Why internal memory is becoming small and how an SD card saves the situation
Owners of budget and mid-budget smartphones are constantly faced with a lack of free places. The Android system itself takes up gigabytes, and after installing a couple of dozen apps and games, the memory is rapidly depleted.
Use memory cards becomes the only way out to store media files and, more importantly, part of the app data. Modern devices rarely offer an expansion slot, but if you have one, it would be a shame not to use it.
However, transfer applications is a process that is not always obvious. Many users do not know that standard settings allow moving only part of the data, leaving “heavy” files in the internal storage.
Checking compatibility: does your smartphone support transfer
Before you begin manipulation, you need to make sure that your model Android supports the move function. Manufacturers often block this feature at the firmware level for flagship models.
Go to settings and find the application management section. If the transfer button is inactive (gray), it means that the developer has prohibited installation of the app on external media.
There are two main methods of working with the card:
- 📱 Portable storage —the card is used only for photos, videos and music, transferring applications is not available.
- 💾 Internal memory —the system formats the card and combines it with the main storage, allowing the installation of any apps.
⚠️ Attention: When selecting the “Internal memory” mode, all data on the card will be permanently deleted. Be sure to back up your important files before starting the procedure.
Some manufacturers, such as Samsung or Xiaomimay hide this option depending on the regional firmware version. In such cases, configuration is required through the engineering menu.
Classic method: moving through Android settings
The safest and simplest method does not require root access or connecting to a computer. It works on most devices running clean Android.
Open the settings menu and go to the Applications and notificationssection. Find the desired app in the list and click on it.
In the menu that opens, select Storage. If the system allows the transfer, you will see a Editbutton. Click it and select SD card.
The process may take from a few seconds to a couple of minutes depending on the size of the cache. After completion, the application icon may temporarily disappear from the desktop.
☑️ Check before transfer
Unfortunately, absolutely everything cannot be transferred using this method. System utilities, widgets and some instant messengers will remain in the internal memory regardless of your actions.
Advanced method: Adoptable Storage mode (Internal memory)
Starting with version Android 6.0, the Adoptable Storage function has appeared. It allows you to turn an ordinary flash drive into a full-fledged extension of the internal storage.
To activate, you need to insert the card, wait for the notification and select formatting as internal storage. The system will encrypt the card, and it will become unreadable on other devices.
Now new applications will be installed on the card by default. Old apps can be transferred en masse through the storage management menu.
| Storage type | Working speed | Mobility | Data security |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portable | High | Can be removed at any time | Data available on PC |
| Internal (Adoptable) | Depends on class cards | Cannot be extracted without formatting | Encrypted, available only on this phone |
| Hybrid | Medium | Partial mobility | Part of the data is encrypted |
This method is critical for devices with a small amount of internal memory, for example, 16 or 32 GB. It really expands the possibilities for installing heavy games.
Why might the "Change" button be gray?
If the button is inactive, then the application developer has disabled the transfer in the app manifest. You can get around this only through ADB or root access, but this can lead to unstable operation of the software.
Using ADB to force a transfer
If standard methods do not work, you can use USB debugging. This method requires connecting your smartphone to PC and installing drivers.
Enable developer mode by clicking 7 times on the build number in the menu About the phone. Then activate USB debugging.
Connect the phone to the computer and launch the command line. Enter the command to change the default installation location:
adb shell pm setInstallLocation 2Value 2 instructs the system to prefer external storage. The value 0 returns automatic selection, and 1uses internal memory.
⚠️ Attention: ADB commands only give installation priority, but do not guarantee the transfer of already installed system applications. Carelessly changing the parameters may cause the package manager to malfunction.
After entering the command, reboot the device. Now, when installing new APK files, the system will try to place them on the card.
Choosing the right memory card for high speed
Not every card is suitable for running applications. A slow flash drive will turn your smartphone into a slow device, since reading speed will be a bottleneck.
Pay attention to the speed class. For comfortable work, you need a standard Class 10 or higher, preferably marked UHS-I or UHS-III.
Recommended characteristics for the Adoptable Storage mode:
- 🚀 Minimum write speed: 90 MB/s.
- 💿 Volume: from 64 GB for comfortable use.
- 🛡️ Brand: SanDisk, Samsung, Kingston (avoid cheap nonames).
Cheap cards quickly degrade when the application cache is constantly rewritten. This may lead to data loss and app launch errors.
Check the actual speed of your card before purchasing using the A1 Benchmark application on another device. Marking A1 or A2 on the package guarantees a high random reading speed, which is critical for the operation of applications.
Possible problems and ways to solve them
Users often encounter a situation where, after transferring, an application crashes or does not work correctly. This is due to the fact that some apps are strictly tied to the installation path.
If the card is accidentally removed, all transferred applications stop working until it is returned. The system may display “Application not installed” errors.
If the card format fails in portable storage mode, all data on it will be lost. It will not be possible to restore installed apps without re-downloading from the store.
⚠️ Attention: Settings interfaces may differ depending on the manufacturer's shell (MIUI, OneUI, ColorOS). If you do not find the described items, check the official documentation for your specific smartphone model.
To solve problems with crashes, try clearing the cache of the transferred application or reinstalling it, having first selected the card as the installation location.
The main risk of transferring applications is a decrease in the loading speed of apps and the risk of damage to the database if the card is suddenly removed. Use this method only if there is an acute shortage of space.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can I transfer WhatsApp to an SD card?
The application itself cannot be completely transferred due to security restrictions of the messenger. However, you can transfer media files and the database in the settings of WhatsApp itself, selecting a memory card as a storage location.
Why did the phone start to slow down after the transfer?
Most likely, your memory card has a low random read speed (IOPS). Applications constantly access small files, and the slow flash drive cannot cope with the flow of requests.
Will the game be deleted if you remove the card?
Yes, the shortcut will disappear, and when you try to launch the system will report that the application is missing. After returning the card to its place, the app should work, but a reboot may be required.
How to return the application back to the internal memory?
Go to the application settings, select “Storage” and click “Change”, selecting “Internal memory”. If the button is inactive, you will have to delete and install the application again.
Does the transfer affect the operation of widgets?
Yes, widgets of transferred applications often stop working or disappear from the desktop, since the system cannot load their code from external media in the background.