Internal memory of a smartphone Samsung Galaxy fills with photos and videos faster than it seems. Even models with 128 GB and 256 GB sooner or later begin to issue warnings about lack of space. The solution to the problem is to transfer media files to microSD memory card. But how to do it correctly so as not to lose data and not encounter errors?

This article contains detailed instructions for owners Samsung Galaxy (including series S23/S22/S21, A54/A53/A34, Note 20/10 and others). We will look at all the transfer methods: from standard Android tools to third-party applications, and also explain why some files cannot be transferred to an SD card without losing functionality (for example, photos for some system applications).

Many users wonder why Samsung Galaxy by default it saves photos and videos to internal memory and not to an SD card. The reasons lie in architecture Android and politics Samsung:

  • 📱 Data security: Internal memory is encrypted by default, but SD cards are not (unless manually configured). This protects files if the phone is stolen.
  • ⚡ Performance: reading/writing to the built-in storage (UFS 3.1/4.0) is 2-5 times faster than most microSD (even class A2).
  • 🔄 Android Limitations: from version 7.0 (Nougat) Google has prevented apps from directly writing files to external drives without user permission.
  • 📁 System dependencies: Some apps (such as Samsung Gallery or Google Photos) store thumbnails and cache in internal memory for quick access.

In addition, Samsung in the latest firmware (One UI 5.0/6.0) removed the option to automatically save new photos to an SD card - now this can only be done manually or through third-party utilities. This is to optimize camera performance and prevent data loss when removing the card.

⚠️ Attention: If you are using memory card in exFAT format (for files >4 GB), some older models Samsung Galaxy (for example, J-series or Galaxy S8) may not support recording to it without additional settings. Check the card format in Settings → Device care → Memory.

Preparation for transfer: what you need to do before you start

Before transferring files, complete a few critical steps. This will help avoid data loss or errors like “Not enough space” or “SD card not supported.”

☑️ Checklist before transferring the gallery

Done: 0 / 1

Pay special attention memory card format:

  • 🔹 FAT32: compatible with all devices, but does not support files >4 GB (problem for 4K video).
  • 🔹 exFAT: optimal for modern Samsung Galaxy, supports large files, but may not be readable on older PCs.
  • 🔹 NTFS: not recommended for Android - recording errors are possible.

To check the format:

  1. Connect the SD card to the PC via a card reader.
  2. Open This computer (Windows) or Disk utility (macOS).
  3. Right-click on the card → Properties → view the file system.
⚠️ Attention: If your SD card is formatted in NTFS, before using it in Samsung Galaxy it needs to be reformatted in exFAT via a PC. Otherwise, the phone will not be able to write files to it.
📊 Which memory card do you use in Samsung Galaxy?
SanDisk Ultra
Samsung EVO
Kingston Canvas
Other
I don’t use

Method 1: Transfer through the standard “My Files” application

The simplest method is to use the built-in file manager My files (My Files) from Samsung. It is pre-installed on all modern models and supports batch file movement.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Open the application My files (folder icon on the main screen or in the application menu).
  2. Go to section Images or Internal storage → DCIM → Camera (photos and videos from the camera are stored here).
  3. Tap and hold on any file, then select the rest (or tap Select all).
  4. Tap on the icon Move (or Copy, if you want to leave the originals).
  5. Select SD card → create a folder (for example, Gallery) or select an existing one.
  6. Confirm the transfer with the button Move here.

Advantages method:

  • 🔹 Does not require installation of third-party applications.
  • 🔹 Maintains the folder structure (for example, DCIM/Camera → SDCard/Gallery/Camera).
  • 🔹 Supports batch moving (up to 1000 files at a time).

Disadvantages:

  • 🔸 Slower than specialized utilities (especially when transferring thousands of files).
  • 🔸 Does not update thumbnails Samsung Gallery automatically - a reboot may be required.
💡

If photos are not displayed in the gallery after transfer, open My files, find the folder on the SD card and select any file → Open with → Gallery. This will forcefully update the media index.

The application Samsung Gallery (standard gallery on Galaxy) also allows you to transfer files to an SD card, but with restrictions. For example, you cannot move all photos at once -only by albums. or manually.

How to transfer:

  1. Open Gallery and select an album (for example, Camera or Downloads).
  2. Click ⋮ (three dots) → Select and mark the required files.
  3. Tap ⋮ → Move (or Copy).
  4. Select SD card and destination folder (for example, Pictures).
  5. Confirm the action.
Action Via "My files" Via "Gallery"
Support for batch transfer ✅ Yes (up to 1000 files) ❌ No (maximum 50 at a time)
Saving EXIF data ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
Automatic update of thumbnails ❌ No (needs reboot) ✅ Yes
Transfer 4K video ✅ Yes (if the card is exFAT) ✅ Yes

Important nuance: if you transfer files via Gallery, they can disappear from. albums (for example, "Favorites" or "People"). This is due to the fact that Samsung links the album metadata to the storage path. To avoid losing the organization:

  1. First export the albums to a file (via Gallery Settings → Backup).
  2. Transfer the files to the SD card.
  3. Import the albums back (if the function is available in your version One UI).

Method 3: Automation using Files by Google

If standard tools Samsung seem inconvenient, use the official application from Google - Files by GoogleIt is free, without unnecessary water and supports automatic cleaning duplicates.

Instructions:

  1. Install Files by Google from Play Market.
  2. Open the application and allow access to files.
  3. Go to the section Cleaning → Large files or Photos and videos.
  4. Select files to transfer (can be filtered by size or date).
  5. Click Move → SD card and specify the folder.

Advantages Files by Google:

  • 🔹 Analysis of duplicates: finds duplicate photos and suggests keeping the best ones.
  • 🔹 Memory optimization: shows how much space will be freed up after the transfer.
  • 🔹 Cloud synchronization: you can immediately upload files to Google Drive.

Limitations:

  • 🔸 Does not support transfer RAW photo (for example, with Galaxy S23 Ultra in Pro mode).
  • 🔸 Works slower with maps exFAT (due to implementation features in Android).
Why doesn't Files by Google see the SD card?

If the application does not display the SD card, check:

1. The card is connected as portable storage (and not as internal memory).

2. In the Android settings, access to external drives is allowed for Files by Google (Settings → Applications → Files → Permissions → Memory).

3. The card is not damaged (check through Settings → Device care → Diagnostics).

Method 4: Transfer via PC (the most reliable method)

If there is not enough space on the phone even for temporary files, or you are transferring tens of gigabytes data, it is better to use a computer. This method guarantees 100% file safety and allows you to control the process.

Step-by-step guide for Windows/macOS:

  1. Connect Samsung Galaxy to a PC via a USB cable (use the original cable for stable speed).
  2. On your phone, select the mode File transfer (or MTP) in the USB notification.
  3. Open This computer (Windows) or Android File Transfer (macOS).
  4. Copy folders DCIM, Pictures and Downloads from the phone's internal memory to the PC desktop.
  5. Insert the SD card into the PC card reader and transfer the files to the desired folder (for example, SDCard\Gallery).
  6. Remove the originals from the phone (optional) and safely remove the devices.

Method advantages:

  • 🔹 Maximum speed: USB 3.0/3.1 is faster than transfer via Wi-Fi or phone.
  • 🔹 Integrity control: you can check files on your PC before deleting them from your phone.
  • 🔹 Supports any formats: even if the phone does not see the card exFAT, the PC will handle it.
⚠️ Attention: When connecting Samsung Galaxy to a PC via USB, avoid using hubs or extension cables - they can reduce the transfer speed up to 10 times. For large volumes (50+ GB), use a cable USB-C 3.1 (usually included with flagships). data-i="254">Transferring via PC is the only way to guarantee saving S23/S22).
💡

Transferring via PC is the only way to guarantee preservation date of creation and EXIF data photos (geolocation, camera model, etc.) When using some Android applications, this metadata may be reset.

Problems and solutions: what to do if the transfer does not work

Even when following the instructions, users Samsung Galaxy face errors. Let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

Problem Possible cause Solution
The SD card is not displayed in "My files" The card is formatted in NTFS or damaged Reformat to exFAT via PC or check the card for errors (chkdsk /f [drive letter] in CMD)
Photos have been transferred, but are not shown in the gallery Android media index is not updated Restart your phone or use the application Rescan Media from the Play Market
"Not enough space" error when transferring The card has no free space or is encrypted Free up space on SD or format it (data will be deleted!)
4K videos do not transfer to card Card formatted in FAT32 (4 GB limit) Reformat to exFAT and repeat transfer

If after transferring the files disappeared from the phone, but did not appear on the mapcheck:

  1. Folder .Trash or Recycle Bin on SD card (some file managers send files to the trash).
  2. Hidden folders (enable display of hidden files in settings My files).
  3. Log of operations in the application through which the transfer was performed (for example, Files by Google → History).

To restore accidentally deleted files, use utilities like DiskDigger (available in the Play Market), but remember: the fewer write operations to the card after deletion, the higher the chances of recovery.

Is it possible to make sure that new photos are automatically saved to an SD card?

In the latest versions One UI 5.0/6.0 (Android 13/14) Samsung I have removed this option from the camera settings. Workarounds:

  1. Use a third-party camera (for example Open Camera), where you can select the save path.
  2. Set up automatic synchronization with Google Photos and select the SD card as the destination folder for downloads.

On older models (for example, Galaxy S10 or Note 9), the option can be saved in Camera Settings → Storage.

Why after transferring the photo to SD card they are not displayed in the gallery?

This is due to the fact that Android does not update the media database (media store) automatically. Solutions:

  • Reboot the phone.
  • Install the application Rescan Media from the Play Market and start scanning.
  • Open the file via My files → Open with → Gallery.

If the photos still do not appear, check if the folder on the SD card is hidden (the name begins with a dot, for example .nomedia).

Is it possible to transfer the gallery to an SD card if it is used as an internal memory?

No. If you configured the SD card as internal storage (option Format as internal), Android encrypts it and binds it to the device. Transferring files in this case:

  • Will not free up internal memory (the files will simply move inside the combined storage).
  • May lead to errors if the card is removed.

Recommendation: format the card as Portable storage (Settings → Device care → Memory → SD card → Format as portable), but keep in mind that all data on it will be deleted!

How to transfer photo from the SD card back to the phone?

Reverse process:

  1. Open My files → SD card.
  2. Select files → Copy (do not move!).
  3. Paste them into Internal storage → DCIM/Camera.

Important: if you use Move, the files will disappear from the card. If the goal is to free up space on SD, it is better to first copy the files to the phone and then delete them from the card.

Will the gallery on the SD card work if you insert it into another phone?

Yes, but with reservations:

  • 🔹 Photos and videos will open on any device if the card is formatted in FAT32 or exFAT.
  • 🔹 Albums and metadata (for example, "Favorites" in Samsung Gallery) will not be saved —they are tied to a specific phone.
  • 🔹 On some phones (for example, iPhone) the folder structure may not be displayed.

For full compatibility, use standard folders: DCIM/Camera for photos, Pictures for screenshots.