Transfer data from flash drive to flash drive android. How to transfer Android applications from internal memory to memory card and vice versa on Samsung Galaxy

If your phone or tablet running Android 6.0, 7 Nougat, 8.0 Oreo or 9.0 Pie has a memory card slot, then you can use a MicroSD memory card as the internal memory of your device, this feature first appeared in Android 6.0 Marshmallow.

On the latest version of Android, all the steps to convert a MicroSD memory card into an internal one are almost the same, but just in case, I will describe the steps separately and provide screenshots (do not forget that all data from the memory card will be deleted in the process, take care of saving important files) :

This will complete the procedure. All operating features and the method of returning the memory card to operation as a portable storage device remain the same as for previous versions of Android.

Video instruction

Features of the memory card working as internal Android memory

It can be assumed that when a memory card size M is added to Android's internal memory of N, the total available internal memory should become N+M. Moreover, approximately this is also displayed in the information about the device’s storage, but in fact everything works somewhat differently:

As a result, after the moment when the SD memory card began to be used as internal memory, the user does not have access to the “real” internal memory, and if we assume that the device’s own internal memory was larger than MicroSD memory, then the amount of available internal memory after of the described actions will not increase, but decrease.

Formatting a memory card for use as internal storage in ADB

For Android devices where the function is not available, for example, on Samsung Galaxy S7-S9, Galaxy Note, it is possible to format the SD card as internal memory using ADB Shell.

Since this method can potentially lead to problems with the phone (and may not work on every device), I will skip the details on installing ADB, enabling USB debugging and running the command line in the adb folder (If you don’t know how to do this, then , perhaps it’s better not to take it. And if you take it, it’s at your own peril and risk).

The necessary commands themselves will look like this (the memory card must be connected):

adb shell
sm list-disks(as a result of executing this command, pay attention to the issued disk identifier of the form disk:NNN,NN - it will be needed in the next command)
sm partition disk:NNN,NN private

When formatting is complete, exit the adb shell, and on your phone, in the storage options, open the “SD card” item, click on the menu button at the top right and click “Transfer data” (this is required, otherwise the phone’s internal memory will continue to be used). Once the transfer is complete, the process can be considered complete.

Another option for such devices, if you have root access, is to use the Root Essentials application and enable Adoptable Storage in this application (a potentially dangerous operation, do not perform at your own risk on older versions of Android).

How to restore normal functioning of a memory card

If you decide to disconnect the memory card from the internal memory, this is easy to do - transfer all important data from it to the computer, then go to the SD card settings, just like in the first method.

Then, in the memory card actions menu, select “Portable media” and follow the instructions to format the memory card.

With the development of technology, content is becoming more and more voluminous, which leads to a constant lack of free space on our devices. Fortunately, many smartphones have a special slot for a memory card, with which you can significantly increase the amount of free memory on your phone. Some users refuse to purchase SD cards and hope that the internal memory of the device is enough for them. They often make mistakes and still purchase microSD, which is perhaps difficult to do without. As a result, there is a need to move all the data accumulated over months (and possibly years) to a memory card. This is exactly what will be discussed further. In this article, we will take a closer look at how to transfer applications from internal memory to an SD memory card in Android. Let's figure it out. Go.

Let's look at popular utilities

The ability to transfer applications, unfortunately, is not available on all versions of the Android operating system. Therefore, only owners of Android above 2.2 Froyo (inclusive) and below 4.4 KitKat can perform this operation. Also, this cannot be done with every application. It is necessary that the developers provide such an opportunity, otherwise you will not succeed.

Now let's move on directly to how this is done. The first thing you need to do is open “Settings” and go to “Applications”. Select the utility or game you would like to move. If the program is installed in the main memory, you can move it by clicking the “Move to SD card” button. In this way, one by one, transfer each available program.

You must click the corresponding button in the application properties

If there are a lot of applications on your smartphone, this method can be tedious, because you will have to open each utility in turn and add it separately. So, this process can take you the whole day. Fortunately, there are more comfortable ways to solve this problem.

For example, use a special utility called FolderMount. With its help, it will be possible to move even those programs that are not available for transfer in the standard way.

For the application to work correctly, do not forget about root rights

To install and use FolderMount, you must be rooted. Then download and install this utility on your smartphone. Next, you will need to grant the program root rights upon its request. Through the "Application Analyzer" you can see a list of all games and programs that are available for transfer. FolderMount will then prompt you to create a folder on the SD card that matches the internal memory folder. Agree to this action to begin the data movement process. All this may take some time. Depends on the size of the folder being moved. When FolderMount completes the operation, tap on the pin icon located next to the folder. As soon as it turns green, you can close FolderMount, as this indicates that the partition has been mounted.

Continue to follow the instructions

The application cache is a very important component and often takes up even more free space than the program itself. Luckily, the cache can also be moved to a memory card using FolderMount. After launching the application, tap on the “+” icon located at the top right. In the input field, write the name of the game or program whose cache you want to transfer. Then select the cache folder, which you will find along the path “SD/Andoid/obb/utility name”. Next, in the “Destination” section, select the folder on the SD card where the cache will be moved. After filling out all the items, tap on the pin icon, as in the previous case, and wait until it turns green.

Usually the cache size is quite large, so you will need to wait

The undoubted advantage of this utility is that it is available for all versions of Android. In some cases you may need the full version of FolderMount. However, do not rush to get upset, it costs only one dollar. Agree, this is very little money for a comfortable and complete expansion of the memory of your phone.

In addition to FolderMount, there are other programs that allow you to transfer games and utilities from internal memory to microSD. One such program is Link2SD. A very easy to use, convenient utility that also copes with the task well.

The application displays information on the size of programs in the list and card of each of them

Another great software product is AppMgrIII (App 2 SD). It is also free and perfectly solves the problem of data transfer. In addition, using AppMgr you can clear the cache and delete junk files from your smartphone. In AppMgrIII, all programs on your smartphone are divided into groups:

On Phone. Those that are stored in the internal memory and can be transferred to microSD.
On SD Card. Those that are already stored in external memory.
Phone Only. Here are those applications that cannot be moved.

First of all, pay attention to the “Movable” tab (On Phone, Movable) and the cache size

If you want to immediately install games on a memory card, then, unfortunately, this will not work. In any case, the game will be installed on the main memory, and from there it will have to be transferred to the SD card. This function is only available through the Move2SDEnabler utility.

These are the ways to move games and applications from the main memory of a smartphone to external memory. As you can see, this is done quite simply and quickly. Working with microSD is much more convenient and enjoyable, so feel free to copy all your data there. Write in the comments whether this article helped you understand the issue and share your experience of carrying out similar operations with other users.

A phone memory card is the best expansion option for installing and storing files. There are several ways to transfer utilities, music, games and photos to the SD card of Samsung devices and more.

Below I will show you a few methods that I personally use. You can take them into service!

File manager

Use File Explorer or similar from Google Play to gain access to information stored on the Android device.

Find the files you want to move;
Mark the desired objects, go to the menu, select Move;
Specify the future location of the files on the SD card;

You can move the files to an existing folder or create a new one.

Transferring applications to an SD card

Photos and music are copied easily, with applications on Android devices everything is much simpler than it seems:

Open “Settings”, “Applications” section, “Management” item;
Find the software you need (game or program);
See if it's possible to move it to SD;

Samsung and other Android devices allow you to move some applications - if this is allowed, the “To memory card” button will be active. All you have to do is press it, the bulk of the data will be transferred to the SD card, a smaller part will remain in the device’s memory, freeing up space.

Wait until the end, the reverse operation may be performed!

How to transfer cache to memory card on Android?

The cache takes up a lot of space; in some cases it is easier to move its files to a memory card. Download the FolderMount program (does not work without root rights).

Having root will make it possible to use the program:

Click the "+" icon;
Enter the name of the file, in the “Source” field - the location of the cache folder;
Fill out the “Destination” field by entering the address of the SD folder;
Click the checkmark at the top and the pin symbol next to the name;

The pin will turn green once the cache transfer is complete!

Protected Applications

Some applications are protected from being copied to a memory card; it is impossible to transfer them without root rights. You will need to download the free program Link2SD, install, launch and find the necessary software.

Two buttons will appear in front of you: “Actions” and “Transfer to SD card”. Click the second one, confirm the action by clicking “OK”. Confirmation of superuser rights will be required: select “Allow” and wait until the transfer is completed.

In addition to the above-mentioned programs and standard tools for devices running Android, there is a large amount of software that allows you to transfer files to a memory card.

Carefully read the description of such software to find out in more detail the possibility of working without root rights, the range of functions and other features. Store files on a flash drive, freeing up space on the Samsung device itself for optimal performance!

Applications in the Android OS are installed by default in the internal memory section. Therefore, owners of devices with 8/16 GB drives often face a lack of free space on their Android device, which can be solved by transferring applications to an SD memory card. If you do not do this, you will lose the ability to install programs on your smartphone or tablet; you will not be able to download data from the Internet or receive a file via bluetooth/NFC/Wi-Fi. Because for these purposes, internal memory is used by default.

In order to continue to fully use your smartphone or tablet, you need to transfer massive applications to an external memory section. How to transfer applications from internal memory to an SD card on Android, read on.

Preface

Applications consist of two main components - the program itself and the cache. The latter is an additional file for correct operation, not to be confused with temporary data. More often, this approach is used in games where developers place graphics or additional content with a volume of 15-100 MB and up to 2-3 GB. Whereas in most programs, due to its small size, separating the cache into an additional file does not make sense.

Early versions of Android allow you to transfer the cache to a memory card. It is worth mentioning that this function must be supported by the OS, for which the manufacturer and developer are responsible and must enable portability in the application. Otherwise, you cannot do without ROOT rights.

Standard method

Android devices up to 4.0 and some models with version 4.2 and higher allow you to move applications and/or cache through the settings menu. To do this, you need to open the device settings, the “applications” item and select the desired program. After information about the occupied memory space, there is a “move to SD card” button. Don't be confused by the different name.

Main advantages:

Simplicity. No ROOT rights required.

Main disadvantages:

Moving applications to an SD card is not available on all devices.
You cannot migrate an application if the feature is not implemented by the developer and manufacturer.

Third Party Applications

If the standard method does not work or is not convenient, it is recommended to try third-party programs as an alternative: AppMgr III (App 2 SD), Link2SD or Folder Mount. The listed utilities allow you to identify roaming applications, view detailed information about occupied space, etc.

AppMgr III (App2SD)

A simple and not overloaded application for transferring programs to a memory card, viewing free space, clearing temporary cache, etc. To move an application:

Open the hidden panel by clicking on the 3 bars at the top left of the screen.
Select "Move applications".
On the “Movable” tab, mark the program.
Confirm the move in a new window.

If you grant AppMgr III ROOT rights, the program's capabilities will expand, allowing you to transfer previously unavailable applications.

Main advantages:

Information content.
Additional functions: freezing programs, quickly clearing temporary cache, etc.
It is not necessary to have ROOT rights.

Main disadvantages:

On devices where app transfer is blocked at the system level, roaming is not supported.
Additional features are not available without ROOT rights.
Some features are hidden in the free version of the program.

Link2SD

A more functional utility that supports transferring applications to a MicroSD card in three different ways:

Link

The application, including system and all associated files, are transferred to a previously created 2nd partition on the MicroSD card. At the same time, a link is created so that the system continues to “consider” the moved application installed in the internal memory section. ROOT required.

External Data Folder Link

The method is similar to the previous one, but creating an additional partition on the MicroSD card is not necessary. This is the best option if you need to transfer a large cache of a game or program. The instructions are simple and consist only of confirming the actions:

You need to select the application and click on the “send” button.
Select which data needs to be moved.
In a new window, select a section if the map is divided into two or more parts.
Wait until the procedure is completed.

Transfer to MicroSD card (App2SD)

The method is similar to that described for AppMgr III. Allows you to transfer applications and cache. ROOT is not required.

Main advantages:

Information content.
Wide range of options for transferring cache and applications.
It is not necessary to have ROOT rights for the App2SD method.

Main disadvantages:

Moving does not work on devices where the function is blocked at the system level.
ROOT is required for full operation.
Most features are not available in the free version of the program.

Folder Mount

The utility allows you to transfer folders with application data, leaving links for the system to maintain correct operation. To move you need:

Launch Folder Mount and create a pair. To do this, click on the “+” button on top, or in a hidden window on the left, which opens at the click of a button in the form of three stripes.
Set parameters. The name is used to understand which application was transferred. Source – the folder that needs to be moved. Destination – Folder for the final location.
Click the checkmark icon at the top.
In the window that appears, make a choice: “yes” - the final folder will be created automatically, “no” - select the final folder manually.
Wait until the files are transferred.

Main advantages:

Easy to transfer applications.

Main disadvantages:

Requires ROOT for full operation.

How to transfer applications to a memory card using Adoptable storage

The function is available on all devices starting from Android 6.0. The principle of operation is to create a single data array from internal and external storage. After activating Adoptable storage, by default applications are installed on the internal disk, after which they are transferred in the “Standard Method” described at the beginning of the article to an external area - MicroSD. The Adoptable storage method does not require ROOT rights, but requires preliminary formatting of the memory card, which will erase all existing information.

Instructions for activating Adoptable storage:

Insert a MicroSD card and wait for a suggestion about how to use it in the notification bar. The gear icon will allow you to customize the map.
In the new window, select “Internal memory” and click “next”.
Confirm the action and click on the “clean and format” button. Please note that all data on the MicroSD will be deleted.
Wait until formatting is complete.
The system will offer to transfer some of the data to an external drive to free up space on the internal drive. It is not necessary to transfer files immediately.
After that, go to settings, then applications. Select the program and select “storage” in the new window. The “change” button will allow you to move the application to an external area of the shared disk.

Important! To use Adoptable storage, it is recommended to use a memory card with a high data transfer speed, at least class 10. Otherwise, the performance of the device will decrease.

Main advantages:

Simplicity of the method.
ROOT rights are not required.

Main disadvantages:

MicroSD data is encrypted, which prevents the card from being used in other devices. If the device fails, you will not be able to retrieve photos from the memory card.
Only devices running Android 6.0 and higher are supported.
For efficient operation, a MicroSD card with high data transfer speed is required.

Conclusion

If there is not enough internal space, and you are wondering: how to transfer applications to a memory card on Android, one of the methods described above will definitely help. The easiest one is to check the movement using the App2SD method in the settings. Owners of devices with a modern version of Android, 6.0 and higher, have access to the Adoptable storage method. Otherwise, you will need ROOT rights to move the entire application or just a folder with massive data, which Folder Mount and Link2SD can do.

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