Complete and updated guide to moving apps to the SD card on Android

Our mobile phone storage is one of the resources that is most quickly depleted due to the ever-increasing size of apps, photos, and multimedia files. Using microSD cards remains one of the most efficient solutions for expanding memory and making your device run more smoothly. In this complete tutorial you will learn how to move apps to the SD card on Android., what the limitations and advantages are, the precautions you should take beforehand, and all the reliable alternatives for optimizing your mobile's storage space, even on current devices and models with less internal storage.

Why move apps to SD card?

With technological advancements, we're increasingly downloading and installing more apps and demanding games, and producing higher-quality photos and videos. This causes the internal storage of our phones to fill up surprisingly quickly., which can slow down your device and make it difficult to install new apps or download updates.

Move apps to microSD card It is an effective solution for:

Free up internal space and improve the overall performance of the smartphone.
Avoid deleting useful applications due to not having enough space.
Install apps and games that require a lot of storage, taking advantage of the extra capacity of the SD card.
Transport apps and data easily from one device to another (with limitations, since not all apps can be moved or function outside the device where they were installed).

What should you know before moving apps to the SD card?

Before starting the process, it is important that Check your device's compatibility with microSD cards and support for the app move feature.Although most Android phones allow you to add external storage, in many recent models—especially high-end ones—this option is either absent or limited, in favor of cloud services.

Check your phone's specifications on the manufacturer's website to find out the maximum supported capacity and the compatible card type (microSD, microSDHC, microSDXC).
Some versions of Android and manufacturer customization layers may limit the ability to move apps. Starting with Android 6 (Marshmallow), Google introduced the "Adaptive Storage" feature, which allows the SD card to be used as part of the internal storage. However, not all devices have this feature enabled.
SD card speed affects performanceUsing a slower card can cause heavy apps to lag or launch more slowly. Always choose class 10 or higher cards (UHS-I/UHS-II) if you're installing demanding apps or games.
Not all apps can be moved to SDSystem apps, pre-installed services, and many critical utilities should remain on internal storage. However, many messaging apps, games, tools, and downloaded apps can be moved.
The process of moving apps does not delete your data, but it may take time and a device restart.. Also, if you remove the SD card, the moved apps will stop working or display errors.
Heavy use may shorten the lifespan of the SD card.Cards have a limited number of write cycles, so it's a good idea to make regular backups.

First step: Prepare and format your SD card correctly

Before you insert or use an SD card in your Android phone to move apps, make sure it is formatted and cleaned of unnecessary filesIf you have important data on it, back it up to your computer or the cloud.

Format on the computer: Insert the card into the reader (internal or USB). Right-click the card in File Explorer, select "Format," and choose the appropriate file format:
- FAT32: For cards up to 32 GB.
- exFAT: For cards larger than 32 GB.
Format from mobile: Go to the Settings > Storage > select the SD card > Format (may vary by manufacturer). This ensures 100% compatibility with your device.

Why format? Avoid conflicts with old files and ensure that the folder structure is recognized by the Android systemIf your phone supports it, you'll see the option to "Use as internal storage" or "Adapt storage." If you choose this option, the card will be linked only to that phone, increasing security and privacy, although you won't be able to use it on other devices without reformatting.

Which phones currently support moving apps to the SD card?

The option to move apps to the microSD card isn't available on all devices or all Android versions. Compatibility depends on several factors:

Device range: Entry-level and mid-range phones typically retain the microSD slot and allow its use for apps and files; high-end phones tend to eliminate this option and opt for larger internal storage or cloud storage.
Android version: Starting with Android 6.0 (Marshmallow), many devices include the Adaptive Storage feature. In Android versions 13, 14, and 15, the option may be hidden or restricted depending on the manufacturer's customization.
Manufacturers: Samsung, Xiaomi, Motorola, Sony, and Nokia typically allow apps to be moved to SD, while other brands may limit or eliminate this option.

To find out if your phone can move apps to the SD:

Go to Settings > Applications, select an app and enter Storage. If the button appears "Change" o "Move to SD card", it is possible to do so.
If you don't see the option, your device or Android version probably doesn't support it natively.

How to move apps to the SD card step by step

If your device allows it, The procedure is simple and very similar in most models:

Open the device Settings (gear icon in the main menu).
Go to “Applications” or “Applications and notifications” depending on the system version.
Select the app you want to move from the list. Choose non-system or pre-installed apps if you want to ensure they can be moved.
Click on “Storage”.
If the app allows it, the option to "Change" or "Move to SD card" will appear.. Tap on it and select the SD card as the destination.
Confirm the action and wait for the process to finish (it may take several minutes depending on the size of the app).
Once finished, the app is now located on the SD card. and the internal space will have been freed up proportionally.

Some important considerations:

Not all apps offer the option to move to SD. For example, Google Chrome, YouTube, Maps, and other system apps typically can't be moved.
Moving apps to SD may slow down their launch or performance if the card is slow.
If you format or remove the SD card, you will lose access to the apps on it until they are reinstalled or the card is reinserted.

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Formatting SD Card as Internal Storage: Pros and Cons?

Formatting the microSD card as internal storage (or adopted storage) is a feature present in Android since version 6.0. This allows the SD and internal memory to function as a single logical unit., and the system decides where to store apps and files.

Step by step:

Insert the microSD card into the phone.
Go to Settings > Storage > select the SD card.
Press on Format as internal storage (option may vary depending on device).
The process will delete all data on the card. Make a backup first if you need to.
Wait for the formatting to complete and, if recommended, restart your phone.

Main advantages:

Expand device memory to install more apps without worrying about location.
Automatic space management by Android.
Makes it easy to move data and apps already installed quickly to the SD.

Disadvantages to consider:

The card will only work in this device until you reformat it.You won't be able to use it on another phone, PC, or camera without deleting it.
System performance may be limited by SD card speed.If it's not fast, the phone runs slower.
All data on the card is deleted during formatting..

Create a specific partition for applications (advanced users)

If you have a mobile phone with older versions of Android or want advanced control, you can Create partitions on your SD card using tools like MiniTool Partition Wizard (recommended for users who have rooted their device and want to move apps more flexibly).

Connect the card to the PC using a card reader.
Download and install MiniTool Partition Wizard.
Delete all existing partitions (make a backup first).
Create a partition FAT32 for data and another secondary in format Ext2/3/4 for Android applications.
Apply the changes and reinsert the SD into the phone.
Use apps like Link2SD to move apps to the correct partition (root access required).

Warning: The procedure is advanced and can cause data loss or failure if not performed correctly. Recommended for experienced users only.

Move apps to SD card with external apps

An easy way to automate the process is to use dedicated applications. Tools like "Move Apps to SD Card" or "AppMgr III (App 2 SD)" allow you to identify which apps can be moved. and perform the operation directly from the app itself.

Make sure you have inserted and formatted the SD card.
Download the app from Google Play (some may be in English, but it's intuitive to use).
Select one or more apps to move and tap “Move to SD Card.”
The app guides you step by step, also allowing you to quickly uninstall multiple apps at once.

Advantages: They don't require root, quickly identify movable apps, save space, and often offer visual storage statistics.

Limitations: The limits imposed by the Android system still apply; if the system or critical app can't be moved, the app will let you know.

What if your phone doesn't have an SD card slot?

Your smartphone may no longer include an SD card slot. This is the case with many newer models. In these cases, there are other alternatives to free up space.:

Cloud storage: Use Google Drive, Dropbox or OneDrive to save photos, videos and documents.
External drives and USB OTG: Some phones allow you to connect USB flash drives or external drives using an OTG adapter to transfer large files.
Uninstalling rarely used apps and clearing cache: Several mobile devices incorporate maintenance and cleaning functions to optimize space.
Move multimedia to a PC regularly to make backup copies and free up local space.

Tips for choosing a good microSD card

Choosing the right microSD card is essential to ensure you don't compromise app performance or data security. Consider the following aspects when choosing an SD card:

Compatible capacity: Check your phone's specifications. Newer models support up to 256 GB or more, while others only support up to 32 GB.
Transfer speed: Choose class 10, UHS-I, or UHS-II cards, especially if you'll be moving apps and games.
Recognized brand: Samsung, SanDisk, Kingston, and Lexar offer reliable, long-lasting products with warranties.
Do not buy cards without a label or guaranteed origin to avoid risks of data corruption.

Frequently Asked Questions About Moving Apps to the SD Card

What happens if I remove the SD card after moving apps?
Moved apps will stop working and may display errors until they are reinstalled or the card is reinserted.
Can I move all the apps?
No, system apps, pre-installed apps, or apps critical to the phone's operation generally cannot be moved for security and stability reasons.
Do you lose data when moving apps to SD?
No, but formatting the card will result in the loss of all data. Make regular backups to avoid incidents.
What do I do if my phone doesn't recognize the SD card?
Make sure it's inserted correctly, formatted in the correct format (FAT32 or exFAT), and that the capacity is compatible with your device.
Is it advisable to move heavy games to the SD?
Yes, as long as the card is fast. If you use slower cards, it can affect gameplay and loading times.

How you can see, Moving apps to the SD card is a very useful option to make the most of your phone's capacity, especially if you have little internal storage.Remember to carefully follow the recommendations and steps explained to ensure the process is successful and avoid errors. Always evaluate your device's compatibility, choose an SD card of appropriate quality, and make regular backups to keep your data secure and your apps running smoothly.

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