How to transfer data from the device's memory to a memory card in Samsung: a complete guide

The internal memory of smartphones Samsung fills up faster than it seems: high-resolution photos, application cache, downloaded files - all this takes up precious gigabytes. A memory card microSD can be a salvation, but not everyone knows how to correctly transfer data to it without losing functionality. In this article we will analyze all working methods for devices on Android 10–14including nuances with applications, system files and media.

The peculiarity Samsung is that the manufacturer often modifies standard Android-interface. For example, the shell One UI has no function "forced transfer of applications" to the card (unlike pure Android), but there are alternative solutions. We will look at both official methods through Settings, and hidden options for experienced users.

It is important to understand: not all data can be transferred. For example, system updates and some service files always remain in the internal memory. But it’s quite possible to move photos, videos, music and even some applications. Let's start with the simplest.

1. Preparation: Checking the memory card and compatibility

Before transferring data, make sure that your card microSD meets the requirements Samsung. The manufacturer recommends using cards of class UHS-I (U1 or U3) with a write speed of at least 10 MB/s. For models Galaxy S22 Ultra, S23+ and newer, cards up to 1 TBare supported, but check the limitations for your model in the official documentation.

How to check compatibility:

1. Insert the card into the slot (usually located on the top end or under the SIM tray).
2. Go to Settings → Device care → Memory.
3. If the card is displayed in the section "Memory card" —it is recognized by the system.

Critical points:

• 🔹 Cards exFAT are supported only on devices s Android 9+. For older models (Galaxy S8 and below) may require formatting to FAT32 (but with a file size limit of 4 GB).
• 🔹 Some applications (for example WhatsApp) do not work with cards formatted as "internal memory".
• 🔹 Cards SanDisk Ultra i Samsung EVO Plus show the best compatibility with brand devices.

⚠️ Attention: If you use the card as "internal memory" (function Adoptable Storage), it cannot be retrieved without losing data. This mode is only suitable for cards with high capacity (128 GB+) and speed.

2. Transferring media files (photos, videos, music) through "My Files"

The easiest way to free up memory is to move media files. In Samsung this is done through the standard application "My files" (My Files):

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 Internal storage → DCIM (for photo/video) or Music (for audio).
3. Press and hold your finger on file/folder, then select the rest (or tap Select all).
4. Click Move (arrow icon) → select Memory card → specify the destination folder (for example, DCIM/Camera).
5. Confirm the transfer with the button Done.

To speed up the process:

• 📁 Use folders: transfer entire directories (for example, WhatsApp Images) instead of individual files.
• 🔄 Include automatic backup in Gallery → Settings → Backup (photos will be duplicated to the card).
• 🎵 For music: in the application Samsung Music you can specify the path to the card in Settings → Music folder.

⚠️ Attention: If after transfer the photos are not displayed in Gallery, update the media library: open Gallery → Settings → Refresh media files.

Check free space on the card|Back up important files|Battery charge > 50%|Disable battery optimization for "My Files"-->

3. Transferring applications to a memory card (with limitations)

Unlike pure Android, shell One UI from Samsung does not support full transfer of applications to the memory card through standard settings. However, there are workarounds:

Method 1: Partial transfer through "Settings"

1. Open Settings → Applications.
2. Select an application (for example, Spotify or Netflix).
3. Tap Storage → Edit.
4. If option SD card active - select it and confirm.

❗ Restrictions:

• 🚫 Works only for parts of data (cache, downloaded files), and not for the entire APK.
• 🚫 System applications and most games (for example Genshin Impact) do not support transfer.

Method 2: Force transfer via ADB (for experienced)

If you need transfer the entire application, you will need a computer and a tool ADB:

1. Enable Developer mode: Settings → About phone → Build number (tap 7 times).
2. Go back to Settings → Developer options and turn on USB debugging.
3. Connect your phone to the PC, open Command line (Windows) or Terminal (Mac/Linux) and enter:

   adb shell pm set-install-location 2

   This command will force the system to install new applications on the card by default.

⚠️ Important:

• 🔧 After use ADB some applications may be unstable.
• 🔧 To return the default settings, enter:

  adb shell pm set-install-location 0

Why does Samsung limit the transfer of applications?

The manufacturer argues this for security and performance reasons: memory cards are slower than built-in memory (especially cheap models), which can lead to lags. In addition, Google from version Android 6.0 is gradually abandoning support Adoptable Storage due to the risks of data loss when removing the card.

4. Automatic transfer of new files to the card

To immediately save new photos, videos and downloads to the card, configure the default settings:

For the camera:

1. Open the application Camera.
2. Tap on Settings (gear) → Save location.
3. Select Memory card.

For downloads from browser:

1. In Chrome or Samsung Internet open the menu (⋮) → Settings → Downloaded files.
2. Specify the path on the map (for example, /storage/XXXX-XXXX/DCIM/Downloads).

For screenshots:

Use the application Samsung Notes or Smart Select (in Edge Panel), where you can select saving to the card (Power button + Volume down) are always saved to internal memory.

File type	Max. size (FAT32)	Max. size (exFAT)	Does Samsung
Photo (JPEG)	4 GB	16 EB	Yes
Video (MP4)	4 GB	16 EB	Yes
APK files	4 GB	16 EB	Partially (cache only)
Music (MP3)	4 GB	16 EB	Yes

5. Transferring data via a computer (for large volumes)

If you need to transfer tens of gigabytes (for example, a collection of movies or a backup), it is more convenient to use a PC. Connect Samsung to the computer via USB-C and follow the instructions:

Step 1: Setting up the connection

• 🔌 Connect the phone to the PC with a cable (the original cable Samsung provides high transfer speed).
• 📱 On your phone, in the notification panel, select the mode File transfer (MTP).

Step 2: Copying files

1. On PC, open This computer (Windows) or Finder (Mac).
2. Find the device Samsung in the list of drives.
3. Open the folder Internal Storage (internal memory) and copy the data to the folder Card (memory card).

To speed up:

• 🚀 Use archivers (WinRAR, 7-Zip) to compress folders before transferring.
• 🔄 For Mac: install Android File Transfer (official software from Google).
• 🛠️ If the PC does not see the phone, update the drivers Samsung USB via Samsung Smart Switch.

⚠️ Attention: Do not remove the card memory during data transfer - this can lead to damage to the file system. Wait until the operation is completed and use the function Safe removal in the notification panel Android.

6. Using third-party transfer applications

If standard methods are not suitable, use specialized ones. utilities. We tested 3 reliable solutions:

1. Files by Google

• 📱 A lightweight application with a function "Cleaning"that offers to transfer unused files to the card.
• 🔍 Automatically finds duplicates and large ones files.

2. AppMgr III (App 2 SD)

• 📦 Allows you to transfer APK files applications (even those that do not support it by default).
• 🛠️ Requires rights ROOT for full functionality.

3. Solid Explorer

• 🗂️ Advanced file manager with support for FTP and cloud storage.
• 🔄 Can be configured automatic synchronization between internal memory and card.

❗ Warning:

• 🚨 Applications that require ROOTmay violate the warranty Samsung.
• 🚨 Some utilities (for example, Link2SD) do not work on Android 10+ without additional manipulations.

7. Solving problems: what to do if the data is not transferred

If errors occur when transferring files, use these instructions:

Problem 1: The memory card is not detected

• 🔌 Restart the phone.
• 🔧 Check the card on another device (it may be damaged).
• 🛠️ Format the card via your phone: Settings → Device care → Memory → SD card → Format.

Problem 2: There is not enough space on the card, although it empty

• 🗑️ Delete hidden files (for example, folder .thumbdata), using Solid Explorer with the display of hidden items turned on.
• 🔄 Reformat the card in exFAT (if you use files >4 GB).

Problem 3: Applications do not work after transfer

• 🔄 Return the application to the internal memory: Settings → Applications → [Name] → Storage → Change → Internal memory.
• 📥 Reinstall the application (data may be saved if it was on the card).

Problem 4: Slow transfer speed

• 🔌 Use cable USB 3.1 (blue) and port USB-C to PC.
• 🔧 Disable battery optimization for application Media or My files.

⚠️ Attention: If after formatting the card in exFAT the phone does not see it, check the compatibility of the model. For example, Galaxy A10 (2019) does not support exFAT without a firmware update.

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

Is it possible to transfer WhatsApp to a memory card?

Officially WhatsApp does not support transferring to a card, but you can change the path to the folder from backup copies:

1. Copy the folder WhatsApp from the internal memory to the card.
2. Delete the original folder.
3. Create a symbolic link (required ROOT or Termux).

❗ Risk: when you remove the card, chats will not be saved.

Why did they disappear from the Gallery after transferring the photos to the card?

Update the media library:

1. Open Gallery → Settings → Update media files.
2. Or restart the phone.

If the photos do not appear, check the path: they should be in /DCIM/Camera or /Pictures on the map.

How transfer games (for example, Genshin Impact) to the card?

Most modern games (especially with protection) do not support transfer. data-i="329">cloud storage

• 🎮 Use cloud storage (For example, Google Play Games) for saving.
• 🔄 Install the game on the card via APK + OBB (you need to download the files manually and specify the path during installation).

⚠️ Transferring OBBfiles may lead to download errors.

Can a memory card be used as internal memory on Samsung?

Function Adoptable Storage (card as an extension of internal memory) disabled in One UI starting from Android 9. Alternative:

1. Install custom firmware (for example, LineageOS).
2. Use ADB to force mount (risk of data loss).

❗ Samsung Does not recommend this method due to reduced performance.

How to transfer contacts and SMS to a memory card?

Contacts and SMS are transferred via export:

1. Contact: Contacts → Settings → Contact management → Export (select a card).
2. SMS: use the application SMS Backup & Restore (saves to card in format XML).

⚠️ Exported SMS cannot be opened without special applications.