Are you annoyed when you try to install an app on Android and get the “Not Enough Space” warning? It’s a sign that all the games, photos and 4K video have finally paid their dues. Product Engineering Services
It is possible to expand your phone’s storage by using a microSD card slot. A microSD card can be used to increase your phone’s storage. Instead of deleting apps from your Android device, you can move them to an SD card.
The Android version you use will determine the method you follow. In this guide, we’ll show you all the methods to move Android apps onto an SD card.
Android basics: How to use an SD Card
Consider these points before you begin.
The speed of memory cards is slower than internal storage. This could mean that you might experience slightly lower performance when using resource-intensive applications. Go for the fastest memory cards with the most capacity your phone can handle. Make sure to check your specs to see which cards are compatible.
You should also know how you can spot a fake microSD Card in order to avoid being scammed.
Preinstalled apps cannot be moved without rooting. Third-party apps might not support this. On older Android versions, widgets may not work on your memory card.
An SD Card can be used as internal storage
Android Marshmallow introduced changes in the way Android phones handle memory card, and these changes are carried on into the later versions.
MicroSD cards can now be used as internal storage. Android no longer views external and internal storage as separate spaces. It instead considers the card an extension of your space.
Both data and apps can write as many times as they need to one another, and it all happens seamlessly. This means that you don’t have any need to worry about the location of your apps.
Adoptable Storage is a feature that requires that your card be kept in your phone for a lifetime. It is also encrypted so that you can’t copy data to another device.
Adoptable storage comes with a drawback. All Android phones are different and some manufacturers do not offer it. If your device doesn’t support it, you will have to manually transfer your apps to your SD Card.
How to Move Android Apps to an SD card on Android 9 Pie or Above
Even if you don’t have adoptable storage, apps can still be transferred to an SD card using Android 9. Keep in mind that not all apps can be transferred to SD cards, and it is not possible for pre-installed ones.
Move the app back into internal storage using the same steps as above, but make sure to select Internal Shared Storage at the end. When you need to modify or remove your memory cards, this is what you should do.
How to Move Android Apps to an SD Card with Android 8 Oreo
Android 7 Nougat: How do you move apps to an SD card
Through Setting, apps can be moved to a memory card on Android 7 Nougat. But, not all apps can be moved. If they don’t support it, the Change button will not appear in Step 3.
- Go to Options > Apps.
- Find the app you want and tap on it.
- Open Storage > Edit. Select your card in the prompt box.
- Tap To Move, and complete the process.
Depending on how large your app is, it might take some time to finish (especially if you have large games). Don’t touch the phone until it’s finished. Move the app back using the same steps, but this time choose Internal Shared Storage.
How to Move Android 6 Marshmallow Apps to an SD Card
You can move apps to a microSD card on Marshmallow just like you can on Nougat.
- Navigate to Options > Apps. Then, tap on the app that you like.
- Tap Store > Change. Then, choose the card you want to use when prompted.
- To finish the process, hit and move.
How to Move Android 5 Lollipop Apps to an SD Card
Lollipop doesn’t have as strong support for memory cards, but it can still be used to move apps within settings.
The number of apps that you can save to your external storage is limited. This depends on whether or not the developer supports this option. It is not possible to transfer the entire app to your card. Only a small portion does.
By swiping right on the app screen you can see the On SD Cards tab. It is easy to find any apps that you might want to move to in the future.
To move apps
- To move an app to your SD card, go to settings > Apps.
- Next, click Move on to SD Card under the storage section. While the app is moving, the button will become grayed out so wait until it’s finished.
- The app cannot be moved if it doesn’t have the move to SD Card option.
The Storage section of the section will be updated once it’s complete. It will show how much of the app has been stored on the card, and how much remains in internal storage. The move button will now display Move to Phone or Move to Device Storage.
Tap on the button to delete the app from your card.
How to Move Android Apps to an SD Card.
Android 4.x did not support microSD cards in any of its versions (including KitKat and Jelly Bean as well as Ice Cream Sandwich). Stock Android doesn’t allow you to transfer apps to an external card. This is because Google appears to be intent on getting rid of cards completely.
Some manufacturers chose to include this feature in their versions of the operating software. The process is simple if your device supports it.
