Lack of internal memory is one of the most common problems faced by owners of smartphones running an operating system Android 9 Pie. Even if you don't install a lot of heavy games, the accumulated cache, messenger updates, and photos can quickly fill up the available space, causing your device to slow down. In such situations, the only way out is to use an external drive, however, standard transfer methods that worked in older versions of the OS are often hidden or changed in the Nine.
System policy Google is aimed at ensuring that applications work as quickly and safely as possible, so by default they tend to occupy internal flash memory, which has a higher read and write speed. However, the ability to expand still exists, but requires the user to have a deeper understanding of the file system structure and, in some cases, use hidden developer features. You must be prepared for the fact that not all applications will be able to fully function after the move.
In this guide, we will look in detail at all the available ways to free up internal storage by migrating data to external media. We will look at both standard methods available through the settings menu, as well as more advanced techniques using ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which allow you to bypass manufacturer restrictions. It is important to understand the risks and features of each method so as not to lose important data and not disrupt the stability of the system.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any manipulations with the file system, be sure to create a full backup of important data, as the process can lead to their permanent deletion.
Features of working Android 9 Pie with external drives
Starting with version Android 6.0 Marshmallow and continuing in Android 9, the system introduced the concept of “adaptive storage”. This means that the OS itself decides where to store data in an attempt to optimize performance. Unlike earlier versions, where the user could simply click the "Move to SD" button, in Pie this process has become more complex and often hidden. The system considers internal memory more reliable, therefore applicationsthat require high response speed may be blocked by the system when trying to transfer.
One of the key features is the separation of access rights. When you install an app, it gains access to certain folders in your internal storage. When transferred to a memory card, some of these paths may become inaccessible or work incorrectly if the application is not optimized by the developer to work with external drives. This is why the move button is often missing or inactive in the app management menu.
In addition, Android 9 strictly monitors data integrity. If the memory card is removed while an application that has been moved is running, the system may throw an error or even temporarily block the application until the connection is restored. This is done to prevent data loss and logical errors in the application database.
- 📱 Privilege restrictions: The system limits application access to files on the SD card for security purposes unless the card is formatted as internal storage.
- 🚀 Operation speed: Internal memory (eMMC or UFS) is usually significantly faster than cheap microSD cards, which affects on the speed of downloading apps.
- 🔒 Encryption: When using the card as part of the internal memory, the data is encrypted and becomes unreadable on other devices.
- ⚙️ Depending on the manufacturer: MIUI, EMUI or OneUI shells may have their own restrictions that block standard Android functions.
Preparing a memory card and formatting
The first and most important step is to properly prepare the external drive. To work in conjunction with Android 9 it is recommended to use cards of standard UHS-I or higher, with a speed class of at least 10 (Class 10). Using slow cards will cause your phone to work extremely slowly, and applications will take a long time to load or crash. Before starting the process, make sure that there is no important data on the card as it will be completely wiped.
There are two main formatting methods: as “Portable Storage” and as “Internal Storage”. The first option allows you to use the card to store photos, videos and music that can be read on other devices. The second option, known as Adoptable Storage, combines the card with internal memory, encrypts it and allows applications to be installed there. It is the second mode that we need for a full transfer.
To start the process, insert the card into the slot and wait for the notification. Go to Settings → Storage. If the system prompts you to use the card as internal storage, select this option. If there is no such option, perhaps the manufacturer of your smartphone (Samsung, Huawei etc.) has blocked this function programmatically. In this case, you will have to use workarounds, which we will discuss below.
Use memory cards with a capacity of no more than 128 GB for maximum compatibility, as some older smartphones may not work correctly with capacities of 256 GB or higher.
The formatting process may take several minutes. At this time, the system creates a new file structure and checks the sectors for errors. Interrupting this process is strictly prohibited, as this can lead to damage to the file table and loss of the ability to read the card.
Standard transfer method through settings
If your device and firmware version support full functionality Android 9, the transfer can be performed using standard means. Once the card is formatted and identified by the system as part of the internal storage, you can begin migrating data. This method is the most secure and does not require connecting to a computer.
Open the menu Settings → Applications and notifications → Show all applications. Select the app you want to move. In the menu that opens, find the “Storage” item. If the app supports transfer, you will see an "Edit" or "Move to SD Card" button. By clicking it, you will start the file migration process.
However, you should be prepared for the fact that for many system applications and important services Google this button will be missing or gray. This is normal system behavior that protects critical components from failures that may occur when working with less reliable external media. You can move mainly user applications, games and some utilities.
☑️ Check before transfer
After the transfer is complete, the list of applications in the “Storage” column will indicate that the data is on the SD card. Please note that some data (cache, updates) may still remain in the internal memory to ensure performance. This is an architectural feature Androidthat cannot be changed without deep modification of the system.
Using ADB to force a transfer
When standard methods do not work, the debugging tool ADB (Android Debug Bridge) comes to the rescue. This method allows you to send a command to the system to force a change to the default installation location for all new and, in some cases, already installed applications. To do this, you will need a computer (Windows, macOS or Linux) and installed drivers for your smartphone.
The first step is to activate developer mode. Go to Settings → About phone and quickly click on “Build number” seven times. After this, a new section “For Developers” will appear in the settings menu. Inside it, find and enable the “USB Debugging” item. Connect the phone to the computer with a cable and confirm the debugging request on the smartphone screen.
Now open the command line on the computer and enter the following command to check the connection:
adb devicesIf your device appears in the list, you can proceed to the main command. To force the transfer of all applications that allow this, use the command:
adb shell pm set-install-location 2Here the number 2 means the priority of the external memory card. The number 0 returns the default setting (automatic selection), and 1 forces the system to put everything only in the internal memory. After executing the command, reboot your device.
⚠️ Attention: The ADB command is not a panacea. If the application developer strictly prohibits installation outside the internal memory in the manifest (
android:installLocation="internalOnly"), then even ADB will not be able to change this without modifying the APK file.
This method is especially useful for older versions of applications that have not been optimized for new data storage standards. However, keep in mind that when you reset your phone or remove the card, these settings may be lost, and the procedure will have to be repeated.
Analysis of compatibility and system limitations
Not all applications behave equally well when transferred to an external drive. Some apps may stop updating after Google Play, others lose widgets on the desktop, and still others simply stop launching. This is due to the fact that when the system boots, Android first mounts the internal memory, and only then, as the drivers load, does the SD card become available. If the application tries to start before the card is mounted, a critical error will occur.
Particular attention should be paid to instant messengers and social networks. Migrating their essential files may cause notifications to stop coming in the background because system services will not be able to find the necessary files. It is recommended to transfer only heavy games, media editors and apps that you rarely use, but which take up a lot of space.
There is also a limit on the amount of addressable space. Older versions Android and some file systems (for example, FAT32) do not support files larger than 4 GB. Although modern cards are usually formatted in exFAT, application compatibility with this file system may not be ideal. The application may “think” that there is no space, even if there is 50 GB free on the card.
| Application type | Transfer recommendation | Possible risks | Impact on speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Games (heavy) | Recommended | Long level loading | Average |
| Messengers | Not recommended | Problems with notifications | High |
| System utilities | Forbidden | OS failure | Critical |
| Office packages | Possible | Delays when opening files | Low |
| Navigation | Dangerous | GPS launch delay | High |
Why some applications cannot be transferred?
Developers deliberately block transfer to ensure stable operation of their products. Internal memory provides predictable speed, while memory cards from different manufacturers can operate at different speeds, which leads to errors in the application code.
Solving problems and errors
During the transfer process, users often encounter the “Not enough space” error, even if there are several gigabytes free on the card. This may be due to fragmentation of the card's file system. The solution to the problem is to format the card on a computer using the utility SD Formatter in Full Format mode, which will create a clean structure without errors.
Another common problem is the disappearance of application icons after a reboot. This happens if the launcher (desktop shell) does not have time to load data from the SD card. In this case, installing the “Storage” widget on the desktop for forced monitoring or using lighter launchers that put less load on the system at startup helps.
If the phone stops seeing the map after transferring applications, try clearing the service cache Media Storage. To do this, go to Settings → Applications → Show system processes → Multimedia storage and click “Clear data”. After this, a reboot will be required, during which the system will re-index all files on the media.
The stability of a smartphone with transferred applications directly depends on the quality and speed of the memory card: saving on the media will lead to lags throughout systems.
Is it possible to transfer applications to Android 9 without root access?
Yes, you can. Standard methods through settings and using ADB do not require superuser rights (Root). However, Root access provides more options, for example, the use of specialized scripts for Link2SD that create symbolic links, deceiving the system and making it think that the application is inside, although it is physically on the card.
What will happen to application data after the transfer?
During a regular transfer through the settings, all data (game saves, logins, settings) is saved. When using ADB, the data should also be preserved, but there is always a minimal risk of failure. When formatting a card as internal storage, the data is encrypted with the key of that particular phone.
Why does the phone work slower after transfer?
The random block reading speed of most microSD cards is much lower than that of the internal memory of a smartphone. When the system accesses the database of an application located on a slow card, delays occur. This is especially noticeable when running “heavy” applications.
How to return applications back to the internal memory?
To do this, you need to go to the storage settings again, select the card and click “Format as portable storage” (data will be deleted) or use the ADB command adb shell pm set-install-location 0 and manually move applications through the settings menu.
Does the transfer affect application updates?
In most cases, updates through Google Play proceed normally. However, if the application was transferred using third-party tools or modified, the store may refuse to update it, requiring you to first remove and install it again, which will lead to data loss if there is no cloud synchronization.