Smartphone owners Honor often face a lack of internal memory, especially if the device is used to store a large number of photos, videos or installed applications. Transferring data to microSD memory card is an effective solution to this problem, but not everyone knows how to do it correctly. Depending on the model Honor (for example, Honor 10 Lite, Honor 8X or newer series Honor 50/60/70) and version Android (from EMUI 9 to MagicOS 7) the process may differ.

In this article we will look at all the current methods of transferring data: from standard system tools to third-party applications. You will learn how to move photos, videos, music, documents even some applications, as well as what restrictions it imposes Android on working with external drives. We will pay special attention to the nuances associated with policy Honor on support of memory cards in new models - some devices after 2021 may not have a slot for microSD.

Before you start, check:

  • 📱 Your smartphone model (in Settings → About phone). New flagships Honor (for example, Honor Magic5 Pro) often lack a memory card slot.
  • 💾 Memory card type: recommended use microSDXC class UHS-I (write speed from 30 MB/s) for stable operation.
  • 🔄 Formatting: the card must be formatted in FAT32 or exFAT (for files >4 GB).

📊 Which Honor model are you using?
Honor 10/20/30 series
Honor 50/60/70 series
Honor 80/90 series
Honor Magic
Other model

1. Preparing a memory card: formatting and checking compatibility

Before transferring data, make sure that the memory card is properly prepared. Not all Honorsmartphones support microSD out of the box - for example, there is a hybrid slot (either a second SIM or a memory card). In new models (for example Honor View 20 hybrid slot (either a second SIM or a memory card). In new models (for example, Honor 80 Pro), the slot may be missing altogether.

If the card is inserted but is not detected:

  1. Go to Settings → Memory → Memory card.
  2. Click Format (attention: all data on the card will be deleted!).
  3. Select file system:
    • 📁 FAT32 — compatible with all devices, but limited to files up to 4 GB.
    • 📁 exFAT —supports files >4 GB, but may not be readable on older PCs.

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If the card cannot be formatted via your phone, try doing it on a PC using the utility SD Card Formatter (official software from the SD Association).

After formatting, check the speed of the card using the application A1 SD Bench (available in Google Play). If the write speed is lower 10 MB/s, the card may slow down the phone when transferring data.

⚠️ Attention: In models Honor s MagicOS 7+ (for example, Honor 70) when formatting the card how internal memory it is encrypted and becomes unusable on other devices. This mode allows you to transfer applications, but blocks access to files through the card reader.

2. Transferring files (photos, videos, music) through the built-in file manager

The easiest way is to use the standard File Manager (Files by Honor or Files by Google. The instructions are suitable for all models. data-i="107">Go to section Honor on Android 9–13:

  1. Open the application Files (folder icon on the main screen).
  2. Go to section Internal memory → select a folder (for example, DCIM for photos or Download for downloads).
  3. Press and hold file/folder → select Select all or mark the desired elements.
  4. Tap on the icon Move (or Copyif you want to leave originals).
  5. Select Memory card → specify the target folder (for example, create Photos or Videos).

    6. To speed up the process:

    • 🔄 Use batch mode: select several folders at once (for example, Camera, Screenshots, WhatsApp Images).
    • ⚡ Enable Data transfer mode in the phone settings (disables background processes).
    • 📶 Connect to Wi-Fi —some models Honor pause operations when the mobile signal is weak network.

    ☑️ Preparing to transfer files

    Completed: 0 / 4
    ⚠️ Attention: When transferring files from messenger folders (for example, Telegram or WhatsApp), it is better to use the built-in backup tools of these applications.

    3. Transferring applications to a memory card: limitations and workarounds

    Unlike files, applications it is more difficult to transfer to a memory card. Android 9+ (and shell EMUI/MagicOS) block this feature for most apps for security reasons. However, there are ways to bypass the restrictions:

    Method Supported models Restrictions Instructions
    Built-in function "Transfer to SD" Honor 8X, 9X, 10 Lite (Android 8–9) Works only for some applications Settings → Applications → Select application → Memory → Edit → SD card
    Formatting the card as internal memory All models with Android 6+ The card is tied to the phone and cannot be read on the PC Settings → Memory → SD card → Configure as internal
    App2SD application Any models with root access Requires unlocking the bootloader and root Install from Google Play, provide root access

    For models Honor on MagicOS 7 (for example Honor 70) there is usually no built-in application transfer function. An alternative is to use Lite versions applications (for example, Facebook Lite, Messenger Lite), which take up less space.

    What happens if you format the card as internal memory?

    The card is encrypted and becomes part of the system. Once removed, the phone may become unstable and the data on the card may not be accessible without this device. It is recommended to use only for permanent storage of applications.

    4. Automatic transfer of new files to the memory card

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

    1. For the camera:
      • Open the application Camera.
      • Tap by ⚙️ Settings → Save location.
      • Select Memory card.
    2. For downloads from the browser:
      • In Chrome or Honor Browser go to Settings → Downloads.
      • Specify the path to the memory card (for example, /storage/XXXX-XXXX/Download).
  6. For messengers:
    • V WhatsApp: Settings → Storage → Path to media.
    • V Telegram: Settings → Data and memory → Telegram folder.

On models Honor s MagicOS the path to the memory card may look like /storage/AAAA-BBBBwhere AAAA-BBBB —unique identifier of the drive. To find it out, use a file manager with rights root or application FX File Explorer.

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Setting the default save to a memory card saves time and prevents internal storage from overflowing. However, some applications (for example Instagram) ignore these settings and save data to internal memory.

5. Transferring data using a PC (for large volumes)

If you need to move tens of gigabytes (for example, a collection of movies or backups), it is more convenient to use computer. Connect your phone to the PC via USB and follow the instructions:

  1. Activate the mode File transfer (MTP) in the phone's notification shade.
  2. On the PC, open This computer → find the device Honor.
  3. Copy files from the folders Internal Storage to the memory card folder (usually displayed as a separate drive).

    4. To speed up use:

    • 🖥️ Total Commander or TeraCopy —they support pause/resume copying.
    • 🔌 Cable USB 3.0 (blue connector)—increases the transfer speed to 5 Gbit/s.
    • 🔄 Disable file indexing in Windows (in disk properties).

    ⚠️ Attention: When connecting Honor to a PC via USB-C some models (for example Honor 20 Pro) require the screen to be unlocked to access files. If your phone is not detected, try a different cable or USB port.

    6. Using third-party applications to transfer data

    If standard methods are not suitable, use specialized utilities:

    • 📂 Files by Google —has a built-in tool Cleanupthat offers to transfer rarely used files to the card.
    • 🔄 ES Explorer —supports batch movement and cloud storage.
    • 📱 AppMgr III (App 2 SD) —analyzes which applications can be transferred (required root for full functionality).

For models Honor c MagicOS recommended Solid Explorer —it works correctly with memory partitions and supports FTP server for wireless file transfer.

Transfer example via Files by Google:

  1. Open the application → go to Cleanup.
  2. Select Files on the device → Other files.
  3. Click Move to SD card (not available on all models).

7. Solving problems when transferring data

If files are not transferred or errors occur, check the following points:

Problem Possible cause Solution
The memory card is not detected Incompatible format or corruption Format the card in exFAT via PC
Not enough space on the card File system FAT32 limit files to 4 GB Move the card to exFAT or split large files
Applications are not transferred Limitations Android 10+ Use Lite versions or clear the cache
Slow transfer speed Card class Class 4/6 Replace with UHS-I Class 10

If after transfer the files do not open:

  • Check permissions folders on the card (must be readable).
  • Update media scanner via the app Rescan Media (available in Google Play).
  • Restart the phone - sometimes the system does not immediately index new files.

8. Alternative ways to free up memory

If transferring to a memory card is not possible (for example, in models without a slot microSD), consider other options:

  • ☁️ Cloud storage:
    • Google Photos - automatic photo/video download (15 GB free).
    • Huawei Cloud (for Honor) - 5 GB free, integration with EMUI.
  • 🗑️ Clear cache:
    • Go to Settings → Memory → Cleaning.
    • Use SD Maid for deep cleaning.
  • 🔄 Transfer to external SSD:
    • Connect USB-C SSD via adapter OTG.
    • Use to store movies, games or backups.

For owners Honor s MagicOS 7+ a function is available "Memory expansion" (RAM Turbo, which by compressing data temporarily frees up to 2–4 GB of internal memory. Activated in Settings → Memory → RAM Turbo.

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Cloud services and external SSDs are the best alternative for models Honor without support microSD. However, take into account traffic consumption and Internet speed when uploading/downloading.

Frequently asked questions

Is it possible to transfer WhatsApp to a memory card in Honor?

Yes, but only media files (photos, videos, voice messages). To do this:

  1. Open WhatsApp → ⋮ → Settings → Data and storage.
  2. Select Saving media → specify the path to a memory card.

Chats and database cannot be transferred - they remain in the internal memory. To backup chats, use Google Drive.

Why, after transferring photos to the card, are they not displayed in the gallery?

This is due to the fact that media scanner did not update the database data. Solutions:

  • Reboot your phone.
  • Install the application Rescan Media and start scanning.
  • Check if the folder with the photo is hidden (in the file manager, click ⋮ → Show hidden files).
How to transfer games to a memory card in Honor?

Most games (for example, PUBG Mobile, Genshin Impact) do not support transfer to SD card due to protection from Cheating alternatives:

  • Use Lite versions games (if available).
  • Transfer only cache games via Settings → Applications → Storage → Clear cache (but this will not free up much space).
  • For root users: application FolderMount allows you to redirect game folders to the card.
Is it possible to use a memory card as internal in Honor 70?

Yes, but with reservations:

  1. The card will be encrypted and tied to phone.
  2. After extraction, the data on it will become inaccessible.
  3. Some applications (for example, banking) may refuse to work.

To activate: 

Settings → Memory → SD card → Set up as internal → Format

Which memory card is best for Honor 10 Lite?

Recommended specifications:

  • Volume: 128–256 GB (maximum for Honor 10 Lite — 512 GB).
  • Speed class: UHS-I Class 10 or A2 (for fast loading of applications).
  • Brands: SanDisk Ultra, Samsung EVO Plus, Kingston Canvas Go!.

Avoid cheap cards without certification - they can slow down or lose data.