The problem of lack of internal memory on modern smartphones is especially acute for fans of heavy mobile games. Users often encounter a situation where the system or file manager shows that a game takes up tens of gigabytes, although a smaller volume is indicated in the application settings. This is due to the storage features game cache and additional resources.
In older versions of the operating system Android it was possible to transfer applications and their data to a memory card with one button. However, with the release Android 11 and higher, the security policy Google tightened, limiting access to system directories. Now the question of where to move the cache requires a deeper understanding of the file structure.
Moving files incorrectly can cause the game to stop starting or to constantly download data again. In this article, we will look at the correct paths for placing files, methods for bypassing the limitations of the new OS, and ways to optimize space without losing device performance.
Data storage architecture in modern games
Most heavy games, such as PUBG Mobile, Genshin Impact or Call of Dutyconsist of two main parts: installation APK-file and additional data, which is often called a cache. The installation file contains executable code and basic resources, taking up relatively little space.
The bulk of the data, including textures, models, audio tracks and level maps, is stored separately. It is these files that users tend to move to a memory card microSDto free up precious space in the internal storage. The system divides this data into two types of folders: obb and data.
Folder obb is intended for large binary objects that the game loads when first launched or during the update process. This is the safest type of data to transfer, as many file managers still allow you to work with it. The folder data contains settings, progress saves and temporary files, access to which in new versions Android is strictly limited.
⚠️ Attention: Trying to move the data folder manually without root access on Android 11+ often leads to reading errors. The game can see the files, but will not be able to write new saves, which will lead to loss of progress.
Understanding the difference between these directories is critical before starting any manipulations. If you confuse the folder assignments or place files in the wrong directory, the game client will simply not detect the resources and will require you to download it again, wasting your traffic and time.
Before moving any files, create a backup copy of the obb and data folders on your computer. This will allow you to quickly restore the game in case of an error.
Standard cache placement paths in the file system
By default, all additional game data is saved in the device’s internal memory at strictly defined addresses. Knowing these paths is necessary to correctly transfer files to an external drive. The system expects to find files in these locations when the application starts.
The main path for the cache is as follows: /Android/obb/. Inside this directory, subfolders are created with names corresponding to the package game titles (for example, com.activision.callofduty.shooter). Archives with the extension .obb.
are placed here. The second important path is /Android/data/. Configuration files and a texture cache that is generated during the game are stored here. On modern smartphones, without obtaining special permissions, access to viewing the contents of this folder may be blocked by standard Explorer.
| Data type | Standard path (Internal memory) | Target path (SD card) | Risk of data loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Game resources (OBB) | /storage/emulated/0/Android/obb/ | /storage/XXXX-XXXX/Android/obb/ | Low |
| Data and saves (Data) | /storage/emulated/0/Android/data/ | /storage/XXXX-XXXX/Android/data/ | High |
| GPU driver cache | /data/adb/ | Does not move | Critical |
When transferring to a memory card, the folder structure must be completely preserved. You cannot simply copy the file main.123.com.game.obb to the root of the memory card. The system will not be able to find it, since the search is carried out according to a strictly defined algorithm inside the directory Android.
Features of transferring to Android 11, 12 and higher
Starting with the eleventh version of the operating system, the company Google implemented a mechanism Scoped Storage (limited storage). This feature prevents applications, including file managers, from freely accessing the entire file system. Now, working with the folder Android requires explicit user permission.
When you try to copy files through standard Explorer, you may see an empty folder or receive an access error message. This does not mean that the files are not there - the system simply hides them from applications that do not have privileged access. To solve this problem, you need to use special methods.
One way is to use advanced file managers, such as Solid Explorer or CX File Explorer. The first time you try to enter the system folder, they will ask for special permission. You will need to click the "Use this folder" button and confirm the action by clicking Allow in the system dialog.
⚠️ Attention: Even with permission, some system processes may block writing to the data folder on the fly. It is recommended to perform the transfer immediately after rebooting the device, while the background processes of the game are not active.
If standard methods do not help, you can use a computer. Connect your smartphone to your PC in file transfer mode (MTP). Through the computer interface, restrictions Scoped Storage often do not apply, and you can freely copy the contents of folders obb and data to a memory card.
Why did Google close access?
The main reason for introducing restrictions is user safety. Attackers often used open access to shared folders to inject malicious code or steal confidential data from other applications.
Step-by-step guide for manually moving files
To complete the transfer, you will need a reliable file manager and a memory card with enough free space. Before starting the operation, make sure that the game is completely closed and not running in the background. This will prevent files from being damaged during copying.
First, locate the game data folder in the internal memory. Usually the path looks like Internal memory → Android → obb. Select the folder with the name of the game package (for example, com.ea.gp.fifamobile) and select the "Copy" or "Cut" function.
Go to the memory card. The navigation should look like this: SD card → Android → obb. If folders Android or obb are missing, create them manually, respecting the case of letters (all letters must be lowercase). Paste the copied files into this directory.
- 📂 Make sure that the folder structure on the memory card is identical to the structure in the internal memory.
- 🚫 Do not rename .obb files, otherwise the game will not recognize them version.
- ✅ After the transfer, try to launch the game without immediately deleting the original files.
- 🔄 If the game starts correctly, only then delete the files from the internal memory.
Repeat the same procedure for the folder dataif your file manager allows you to get access to it. Remember that transferring a folder data carries great risks, since dynamically changing files are stored there.
☑️ Transfer checklist
Using ADB for advanced cache management
For users who are not afraid of the command line, the tool ADB (Android Debug Bridge) provides maximum control over the file system. This method allows you to bypass many of the graphical limitations of the interface and work with files directly.
First, you need to enable USB debugging mode in the "For Developers" menu. Connect your smartphone to your computer and open a terminal. Using the command adb shell you will gain access to the device shell. You can then use commands to move files.
adb shell pm grant com.example.filemanager android.permission.READ_EXTERNAL_STORAGE
adb shell pm grant com.example.filemanager android.permission.WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE
However, even through ADB, directly moving system folders on new versions of Android can be difficult without root access. Most often, ADB is used to provide extended rights to a specific file manager so that it can perform the transfer through a graphical interface.
There is also a method for creating symbolic links, but it requires an unlocked bootloader and superuser rights. For the average user, this is too risky, as it can lead to the device being “bricked” if there is an error in the command syntax.
⚠️ Attention: Using ADB commands requires care. An error in the path or command name can lead to the deletion of important system files. Always double-check your input before pressing Enter.
The ADB method is most effective for granting permissions to the file manager, rather than manually copying files through the console if you do not have root access.
Alternative solutions and memory optimization
If cache migration is not possible Due to system limitations or unstable operation of the memory card, it is worth considering other options for freeing up space. Modern microSD cards often have a read speed lower than internal memory UFSwhich can cause stuttering in games.
Instead of transferring, you can try clearing the unnecessary cache of other applications. Go to Settings → Applications, select heavy apps (social networks, browsers) and click Clear cache. This is safe and will not delete your logins or correspondence.
Another option is to use the “Smart Storage” function, which is available in the shells of many manufacturers (Samsung, Xiaomi). It allows you to automatically transfer photos, videos and documents to a memory card, freeing up space specifically for games that should remain on a fast internal drive.
- 🗑️ Regularly delete downloaded but already viewed files in messengers.
- 📸 Set up automatic uploading of photos to the cloud and deleting local copies.
- 📲 Delete games that you have not played for more than a month, and download them again if necessary.
Sometimes it’s easier to delete the game and install it again, choosing during installation (if such an option is supported by the launcher or store) the path to the memory card. Although this feature is becoming less common, some custom launchers still support installation location selection.
Use U3 or V30 speed class memory cards for games. Slow cards (Class 10) can cause long loading levels and freezes during the game.
Is it possible to transfer the cache without root access to Android 13?
Yes, this is possible, but only for the obb folder and using special file managers that request system permission to access the Android folder. It is extremely difficult to transfer the data folder without root.
Why does the game not see the files after transferring to the SD card?
Most likely, the folder structure is broken. The files must be located strictly along the path /Android/obb/package_name/. It is also possible that the memory card is formatted with a file system that is incompatible with Android (for example, NTFS instead of exFAT).
Will the game slow down after transferring the cache to the card?
Yes, most likely. The random read speed of memory cards is usually lower than that of the internal flash memory of a smartphone. This can increase level loading times and cause micro-stuttering.
What should I do if, after transferring, the game crashes on startup?
Return the files back to the internal memory. The error means that the game cannot correctly read data from external media, or the access rights were configured incorrectly.
Is it safe to use applications like "App2SD"?
Most of these applications on new versions of Android are powerless without root access. They can only move the application itself (apk), but not its data. Be careful with apps that require suspicious permissions.