Owners of modern smartphones often face the problem of quickly running out of free space. This is especially true for fans of mobile games, where one project can occupy tens of gigabytes. When the built-in storage gets full, the system starts to slow down and new applications simply won't install. A logical question arises: is it possible to alleviate the fate of the built-in storage by moving heavy files somewhere else?
The answer lies in understanding the Android data storage structure. The game consists of two parts: an installation APK file and an array of resources, which is called cache or OBB files. It is these resources (textures, sounds, models) that occupy the lion's share of the volume. Moving the cache is possible, but the choice of destination plays a critical role for the performance and stability of the gameplay.
There are two main directions for data migration: the internal memory of the device or external microSD card. Each of these methods has its own technical features, limitations and use cases. The wrong choice can lead to application crashes or loss of progress, so it is important to weigh the pros and cons before starting the procedure.
Anatomy of game data and folder structure
Before we start moving, we need to clearly understand what exactly we will touch. Game data is not scattered chaotically, it has a strict hierarchy. The main cache volume is usually located in the directory Android/obb. Files with the extension .obbare stored here and are loaded by the game upon startup. Without them, the application will either not start or will show a black screen.
In addition to the folder obb, games often create their own directories with additional settings and saves along the way. Android/data. Transferring these files requires special care. In older versions of the operating system, access to these folders was free, but modern versions Android 11, 12 and 13 have significantly limited the access of third-party file managers to system partitions for security purposes.
⚠️ Attention: Starting with Android 11, direct access to folder
Android/obbthrough a standard explorer can be blocked. You may need a specialized file manager with access rights or a connection to a PC.
Some games use their own folder structures in the root of the internal memory, for example Gameloft/Games or Asphalt. In such cases, finding the necessary files is simplified, since they are not hidden deep in the depths of the system. However, the trend towards standardization is leading to more developers adhering to the rules of placement in Android/obb.
Internal memory: speed vs. capacity
Leaving the cache in internal storage is the most preferable option from a performance point of view. The built-in storage devices of modern smartphones, whether eMMC or fast UFS 2.1/3.0, provide high speed reading and writing data. This is critical for open-world games where textures are loaded on the fly as the character moves.
When using internal memory, you minimize the risks of freezes (slowdowns) and long level loading times. The operating system is optimized to work with its native partitions, so background cache reading processes do not create unnecessary load on the controllers. This a reliable way guarantee the stable operation of heavy projects like Genshin Impact or PUBG Mobile.
If you have a smartphone with a fast UFS drive, try to keep the cache of heavy 3D games there to avoid image jerking.
However, this method has an obvious disadvantage - limited volume. In budget and mid-budget models, only 64 or 128 GB are available, of which a significant part is occupied by the system and pre-installed software. If you actively play games and take photos in 4K, the space will run out very quickly, and you will have to constantly clean the device by deleting the browser cache or old correspondence.
In addition, if the internal memory is full, not only the speed of games can suffer, but also the operation of the entire smartphone. The system begins to use the available space for the swap file, and if it is too small, the device may freeze. Therefore, storing the cache inside requires strict discipline in file management.
Using an SD card: expanding capabilities
Moving the cache to a memory card is a classic solution to the problem of lack of space. Modern format cards offer capacities up to 1 TB, which allows you to install dozens of large games without worrying about free space on your phone. This is especially true for devices where it is impossible to increase the internal memory with hardware. microSDXC They offer volumes up to 1 TB, which allows you to install dozens of large games without worrying about free space on your phone. This is especially true for devices where the internal memory cannot be increased by hardware.
However, the speed of working with an external card is almost always lower than with an internal drive. Even cards labeled Class 10 or UHS-I may not be able to handle real-time streaming of heavy textures. This leads to the fact that the game may take longer to load, and in dynamic scenes missing textures or control delays may appear.
- 🚀 High reading speed for standard cards A2 (Application Performance Class 2), optimized for running applications.
- 💾 The ability to store huge libraries of games without deleting other important data.
- 🔄 Ease of transferring progress and data to a new device by simply changing the card.
It is important to consider the reliability of the media. Memory cards are more susceptible to physical damage, loss of contact and sudden failures than memory chips soldered on the board. If the card “falls off” during the game, the application will instantly close, and in the worst case, the cache files may be damaged, which will require re-downloading several gigabytes.
Comparison of performance and reliability
To make an informed choice, you need to compare the technical characteristics of both options. The difference in random reading speed (Random Read) between internal UFS and average SD card can reach tenfold values. It is this parameter that affects how quickly the game can find and load the desired asset from the cache.
| Parameter | Internal memory (UFS) | SD card (Class 10/UHS) | SD card (A2 standard) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sequential read speed | High (500+ MB/s) | Medium (90-100 MB/s) | High (up to 160 MB/s) |
| Random read speed (IOPS) | Very high | Low | Medium/High |
| Storage reliability | High | Medium (risk of loss of contact) | Medium |
| Impact on battery | Minimum | Increased (additional slot power supply) | Increased |
As can be seen from the table, even advanced standard cards A2 are inferior to modern internal storage in complex scenarios loads. If your goal is to comfortably play demanding shooters or racing games, the internal memory is unrivaled. An SD card for undemanding projects, strategies or games where resources are rarely loaded.
⚠️ Attention: Cheap memory cards without a brand often have actual speeds significantly lower than the declared ones. Buying such a card for game cache will lead to constant freezing of the smartphone.
What is adaptive memory?
Some manufacturers (for example, Huawei or Honor) use technology that combines part of the internal memory and the SD card into a single space. In this case, the system itself decides where to write the data, based on its frequency of use.
Instructions for transferring the cache manually
If you still decide to transfer the cache to a memory card to free up space, this can be done manually using a file manager. Applications such as Total Commander, FX File Explorer or RS File Managerare best suited for this task, since the standard Explorer may not have permission to write to system folders on new versions of Android.
The moving process requires care. An error in the folder name or an incorrect path will result in the game not seeing its files. Before starting the operation, it is strongly recommended that you back up your important data, although moving files is usually safe.
☑️ Preparing for the transfer
The action algorithm is as follows. First, find the game cache folder in your internal memory. Typically the path looks like /storage/emulated/0/Android/obb/com.name.game. Select the entire folder with the name of the developer or a specific game and select the “Cut” or “Copy” function.
/storage/emulated/0/Android/obb/→ Cut the com.roblox.client folder
→ Paste to /storage/XXXX-XXXX/Android/obb/
Then go to the root of your SD card. You'll need to create a similar folder structure if it doesn't already exist. The path must be mirrored: Android/obb. Paste the cut files there. After the operation is completed, try starting the game. If everything is done correctly, the game will pick up the data from a new location.
The folder structure on the SD card must exactly repeat the structure in the internal memory, otherwise the game will not find its resources.
Automatic methods and developer settings
In some versions of Android and shells from manufacturers (for example, MIUI or OneUI) it is possible to configure the SD card as the default primary storage. This is done through the settings menu, where the card is formatted and “merged” with the internal memory (function Adoptable Storage).
When using this method, the system itself decides where to transfer the game cache and application data. The user does not need to manually copy the files. However, this method has its own risks: the card is encrypted and tied to a specific phone. Taking it out and inserting it into another smartphone or PC without formatting will not work - the data will be lost unreadable.
There is also a method of using commands ADB (Android Debug Bridge) to force a change in the installation location of applications. This requires connecting the smartphone to the computer and entering special commands into the console. This method is only suitable for experienced users, since an error in the syntax can lead to unstable operation of the system.
⚠️ Attention: The "Default Memory" function may not work correctly with some heavy games. If games start to crash after enabling this option, return the setting to its original state.
ADB command to change the installation location
For advanced users: the `pm set-install-location 2` command installs applications to external storage, but this does not guarantee that the cache will be transferred.
Possible problems and solutions
After transferring the cache, users often encounter that the game requires re-downloading data or displays an error when starting. Most often this is related to access rights. On Android 11 and newer, the system may block a game from accessing files on the SD card if the application has not been specifically adapted to work with external storage in the new environment.
Another common problem is path desynchronization. The game looks for files at the old address in the internal memory, not knowing that you have moved them. In such cases, clearing the cache of the application itself (not data, namely the cache) through the smartphone settings helps, which forces the game to rescan available resources.
- 🛑 The game does not start: check if the folder is called correctly
obb(lowercase letters). - 📉 Low FPS: return cache to the internal memory, the card cannot cope with the speed.
- 🔋 Fast discharge: The SD card consumes more energy during active operation than the internal chip.
If all else fails, perhaps the particular game is strictly tied to the internal memory and does not support working with external media. In this case, the only way out is to remove other applications or buy a smartphone with a large amount of built-in storage.
Most modern online games prefer internal memory due to loading speed requirements and anti-cheat systems.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to transfer the cache without receiving root access?
Yes, in most cases you can do without root access. It is enough to use an advanced file manager that requests special permission to access Android 11+ system folders. However, on some smartphone models without superuser rights, access may be completely denied.
Will progress in the game be deleted when transferring the cache?
No, game progress is usually stored either on the developer’s servers (for online games) or in a separate folder data, which we do not touch when transferring only the cache (obb). If you also transfer the folder data, the risk of losing local game saves increases.
Why does the game take longer to load after transfer?
This is normal when using an SD card. The random reading speed of memory cards is lower than that of the phone's internal flash memory. The game spends more time searching and loading small files of textures and sounds from the cache.
Which memory card is better to choose for games?
Look for cards marked Application Performance Class A2. They are specifically designed to run applications and work with cache, providing higher IOPS (Input Output Operations Per Second) compared to standard Class 10 cards.
Is it possible to store the cache of a single game partly internally and partly on the card?
No, the cache files for a specific game must be in one place. The game searches for its folder obb along a strictly defined path. Splitting files will result in a data integrity error and the inability to launch the application.