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

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 7, released in 2019, is still a popular smartphone due to its price-performance balance. However, even 64 GB of internal memory (in the basic version) runs out over time: high-resolution photos, 4K videos, heavy games and app cache eat up precious gigabytes. If your Redmi Note 7 constantly issues a notification “Not enough memory”, do not rush to buy a new phone – there are at least 7 ways to solve the problem.

In this article, we’ll look at all the possible ways to increase memory, from the banal addition of a microSD card to the little-known MIUI features that will help you free up to 10-15 GB without deleting important files.

1. Installation of a microSD card: how to select and configure

The most obvious way to expand memory is to use a microSD card. Redmi Note 7 supports cards up to 256 GB (officially) and up to 512 GB (unofficially, with firmware based on Android 10+).

• 🔹 Speed class: for recording video 4K and fast application, choose maps UHS-I U3 or A2. Cheap Class 10 will slow down when recording Full HD.
• 🔹 Formatting: MIUI The card offers two options for using it: portable storage (files only on the map) or internal memory (extension of the main storage), the second option allows you to install applications on the map, but once formatted, it can not be removed without losing data.
• 🔹 Brands: optimal price/quality ratio at SanDisk Ultra, Samsung EVO Plus and Kingston Canvas Go! Plus. avoid no-name cards - they're often forged.

To set up the card as an internal memory:

1. Insert the card into the slot (located on the tray for SIM-cards, supported hybrid-slot – either 2 SIM or 1 SIM + microSD).
2. Go to Settings → Storage → Memory Map.
3. Select “Configure as internal memory” and follow the instructions. The system will prompt you to format the card (all data will be deleted!).
4. After formatting, restart the phone.

⚠️ Note: If you configure the card as internal memory, it will not be used on other devices without full formatting.

Download important files from the card to your PC (if you have already used it)

Check the card for errors through the SD Card Formatter program

Select the exFAT file system for cards >64 GB

Format the card directly on your phone (not on PC!)

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2. Transfer of applications to a memory card: limitations and workarounds

Even after you set up the card as internal memory, not all applications can be migrated to it. MIUI blocks the transfer of system utilities and some games (for example, PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact), but there are ways to get around this limitation.

Method 1: Through application settings

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the app you want (such as Facebook or Telegram).
3. Click on “Storage” → “Change” and select a microSD card.

Method 2: ADB (for advanced users)

If the Change button is inactive, you can force the app to move over Android Debug Bridge (ADB).

adb shell pm set-install-location 2

This command will force the system to install all new applications on the memory card. To return everything back, use:

adb shell pm set-install-location 0

⚠️ Note: Moving apps to a map can cause them to run slower, especially if the class card is a good one. UHS-I U1 Some games (such as Call of Duty Mobile) may also have an error when you start from a card.

32GB

64GB

128GB

256GB or more

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3. Cleaning up cache and unnecessary files: hidden sources of garbage

MIUI tends to accumulate unnecessary files that take up gigabytes of memory, and clearing cache and temporary data can free up to 5-8 GB.

Where to look for garbage:

• 🧹 Application cache: go to Settings → Warehouse → Clean up and click "Clear cache." It's safe - only temporary files will be deleted.
• 🗑️ Downloads: Download folder often contains outdated APK-Files, documents and archives. Check it out through the Explorer.
• 📁 folder MIUI: way /MIUI/Extra They're backed up with themes and wallpapers, and they can be deleted without consequences.
• 🎮 Cash games: games like this PUBG Free Fire can take up to 2-3 GB per cache, cleared in the settings of each game.

Hidden MIUI function: Deep cleaning

MIUI 12+ has a Deep Clean tool that removes system debris that is not available through standard settings.

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Click 5 times in a row on the MIUI version to activate the developer mode.
3. Return to the main settings and open Additional → Deep Clean.

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If the applications are slowing down after cleaning the cache, restart the phone. MIUI will restore the critical temporary files automatically.

4.Photo and video optimization: how to save up to 50% of memory

Photos and video are the main memory eaters. Redmi Note 7 shoots up to 48 MP (interpolated) and 4K@30fps video, which quickly fills the storage. Here's how to reduce their weight:

• 📸 Reduce the resolution of the photo: in the camera → Settings → Photo resolution choose 12 MP instead of 48 MP. the difference on the screen of the smartphone will not, and save space 2-3 times.
• 🎥 Video in Full HD instead 4K: In the same camera settings set video resolution 1080p (If you are not taking off for professional processing).
• ☁️ Google Photos with compression: Enable “High Quality” (not “Original”) in the Google Photos settings. Photos will be compressed to a reasonable size without loss of visual quality.
• 🗃️ HEIF/HEVC instead JPEG/MP4: If your phone supports these formats (check in the camera settings), they compress files to the 30–40% more effectively.

How to convert photos/videos that have already been taken:

Use applications like Photo & Picture Resizer (for photos) or Video Compress (for videos). For example, a video that lasts 1 minute in 4K weighs ~350 MB, and after converting to 1080p, it only weighs ~100 MB.

⚠️ Note: When shooting in format HEIF/HEVC Some old devices or programs (for example, Windows) 7 without updates) may not open files. Make sure your devices support these formats.

5.Using cloud storage: automatic synchronization

Cloud services allow you to free up memory by transferring files to the Internet.

How to set up automatic download in Google Photos:

1. Install the Google Photos app from the Play Market.
2. Open it and log in to your Google account.
3. Go to the settings (profile icon → “Photo Settings” → “Backup and Sync”).
4. Activate the switch and select the quality “High” (free) or “Original” (counts for 15 GB).

Once set up, all new photos and videos will automatically be uploaded to the cloud to free up space on the phone:

1. Open Google Photos.
2. Tap the avatar. → «Make room».
3. Confirm the deletion of files that have already been downloaded (they will remain in the cloud).

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Use cloud storage for backup, not as your primary storage location, and with slow Internet, file access can be difficult.

6.Reset to factory settings: a last resort

If all of the above methods failed, and the phone still makes errors about the lack of memory, there is a hard reset, which will delete all data, but return the phone to a “clean” state, freeing up to 10-20 GB (by deleting cache, temporary files and remnants of deleted applications).

How to reset:

1. Back up important data (photos, contacts, messages) through Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset.
2. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
3. Select “Reset All Settings” (not “Reset Network Settings”!).
4. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot (it will take 5-10 minutes).

⚠️ Note: After resetting, the phone will require you to enter your Mi Account information if it was tied. If you forget your password, unlocking the device will be difficult – you will need to contact Xiaomi support.

What to do after the discharge:

• 🔄 Restore data from a backup (but not all at once – it will fill up the memory again).
• 🚫 Don't install all the apps at once. Install only the essentials and keep an eye on the free space.
• 📱 Set up automatic cache cleanup in Settings → Warehouse → Cleanup → Autocleaning.

7. Alternative methods: for advanced users

If you’re willing to take drastic measures, there are a few other ways to boost your memory:

• 🔧 Root access + Link2SD: With superuser rights, you can transfer almost all applications to a memory card, including system applications, but this is insecure and can lead to unstable work.
• 🖥️ Connection to OTG: Use a flash drive or external drive SSD through OTG-cable: Redmi Note 7 supports USB OTG, The read/write speed will be lower than the internal memory.
• 🔄 Adoptable Storage-enabled firmware: Some custom firmware (like LineageOS) allows you to combine internal memory and microSD into one partition. Risky but effective.

How to check for OTG support:

1. Buy it. OTG-cable (stands) ~100-200 rubles).
2. Connect a flash drive or external hard drive (formatted in FAT32 or exFAT) to your phone.
3. If a new partition is added to the conductor, OTG works, and the data rate will be ~20-30 MB/s (for comparison, internal memory is ~200 MB/s).

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If you frequently connect external drives, install the USB OTG Checker app to monitor speed and compatibility.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the memory increase on the Redmi Note 7