How to transfer applications to an Android memory card: 5 working methods

Is the internal memory of your smartphone full to capacity, and there is nowhere to install new applications? Moving apps to microSD memory card can be a lifesaver - especially for budget devices with 16–32 GB of built-in storage. However, not everything is so simple: starting from Android 6.0 MarshmallowGoogle has tightened the rules for working with external drives, and many applications now refuse to move to the SD card. In this article we will look at all the current transfer methods, including hidden settings, bypassing restrictions and alternative solutions for different OS versions.

It is important to understand that not all applications can be transferred to a memory card - many modern apps (especially system and protected games) block this function. However, there is a way for most user utilities, instant messengers and light games. We tested all methods on devices from Xiaomi, Samsung, Huawei and Realme —the results are summarized in the compatibility table below.

If your smartphone runs on Android 10+, be prepared for additional restrictions: Google has completely prohibited the transfer of applications to SD cards formatted as portable (FAT32/exFAT). The only way out is to use the card as internal memory, but this has its pitfalls. First things first.

1. Standard transfer through Android settings (up to version 9.0)

The easiest way is to use the built-in system function. It works on devices with Android 5.0–9.0, but even here there are nuances. For example, Samsung and Huawei often remove this option from the firmware, and Xiaomi leaves it only for certain models.

Instructions:

• 📱 Open Settings → Applications (or Applications and notifications).
• 🔍 Select the desired application from the list (for example, Telegram or VK).
• 💾 Press Storage → Edit (or Move to SD card).
• ⚙️ Confirm the action and wait for the process to complete (may take up to 5 minutes).

If there are no buttons, it means: Transfer to SD card no, that means:

• ❌ The application does not support transfer (often for games with a cache or system utilities).
• ❌ The memory card is formatted as portable (you need to make it internal).
• ❌ The manufacturer has blocked the function (relevant for Samsung One UI i EMUI).

⚠️ Attention: After the transfer, some applications may run slower - especially if your SD card is classified as Class 4 or Class 6. For normal performance, use cards UHS-I Class 10 or A1/A2.

2. Formatting a memory card as internal storage

Starting Android 6.0, Google added a feature Adoptable Storagethat allows you to use an SD card as part of the internal storage. This is the only official way to transfer applications on modern versions of Android (10–14). However, the method has serious drawbacks:

• 🔒 The card becomes tied to the device —it cannot be removed and used in another phone or computer without formatting.
• 🐢 Application speed may drop by 20–40% (depending on card class).
• 📉 Not all applications will work correctly (especially games with anti-piracy protection).

How to set up:

1. Insert the SD card into the slot (if it has already been used, make a backup copy of the data).
2. Go to Settings → Storage (or Memory).
3. Click on the name of your SD card → Three dots (menu) → Storage settings.
4. Select Internal memory → Clear and format.
5. After formatting, the system will offer to transfer the data - agree.

Manufacturer	Adoptable support Storage	Limitations
Google Pixel	Yes (pure Android)	Requires an A1/A2 class card
Xiaomi (MIUI)	Yes, but hidden	Needs to be activated in Developer settings
Samsung (One UI)	No (deleted in the firmware)	Only external storage
Huawei (EMUI)	Partially (only on older models)	Works unstable

⚠️ Attention: After formatting the card as internal memory, it cannot be read on a computer without special utilities (for example, DiskInternals Linux Reader). All data on it will be encrypted.

3. Transferring applications using ADB (for advanced users)

If standard methods do not work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB) a debugging tool that allows you to manually tell the system which applications to migrate. This method works even on Android 10–14, but requires a connection to a computer.

Step-by-step guide:

1. Download ADB Tools and unzip the archive.
2. Enable USB Debugging on the phone (Settings → About phone → Build number —press 7 times, then return to Settings → System → For developers).
3. Connect your phone to the PC and run cmd (or Terminal on Mac/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
4. Enter the commands in order:

   adb devices

   (the name of your device) (this will force the system to install applications on SD by default) packages | grep "application_name"

   adb shell pm set-install-location 2

   (this will force the system to install apps on SD by default)

   adb shell pm move-package com.example.app /sdcard

   (replace com.example.app to your application's package name, e.g. org.telegram.messenger).

To find out the application's batch name, use the command:

adb shell pm list packages | grep "application_name"

4. Using third-party utilities (App Mgr III, Link2SD)

If manual methods seem complicated, you can use specialized applications. The most popular:

• 📦 App Mgr III (App Manager) - allows you to transfer applications, clear the cache and manage startup. Works without root, but with limitations.
• 🔗 Link2SD is a powerful tool that requires root-rights. Can create symbolic links, transfer cache and application data.
• 🛠️ Files by Google - built-in utility for clearing memory, but with limited transfer functions.

Example of working with App Mgr III:

1. Install an application from Google Play.
2. Open the tab Transfer (Move).
3. Select an application from the list and press Move to SD card.
4. If the button is inactive, press Settings → Default transfer and select External storage.

⚠️ Attention: Applications like Link2SD require root accesswhich will void the warranty and may lead to system instability. On devices with Samsung Knox (for example, Galaxy S22), root will trigger the flag Knox 0x1, after which some functions (for example, Samsung Pay) will stop working.

5. Alternative ways to free up memory

If transferring applications is not possible, consider these other options:

• ☁️ Cloud storage: Transfer photos, videos and documents to Google Drive, Yandex Disk or Mega. Applications like Google Files can automatically clear cache and duplicates.
• 🗑️ Clear cache: Select heavy apps (for example, Settings → Applications select heavy apps (for example, Facebook or TikTok) and press Clear cache. This can free up up to 5–10 GB.
• 🔄 Transfer to PC: Connect your phone to the computer and manually copy files (music, movies) to the hard drive disk.
• 📱 Reset to factory settings: An extreme measure, but sometimes the only way to return the device to functionality. Don't forget to make a backup!

How to find out which applications take up the most space?

Open Settings → Applications and sort the list by size. Pay attention to games (for example Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile) - they can weigh 10+ GB due to cache and updates.

6. Frequent problems and their solutions

When migrating applications, users encounter common errors. Here's how to fix them:

Problem	Cause	Solution
The "Transfer" button is inactive	The card is formatted as portable	Format as internal memory (see section 2)
The application does not launch after transfer	SD card is too slow or damaged	Check the card for errors or replace it with class A1/A2
Not enough space error during transfer	The card has less than 1 GB of free space	Free up space or use another card
The application returns to internal memory after updating	Google Play automatically resets the location	Disable auto-update or transfer manually after each update

If none of the methods worked, check:

• 🛠️ Memory card status: Connect it to the PC and run an error check (in Windows: Properties → Service → Check).
• 📋 Manufacturer restrictions: Some brands (for example, Samsung) block the transfer at the software level. In this case, only replacing the card with a more capacious one or buying a phone with more memory will help.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Can I transfer WhatsApp or Telegram to a memory card?

✅ Yes, but with reservations:

• WhatsApp does not officially support transfer, but you can manually copy the folder WhatsApp to an SD card (you will need to change the path in the settings messenger).
• Telegram allows you to transfer the cache and downloaded files to Settings → Data and memory → Download folder.

⚠️ After transfer, notifications may arrive with a delay if the memory card is slow.

Why are games not transferred to an SD card?

Most modern games (for example, PUBG Mobile, Free Fire, Genshin Impact) block transfer for two reasons:

1. Protection from piracy: Developers are afraid that users will copy game files.
2. Performance: Games require fast data loading, and SD cards are often slower than built-in memory.

💡 Workaround: Some games (for example, Minecraft) allow you to manually specify the path to the worlds folder on the SD card.

What happens if you remove an SD card formatted as internal memory?

🚨 Consequences:

• All transferred applications will stop working.
• The system may freeze or reboot.
• When you reinsert the card, you will need to reformat it (data will be lost).

✅ Solution: Before removing, transfer all applications back to the internal memory or make a backup.

How to transfer applications to an SD card without a computer?

Without a PC you can use:

1. Built-in settings (if available).
2. Applications like App Mgr III or Files by Google.
3. Formatting the card as internal memory (see section 2).

❌ ADB and Link2SD require a computer or root access.

Which memory cards are best for transferring applications?

📌 Recommendations:

• Speed class: Minimum A1 (better A2).
• Volume: From 64 GB (32 GB will fill up quickly).
• Brands: SanDisk Extreme, Samsung EVO Plus, Kingston Canvas Go! Plus.

⚠️ Avoid cheap no-name cards - they often fake speed class and can fail after a few months.