Setting default apps to save to your SD card rather than internal storage can be a great way to free up space on your Android device. With apps and their data stored on external storage, you can manage your limited internal memory more effectively. While not all apps support saving to SD cards, many popular apps like Spotify, Netflix, and more are configurable. Here’s what you need to know about setting default save locations for your apps on Android.
Why Set Apps to SD Card?
There are a few key reasons why you may want to set your apps to save to SD card rather than internal storage:
- Free up internal storage space – Apps can take up a lot of storage space for data and cache files. Storing this information on external SD can free up your internal memory for other files like photos and videos.
- Use larger capacity SD cards – SD cards provide additional storage space, with cards ranging from 32GB to 1TB and more. This allows you to store more app data than your internal memory may allow.
- Easily manage app data – SD cards can be removed and inserted into other devices. This makes migrating app data to a new phone easier.
- Keep data after uninstalling apps – Even if you uninstall an app, data stored on the SD card can be retained.
The only downside is that SD cards may have slower read/write speeds compared to internal storage. But for most users, the expanded storage possibilities outweigh this performance hit.
Checking SD Card Support
Before setting default storage locations, it’s important to check if your device and the apps you want to move actually support saving data to SD cards. Here are a couple ways to check:
- System settings – In your device’s Settings app, look for the Storage or Storage & USB options. If you see your SD card listed here with details on used/free space, your device supports external storage.
- App info – For any app you want to move, go into the App Info page (typically in Settings > Apps & notifications). Check if there is an option for “Storage” or “Storage used.” If the SD card is listed as a storage location, then the app supports external storage.
- Developer website – Check the app developer’s website or app store listing to see if using SD card storage is noted as a feature. This isn’t definitive but can provide clues.
If your device doesn’t support SD cards at all, then unfortunately you won’t be able to set default storage locations for your apps. Manufacturers sometimes disable SD card options to encourage use of internal storage.
Setting Default Storage Locations
Once you’ve confirmed your device and apps work with SD cards, here are the steps to set default storage locations:
- Insert SD card – Make sure your SD card is properly inserted into your device’s microSD slot.
- Format card (optional) – For a brand new SD card, you may want to format it before use. Just be aware this erases all data.
- Check allocation settings – In your device’s Storage settings, make sure the SD card allocation is set to “Portable” rather than “Internal.” This properly sets it as external storage.
- Confirm storage locations – Go into the App Info page for apps you want to move and check that the SD card is listed as an option under Storage used.
- Change settings – Tap the Change button on this screen and select your inserted SD card.
That’s it! The app should now default to saving data and files onto your SD card instead of filling up internal storage.
A few notes on managing app storage locations:
- Not all apps can be moved. Some like Settings and preinstalled apps may be limited to internal storage only.
- Changes apply to new app data after you reset the storage location. Existing data isn’t automatically moved.
- You can change storage settings back to internal memory any time if needed.
- Auto-updates may sometimes reset apps back to internal storage as the default.
Setting these options for games and streaming apps can really help maximize your device’s limited internal storage! Just follow the steps to start enjoying expanded external storage capabilities.
Moving Existing App Data to SD Card
When you set a new default storage location, only new app data will save to the SD card. Any existing data remains stored internally. If you want to migrate this data over and completely free up internal memory, you’ll need to move it manually.
Here are the basic steps involved:
- Check app supports SD card – Confirm the app you want to move can use external storage. Not all do.
- Change default location – Go into App Info for the app and set default storage to SD card.
- Migrate data – Use the built-in Migrate Data option to move the existing app data.
- Clear internal data – Finally, go back and use Clear Data to wipe the leftover internal data.
Let’s look at this process in more detail:
Checking App Supports SD Card
Not all apps support saving data to external storage. To check, go into the app’s info page (typically in Settings > Apps & notifications) and look for a Storage section:
- If you see the SD card listed, external storage is supported.
- If only internal storage shows, then the app can’t use SD card storage.
Trying to move data for an app without SD support will result in errors or data loss. So always confirm this first.
Changing Default Storage Location
Once you’ve confirmed the app works with your SD card, go back into App Info > Storage and tap Change:
- Select your external SD card here as the new default location.
- The app will now save any new data to your card rather than internal storage.
Migrating Existing App Data
With the default location set to your SD card, it’s time to migrate any existing app data. Still in App Info:
- Tap Storage used to see details on current app data.
- Tap Migrate Data and confirm when prompted.
- The app data will transfer to your SD card.
Depending on the amount of data, this process could take a few minutes to complete. Be patient and let the transfer fully finish.
Clearing Leftover Internal Data
Finally, with all your app data now migrated safely to your SD card, you can clear out the leftover data still occupying internal storage:
- Go back to the App Info screen.
- Tap Clear Data and confirm to wipe all remaining internal data.
And that’s it – the app’s data footprint is now completely removed from internal storage and safely stored on your SD card instead.
Moving Data Back to Internal Storage
If you ever need to revert and move your app data back to internal storage, you can follow a similar migrate data process:
- Open App Info and tap Change to reset default storage back to internal.
- Tap Migrate Data to move currently saved data back.
- Optionally tap Clear Data to remove leftover data on SD card.
Why would you want to go back to internal storage?
- Slow SD card speeds making app laggy
- Changing to a new SD card
- Concerns over data security on external storage
Just note that Migrate Data will only transfer saved app data, not the original installed app files. And as always, not all apps support full SD card storage – you may see errors trying to move unsupported apps back internally.
Troubleshooting SD Card Issues
Setting default storage locations to SD card is fairly straightforward when things are working smoothly. But sometimes issues pop up that prevent proper saving and migrating of data. Here are some common problems and fixes:
SD Card Not Detected
If your device isn’t detecting your inserted SD card at all, a few things to check:
- Reinsert card and restart device
- Check for dirt/debris in SD card slot
- Try a different SD card if available
- Check physical condition of SD card
- Confirm SD slot is not hardware damaged
Damaged SD cards or device slots will prevent proper usage. Try different cards and gently clean out debris if needed. If hardware damage is confirmed, repairs may be required.
Apps Can’t Write to SD Card
You may find some apps encounter errors or fail to save data to the SD card. Issues like write protected cards, incompatible file systems, or app permissions could be the cause:
- Make sure write lock is disabled on your SD card
- Check that SD card is formatted properly (e.g. FAT32/exFAT)
- Confirm app has permissions to modify SD card
- Try granting full external storage access permission
If storage permissions look correct, try reformatting your SD card entirely before reattempting the default change.
Freezing/Crashing During Migration
Attempting to migrate large amounts of data to SD card can sometimes cause system instability like freezing, lag, or app crashes. If this occurs:
- Close background apps to improve performance
- Migrate data in smaller batches if possible
- Check for SD card errors causing issues
- Restart device and try again after closing other apps
Freezing issues are commonly caused by storage operations overloading limited device memory and processing. Restarting and reducing other system demands before migration can help.
Adoptable Storage
Some Android devices support a special SD card storage mode called Adoptable Storage or Extended Internal storage. This essentially lets you format an SD card and integrate it into internal storage.
Benefits include:
- SD card acts like built-in internal storage
- Apps automatically use adopted storage without configuration
- Simpler storage management, no need to manually migrate data
The drawbacks:
- SD card is encrypted and tied to device after adoption
- Adoption process wipes all data on card
- SD can’t be removed without consequences
- Slower than native internal storage in most cases
Because of the tight integration, adopted storage is best suited for permanent SD card upgrades rather than portable external storage use. And not all devices support this mode currently.
But if you want a simplified expandable storage experience at the cost of flexibility, adopting SD as internal is an option if available on your device.
Checking Adoptable Storage Support
To confirm if your Android OS and hardware supports adoptable storage:
- Go to Settings > Storage
- Insert SD card if not already installed
- Check if option to Adopt as internal storage appears
- If so, the feature is supported
Generally Android 6.0+ devices from 2016 onward support adoptable storage, but device manufacturer customizations can disable the option.
Adopting SD Card as Internal Storage
If your device allows it, here are the steps to adopt your SD card:
- Insert and mount the SD card
- Go to Settings > Storage
- Select your SD card name
- Tap Adopt as internal storage
- Confirm formatting prompt to wipe card
After adoption, your SD will be encrypted and integrated into internal storage. Apps can now utilize the additional space automatically without manual migrations.
Limitations and Warnings
While easy to set up, there are some key limitations to keep in mind with adopted storage:
- Adoption encrypts and formats SD card, wiping all existing data
- SD can no longer be safely removed after adoption
- Issues with adopted card may cause instability or data loss
- Not ideal for use as portable storage across devices
Consider carefully if the benefits are worth these tradeoffs for your usage. And take proper precautions if adopting storage, like backups.
Apps Not Recommended for SD Card
While many apps work fine saved on SD card, some core system apps or services should remain on internal storage for best performance and stability. Here are some apps generally not recommended for moving to external storage:
- System apps like Settings, Launcher, System UI
- Keyboard apps and input methods
- Important utility apps like File Manager
- Apps requiring constant quick access
- Apps that come preinstalled on device ROM
For optimal functionality and speed, most built-in device apps are best kept on internal storage. Apps using widgets, overlays, or frequent background processes also benefit from internal saving. Check developer recommendations before attempting to move if unsure.
Conclusion
The ability to set default storage locations for apps provides helpful flexibility in how you manage internal storage. SD cards give a handy expansion option, with the only limitation being compatible devices and apps.
While a bit involved, moving apps to external storage can be done carefully by:
- Checking SD support
- Changing default locations
- Migrating existing data
- Troubleshooting issues
Alternatively, if your device supports adoptable storage, you can integrate SD into your internal memory for an easy but restricted expandable storage experience.
With the right SD card usage on supporting devices, you can save a good deal of internal storage for more apps, photos, videos, and files.
