Transferring data from the internal memory of a smartphone Samsung to a card microSD is a task that every user faces sooner or later. Even flagship models like Galaxy S24 Ultra or Galaxy A54 over time are filled with photos, videos and documents, and you can free up space without losing files in just a few minutes. But how to do this correctly so as not to lose data and not encounter errors like “Insufficient memory” or “File not supported”?

In this article we will examine 5 proven methods information transfer - from standard tools Android to specialized applications. You will learn how to move not only media files, but also applications (if supported by your model), as well as which settings need to be changedso that new photos and videos are automatically saved to the card. We will pay special attention to the nuances for devices with One UI 5.0/6.0 and older, where the algorithm of actions may differ.

Before you begin, check two key points: 1. Your Samsung supports memory cards (in some flagships, for example, Galaxy S23+there is no slot for microSD ). 2. The card is formatted in the file system exFAT or FAT32 (for files >4 GB needed exFAT).

If at least one of the conditions is not met, the methods in this article will not work.

📊 Which Samsung model are you using?
Galaxy S series (S23/S22/S21)
Galaxy A series (A54/A34/A14)
Galaxy M/J series
Other model
I don’t know

1. Standard transfer via “My File” (without applications)

The simplest and safest method — use the built-in file manager My file (My Files). It is preinstalled on all smartphones Samsung with a shell One UI and does not require root access or additional apps. Suitable for transferring photos, videos, music, documents and archives.

How it works: Step 1. Open the application My file (blue folder icon). Step 2. Go to section Internal storage and find the folder with the files you want to transfer (for example, DCIM for photos or Download for downloads). Step 3. Tap and hold your finger on the file (or folder), then select the remaining items using the checkboxes. Step 4. Tap on button Move (or Copy, if you want to leave the originals) in the bottom menu. Step 5. At the top of the screen, select SD card, then specify the target folder (or create a new one) and confirm the action.

  • ✅ Pros: does not require internet, works without third-party apps, preserves the structure folders.
  • ⚠️ Cons: you cannot transfer installed applications (only their data, if allowed).
  • 📌 Tip: to speed up the process, use the mode Select all (icon with checkmarks in the upper right corner).
⚠️ Attention: If an error appears when transferring files >4 GB, check the file system of the card. For FAT32 the maximum file size is 4 GB. Solution: format the card in exFAT through the phone settings (Settings → Device care → Memory → SD card → Format).

Check the free space on the card memory

Battery charge >30% (in case of long-term copying)

Disable battery optimization for "My File" (Settings → Applications → My File → Battery)

Create a backup copy of important files (in case of failure)

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2. Automatic saving of new photos and videos to the memory card

In order not to transfer files manually every time, configure the camera Samsung to save media directly to microSDThis is relevant for models Galaxy A, M i J, where the memory card slot is officially supported.

Instructions: Step 1. Open the application Camera. Step 2. Tap on the icon ⚙️ Settings (gear in the upper left corner). Step 3. Scroll down to the section Place saving and select SD card. Step 4. Confirm the change and restart the camera.

Now all new photos and videos will be saved to the memory card, and not to the internal storage. Please note: this method does not transfer existing files. only changes the save location for new ones.

  • 📸 For camera: is supported on all models with One UI 3.1 and newer.
  • 🎥 For video recording: on some devices (for example Galaxy A13), 4K video may not be saved to the card due to recording speed limitations.
  • 🔄 Exception: in Pro or when shooting in RAW The saving location may be reset to the internal memory.
⚠️ Attention: If after changing the settings the camera displays the error “Unable to save”, check the speed class of the memory card. To record 4K video, you need UHS-I Class 10 (U3) or higher. Class cards Class 4/6 will not work.
What to do if the "SD card" option is inactive in the camera settings?

This means that your Samsung model does not support saving to an external drive (for example, Galaxy S22/S23). An alternative is to use the method from first section for manual transfer after shooting.

3. Transferring applications to a memory card (only for supported models)

Unlike media files, transferring installed applications to a memory card is not possible on all devices Samsung. Flagship models (for example Galaxy S21 and newer) often lack this feature due to security policy Google. However, on budget and mid-budget smartphones (Galaxy A12, A23, M32), the option may be available.

How to check and transfer: Step 1. Open Settings → Applications. Step 2. Select the desired application (for example, Telegram or Spotify). Step 3. Tap on the item Storage. Step 4. If there is a button Change or Move to SD card, click it and confirm the action.

Important: even if the option is available, Not all application data will be transferredFor example, in WhatsApp only media files (photos, videos) can be moved to a memory card, but not the chats themselves or settings. A complete transfer will require a backup.

Samsung model App transfer support Limitations
Galaxy A12/A22/A32 ✅ Yes Only part of the data (not system applications)
Galaxy M21/M31/M51 ✅ Yes Some games may not work after transfer
Galaxy S20/S21/S22 ❌ No The function is disabled by the manufacturer
Galaxy A52/A53/A54 ⚠️ Partially Only for individual applications (for example, maps, instant messengers)
⚠️ Attention: Transferring applications to a memory card can reduce their performance, especially if the card is class Class 10 or lower For games and heavy apps. (for example, Google Maps with offline maps) it is better to use internal memory.
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If the option to transfer applications is missing, try using the function Adoptable Storage (linking the card as internal memory). However, this requires formatting the card and may result in data loss. More details in section 5.

4. Using a PC to bulk transfer files

If you need to move a large amount of data (for example, a backup copy or a collection of movies), it is more convenient to use a computer. This method is suitable for owners Windows or Mac and allows you to transfer files at speed USB 3.0 (up to 100 MB/s), which is 5-10 times faster than through the phone's file manager.

Step-by-step guide: Step 1. Connect Samsung to the PC via cable USB-C/USB-A (the original cable included in the kit is preferable). Step 2. On the phone in the notification panel, select the connection mode Transfer files (or MTP). Step 3. On the computer open This computer (Windows) or Android File Transfer (Mac). Step 4. Copy files from phone folders (for example, Internal Storage → DCIM) to a folder on the memory card (SD Card). Step 5. When finished, safely remove the device (Safely remove to Windows).

  • 🖥️ For Windows: if the phone is not detected, install drivers Samsung USB Driver from the official website.
  • 🍎 For Mac: required app Android File Transfer (can be downloaded for free).
  • ⚡ Speed: for acceleration, use the port USB 3.0 (blue connector) and a cable that supports high transfer speed.

The advantage of this method is the ability pre-editing files on a PC (for example, sorting photos by date or converting videos). It is also easier to transfer hidden files through a computer (for example, backups .bak or application settings).

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Connecting via a PC is the only way to transfer files >20 GB in size (for example, disk images or large archives), which may not be copied through mobile file managers.

5. Formatting a card as internal memory (Adoptable Storage)

Function Adoptable Storage (binding a memory card as part of the internal storage) allows you to combine the phone memory and microSD into a single whole. After this, applications and files will be automatically saved to the card if there is not enough space on the phone. However, the method has serious limitations:

  • 🔒 The card becomes encrypted and will not be read on other devices.
  • 🔄 After removing the card, some applications may stop working.
  • ⚠️ Function is not supported on flagships Samsung (for example, Galaxy S23 or Note 20).

How to enable Adoptable Storage: Step 1. Insert the memory card into the phone. Step 2. Go to Settings → Device care → Memory → SD card. Step 3. Click Configure → Internal memory. Step 4. Confirm formatting (all data on the card will be deleted!). Step 5. Wait for the process to complete (it may take up to 10 minutes).

After activation, the system itself will distribute files between the internal memory and the card. However it is not recommended to use this method for cards with a capacity of less than 64 GB - due to encryption and service files, the usable space will be reduced by 10-15%.

⚠️ Attention: If you remove a card formatted as internal memory, some applications (for example, WhatsApp or games) may require reinstallation. Also the card cannot be read on another phone or PC without full formatting.

6. Third-party applications for transferring data

If standard methods are not suitable (for example, you need to transfer data between two cards or filter files by type), use specialized applications. We tested 5 popular utilities and chose the two most reliable:

  1. Files by Google (free, Google LLC)

    Advantages: simple interface, function Cleaning to remove duplicates, support for cloud storage (Google Drive).

    How to transfer: select files → Move to → select SD card.

  2. Solid Explorer (paid version, NeatBytes)

    Advantages: dual-panel mode, FTP/SFTP support, archiver ZIP/RAR.

    How to transfer: hold the file → Move → specify the path on the memory card.

Important: before using third-party applications, check their permissions in Settings → Applications → PermissionsUtilities for working with files. must have access to Storage and SD card.

  • 🛡️ Security: avoid applications with suspicious permissions (for example, access to SMS or contacts).
  • 🔍 Search: v Solid Explorer there is a built-in search by file type (for example, *.mp4 for video).
  • ☁️ Clouds: some applications (for example, Files by Google) allow you to first upload files to the cloud, and then download them to the card memory.
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If you need to transfer data from one memory card to another, use an adapter microSD → USB and copy files via PC. This is faster than moving through your phone.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about transferring data to a Samsung memory card

Is it possible to transfer WhatsApp to a memory card?

Chats and messages are not, but media files (photos, videos, voices) are possible. To do this:

  1. Open WhatsApp → ⚙️ Settings → Data and storage → Storage management.
  2. Select a chat and click Export (the files will be saved in the folder WhatsApp/Media on the card).

To completely transfer chats, you need a backup copy to Google Drive.

Why is the memory card not detected in Samsung?

Possible reasons:

  • 🔌 The card is not inserted all the way (check the slot).
  • 🗃️ Incompatible file system (need FAT32 or exFAT).
  • 🛠️ Damaged card (try formatting it to PC).
  • 📱 On some models (Galaxy S22+) there is no card slot.

Solution: restart the phone or test the card on another device.

How to transfer music to a memory card so that it appears in the player?

Copy the files to the folder Music on the memory card. If the player (for example, Samsung Music or Spotify) does not see the tracks:

  1. Open the player and update the library (Settings → Refresh library).
  2. Check that the files are in a supported format (.mp3, .flac, .m4a).
Can a memory card be used as the main storage for games?

Technically yes, but:

  • 🎮 Most games (for example, Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile) require internal memory for the cache.
  • ⚡ Class cards U1 or Class 10 can slow down the loading of levels.

Recommendation: transfer to card only light games (for example Among Us or Brawl Stars).

What to do if the “Insufficient space” error appears when transferring files?

Causes and solutions:

  • 📊 The card is full: delete unnecessary files or format it.
  • 🗜️ The file system FAT32 does not support files >4 GB: reformat the card to exFAT.
  • 🔒 The file is protected: check the permissions (for example, the folder Android/data needs root access).