How to transfer applications to a memory card android 4.4.2. How to transfer applications to an SD card: using special programs and built-in tools
If your smartphone notifies you that there is insufficient free space, an additional memory card will not always solve this problem. This article will discuss in detail the question of how to easily copy files from Android to a memory card. It is necessary to distinguish between internal memory and memory provided by a flash card. These are different storage facilities and each of them requires proper work.
First, you should learn how to copy documents and files from internal memory to an SD card.
Initial steps for copying
For this manipulation, you will need to go to any existing explorer, but if the smartphone does not have a built-in program for these purposes, then the best solution is ES Explorer. They are publicly available free of charge. An example of how to copy files from Android to a memory card will be analyzed in .- It should be noted that the SD Card is the memory in the device itself. This happens if the device memory is divided into application and system sections.
- External SD is the flash card itself, which is inserted into a special slot on the smartphone.
With all of the above devices, you can quickly and easily carry out manipulations to copy, transfer and delete material.
In general, this operation is no different from how it is carried out on a regular computer.
Execution steps
![](https://i2.wp.com/top-androids.ru/uploads/posts/2018-03/1519905520_2.jpg)
For those who like to play (working with cache)
Many users know that all downloaded utilities are installed on the smartphone’s internal storage as standard. And it happens that a downloaded game can take up all the space in memory, which will not allow you to additionally download any application. Such games carry with them an additional cache (the main folder with download files) and most often this folder takes up a lot of space. Knowing how easy it is to copy files from Android to a memory card, you can copy the cache to a flash card, the game will remain functional, and there will be much more space on your smartphone.Instructions
Using the example of the game "Shadow Fight 2".- Go to the SD drive and highlight the Android folder.
- The entire game cache is stored in directories called Data And Obb.
- Cut the "Shadow Fight 2" catalog from the section called SD Card/ Android / Data and move this content to a section called External SD / Android / Data.
- The Shadow Fight 2 folders from the section are subject to exactly the same manipulation SD Card / Android / Obb, which also need to be transferred to External SD / Android / Obb.
One of the main advantages of the ES Explorer application is that all application and game icons are shown in the section that is responsible for its operation.
Saving photos
If you want camera pictures to be automatically saved to the SD card, this can be adjusted through the camera settings:- Switch to shooting mode.
- Go to “Camera Settings”.
- Select the “Memory” section.
- Check the “SD Card” storage mode so that all pictures taken are saved in this section.
The problem that affects many devices is that over time they lose speed. You may have noticed that newer devices are more powerful, but backlogs of apps, files, and updates are consuming system resources, resulting in slower performance.
Moving from device memory to SD card
With proper maintenance and the right equipment, you can maintain optimal performance on your Android smartphone or tablet, as long as it has at least version 4.0 of OS and a microSD card slot.
Use external drives to free up storage space. High quality SD cards can be found at reasonable prices. But you should check the maximum microSD card capacity your device supports before making a purchase. Increasing the available storage space can be achieved in the following ways:
- Move files to SD card;
- Move applications to SD card;
- Change the camera's default storage to SD card.
Basically, there is no set rule about how much internal memory of a mobile device should remain free for normal operation. But the rule “more is better” applies here.
Another benefit of storing files (especially music, videos and photos) on external storage is the ability to quickly transfer them to another smartphone or tablet. This can also come in handy when you want to backup your files when resetting your device to factory settings.
Moving files to an SD card
First, let's look at how you can transfer files and folders from the device's memory to an external card:
- Open the file manager on your Android device.
- Select local storage. It may be called “device memory”, “internal memory” or something similar.
- Find the files or folders you want to move. Tip: Camera images are usually found in the DCIM folder.
- Click the Menu icon to display a drop-down list of actions.
- Click Select or Select All from the action drop-down list. You should then see empty checkboxes next to the files, and the one empty checkbox at the top is usually labeled "Select All" or "0". If you don't see these checkboxes, long-press on a file or folder to display the checkboxes.
- Click empty checkboxes , to select individual files or folders you want to move, or click Select All at the top of the window.
- Click the Menu icon again to display a drop-down list of actions.
- Select Move.
- Browse to the desired destination folder on your external SD card, or click "Create Folder" to create and name a destination folder.
- Select a destination folder.
- Select Move Here.
Wait until your device finishes moving files and folders. Repeat these steps until you have moved all the desired files and folders from your device's internal storage to the SD card.
Transferring apps to an SD card
The average mobile app doesn't require a lot of memory, but after you've installed dozens of them, you need to do something. In addition, many popular applications require additional storage space and cache space.
Android OS allows you to move apps to and from the SD card. However, not every application can be stored on an external drive - pre-installed and system applications remain in the device's memory.
- Go to your device settings.
- Select Application Manager (or simply Applications) to see an alphabetical list of all the applications on your device.
- Select the application you want to move. You will be presented with the details of the application and what you can do with it.
- Click the "Move to SD Card" button. If this button is grayed out and does nothing when you click on it, the application cannot be moved. If the button is called “Move to device memory” (or something similar), the application is already on the SD card.
- You may need to click on Storage to open a list of actions, including Edit. If the “Edit” button is missing, the application cannot be moved.
- Click the Change button to view the storage options: Internal storage and SD card.
- Select your SD card and follow the prompts that appear.
Wait until your device finishes moving the app. Repeat these steps until you have moved all the apps you want from your device's internal storage to the SD card.
Default camera storage
You probably take a lot of photos with your smartphone, and you don't want to have to move photos and videos to an external drive every time. Solution? Change the camera's default storage. Do this once, and all the photos and videos you take will be saved in the DCIM folder on your SD card.
Most, but not all camera apps offer this option. If yours does not have such an option, you can from the Google Play store.
- Turn on the camera on your device.
- Click on the menu icon (usually a gear) to access camera settings.
- Select "Storage Location".
- Select SD card. It may also be called “External storage”, “Memory card” and so on.
Now you can take pictures knowing that they will all be saved to the SD card.
Transfer files to long-term storage
Eventually, the SD card may also become full. In such a case, you can move files from SD card to laptop or desktop using a card reader. From there, you can move the files to an external hard drive or upload them to an online storage site (like Dropbox or Google Drive).
An error message indicating that there is not enough space in the memory of your smartphone comes at the most unexpected moment. For many owners, this message brought a lot of trouble.
Where does the space go?
Given that many applications update automatically, we are not always able to control the amount of memory used. Most of the space is occupied by games, graphic applications, and cards. Space is occupied not only by the game distribution itself, its program files, but also by databases and other resources saved in the cache. By installing more and more games, applications and programs, you run the risk of running out of space.
How to move applications to a memory card?
You can always find a way out. There are several options for how to move applications to a memory card. Android up to 2.2 does not have the function of transferring an application to a memory card. It requires a special approach. Also on Android 4.4 Kit Kat, manufacturers have closed the application transfer function for security reasons. In other versions the instructions are simple.
To transfer, open settings. Find the “Applications” section. On the SD card tab you will find all applications that support movement. Now you need to select those programs that you really want to move. If an application is checked, it is currently running and system files cannot be moved. Before you move applications to the memory card, you must disable them. Let's make sure the right choice is made. Click on the program name. Information about it will open. The location and amount of space taken up is indicated here. To complete the operation, all you have to do is click on the “Move to SD card” button and wait for the operation to complete.
The action also has the opposite effect. Not all programs are completely portable. A small part of the system files still remains in the phone's memory.
AppMgr3 application
The AppMgr III program is designed to help users. With its help, you can easily move applications to a CD card and back. Previously, this program could be found under the name App 2 SD. The utility has additional useful functions. With its help you can:
- Hide the application icon from the general menu.
- Set up a notification when application installation is complete.
- Fast
In the program interface, sorting is done in the form of convenient tabs. Even a beginner can figure it out. The AppMgr program is also convenient to use because it automatically divides all applications into three types:
- On phone - are in the phone’s memory, but support transfer.
- On SD card - already moved to the SD card.
- Phone only - applications that do not support transfer.
Thanks to this property, it is easy to estimate the amount of information before moving applications to the memory card. Android also supports other programs that perform a similar task. The utility works great on tablets. The downside is that some smartphone models require the latest operating system firmware. Check before transferring applications to the memory card; Android 4.2 (and higher) may already be installed. If not, update your operating system.
Cache Moving Application
FolderMount helps move the application cache to a memory card. The fact is that cached files take up perhaps the largest space in the smartphone’s memory. When transferred in the usual way, they remain. If you completely delete the cache, you may lose a number of settings and passwords. But there is a way out. The folder with cached files can be moved to a memory card.
Using FolderMount is quite simple. It works under Root user rights. To move Cache files, run FolderMount. In the “Name” line, select the name of the application. In the “Source” term, specify the folder with the cache files, the path will look like this: Android/obb/ “your folder with the application name”/. In the “Destination” item, specify the folder on the SD card to which the cache should be moved. To transfer, click the check mark icon in the upper right corner. When it turns green, the transfer is complete.
Link2SD app
A simple, colorful application with a user-friendly interface. Useful functions of the program:
- Moves any selected applications to the memory card.
- The application can remove, freeze and unfreeze system and user applications.
- The program is capable of converting system applications into user ones and vice versa.
- Link2SD can delete data and application cache, sort, search and filter existing programs.
Root rights are required to use. Make sure before you move applications to the memory card - "Android" is higher than version 2.1? It is noteworthy that the movement, as well as the reverse action, is performed by pressing one button. Launch the program. Find the application and select it from the list. Go to the App info tab. To move the application to the memory card, click the “Link to SD card” button. To return "Remove Link".
How can I move more apps?
Not all programs can be moved. There is a little trick. It is available for users who are confident in their abilities. An example would be the HTC smartphone. Try it and see for yourself. Before moving applications to the memory card, install the SDK program on your computer. Then connect your smartphone to it via a USB cable.
- In the directory where the SDK program is installed, find the adb file and copy its path.
- We go to the command line and write the copied path, adding the command: C:\android-sdk-windows\platform-tools\ adb shell.
- Press “Enter”, after which the $ sign should appear on the next line.
- Again we write: pm SetInstallLocation 2, press “Enter”.
- If $ appears in the line, then everything is fine.
Close, turn off the phone, go to “Applications”. You can see that there are now many more programs available to move around.
Moving applications on Android version below 2.1
Although the operating system itself does not support the transfer action, there is a way to work around this condition. Please check to see if your device already has special firmware installed. If this is not the case, it is still possible to transfer applications to the memory card. To do this, you will need to connect your mobile device to your computer via a USB cable.
The method is available for advanced users. For those who are just starting to master the use of a smartphone, it is better to take the help of a specialist. Rule for all users and all programs without exception: make backups of your applications! This will help save data in case of an error.
Having connected the mobile device to the computer, we will prepare the SD card for transfer. We launch the MiniTool Partition Wizard application, which will help us break it into sections. It is important that the map does not contain any relevant information. Copy all data from it to your computer. We are going to delete existing sections, and at the same time all the information on them. To be sure, you can format the card. After it is clean, we proceed to create the necessary sections:
- Primary FAT32 section - leave plenty of space, because all user data will be stored here.
- Primary ext2 - section for our applications.
Only now can you move applications. We recommend using the Link2SD utility. Download the program. After installation, reboot. Install when prompted by selecting ext2. Launch the utility and begin the transfer according to the instructions.
If you don't have Root rights?
Some manufacturers install their own firmware. Although you can always check the instructions for your device on how to move applications to a memory card, most often you cannot use Root rights on these smartphones. This is done for security, on the one hand, and on the other, to impose paid programs. Let's face it - not everyone thinks this is a fair decision. The question arises: “How can I move applications to a memory card without the appropriate system permission?”
Reinstall the operating system completely. Manufacturer settings that cannot be changed will be erased. Download the distribution from the official website. Reinstallation will not cost anything, but will take a lot of time. You will need to use a desktop computer. All programs will have to be configured again. This option is for advanced users.
Bypass restrictions. How to move applications to a memory card.
Lenovo a516 is a popular budget smartphone. The memory capacity is small - 4 GB. This is with a fairly fast processor and a bright screen. Of course, owners are tempted to fill the phone's memory to capacity with games. The problem is that the Lenovo launcher is installed on top of the operating system. This will make some settings unavailable. Many people point out the impossibility of moving an application to a memory card in one click. Indeed, given its small size, this is a significant drawback. To help the owners of a wonderful smartphone, several ways have been invented to move applications to a memory card. Lenovo has put in good protection, but there is a chance to bypass the restriction.
You can use one of the applications, but they all work under Root rights. Despite this, there is a transfer method. You will have to worry about installing the additional Framaroot application. Download it and place it on your SD memory card. Install the application. After launch, you will be offered a choice of rights. SuperSU and SuperUser rights will have Root access. Select one of the already created users and wait for the notification about installing Root rights. Restart your smartphone. Make sure SuperSu is in the list of applications. If everything worked out, then you will be able to perform previously unavailable actions, for example, move applications to a memory card. Android will allow you to do this.
Owners of mobile gadgets with insufficient internal memory are forced to move them to an SD card when installing utilities. For beginners, this procedure can cause some difficulties. Therefore, we will further describe how to transfer an application to an external storage device in the standard way, as well as which programs from Google Play can simplify and automate this procedure.
Android has standard tools to transfer installed utilities to an external drive. True, this is only available for those applications in which the described feature was provided by the developers. Moreover, only individual files are moved, and a certain amount of data still remains in the memory of the Android gadget. We will describe below how to transfer applications to a memory card:
If the corresponding element is not active, then this action is not provided for this program. Please also note that on some Chinese devices, in this way, files are transferred not to an external drive, but to the other half of the internal memory intended for multimedia.
Using the AppMgr III utility
You can transfer applications to an SD card using AppMgr III as described below:
![](https://i1.wp.com/poandroidam.ru/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/kak-perenesti-prilozheniya-3.png)
Next, a standard manager window will open, where in the usual way, after tapping on the “Move to SD card” button, the corresponding action will be performed. Thus, AppMgr III acts only as an intermediary between the user and the system, facilitating the search for utilities that can migrate to an external drive.
AppMgr III also has another useful function. The fact is that some applications lose some of their functionality after sending files to an external card:
- Widgets may stop working;
- Utilities that schedule certain actions after a system reboot do not receive notification from the system that the download is complete, which is why further work may be incorrect;
- Accounts created by the program stop working until the files are moved back to the internal memory.
Such utilities can be moved to an external drive, but their icon will show a crossed out card.
When performing this action, AppMgr III will first display a window that describes the functionality that is lost after migrating files.
In addition to the described functions, it is possible to hide unnecessary standard applications installed by the manufacturer, clear the cache, delete and move selected utilities in batch mode. It is important that if the described function is not provided by the device manufacturer, then AppMgr III will not be able to transfer any application to the memory card, since it uses standard methods for this.
Working with FolderMount on rooted devices
If you own a rooted device, it will be useful to take advantage of the features provided by FolderMount. With its help, you can significantly relieve internal memory by rewriting the entire cache to external media. Consequently, the program works with all games that clog up the gadget’s internal memory the most.
Let's describe how to transfer applications to an Android memory card:
![](https://i1.wp.com/poandroidam.ru/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/kak-perenesti-prilozheniya-5.png)
Note that the functionality of the applications does not change, and the large cache can be rewritten not only to SD, but also to any other external drive, including a flash drive and even HDD.
Moving a program to an external drive using Link2SD
Here you will also need root rights. Additionally, you will have to work with the flash drive, namely create a second primary partition for it. The first one must be formatted in FAT32, the second in ext2, ext3 or ext4. If you mix up the sequence, the computer will no longer be able to detect the flash drive.
Each transferred file will be stored in the second partition, and the first, as usual, will be reserved by the system for user data. You can create an additional partition on the drive through a computer, using, for example, MiniTool Partition Wizard, Paragon and other tools for partitioning disks. Upon completion of preparation:
![](https://i1.wp.com/poandroidam.ru/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/7.jpg)
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. Let's 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 storage 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.