Smartphones with Android often face a lack of internal memory, especially if you install a lot of applications or games. By default, the system saves all data to the limited storage of the device, but it can be expanded by transferring some files to SD card, USB drive or even to the cloud. However, not everyone knows that starting with Android 6.0 Marshmallow, Google limited the ability to completely transfer applications to external media now it depends on the developer's support for the function adoptable storage and the policy of the smartphone manufacturer.

In this article we will look at all the current ways to change the storage location of applications: from standard settings to manually mounting a partition via ADB. We will also explain why some applications cannot be transferred, and what to do if the system does not see SD card as internal memory. The instructions are adapted for popular brands: Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei, Realme and others.

Why can’t you transfer all applications to an SD card?

Previously (before Android 5.1 Lollipop) users could freely move any applications to external media. Now it works differently:

  • 🔹 Google Limitations: From version Android 6.0 transferring applications to an SD card is possible only if the developer has added support for the function android:installLocation to the APK manifest. Many applications (especially system and banking) do not do this.
  • 🔹 Smartphone manufacturers: Companies like Samsung or Xiaomi often block the function adoptable storage (turning an SD card into internal memory) on their firmware to encourage purchase devices with a large amount of built-in memory.
  • 🔹 Security and performance: SD-class cards UHS-I slower than built-in memory eMMC/UFS, which can slow down applications. In addition, external media is easier to lose or damage.

If there is no option to transfer applications in the settings of your smartphone, this does not always mean that it is not there at all. It may be hidden or require activation via ADB. More on this in the following sections.

⚠️ Attention: Transferring applications to an SD card can lead to their unstable operation, especially if the card is of a low class (for example, Class 4 or Class 6). For games and heavy applications, it is recommended to use cards UHS-I U3 or A2.
📊 How much internal memory does your smartphone have?
Up to 32 GB
32–64 GB
64–128 GB
More than 128 GB

Method 1: Transferring applications through standard Android settings

The easiest method is to use the built-in system tools. It works on most smartphones, but with limitations:

  1. Open Settings → Applications (or Applications and notifications).
  2. Select the application you want to transfer. This is usually available for user apps, not system ones.
  3. Click on Storage (or Memory).
  4. If the option is available, you will see a button Change or Move to SD card. Click it and confirm the action.

On some firmware (for example, MIUI from Xiaomi) the path may differ: Settings → Applications → Manage applications → [Select application] → Storage → Transfer to SD card.

Smartphone brand Supports transfer? Features
Samsung (One UI) Partially Option hidden for most applications, works only with supported APKs.
Xiaomi (MIUI) Yes There is a separate section "Move applications" in the memory settings.
Huawei (EMUI) No The function is disabled at the firmware level, but can be used adoptable storage.
Google Pixel (Stock Android) Yes Supported adoptable storagebut requires formatting the SD card.
⚠️ Attention: On Android 10 and later, some manufacturers have completely removed the transfer option from the interface, even if technically it is supported. In this case, the method with ADB (see section 4) will help.

Format the card in FAT32 or exFAT (if not used as internal memory)|

Check the speed class (UHS-I U3 or A2 is recommended)|

Create a backup copy of the data on the card (they will be deleted when formatted)|

Make sure that the card is not damaged (check on PC)

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Method 2: Using the SD card as internal memory (Adoptable Storage)

Function adoptable storage allows you to “bind” the SD card to the device so that the system perceives it as part internal memory. This works on Android 6.0–9.0, but many manufacturers have disabled this feature. If your smartphone supports it, follow the instructions:

  1. Insert the SD card into the smartphone.
  2. When a notification appears New SD card click Setup.
  3. Select Use as internal memory (on some firmware - Format as internal).
  4. Confirm formatting (all data on the card will be deleted!).
  5. After completion, reboot your device.

Now applications can be transferred to the SD card through standard settings (see Method 1). However, please note:

  • 🔸 This card will be encrypted and will work. only on this device.
  • 🔸 Once you remove the card, applications will stop working on it.
  • 🔸 Not all applications can be transferred (depending on the developer).

If the notification about a new SD card does not appear, try manually:

  1. Go in Settings → Storage.
  2. Click on the name of the SD card → Three dots (menu) → Storage settings.
  3. Select Format as internal.
What to do if the "Use as internal memory" option is missing?

On some firmware (for example, Samsung One UI or Huawei EMUI) this function is hidden. In this case, you can try to activate it through ADB (see Method 4) or use third-party utilities like App2SD. However, please note that this may compromise system stability, especially on devices with Samsung Knox or Huawei Mobile Services.

Method 3: Transferring applications using third-party utilities

If standard methods do not work, you can use applications from Google Play. The most popular:

  • 📱 App2SD — allows you to transfer supported applications, clear the cache and manage APK files.
  • 📱 Link2SD — creates symbolic links to transfer application data to an SD card (requires root).
  • 📱 Files by Google — a built-in file manager with the function of clearing memory and transferring media files (not applications!).

Instructions for App2SD:

  1. Install App2SD from Google Play.
  2. Open the application and provide access to the storage.
  3. In the list of applications, find the one you want to transfer.
  4. Click on it and select Move to SD card (if the option is active).

Limitations:

  • 🚫 Not all applications support transfer (depending on the flag android:installLocation in the manifest).
  • 🚫 On Android 10+ many utilities have lost some functionality due to Google restrictions.
  • 🚫 For a complete transfer (including data), you may need root.
💡

If the application is not transferred, try clearing its cache and data before trying. Sometimes this helps to bypass system restrictions.

Method 4: Transferring applications via ADB (for advanced users)

If the manufacturer has hidden the transfer option, you can enable it via Android Debug Bridge (ADB)This method works on most devices, but requires a connection to a PC.

What you will need:

  • 🖥️ Computer with installed drivers ADB (you can download from the official Android website).
  • 📱 Enabled USB debugging on your smartphone (Settings → About phone → Build number (press 7 times) → Settings → System → For developers → USB debugging).
  • 💾 SD card, formatted as portable storage (not internal memory!).

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Connect your smartphone to the PC via USB and confirm access for debugging.
  2. Open the command line (or Terminal on macOS/Linux) and enter:
adb shell

pm set-install-location 2

This command forces the system to install applications on the SD card by default. To change everything back, use:

pm set-install-location 0

Limitations:

  • 🔧 Does not work for system applications.
  • 🔧 Not all applications will be transferred (depending on developer).
  • 🔧 After disabling the ADB command, new applications will be installed in the internal memory again.
⚠️ Attention: Incorrect use ADB can disrupt the operation of the system. Do not enter commands if you do not understand their purpose. For example, command pm set-install-location 1 will lead to errors when installing applications!
💡

The command pm set-install-location 2 does not transfer already installed applications - it only changes the installation location of new ones. To transfer existing APKs, use adb shell pm move-package (requires rights root).

Method 5: Transfer application data (not APK) to the SD card

Even if the application itself cannot be moved, you can often move its data (cache, media files, saves). This will free up space in the internal memory.

How to do this:

  1. Open Settings → Applications and select necessary.
  2. Go to section Storage.
  3. Click Clear cache (this is safe, the data will not be deleted).
  4. If there is an option Transfer data to an SD card, use it.

For games (for example, Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile) it often helps:

  • 🎮 In the game settings, select the save path to the SD card (if there is one option).
  • 🎮 Use a file manager (for example, Solid Explorer) to manually transfer the data folder (for example, Android/obb).

Important: Not all games support data transfer. For example, PUBG Mobile or Free Fire may stop work if their files are on the SD card.

Method 6: Alternative options - cloud and USB-OTG

If transferring to an SD card is not possible, consider other ways to free up memory:

  • ☁️ Cloud storage: Transfer photos, videos and documents in Google Drive, Yandex Disk or Dropbox. Applications like Google Files can automatically clear the cache and offer to upload files to the cloud.
  • 🔌 USB-OTG: Connect a flash drive via an adapter USB-C/OTG and use it as an external drive. Some applications (for example, VLC or FX File Explorer) allow you to save data directly to USB.
  • 🗑️ Storage & Performance: Delete unnecessary APK files (Settings → Applications → Deleted), clear the cache and delete duplicate photos from using Google Files or CCleaner.

To automatically clear the cache:

  1. Open Settings → Storage.
  2. Click Clear or Free up space.
  3. Select unnecessary files (cache, downloads, duplicates) and confirm deletion.
💡

If you often install large games, consider buying a smartphone with support microSDXC (up to 1 TB) or models with a hybrid slot (for example, Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra or Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+).

Common problems and their solutions

When transferring applications to an SD card, users encounter typical errors. Let's look at the most common:

Problem Cause Solution
The "Move to SD card" button is inactive The application does not support transfer or the SD card is formatted as portable Try formatting the card as internal memory or use ADB
The application has been transferred, but does not work SD card is too slow or damaged Use a class card A2 or U3check it for errors
After transfer, the application is reset The data remains in the internal memory Move the application data (if possible) or reinstall it
The system does not see the SD card Incompatible format or damaged card Format the card in FAT32 or exFAT on a PC

If after transfer the application begins to slow down, return it to the internal memory. To do this:

  1. Go to Settings → Applications.
  2. Select application → Storage → Move to internal memory.
⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, Huawei or Honor) After updating the firmware, an SD card formatted as internal memory may no longer be recognized. In this case, it will have to be formatted again, losing all data.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Can I transfer WhatsApp or Telegram to an SD card?

No, these messengers do not support transfer through standard settings. However, you can:

  • 📁 Move media files (photos, videos) manually through the file manager.
  • ☁️ Enable auto-upload of media to the cloud (for example, Google Photos).
  • 🔄 Clean regularly cache in the application settings.

For Telegram you can also change the download folder on the SD card in the application settings.

Why does it crash after transferring the game to the SD card?

This happens due to:

  • 🐢 Slow SD card (you need a class A2 or U3).
  • 🔌 Unstable card connection (check the slot).
  • 📂 Damaged game files (reinstall it).

Solution: return the game to internal memory or use a card with a higher write speed.

How to transfer applications to an SD card on Android 12/13?

On new versions of Android, transferring applications is very limited:

  • 🔧 Use ADB (cm. Method 4).
  • 📱 Install a third-party launcher (for example, Nova Launcher) with transfer support.
  • ☁️ Transfer only application data (photos, videos) to cloud.

On Android 13 Google has completely removed support adoptable storage, so the SD card can only be used as portable storage.

Is it possible to transfer system applications?

No, system applications (for example, Google Play Services or Samsung Knox) cannot be transferred without rootrights. An attempt to do this may lead to:

  • 🚨 Errors in system operation.
  • 🔒 Loss of warranty (on devices with Knox or HMS).
  • 🔄 The need to reset to factory settings.
How to transfer applications to a USB drive?

To do this:

  1. Connect the USB drive via OTG adapter.
  2. Format it to FAT32 or exFAT (via PC).
  3. Use a file manager (for example, FX File Explorer) to manually transfer APK files.

Please note: you cannot run applications directly from USB - only store them as backup copies.