Owners of smartphones with operating systems Android 8.0 Oreo i 8.1 often face a critical shortage of internal storage. The system is overgrown with cache, messenger updates take up gigabytes, and the built-in memory is sorely insufficient for comfortable work. In such a situation, the only correct solution is to use an external drive, but standard methods of transferring files do not always free up the required volume.
Many users mistakenly believe that it is enough to simply install a card in the slot, but Android 8 has its own peculiarities of working with the file system. Some manufacturers completely block the ability to install apps on external media, while others hide this feature in deep settings menus. Understanding the memory architecture and the correct sequence of actions will help you avoid data loss and actually expand the usable capacity of the device.
In this material we will analyze in detail all the available methods, from standard tools to advanced methods using ADB commands. You will learn why some applications categorically refuse to move, how to properly format the drive, and what risks exist when using the function Adoptable Storage. Proper setup will allow you to turn a budget gadget into a powerful multimedia center.
Preparing a memory card and device
Before starting any manipulations, you need to make sure that your external drive is technically sound and has sufficient writing speed. To install applications, it is recommended to use class cards Class 10, UHS-I or higher, since low reading speed can lead to app freezes and long downloads. Cheap memory cards often cannot withstand the constant overwriting of data characteristic of the operating system.
Insert the card into the slot of your smartphone and wait for a notification that a new device has been detected. In Android 8 the system will offer two options for use: as portable storage or as internal memory. Selecting the “Internal Memory” mode (Adoptable Storage) is critical for transferring applications, since only it allows the system to consider the card as part of the system partition.
⚠️ Attention: Formatting the card in internal memory mode completely will delete all data from it. Be sure to back up your photos and documents to your computer before starting the procedure.
The formatting process may take several minutes, during which it is not recommended to touch the device. If your smartphone is from a different manufacturer, such as Samsung or Huawei, the “Use as internal storage” item may not be available due to shell limitations. In this case, the card will only work as a portable drive, and only media files or individual data from applications that support this function can be transferred to it.
Standard transfer through Android settings
If the manufacturer of your device has not blocked this feature, you can move applications using standard means. To do this, go to menu Settings → Applications and notifications → Application information. Select the app you want to move and find the “Storage” section.
Here you will see a “Change” button if the transfer is possible. By clicking on it, the system will prompt you to select “Internal storage” or “SD card”. However, it is worth understanding that not all applications they support this function. Developers often prohibit the transfer of their products to external media for security reasons or work stabilization.
- 📱 Open the settings of a specific application and check whether the button for changing the storage location is active.
- 💾 Make sure that the SD card is formatted and is recognized by the system as reliable storage.
- ⚙️ For system applications, the transfer option is most often not available without superuser rights.
After selecting the memory card, the data copying process will begin. Its duration depends on the size of the application and the write speed of your card. At this time, it is better not to run other heavy tasks so as not to create a load on the device’s memory controller.
☑️ Check before transfer
Using the Adoptable Storage function
The Adoptable Storagefunction, introduced back in Android 6, but developed in the eighth version, allows you to combine internal and external memory into a single space. This is the most effective method, since the system itself decides where to write data, automatically transferring rarely used applications to the SD card.
To activate this mode when formatting the card, select the “Use as internal storage” option. The system will warn that the card will be encrypted and linked specifically to this smartphone. Encryption guarantees that the data cannot be read on another device without formatting, which is an important security measure.
⚠️ Attention: After activating Adoptable Storage, remove the memory card without Pre-unmounting in the settings is strictly prohibited. This can lead to file system damage and loss of application data.
This process is more stable than in previous versions, but still has its own nuances. If you plan to change memory cards frequently or use one card on multiple devices, this method will not work for you. It is ideal for static use of a smartphone with a permanently installed large storage device. Android 8.0 this process works more stable than in previous versions, but still has its own nuances. If you plan to change memory cards frequently or use one card on multiple devices, this method will not work for you. It is ideal for static use of a smartphone with a permanently installed large storage device.
Why are some cards not suitable for Adoptable Storage?
The Android system tests the speed of the card when formatting. If the read or write speed drops below a certain threshold, the system will refuse to use the card as internal memory, so as not to slow down the entire interface. Typically, cards with a write speed of at least 10 MB/s and a read speed of at least 60 MB/s are required.
Transfer using ADB commands
For advanced users whose smartphones do not have a graphical interface for selecting the card's operating mode, there is a method of forcing it Adoptable Storage via a debug bridge ADB. This method requires connecting the smartphone to the computer and having the drivers installed.
First you need to enable developer mode by clicking on the build number several times in the “About phone” menu. Then, in the developer menu, enable USB Debugging. After connecting the device to the PC, open the command line and enter the command to check the connection:
adb devicesIf the device is displayed in the list, you can proceed to force formatting. The command below will format the card (replace disk:179,64 with your disk ID, which can be found through adb shell sm list-disks) and make it internal memory:
adb shell sm partition disk:179,64 privateAfter executing the command, the smartphone may reboot and the card will be detected as internal. This method bypasses manufacturer restrictions, but requires caution: an error in the drive identifier can lead to formatting of the device's internal memory.
Working with cache and application data
Even if completely moving an application is not possible, moving data and cache is often available. This frees up valuable system partition space. Go to the application settings, select “Storage” and click “Clear cache” or “Manage space”. Android 8 Data and cache transfers are often available. This frees up valuable system partition space. Go to the application settings, select “Storage” and click “Clear cache” or “Manage space”.
Some messengers, for example Telegram or WhatsApp, have their own settings for storing media files. In their settings you can specify the save path to the SD card. This does not transfer the application itself, but it prevents the internal memory from filling up with photos and video files.
| Data type | Can be transferred | Where is | Risk of loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| APK file applications | Partially (depending on the developer) | System partition / SD card | Low |
| Application cache | None (cleaning only) | Internal memory | Medium (loss of temporary data) |
| Media files | Yes (in application settings) | DCIM / Downloads folder | Low |
| User data | Partially | Internal memory / SD | High (if the card fails) |
Regular cleaning The cache of heavy applications, such as browsers and social networks, can free up hundreds of megabytes without the need to transfer the apps themselves. Use built-in cleaning tools or third-party utilities with caution so as not to delete important logins and passwords.
Use the Google Files feature to automatically search and delete duplicates and old screenshots that often take up space in the internal memory.
Possible problems and solutions
During operation, users may experience slowdowns in the smartphone. This is often due to the fact that the speed of the SD card is lower than the speed of the built-in eMMC or UFS memory. If the interface starts to slow down, try moving your most frequently used applications back to the internal memory.
Another common problem is applications suddenly disappearing. This happens if the memory card has come loose or is faulty. The system Android 8 may not immediately notify you of this, but application icons will remain on the desktop, although they will not launch. In this case, you need to restart the device or reinstall the card.
⚠️ Attention: If after transferring applications the phone begins to freeze or reboot frequently, most likely the memory card has bad sectors or low speed. Replace the drive with a better one.
It is also worth considering that application updates via Google Play may temporarily require free space in the internal storage, even if the application is installed on the card. Always leave at least 500 MB - 1 GB of free internal memory for the system to function correctly.
The speed of the SD card directly affects the performance of applications installed on it. Do not skimp on the class of the drive.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to transfer applications to an SD card without formatting?
Yes, this is possible through the standard application settings if the developer has allowed the transfer. However, to fully use the card as part of the system, formatting in the “Internal Memory” mode is necessary.
What will happen to the data on the card if I reset the phone?
If the card was used as internal memory (Adoptable Storage), the data will be encrypted and inaccessible after the reset. You will have to format the card again, which will delete all files. If the card was portable, the data will be saved.
Why is the “Move to SD card” button inactive (gray)?
This means that the application developer has prohibited the transfer, or the application is a system component of Android. In some cases, transfer is blocked if the application uses widgets on the desktop or background services that are critical for speed.
Will transferring applications increase the speed of the smartphone?
Rather the opposite. Onboard memory is usually faster than a microSD card. Moving applications is only advisable to free up space, not to speed up work. However, freeing up internal memory can have a positive effect on overall system performance.
How to return all applications back to internal memory?
In the storage settings, select your SD card and click the menu (three dots), then select "Format as portable storage." The system will offer to transfer the data back. Or transfer applications individually through the settings of each of them.