Moving applications to SD card to Android 10 has become more difficult than in previous versions. Google has tightened its security rules, and many manufacturers (including Samsung, Xiaomi and Huawei) have limited this feature. But there are still opportunities - the main thing is to know where to look for settings and how to get around common errors.
In this article we will look at all working methods transferring applications to an external drive Android 10, including hidden functions, bypassing restrictions through ADB and alternative solutions for devices without support. We’ll also explain why some applications fundamentally don’t want to move to the memory card - and what to do about it.
If your smartphone is full to capacity, and internal memory does not expand, an SD card can be a salvation. But not everything is so simple: starting from Android 6.0 MarshmallowGoogle introduced the concept Adoptable Storage (linked storage), and in Android 10 many manufacturers completely removed the transfer option from the interface. However, there are workarounds - and we tested them on real devices.
Before you start, check two key points:
- Your SD card is formatted as internal memory (if not, some methods will not work).
- The manufacturer has not blocked the function at the firmware level (relevant for Samsung One UI 2.x i MIUI 11/12).
1. Standard transfer through Android 10 settings
The most obvious way is to use the built-in system tools. However, Android 10 this method does not work on all devices. Here's how to check its availability:
Open Settings → Applications (or Settings → Applications and notifications → All applications). Select the desired application, then click on Storage. If the option Edit or Move to SD card is active, if not, read on. data-i="62">Settings → Applications
⚠️ Attention: On Samsung Galaxy s One UI 2.0/2.5 i Xiaomi s MIUI 11+ this item is often missing even if there is an SD card. This is not a bug, but a conscious decision of the manufacturer.
- 📱 Works on: Google Pixel (pure Android), Nokia, Motorola, some models ASUS i Lenovo.
- ❌ Does not work on: Samsung Galaxy S10/S20, Xiaomi Redmi Note 8/9, Huawei P30/P40.
- ⚙️ Limitation: Only parts of the data are transferred, not the entire application.
2. Formatting the SD card as internal memory (Adoptable Storage)
If standard transfer is not available, you can try bind an SD card as part of internal storage. This method works on most devices with Android 6.0+, but has critical nuances:
After formatting, the card will become unreadable on other devices (including computers and cameras) without completely erasing the data. Also, it cannot be removed without resetting the phone. But all applications (except system ones) will be able to write data to it automatically.
Instructions:
- Insert the SD card into the smartphone.
- Go to
Settings → Storage. - Click on the name of your SD card →
Three dots (menu) → Storage settings. - Select
Format as internal(orInternal Storage). - Confirm the action and wait for completion (may take 5-15 minutes).
Save all data from the card to your PC|Check the speed class (UHS-I/U3 recommended)|Charge the phone at least 50%|Make sure the card is not counterfeit (use H2testw)
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⚠️ Attention: On Samsung and some Huawei the option to format as internal storage may not be available even with support Android 10This is due to the manufacturer's policy - they prefer to sell devices with a large amount of built-in memory.
| Brand | Adoptable Storage Support | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Google Pixel | ✅ Yes | Works without restrictions |
| Samsung | ❌ No (starting c One UI 2.0) | Only as a removable drive |
| Xiaomi | ⚠️ Partially | Depends on the model (for example, Redmi Note 7 supports, POCO X3 - no) |
| Huawei | ❌ No (starting with EMUI 9) | Uses its own system Huawei Fusion |
3. Transfer via ADB (for advanced users)
If the manufacturer has hidden the transfer option, it can be unlocked via Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method requires a connection to a computer, but it works even where standard methods are not available.
You will need:
- 🖥️ A computer with ADB drivers installed.
- 📱 Enabled
USB Debuggingon the phone (Settings → About phone → Build number- press 7 times, then return toSettings → System → For developers). - 💾 SD card formatted as portable storage (not internal!).
Step-by-step guide:
- Connect the phone to the PC and open the command line line (
cmdin Windows orTerminalin macOS/Linux). - Enter the command to check the connection:
adb devicesThe serial number of your device should appear.
- Run the command to transfer (replace
package.namewith the actual application package name, for examplecom.whatsapp):adb shell pm set-install-location 2This command forces the system to install applications on the SD card by default.
- To transfer an already installed application:
adb shell pm move-package package.name
To find out the application package name, use the command adb shell pm list packages | grep "keyword". For example, Telegram enter adb shell pm list packages | grep telegram
⚠️ Attention: Not all applications support transfer via ADB. For example, Facebook, Instagram and many games (PUBG Mobile, Genshin Impact) block this feature at the code level. In this case you will receive an error:
Failure [NOT_MOVED: Operation not allowed: java.lang.SecurityException]4. Alternative methods: Link2SD and analogues
If none of the above methods worked, third-party utilities remain like Link2SD or App2SD. They create symbolic links, redirecting part of the application data to the SD card. The downside is that it is required root accesswhich voids the warranty and increases security risks.
How it works Link2SD:
- Install the application from Google Play.
- Give root access (if yes).
- Select an application from the list and click
Create link. - Move to card
Dalvik-cache,LibrariesandData.
⚠️ Attention: Some applications (for example WhatsApp or banking clients) may stop working after transferring via Link2SD. Errors are also possible when updating the OS - symbolic links may break.
What to do if the application crashes after transferring?
If the application crashes after transferring via Link2SD, try:
1. Return it back to the internal memory.
2. Clear cache and data (Settings → Applications → [name] → Storage).
3. Reinstall the application without transferring.
If the problem persists, then the application is incompatible with working from external storage.
5. Limitations and why some applications are not transferred
Even if you did everything correctly, some applications will refuse to move to the SD card. Here's why:
- 🔒 Protection data: Applications with sensitive information (banks, instant messengers, payment systems) often block the transfer.
- 🎮 Games: Most modern games (Call of Duty Mobile, Free Fire) store data in a protected section.
- 📱 Manufacturer: Samsung and Huawei artificially limit the function in order to sell devices with more memory.
- 🛠️ Technical limitations: Applications with
native librariesor services in the background cannot work from an SD card.
Critical information: Starting from Android 9 Pie, Google has prohibited the porting of applications using JobScheduler or Foreground Service. This applies to most social networks, instant messengers and system utilities.
| Application type | Probability of transfer | Reason for restriction |
|---|---|---|
| Games (for example, Clash of Clans) | ❌ Low | Protection against cheating and modifications |
| Social networks (Facebook, VK) | ⚠️ Medium | Background synchronization data |
| Messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp) | ❌ Low | Message database encryption |
| Offline applications (for example, Google Maps) | ✅ High | Minimal dependence on the system |
6. Optimizing memory without transferring applications
If transferring to an SD card is not possible, try these methods to free up space:
- 🧹 Clearing the cache: Go to
Settings → Storage → Cache dataand remove unnecessary ones files. - 📁 Transfer media files: Photos, videos and music can be manually moved to the SD card through any file manager (for example, Files by Google).
- ☁️ Cloud storage: Automatic uploading of photos to Google Photos or Yandex Disk will free up gigabytes.
- 🗑️ Delete duplicates: Applications like CCleaner or SD Maid will find duplicate files.
⚠️ Attention: The Android 10 function Clear cache for all applications can delete important data (for example, saves in games). Before use, check which applications support recovery after cleaning.
If your smartphone does not support transferring applications to an SD card, the best solution is to buy a model with more memory or use cloud services. Alternative methods (ADB, Link2SD) often lead to unstable system operation.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about transferring applications to an SD card
Is it possible to transfer WhatsApp to an SD card in Android 10?
No. WhatsApp blocks the transfer due to encryption of the message database. Attempts to bypass this through Link2SD or ADB will lead to synchronization errors or complete loss of chats.
Why did the application stop updating after the transfer?
This is due to the fact that Google Play does not support updating applications installed on the SD card as internal storage. Solution: temporarily transfer the application back, update it, then return it to the card.
Is it possible to use an SD card as internal memory on Samsung Galaxy S10?
No. Starting from One UI 2.0 (Android 10) Samsung removed support Adoptable Storage. The card will only work as a removable drive.
How to transfer games to an SD card if the standard method does not work?
For games like PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact the only working method is to use Link2SD s root access. However, this can lead to bans in online games due to suspicions of cheating.
What happens if you remove an SD card formatted as internal memory?
The phone will either lock and require you to insert the card back, or will reboot into safe mode. The data on the card will become inaccessible without full formatting.