How to use SD card as internal storage

Last Updated on April 10, 2022 by Rick Darlinton

It is unknown to many phone users on how to use SD card as internal storage if their device storage is not enough to contain files. There are times whereby your phone’s internal storage is not enough to accommodate your files and data, which leaves you with the option of an SD Card. In this case, it is essential to know how to use SD card as internal storage to have more space to store files. While many think an SD card is a second option, it can become a first option to receive and download music, games, videos, and many more.

If you do not know how to use SD card as internal storage, you can do it in your phone settings following some steps. Nevertheless, you need to know that using SD card as internal storage comes with its disadvantages, and this is because not all app or files are programmed to work on an SD card. Below is the process and steps for in-depth knowledge on how to use your SD card as internal storage.

You need an SD Card with Lots of Space

Using an SD card involves transferring your phone’s overall activities from the internal storage to the SD card. Therefore, you must use an SD card with enough storage beginning from 32GB, and it is because mobile devices such as Android, Samsung, and iPhone tend to accumulate cache and data. As they gather more, your memory card gets filled, and if it is not spacious enough, your phone processing speed begins to slow down.

Nevertheless, how to set SD card as internal storage on Android differs from that of Samsung, and it’s the same for iPhone. Therefore, below is the breakdown of how to use SD card as internal storage on each phone brand:

For Android Phone:

Among every phone brand, using an SD card as internal storage is the easiest, and that is because of how Android phones are programmed to work. However, it is essential to note that some Android phones do not support this method, and to be able to do this, and your phone must be Android 6.0 version. If you have storage warnings frequently on your phone, below is the breakdown of how to use memory card as internal storage on your Android:

After you have inserted a functioning SD card into your phone, your phone will automatically detect and notify you of a new memory card. Go to Settings in your phone menu and locate Storage, where you will see three options: RAMInternal Shared Storage, and Memory Card.

Click on the Memory Card to begin the settings, tap the menu button on the right side of your phone’s screen, and then select Format as internal. However, Android phones are programmed differently, and some phones may be Internal Option under the Storage, go ahead to select. However, if the phone notifies you of the incompetency of the SD card due to insufficient storage, and you still decide to proceed, you must be patient for the whole process to finish. However, for easy understanding, below is the breakdown:

  • Insert an SD card into your phone, and a new one is advisable
  • Go to Settings on your phone menu
  • Scroll to locate Storage and select it; you will see RAM, ROM or Internal Shared Storage, and Memory Card.
  • Tap on the Memory Card and then click on the menu option in the form of three vertical dots where you will be presented with options.
  • Click on Format as Internalor Format depending on what is programmed on your phone.
  • The phone will then format your SD Card and wipe off pre-existing files and data. If the documents are essential, it is advisable to back them up before starting the internal storage process for SD Card.
  • Tap on the Format option and wait for the process to finish.
  • Once the formatting is done, proceed to move your apps and file by clicking on Move Now.
  • Finally, tap the Done option, and everything is done.

How to set SD Card as Internal Storage on Samsung Device

For Samsung devices, it requires software settings to allow the SD card to function as internal storage. Unlike other Android devices, where the process is smooth, it is a different process for Samsung devices. Some Samsung phones already have enough space to contain extensive data and files. Nevertheless, you can always divert your files to the SD card. Below is the explanation:

  • For Samsung devices, you may not need to navigate to Settings in your phone menu:
  • The process can start from the Home screen by clicking on Apps.
  • Select the option “My Files,” and then tap on Device Storage and then select the files you wish to move to the SD card.
  • If you wish to move more files, select them, click on More, and tap Move.
  • Select the SD Card, proceed to select Move to, and wait for the process to finish.

NB: Please note that you can also copy and paste each file until you are satisfied. However, you can use the first step for Android phones on your Samsung, depending on the brand you are using.

Things to Note about SD Card as Internal Storage

While an SD card can take over from your ROM as internal storage, always remember to back it up because an SD card can get spoilt without notice. The things you download online may have hidden malware, and it can harm the SD card. Therefore, you might be cautious of the online platform you visit, and if you want to download apps, it is advisable to do it on Google Play Store. Follow the procedures above on how to use SD card as internal storage and you won’t have to worry anymore about low storage. However, endeavor to use SD card with enough space.

Conclusion

From the following explained, how to use a memory card as internal storage is not something difficult. Instead, you only need to know how to set SD card as internal storage, and your files and data will automatically download into the disk. However, please note that not all devices permit the setting. Endeavor to check your phone version before going ahead to try the settings.

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