How to change the installation location of applications on Android: a complete guide

By default, all applications on Android are installed on the internal memory smartphone, which quickly leads to its overflow - especially on budget devices with 16–32 GB of storage. But what if you have free memory SD card or want to optimize memory usage? Unfortunately, modern versions of Android (since Android 6.0 Marshmallow) have greatly limited the ability to port applications. However, solutions exist - from standard functions to root access and ADB commands.

In this article we will look at all current methods changing the installation location of applications, their pros and cons, and also explain why some methods stopped working after OS updates. You will learn how to bypass manufacturer restrictions (for example Samsung or Xiaomi), which applications can be transferred and which cannot, and what to do if the system blocks changes.

⚠️ Important: portability depend on the Android version, device model and manufacturer's policy. For example, on Google Pixel with pure Android there are fewer options than on Huawei with EMUI. Before proceeding, check the free space on the target media and make a backup copy of the data.

1. Standard transfer of applications to an SD card (without root)

The simplest method is to use the built-in Android function to transfer applications to external SD card. It works on most devices with Android 6.0–9.0, but has serious limitations:

• 📱 It is not supported by all manufacturers (for example, Samsung and OnePlus often block this option).
• 🔄 Only part of the application is transferred (usually the cache and user data, but not the entire APK file).
• ⚠️ After the transfer, the application may run slower (especially if the SD card is class Class 4/6).
• 🚫 Some system and pre-installed applications cannot be transferred.

To try this method:

1. Open Settings → Applications.
2. Select the desired application (for example, Facebook or Spotify).
3. Click Storage → Change (or Move to SD card).
4. Confirm the action. The system will copy the data, but not will delete them from the internal memory will simply make the SD card the main storage.

If the option Move to SD card is missing or inactive, then the manufacturer has disabled it in the firmware. In this case, proceed to the following methods.

2. Using an SD card as internal memory (Adoptable Storage)

The Adoptable Storagefunction that appeared in Android 6.0 Marshmallowallows you to format an SD card as part of the internal memory. This means that the system will install applications on it automatically. However, the method has some nuances:

• 🔐 The SD card is encrypted and linked to the device. After extraction, the data on it will not be available on other gadgets.
• 📉 Performance depends on the speed of the card: for smooth operation you need a class UHS-I (U1/U3) or A1/A2.
• ⚠️ Not all manufacturers support this function (for example, Samsung and LG removed it in new firmware).

Setup instructions:

1. Insert the SD card into the smartphone.
2. When a notification appears, select Setup → Internal memory.
3. Follow the system prompts. Attention: all data on the card will be deleted!
4. After formatting, restart the device.

Now new applications will be installed on the SD card by default. To check this, go to Settings → Storage and look at the memory allocation.

⚠️ Attention: If you remove the SD card, some applications may stop working until it is returned. It is also not recommended to use this method on cards with a capacity of less than 32 GB - the system reserves part of the memory for its own needs.

3. Transferring applications via ADB (without root access)

If standard methods do not work, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge) a debugging tool that allows you to manually specify the installation location. This method works on most devices with Android 5.0–12.0, but requires a connection to a computer.

What you will need:

• 🖥️ A computer with ADB drivers installed.
• 📱 Enabled USB debugging on the smartphone (Settings → About phone → Build number (press 7 times) → For developers → USB debugging).
• 🔌 USB cable (preferably original).

Step-by-step guide:

1. Connect your smartphone to the PC and confirm permission to debug.
2. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with adb.exe.
3. Enter the command to check the connection:

   adb devices

   The device serial number should appear.

4. Run the command to transfer the application (replace package.name with the package name, for example com.facebook.katana):

   adb shell pm set-install-location 2

   where 2 — external memory code (SD card).

5. Reboot the device.

Now new applications will be installed on the SD card. To return the installation to the internal memory, use the command:

adb shell pm set-install-location 0

⚠️ Attention: some manufacturers (for example, Huawei and Xiaomi) block ADB commands for changing the installation location. In this case, only obtaining root access will help.

4. Transferring applications using root access

If the previous methods did not work, the most radical method remains - obtaining root access. This gives complete control over the system, but voids the warranty and may compromise security. Among the advantages:

• 🔧 Ability to transfer any applications, including system ones.
• 📁 Full control over memory partitions (including /data/app).
• 🛠️ Using specialized applications like Link2SD or App2SD.

How to transfer an application from root:

1. Get root access (for example, through Magisk or SuperSU).
2. Install the application Link2SD from Google Play.
3. Run Link2SD, select the application and click Create link → Move to SD card.
4. Confirm the action and restart the device.

Applications like Link2SD allow you to transfer not only APK files, but also data, cache, and also create symbolic links to save space. However, be careful:

• ⚠️ Do not transfer system applications - this can lead to consequences. to failures.
• 🔄 After updating Android, root access may be lost.
• 🛡️ Some banking applications (for example, SberBank Online) refuse to work on rooted devices.

What to do if the application does not work after transfer?

If the application crashes or does not start, try:

1. Transfer it back to the internal memory.

2. Clear the cache and data (Settings → Applications → Storage → Clear).

3. Reinstall the application.

4. Check compatibility with the SD card (some applications block work with external media).

5. Limitations and why not all applications can be transferred

Even if you use root or ADB, some applications are essential cannot be transferred to the SD card. This is due to Android security policies and developer restrictions. Here are the main reasons:

Application type	Reason for blocking	Possible solution
System applications	Protected from modifications	Only with root (risk of crashes)
Applications with widget	Widgets do not work from an SD card	Transferring data only (not APK)
Banking/payment	Security requirements (PCI DSS)	Not transferred
Games with anti-cheat	Hacking protection (for example, PUBG Mobile)	Transfer only cache
Applications with DRM	Content protection (for example, Netflix)	Not transferred

In addition, Android 10+ introduced concept Scoped Storagewhich further limited the access of applications to external media. This means that even if you transfer an application to an SD card, it may not have rights to write files outside its folder.

Critical nuance: starting with Android 11, Google has completely prohibited the installation of applications on removable media for new devices. years) may still support this function, but on new models it is blocked at the OS level.

6. Alternative solutions: how to free up space without transferring

If transferring applications is not possible, consider alternative ways to optimize memory:

• 🧹 Clearing the cache: go to Settings → Storage → Cache data and delete unnecessary files. This can free up several gigabytes.
• ☁️ Cloud storage: transfer photos, videos and documents to Google Drive, Yandex Disk or Dropbox.
• 🗑️ Removing unnecessary applications: use the built-in Storage analysis (available in Settings → Storage).
• 🔄 Transfer of media files: move music and video to the SD card manually through the file manager.
• 📦 Lite versions applications: replace heavy social networks (for example, Facebook) with light versions (Facebook Lite).

To automate the process, you can use applications like Files by Google or SD Maidthat analyze memory and suggest optimizations.

7. Common errors and how to avoid them

When trying to change the installation location, users often encounter problems. Here are the most common errors and their solutions:

• 🔌 "ADB command does not work":
  Make sure that USB debugging is enabled, the drivers are installed, and the cable is working. adb kill-server, then adb start-server.
• 📱 "The 'Move to SD' option is inactive":
  The manufacturer has disabled the function. Try ADB or root.
• ⚠️ "The application crashes after transfer":
  Return it to the internal memory or clear the cache. The application may not support working from an SD card.
• 🔒 "SD card is not recognized as internal memory":
  Check the format (must be exFAT or FAT32) and speed class Some devices require a reboot after formatting.

If you use custom recovery (for example, TWRP), be careful with changing memory partitions - this may lead to brick device (full inoperability).

⚠️ Attention: on devices with Android 12+ and a file system F2FS (for example, Samsung Galaxy S22), transferring applications to an SD card may lead to reading errors. In this case, the only way out is to use cloud storage or buy a smartphone with a large amount of memory.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Can I transfer WhatsApp to an SD card?

Officially WhatsApp does not support transfer to an SD card, as it uses data encryption. However, you can:

1. Transfer media files (photos, videos) manually via Settings → Storage → Storage management.
2. Use root and Link2SD to transfer part of the data (but this may disrupt the operation of the messenger).

Backups of chats are always saved to internal memory or Google Drive.

Why does the application work slower after transfer?

SD cards (even class ones A2) is slower than the built-in memory UFS or eMMC. Reasons for lags:

• Low read/write speed (especially on cards Class 4/6).
• File fragmentation (format the card regularly).
• File system limitations (for example, FAT32 does not support files >4 GB).

Solution: use cards UHS-I U3 or A2 from trusted brands (SanDisk, Samsung).

How do you know which applications can be transferred?

The list of transferred applications depends on the manufacturer. To check:

1. Open Settings → Applications.
2. Click on the three dots (⋮) → Sort → By size.
3. Check if there is an option Move to SD card in the Storage section for each application.

Applications with marked System or Updated usually not transferred.

Will transfer to Android 13/14?

Starting since Android 10, Google has tightened its security policy:

• Standard transfer to SD card disabled for new devices.
• Adoptable Storage works only on older smartphones (until 2019 release).
• ADB commands can be blocked by the manufacturer (for example, Xiaomi in MIUI 14).

The only working options for new versions of Android:

1. Using root + Link2SD.
2. Manually transferring media files and cache.
3. Buying a smartphone with a large amount of memory.

Can I transfer Google Play Market to an SD card?

No, Google Play Market is a system application that cannot be transferred without root access. Even with root, its transfer can lead to:

• App update errors.
• Loss of connection with Google servers.
• Inability to install new ones apps.

Recommendation: regularly clear the cache Play Market in Settings → Applications → Google Play Market → Storage.