Series smartphones Honor 7A often face a lack of built-in storage, especially in the basic 16 or 32 GB versions. The built-in memory is filled with system files, messenger caches and updates, leaving the user with minimal space for new apps. This leads to slow operation of the device and the inability to install the necessary software.
Fortunately, the operating system Android allows you to use an external memory card MicroSD not only as file storage, but also as an extension for installing apps. This is critically important for owners of budget devices, where every gigabyte counts. Correctly setting up the drive can significantly extend the comfortable use of the gadget without the need to delete old photos for the sake of a new game.
In this guide we will look at all the nuances of working with an SD card on the shell EMUI. You'll learn how to properly format media, how to force data transfer, and what security restrictions exist. Carefully following the steps will help you avoid losing important data and errors when working with the file system.
Preparing the memory card and smartphone for work
Before starting any manipulations, you need to make sure that your memory card is technically sound and suitable for working in conjunction with a smartphone. Reading and writing speed directly affects the performance of applications that will be hosted on it. Using slow cards of class Class 4 or Class 6 can lead to freezing of apps and long loading times.
It is recommended to use standard drives UHS-I with a speed class of at least 10. Such cards provide stable data exchange, necessary for modern games and heavy utilities If you are using an old drive left over from a push-button phone, it is better to replace it, as it will become a bottleneck in the entire system.
⚠️ Attention: Before formatting, be sure to save all important files from the memory card to the computer, as the process will completely destroy all information on the media.
Insert the card into the smartphone slot and wait for a notification about a new device to appear. The system Honor 7A usually automatically prompts you to configure the drive, but sometimes manual intervention is required through the settings menu. Do not ignore system requests so that the file system is marked correctly.
To check the speed and health of the card, you can use special utilities available in the store Google Play. They will show the actual write speed and help identify possible bad sectors that could lead to data loss in the future.
Setting up an SD card as internal storage
The most effective way to free up space is the "Transportable Storage" or "Internal Storage" function. In the shell EMUI this process is called adaptive formatting. After it is completed, the system will consider the memory card an extension of the built-in disk, which will allow you to install default applications on it.
To activate this mode, go to settings and find the memory management item. Here you need to select your card and initiate the formatting process. The system will warn you that all data will be deleted and prompt you to select the type of use.
Select the "Use as internal storage" option. This action will encrypt the memory card and it will become accessible only to that specific smartphone. Moving it to another phone without reformatting will no longer work due to security mechanisms. Android.
Why is the card encrypted?
Encryption is necessary to protect your personal data. If you lose your phone, no one can simply remove the memory card and insert it into the computer and read your photos, correspondence or logins from banking applications.
Step-by-step transfer of installed applications
Once the card is formatted and configured as internal, you can begin moving already installed apps. Not all applications support full migration, but many system and user apps can be partially or completely moved.
Open the menu Settings → Applications and select the desired app from the list. In the window that opens, find the “Memory” or “Storage” section. If transfer is possible, the “Change” or “Move” button will be active there.
☑️ Algorithm for transferring applications
Press the move button and wait for the process to complete. The waiting time depends on the size of the application and the speed of your memory card. At this moment, it is better not to run other heavy tasks so as not to create a load on the processor and disk controller.
Some system applications, such as Google Play Services or standard dialer utilities, cannot be moved. This limitation was introduced by the developers of the operating system to ensure the stability of the smartphone's functions.
Installing new apps directly onto the memory card
When the SD card is configured as primary storage, new applications will try to install to it by default unless the internal memory is full. However, the user can manually control this process in the system settings.
Go to the section Settings → Storage. Here you will see a switch for "Default Save Location". Set to "Memory Card". Now, when downloading games and apps from the store AppGallery or Google Play they will be automatically placed on an external drive.
⚠️ Attention: The menu interface may differ depending on the version of Android (8.0 Oreo or 9.0 Pie) and EMUI shell version. If you do not find the items you need, use the settings search.
It is important to understand that even when installed on a card, some of the application data (cache, settings, temporary files) will still take up space in the internal memory. It will not be possible to completely free up the built-in disk, but it is quite possible to significantly unload it.
For large games with additional data files (cache), the system will also prompt you to select an installation location. Follow the installer's prompts to ensure that the files end up in the correct directory on the SD card.
Comparison of data storage options
Users often find it difficult to choose between storing data on the built-in chip and on an external card. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, which affect the speed of work and the safety of information. Below is a table to help you make your choice.
| Parameter | Built-in memory | Memory card (SD) |
|---|---|---|
| Operating speed | High (UFS/eMMC) | Depends on the card class |
| Reliability | High | Medium (risk of damage) |
| Volume | Limited by model | Can be increased to 256 GB+ |
| Portability | Only with a phone | Can be transferred to a PC |
The built-in memory of a smartphone Honor 7A usually has higher random read speeds, which is critical for system performance. A memory card benefits only in capacity and the ability to physically transfer data to other devices without the use of cables.
If you actively use navigators or streaming services, the difference in map loading speed can be noticeable. For background tasks and storing photo archives, an external card is ideal, but for running “heavy” 3D games it is better to leave them in the internal memory.
Possible problems and ways to solve them
During operation, users may encounter reading errors or spontaneous closing of applications. This is often due to poor contact of the card in the slot or damage to the file system. First of all, try rebooting the device.
If the problem persists, check the card for errors via a computer. Connect your smartphone in file transfer mode or use a card reader. Run a disk check through the drive properties in the Windows operating system.
⚠️ Attention: If the memory card is detected as empty or requires formatting every time you turn it on, it may be faulty. Try replacing it with another one.
Sometimes applications stop working after transfer if the SD card was removed without first unmounting it. Always use the function Settings → Memory → Eject before physically removing the card to avoid damaging app databases.
It is also worth considering that some highly secure banking applications and services may refuse to work if they detect that they are installed on external storage. In such cases, you will have to return the app to the internal memory.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to transfer WhatsApp and all chats to a memory card?
Full transfer of the WhatsApp application itself is often limited by the system. However, media files (photos, videos) can be transferred. To do this, in the settings of the messenger itself, change the path for saving media to a memory card, if such an option is available in your version, or use a file manager to move the folder WhatsApp/Media.
Why did the game stop starting after transferring the game?
This may be due to the low speed of the memory card or damage to the files during transfer. Try deleting the game and installing it again, making sure that the memory card is selected in the storage settings. Also check if the file limit on the card has been reached.
Does the memory card affect the speed of the Honor 7A?
Yes, it does. If the memory card has a low speed class (slow writing/reading), then opening applications stored on it will take longer. This can also cause micro-delays (freezing) in the interface when accessing application data.
What will happen to applications if I remove the memory card?
Applications installed on the card will stop working and disappear from the app list. Their shortcuts may remain on the desktop, but when clicked, the system will report that the application is not installed. The data will be available again after returning the card to the same smartphone.
What is the maximum card capacity that Honor 7A supports?
Officially, the smartphone supports memory cards up to 256 GB or 512 GB (depending on the specific modification and region). However, in practice, 1 TB cards often work successfully if they are formatted in the exFAT file system.