Modern mobile games require more and more free space, and the built-in memory of a smartphone is often not enough for comfortable use. Users are facing the “Not enough space” error even after deleting unnecessary photos and apps. The solution to the problem is to use an external one, but the process of installing large cache files on it is not always intuitive. microSD memory cards, but the process of installing large cache files on it is not always intuitive.
In the operating system Android there are several mechanisms for working with external drives, and they changed dramatically with the release of new firmware versions. While on older devices you could simply move a folder, on newer models the security system blocks direct access to system directories. Therefore, it is important to understand which method is suitable for your specific phone model and version OS.
In this guide, we will examine in detail all the current methods of transferring game data. We will look at both standard system functions and advanced methods using file managers and special utilities. You will learn how to properly prepare the drive and avoid common mistakes that lead to game crashes or loss of progress.
Memory card preparation and system diagnostics
Before you start manipulating files, you need to make sure that your drive is ready for use. Not every memory card is suitable for storing a cache of heavy games, since the speed of reading data directly affects the speed of loading levels. It is recommended to use cards of class Class 10 or standard UHS-Ito avoid long loading of textures.
Insert the card into the smartphone slot and wait for the notification about connecting a new device. The system may offer to use the drive as portable storage or as internal memory. Portable use is most often suitable for transferring game caches, but there are some nuances. Go to Settings → Memory and check whether the card capacity is displayed correctly.
If the card was previously used in another device, it is better to format it. This will delete all data but ensure the correct file system is understood by your phone. Remember that formatting is irreversible, so save important files on your computer in advance. After formatting, the system will assign a unique identifier to the drive, which will be used in file paths.
⚠️ Attention: The writing speed of cheap memory cards can be critically low. Heavy games like Genshin Impact or PUBG Mobile may slow down or crash if the cache is located on a slow drive.
Check the available space on the card. The cache size of modern games can reach 10-20 GB, so make sure that you have enough space on your storage device. It is also worth checking the condition of the card slot itself, as poor contact may result in the game no longer seeing files after rebooting the device.
☑️ Ready for transfer
Standard transfer via Android 6-8 settings
On versions of the operating system from 6.0 to 8.0, there was a convenient built-in function for transferring applications along with data. This method is the simplest and does not require the installation of third-party software. However, it does not work for all games, since the developer must explicitly allow the movement of their product to external media in the application manifest.
To check whether the transfer is possible, go to the section Settings → Applications. Find the game you want in the list and open its card. If the button Change or Move to SD card is active, you're in luck. Press it and wait until the system completes the data copying process.
In this case, Game cache and the main application files will be moved automatically. You don't have to manually copy gigabytes of data. The system itself will create the necessary directories on the external drive and redirect access paths. This is the most secure method in terms of data integrity.
| Android version | Possibility of transfer | Type of transferred data | Operation stability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android 6.0 | High | Application + Cache | Stable |
| Android 7.0 | Average | Only part of the data | Depends on the game |
| Android 8.0 | Low | Rarely available | Frequent crashes |
| Android 9.0+ | Absent | Not supported | Does not work |
Unfortunately, most modern developers disable this feature because external cards are slower than internal memory. This may negatively impact game performance. If the transfer button is inactive (gray), you will have to use the alternative methods described below.
Manually copying the cache for Android 9 and later
Starting with the ninth version, Google has tightened its security policy, limiting application access to the root directory of the external memory card. Now the path /storage/sdcard1/Android/obb or /Android/data is often hidden from direct manipulation through a standard conductor. However, manual transfer is still possible if you follow a certain sequence of actions.
First download the game from Google Play, but do not run it if it requires resending the cache. Or, if the game is already installed, delete it, first remembering the name of the cache folder. You will need a reliable file manager, for example Total Commander or FX File Explorerthat can request special permissions from the system.
Find the cache folder in the internal memory. Usually it is located along the path Internal Storage/Android/obb/com.nazvanie.igry or Internal Storage/Android/data/com.nazvanie.igry. Select this folder and select the Copy or Cut option. Then go to the memory card and paste the files into a similar directory: SD Card/Android/obb/.
⚠️ Attention: On Android 11 and higher, the system may prohibit inserting files into the Android folder on the external card. In this case, you will need to give the file manager full access to all files through the system permissions window.
After copying, try launching the game. If the game started without resuming the data, it means the transfer was successful. It is important to ensure that the folder structure is maintained exactly. If you put the folder com.game.name simply at the root of the map, the game will not be able to find its resources and will require you to download them again.
What to do if Explorer does not see the Android folder?
On some smartphones (for example, Xiaomi or Huawei), the Android folder is hidden by default. In the file manager settings, enable the display of hidden files and system folders. Also try connecting your phone to a PC and copying through a computer - there are fewer restrictions.
Using specialized utilities and emulation
If manual copying seems too difficult or does not work, you can use specialized software. There are applications that automate the process of creating links or transferring data. One of the popular solutions is the utility FolderMount, however, for its full operation it requires root access.
Root access gives full control over the file system, allowing you to transfer any data and create symbolic links. This means that the game will “think” that the cache is in the internal memory, although the files are physically on the card. The process looks like this: you select a source folder and a destination folder, and the app links them.
Without root access, you can try the “Adoptable Storage” feature. This option allows you to format the memory card as the phone's internal memory. In this case, the system encrypts the drive and combines its space with the main one. To activate, go to Settings → Memory → SD card → Settings → Internal memory.
It is worth noting that not all smartphone manufacturers include this function in their firmware. Samsung, Xiaomi and many others often hide the ability to format the card as internal memory. If this option is not in the menu, you will not be able to use this method without a computer and ADB commands.
Before using utilities with root access, be sure to make a full system backup (Nandroid backup) using custom recovery. Errors when working with system files can make it impossible to boot your smartphone.
Features of working with different file managers
The success of the operation largely depends on what tool you use. The standard “My Files” explorer from the smartphone manufacturer often has limited functionality and does not request the necessary permissions to work with system folders on external media.
It is recommended to install a third-party manager, such as Solid Explorer or Mixplorer. These applications when trying to access the folder Android On the memory card, a system window will be called up with the “Allow access to folder” button. You will need to press it and confirm the action by selecting the root of the memory card.
In some cases, renaming folders helps. If the game stubbornly does not see the cache, try temporarily renaming the folder obb in the internal memory, copy the data to the card, and then create an empty folder with the same name inside. This may fool the file presence check on first run.
Also pay attention to file permissions. After copying, make sure that the files are not marked as read-only. In the file properties, there must be a checkbox for recording permission, otherwise the game will not be able to save progress or load new levels.
⚠️ Attention: File manager interfaces and settings menus may differ depending on the manufacturer’s shell (MIUI, OneUI, ColorOS). If you cannot find the item you need, use the search in the phone settings.
The key success factor is to provide the file manager with special permission to access the Android folder on an external card through the system folder selection dialog.
Solving problems and common startup errors
Even if all steps are followed correctly, users may encounter because the game throws a file integrity check error or starts downloading the cache again. This is often due to the fact that the file path contains unnecessary subfolders. Check that the path looks exactly like /sdcard/Android/obb/com.game.folder/filesand not /sdcard/Android/obb/com.game.folder/com.game.folder/files.
Another common problem is changing the memory card ID. If you remove the card and insert it into another slot or format it again, the system will assign it a new ID. The file paths will change and the game will no longer see them. In such cases, only repeated copying or using the method with symbolic links (if you have root) helps.
If the game starts but runs slowly, your memory card may not be fast enough to stream resources. Try moving your heaviest assets back to internal memory or consider purchasing a faster format card A1 or A2optimized for launching applications.
In case of constant crashes, try clearing the cache of the application itself (not data, but the cache) through the smartphone settings after transferring files. This will force the game to recheck resource paths and update internal links to cache files.
Is it possible to transfer the cache to Android 12 and 13 without root?
Yes, it is possible, but it is more difficult. You'll need a file manager that supports SAF (Storage Access Framework), such as FV File Manager or the new Total Commander. When copying, the system will ask for permission to access the entire memory card. However, some games may still not run due to strict security restrictions in new versions of Android.
What is OBB and how does it differ from Data?
OBB (Opaque Binary Blob) contains the main resources of the game: graphics, sounds, models. The Data folder stores settings, saves, and cached data for a specific user. Most often, it is the OBB folder that needs to be transferred, since it takes up the most space, but for some games, transferring the Data folder is also critical.
Why does the game say “Downloading data” after the transfer?
This means that the game did not find the files in the expected path. Check that the folder name is correct (it must match the game package name, for example, com.rockstar.gta3). Make sure that the folder is located in the root of the memory card, and not inside another folder that you created.
Is it safe to format the card as internal memory?
It is safe for the system, but the card will be encrypted and tied specifically to this smartphone. You will not be able to insert it into another phone or computer and read the data without formatting. Also, when you reset the phone to factory settings, the data on the card will be lost.
How to check the real speed of the memory card?
Use applications like SD Card Speed Test or A1 SD Bench. They will show the sequential read and write speed. For heavy games, the reading speed should be at least 40-50 MB/s, and random reading (4K) should be as high as possible.