Smartphone owners Samsung often face the problem of a lack of internal memory, especially if the device is used to shoot video, install heavy games or store a large number of photos. The solution seems obvious: transfer saving files to 4K, installing heavy games or storing a large number of photos. The solution seems obvious: move file saving to microSD memory card. However, in modern versions Android (starting with Android 10), manufacturers, including Samsung, have limited this ability for security and performance reasons.

In this article you will find current methods configure saving to the memory card by default for different types of files: photos, videos, downloads from the browser and application data. We will look at both standard settings One UIand workarounds for models where the function is blocked. It is important to understand that a complete transfer all data to an SD card is not possible due to restrictions Android, but some files can still be redirected.

Instructions are suitable for most current ones devices Samsung Galaxy, including series S23/S22/S21, A54/A53/A34, M54/M34 and budget models like A14/A04. If your model is older than 2019 (for example Galaxy S9 or Note 8), some menu items may differ - we will warn you about this separately.

Why does Samsung limit saving to an SD card?

Starting with Android 6.0 Marshmallow, Google introduced the concept Adoptable Storagethat allows you to format a memory card as part of the internal storage. However, Samsung refused this function in its firmware One UI, citing several reasons:

  • 🔒 Data security: SD cards are easier to remove or lose, which increases the risk of personal information leakage.
  • ⚡ Performance: Internal memory (UFS or eMMC) works faster than even the fastest ones microSD UHS-II.
  • 📱 Stability system: Applications on the SD card may slow down or crash due to slow reading/writing.
  • 🔄 Android updates: Google tightens storage requirements, and Samsung follows these rules.

However, for multimedia files (photos, videos, music) and downloads from the browser transfer to a memory card remains possible. And for some applications (for example WhatsApp or Telegram) you can manually specify the save path.

📊 What memory card do you use in phone?
SanDisk Extreme
Samsung EVO
Kingston Canvas
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Preparation: checking the compatibility of the memory card

Before setting up saving to an SD card, make sure that it is is correctly installed and recognized system. Here's what you need to do:

  1. Insert the card into the slot (on most Samsung it is located under the SIM card tray).
  2. Go to Settings → Device care → Memory.
  3. Check whether the card is displayed in the section Storage.

If the card is not detected:

  • 🔄 Reboot the phone.
  • 🧹 Clean the card contacts with a dry napkin.
  • 🔧 Try formatting the card (the data will be deleted!). To do this: 
    Settings → Device care → Memory → Memory card → Format

Important! Samsung recommends using class cards UHS-I U3 or higher (for example, SanDisk Extreme or Samsung EVO Plus) for stable operation. Class cards Class 4/6/10 may slow down when recording video in Full HD or 4K.

The card is inserted into the slot until it clicks|

The card is formatted in FAT32 or exFAT|

Card class not lower than UHS-I U1|

Card capacity does not exceed 1 TB (maximum for most Samsung)|

The phone recognizes the card in the settings-->

Method 1: Transferring saved photos and videos to a memory card

The easiest way is to change the save location for Camera. This can be done directly in the application Camera:

  1. Open the application Camera.
  2. Tap the ⚙️ icon (Settings) in the upper left corner.
  3. Scroll down to the section Save location.
  4. Select Memory card (or SD card in the English version).

If this item is not present:

  • 📌 On some models (for example, Galaxy S23 Ultra) the option is hidden. Try: 
    Camera settings → Advanced settings → Storage → Memory card
  • 🔍 In older versions One UI (before Android 12) the path could look like this: 
    Camera settings → General → Save location

On models with One UI 5.0+ (Android 13/14), the option to save to an SD card may not be available for video c 4K/8K due to recording speed limitations. In this case, the video will be saved to the internal memory, and the photo to the card.

What to do if the camera does not see the SD card?

1. Make sure the card is formatted in exFAT (for files >4 GB) or FAT32.

2. Reboot your phone - sometimes the system does not mount the card right away.

3. Check the card on another device (for example, on a PC via a card reader). If it is not readable, the card may have failed.

4. On some models Samsung (for example, Galaxy A12), the camera does not support saving to an SD card for video in 60 FPS or 4K. Try lowering the resolution in the camera settings to Full HD (1080p).

5. If the card is new, try formatting it directly in your phone: Settings → Device care → Memory → Memory card → Format (all data will be deleted!).

Method 2: Transferring downloads from the browser and files to card

By default, files downloaded via Chrome, Samsung Internet or other browsers are saved to internal memory. To change this:

For Samsung Internet:

  1. Open your browser Samsung Internet.
  2. Tap ⋮ (Menu) → Settings.
  3. Go to Additional functions → Download location.
  4. Select Memory card.

For Google Chrome:

  1. Open Chrome and enter in the address bar: 
    chrome://settings/downloads
  2. Click Download location.
  3. Select Memory card (or click Change and specify the path manually, for example, /storage/XXXX-XXXX/DCIM/Downloads).

If there is no option in the list Memory card:

  • 🔄 Reboot the phone and check again.
  • 📁 Make sure that there is a folder on the card Download (if not, create it manually through the file manager).
  • 🛠️ On some models (for example, Galaxy S20 s One UI 3.1) the path to the card may be called SD card or External storage.
💡

If you often download large files (for example, movies or games), create a separate folder on your memory card (for example, BigFiles) and specify it as the download location in the browser settings. This will help you avoid getting confused in the files and find your downloads faster.

Method 3: Transferring application data to an SD card (limited support)

Unfortunately, in modern versions Android (starting from Android 9 Pie) Samsung blocked the ability to completely transfer applications to the memory card. However, for some applications (for example WhatsApp, Telegram, Google Photos), you can manually change the location where you save media files.

For WhatsApp:

  1. Open WhatsApp → ⋮ (Menu) → Settings → Chats.
  2. Select Backup chats → Save to Google Drive (this is not a transfer, but a backup!).
  3. For media files (photo/video from chats) go to: 
    Settings → Storage and data → Storage management → Save new media files to memory card

For Telegram:

  1. Open Telegram → ☰ (Menu) → Settings → Data and memory.
  2. In the section Download folder select Memory card.
  3. Click Edit and specify the path (for example, /storage/XXXX-XXXX/Telegram).

For other applications:

  • 🔍 Check the settings of a specific application - sometimes the option is hidden in the section Storage or Data.
  • 📱 On Android 8.0 Oreo and below it was possible to transfer applications via Settings → Applications → ⋮ → Transfer to SD card. deleted.
⚠️ Attention! Some applications (for example, Netflix or Spotify) block saving content to the SD card due to licensing agreements. Also memory cards. class Class 10 and below may not be suitable for data caching due to slow read/write speeds.

Method 4: Manually moving files through a file manager

If automatic saving settings are not available, you can manually transfer files to a memory card using the built-in file manager My Files or third-party applications (for example, Solid Explorer).

Instructions via My Files:

  1. Open the application My Files (or Files).
  2. Go to Internal storage.
  3. Select the folder you want to transfer (for example, DCIM for photos or Download for downloads).
  4. Tap ⋮ → Select all (or select the files you need).
  5. Touch ⋮ → Move (or Copy).
  6. Select Memory card and specify the destination folder.

To automatically transfer new files:

  • 🔄 Use applications like Files by Google or AutoMovethat can monitor new files in specific folders and move them to the SD card.
  • 📁 Set up synchronization with cloud services (for example Google Photos), and then download files directly to the card.

On models with One UI 4.0+ built-in manager My Files supports the function "Storage Analysis" (My Files → Analysis), which helps you find large or unnecessary files to transfer or delete.

💡

Manually transferring files is the only universal way to free up internal memory if automatic saving settings are not available. However, remember that some system files and application data are not available. move without the risk of failures.

Compatibility table: what files can be transferred to an SD card

Not all file types support saving to a memory card. The table below provides information on current models Samsung (2020–2026):

Type files Transfer to SD card Restrictions Notes
Photos (camera) ✅ Yes On some models not available for modes Pro or RAW. Path: Camera settings → Save location.
Video (camera) ⚠️ Partially Not available for 4K/8K or 60 FPS. Maximum resolution for SD card - usually Full HD (1080p).
Downloads from browser ✅ Yes Some browsers (for example, Firefox) require manually specifying the path. Check your browser settings in the section Downloads.
Media files from instant messengers ✅ Yes Depends on the application (for example, WhatsApp supports, Viber no). The setting is usually located in Settings → Storage.
Application data ❌ No On Android 9+ transfer is blocked. Exception is the cache of some games (for example, Genshin Impact).

Frequent problems and their solutions

When setting up saving to an SD card, users often encounter errors. Let's look at the most common ones:

1. The memory card is not displayed in the settings:

  • 🔌 Check whether the card is inserted correctly (it should be). click).
  • 🔄 Reboot your phone.
  • 🛠️ Format the card in your phone: Settings → Device care → Memory → Memory card → Format.

2. The application does not see files on the SD card:

  • 📂 Make sure that the files are in the correct folder (for example, music should be in Music, photos - in DCIM).
  • 🔍 Check permissions for the application: Settings → Applications → [Application name] → Permissions → Storage.
  • 🔄 Connect the card to the PC and check if the files are readable.

3. Saving to the card is available, but the files still go to the internal memory:

  • 📌 For some applications (for example, Instagram) your cache, which is not transferred. Clear it manually.
  • 🔧 Check if the settings were reset after the update One UI.
  • 📁 There may not be enough space on the card or it is set to Internal storage (then it cannot be used as removable storage).
⚠️ Attention! If you use the SD card as internal storage (function Adoptable Storage), it cannot be removed without losing data. This mode can also slow down the phone. Samsung does not recommend using it.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to make an SD card the main storage, like internal memory?

On most modern Samsung (with Android 10+), the function Adoptable Storage is disabled. However, on older models (for example, Galaxy S7 or Note 5) it can be activated via Settings → Storage → Memory card → Settings → Internal memory. Remember that after this the card cannot be removed without resetting the phone!

Why is 4K video not saved to the SD card?

Video in resolution 4K requires high recording speed (from 60 MB/s). Most SD cards (even class UHS-I U3) do not provide stable speed, therefore Samsung blocks this option. Try lowering the resolution to Full HD or use cards UHS-II (for example, SanDisk Extreme Pro).

How to transfer applications to an SD card on Samsung?

On Android 9+ transferring applications to an SD card blocked. Alternatives:

  • Use the function Clear cache in Settings → Applications.
  • Delete unnecessary applications or transfer their data to cloud.
  • On some models (for example, Galaxy Tab A) you can transfer part of the data via Settings → Applications → [Application] → Memory → Change.

What to do if the phone says “SD card is damaged”?

This may mean:

  • The file system of the card is damaged (format it in FAT32 or exFAT via PC).
  • The card is physically damaged (try inserting it into another device).
  • The contacts in the phone slot are dirty (clean them with alcohol).

If the card is not readable on any device, the data is most likely lost. To restore, you can try apps like Recuva or DiskDigger (but success is not guaranteed).

Is it possible to use an SD card as internal memory on the Samsung Galaxy S23?

No. Starting from One UI 5.0 (based on Android 13) Samsung completely removed support Adoptable Storage. The only option is to use the card as a removable drive for media files and downloads.