Is the internal memory of your smartphone full to capacity, and new applications refuse to install? Do you have a memory card, but the system persistently ignores it when choosing an installation location? The problem is familiar to most users of Android smartphones with 16–32 GB of memory. Unfortunately, transferring applications to an SD card in modern versions of Android it is very limited - starting from Android 6.0 Marshmallow Google has tightened security rules, and Android 10+ many manufacturers have completely removed this function from the interface.

But there is a way out! In this article we will look at transferring applications to a memory card - from standard settings to commands and workarounds for devices and other brands. We will also explain all working methods transferring applications to a memory card - from standard settings to commands ADB and workarounds for devices Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei and other brands. We will also explain why some applications cannot be transferredand what to do if they stop working after moving.

⚠️ Important: Methods using ADB or root access can lead to malfunctions applications. Data backup is mandatory!

1. Standard transfer through Android settings (for older versions)

If your smartphone runs on Android 5.1–9.0, there is a chance that the function of transferring applications to an SD card is still available in the settings. Here's how to find it:

  1. Open Settings → Applications.
  2. Select the desired application from the list.
  3. Click Storage (or Memory).
  4. If the option is active, a button will appear Change → Memory card.

⚠️ Attention: Even if there is a transfer button, many applications (especially system ones or with high rights) will be blocked. For example, WhatsApp, Google Play Services or banking applications will not be able to be transferred.

☑️ What to check before transfer

Done: 0 / 1

If buttons Change no - your manufacturer has disabled this function. For example, Samsung removes it starting from One UI 2.0 (Android 10), and Xiaomi leaves it only for certain models on MIUI 11–12.

2. memory card as internal storage

The most reliable way to force Android to use an SD card for applications is to format it as internal memory. In this case, the system combines the card with the main storage, and some applications can be transferred. But there is nuances:

  • 🔹 The card will be encrypted and tied to the device. The data cannot be read on another smartphone or through a card reader.
  • 🔹 The speed of applications may fallif the memory card is slow (class below UHS-I/U3).
  • 🔹 Not all applications will agree to work from the internal SD card (especially games with anti-piracy protection).

How to format:

  1. Insert the card into the smartphone.
  2. Go to Settings → Storage.
  3. Click on the name of the SD card → Three dots (menu) → Storage settings.
  4. Select Internal memory → Clear and format.

After formatting, all data on the card will be erased! You cannot make a backup copy - the card will become unreadable on other devices.

What to do if Android does not allow you to select "Internal memory"?

3. Transferring applications using ADB (for advanced users) If standard methods do not work, you can try to transfer applications using a debugging tool. This method works even on new versions of Android, but requires connection to a computer.

If standard methods do not work, you can try to transfer applications via Android Debug Bridge (ADB) - a debugging tool. This method works even on new versions of Android, but requires connection to a computer.

What you will need:

  • 🖥️ A computer with ADB drivers installed.
  • 📱 Enabled USB Debugging on the smartphone (Settings → About phone → Build number - press 7 times, then return to Settings → System → For developers).
  • 💾 Memory card formatted as portable storage (not internal!).

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Connect your smartphone to the PC via USB and select mode File transfer.
  2. Open a command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with adb.exe.
  3. Enter the command to test the connection: 
    adb devices

    Your device serial number should appear.

  4. Find out the application's batch name (for example, for Facebook this com.facebook.katana). Can be found in Settings → Applications → Application name → Advanced.
  5. Run the transfer command (replace package.name with the real name): 
    adb shell pm set-install-location 2

    adb shell pm move-package package.name

⚠️ Attention: Not all applications will support transfer via ADB. If an error appears after the command Failure [INSTALL_FAILED_INVALID_INSTALL_LOCATION], then the application is blocked by the manufacturer.

💡

To return the application back to the internal memory, use the command adb shell pm move-package -k package.name. The flag -k saves application data.

4. Using third-party applications (without root)

There are utilities that promise to transfer applications to an SD card without root access. In practice, most of them simply automate ADB commands or offer to create Google Play There are utilities that promise to transfer applications to an SD card without root access. In practice, most of them simply automate ADB commands or offer to create symbolic links (which is unstable). Let's consider the most popular:

Application Working principle Pros Cons
AppMgr III (App 2 SD) Analyzes applications and offers to transfer supported Free version, simple interface Does not work with Android 10+, a lot of advertising
Link2SD Creates symbolic links to a memory card Supports transferring cache and data Requires root or patched init.d
Files by Google Clears the cache and offers to archive rarely used applications Official application from Google Does not transfer applications, only frees up space

How to use AppMgr III:

  1. Install the application from Google Play.
  2. Open it and grant access rights to the storage.
  3. In the list of applications, find those whose column SD Card is Yes.
  4. Click on the application → Move to SD Card.

⚠️ Attention: Applications transferred via symbolic links (Link2SD) may be unstable. For example, Telegram or VK may lose notifications or data when the card is removed.

📊 Which application transfer method have you tried?
Standard settings Android
ADB commands
Application side (App2SD, etc.)
Formatting the card as internal memory
Nothing helps

5. Transferring only cache and media files (alternative method)

If you cannot transfer the application itself, you can free up space by moving it cache and media files (photos, videos, downloads). Many applications (for example, Instagram, Spotify, Netflix) allow you to manually specify a folder for storing data.

How to transfer the cache:

  1. Open Settings → Applications.
  2. Select an application (for example, Google Chrome).
  3. Click Storage → Clear cache (this will not delete data, only temporary files).
  4. For media files, use the built-in application settings. For example, in Spotify: Settings → Storage → Download folder.

Applications that allow you to change the storage folder:

  • 🎵 Spotify, Yandex Music, VK Music — transfer of downloaded tracks.
  • 📷 Google Photos —backup to card (but not storing originals).
  • 🎮 Genshin Impact, PUBG Mobile —transfer of game resources (requires manual selection in the settings).

⚠️ Attention: Some applications (for example, TikTok or YouTube) do not allow you to select a storage folder. In this case, only clearing the cache or deleting unnecessary data manually will help.

6. Limitations and why some applications cannot be transferred

Even if you do everything according to the instructions, many applications will refuse to work from the memory card. Here are the main reasons:

  • 🔒 Protection against piracy: Games with a license (Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile) check the integrity of files. When transferring to an SD card, they may display an error 963 or 924.
  • 🏦 Security: Banking applications (SberBank Online, Tinkoff) and instant messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram) block the transfer due risk of data leakage.
  • 🤖 System restrictions: Applications with rights android:sharedUserId or Google services (Play Market, Google Services) do not support transfer.
  • 📱 Manufacturer's policy: Samsung, Huawei and Xiaomi often block transfer at the firmware level, even if Android allows it.

The only one A reliable way to transfer any application is to get root access and use Titanium Backup or Lucky Patcher. But this will void the warranty and may disrupt the operation of the system.

💡

If the application cannot be transferred, delete its cache, data, or install a light version (Lite). For example, instead of Facebook use Facebook Lite, and instead of Messenger — Messenger Lite.

7. What to do if applications do not work after transfer

Transferring applications to an SD card can lead to failures. Here are typical problems and their solutions:

Problem Possible cause Solution
The application crashes on startup The files are damaged during transfer or the memory card is slow Move back to internal memory or clear application data
No notifications (for example, in Telegram) The notification service cannot work from the SD card Return the application to internal memory or disable battery optimization for it
The game does not start (error 963, 924) Anti-piracy protection blocks launching from external storage Install the game into internal memory or use the official launcher (for example, GameSpace on Xiaomi)
The memory card is not readable The file system is damaged or the card is formatted as internal for another device Format the card again (the data will be deleted!)

If the application behaves unstable after transfer, try:

  1. Clear its cache and data (Settings → Applications → Storage → Clear cache/data).
  2. Restart the smartphone.
  3. Return the application to internal memory (adb shell pm move-package -k package.name).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about transferring applications to an SD card

Is it possible to transfer WhatsApp to a memory card?

No. WhatsApp blocks the transfer due to security requirements. The maximum that can be done is. transfer chat backups to the card via Settings → Chat → Backup. The application itself must remain in the internal memory.

Why after formatting the card as internal memory, the smartphone began to slow down?

Most likely, your SD card is too slow (class Class 4/6 or UHS-I/U1). For internal storage, a card is recommended not lower than UHS-I/U3 (write speed from 30 MB/s). Also check if the card is full to capacity - leave at least 10% of free space.

Is it possible to transfer system applications (for example, Google Play Services)?

No. System applications and Google services are strictly tied to the internal memory. Transferring them can lead to to critical failures in Android. If they take up a lot of space, try disabling their updates in Settings → Applications → Three dots → Reset application preferences.

Does transferring applications to Samsung Galaxy with One UI 5.0 (Android 13)?

No. Starting with One UI 2.0 (Android 10), Samsung has removed the ability to transfer applications to the SD card through the settings. The only working methods are ADB commands (section 3) or formatting the card as internal storage (section. 2). But many applications will still refuse to work.

How to transfer games with large files (for example, Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile)?

Most modern games block transfer to an SD card due to protection against piracy. Alternatives options:

  • Use cloud storage (for example, Google Play Games for saves).
  • Install Lite version games (if yes).
  • Transfer only additional files (for example, in PUBG Mobile you can specify the folder for resources in the settings).
  • Buy a smartphone with more memory or use external SSD drive via OTG (supported on some devices).