages in messengers will have to be manually restored from the backup. 7. If you've tried all the ways, but the memory is still not enough, it may be time to think about replacing your smartphone. 7 — Good machine, but its maximum storage capacity (64 GB) is small by modern standards, with alternatives with more memory in the same price range: 📱 Redmi Note 10 — 128 GB + MicroSD slot (without hybrid slot). 📱 Poco X3 Pro — 128/256 GB + support UFS 3.1 (faster than the eMMC in Redmi 7). 📱 Redmi 9T — 128 GB + It's a separate microSD slot. If you're tied to Redmi, 7, Consider replacing the motherboard with a version with a large amount of memory (for example, with a computer). 32 GB 64 GB. However, it is expensive (~3 000–5 000 ₽) Risky – after replacement, there may be problems with IMEI module work. 💡Before buying a new phone, check if it supports adoptable storage.In modern Xiaomi models, this feature is often disabled due to performance issues. FAQ: Frequent questions about memory enhancement on Redmi 7 Can I put two? SIM-- cards and memory cards at the same time? 7 has a hybrid slot, or a second SIM, Or microSD, if you need two. SIM-maps, use them OTG-Adapter to connect external flash drive. What is the maximum memory card supported? Officially, up to 512 GB, but in practice, stable cards to 256 GB Maps. 1 TB can be undetectable or error-prone. Why does it slow down after you transfer an application to a map? Your microSD is likely to have a low speed class (Class). 4/6). Applications require a minimum Class card 10 or UHS-I (U1). Also check if the card is full — 90% of the time the read/write speed drops. Can the memory card be used as internal memory? Yes, but with the caveat: The card will be encrypted and not readable on other devices. Not all applications will work with it (especially system ones). When you extract the map, some programs will stop running. To configure: Settings → Warehouse → Map. SD → Format it as internal storage. Should I buy a redmi 7 with extended memory? If it's a 64GB model, yes, that's the best option. But check: Battery status (capacity should be available) >80 percent of the original. MicroSD slot (insert test card) No autopsy (could change memory to fake) Redmi 7 64 GB in good condition — ~5 000–7 000 ₽ (2026).