How to Move Apps to SD Card on Android: Solutions and Tips
The internal storage of my device is nearly full but my SD card has around 22 GB left. While trying to move an app into the SD card, I keep getting the message “not enough space.” This is a common issue faced by many Android users. Let’s dive into the reasons behind it and effective solutions.
Reasons for the Issue
When you encounter the ‘not enough space’ message while trying to move an app to the SD card, there are several possible reasons. Let’s explore each of them in detail.
App Restrictions
Not all apps can be moved to an SD card due to restrictions set by the app developers. System apps and some third-party apps may not support this feature. Additionally, the app settings may not allow moving to the SD card.
File System Format
Ensure that your SD card is formatted as exFAT or FAT32. If it's formatted in a different file system like NTFS, it may not work properly with your device.
Insufficient Space on Internal Storage
Even if the SD card has space, your device may require additional space on the internal storage to perform the transfer. This is a common issue on devices that need to cache the app data temporarily during the move.
Corrupted SD Card
The SD card could be corrupted or malfunctioning, leading to issues when trying to move apps. Running a check on the SD card might reveal potential problems.
Device Settings
Some devices have settings that limit the amount of data that can be moved to an SD card. You need to ensure that these settings are configured correctly.
Solutions
Clear Internal Storage
One of the simplest solutions is to clear up some space on your internal storage by deleting unnecessary files or apps. This can help free up the required space for the transfer.
Check App Settings
Go to Settings Apps select the app you want to move. Check if there is an option to format the SD card. This can ensure that the SD card is functioning properly and is suitable for moving the app.
To format the SD card, go to Settings Storage SD Card Format. The exact path may vary by device.
Use Third-Party Apps
If the built-in features do not suffice, you can use third-party apps to manage app storage. These apps can help move apps to the SD card more effectively and keep track of which apps are using the most space.
Reboot Your Device
Sometimes, simply restarting your device can resolve temporary glitches that might be causing the ‘not enough space’ message.
Check for Updates
Ensure your device's operating system is up to date. Updates can sometimes resolve storage issues and improve the overall performance of the device.
After Android 6, you can no longer move the entire app to an SD card fully. The main parts of an app stay on your internal storage, but the user data and cache can be moved to an external storage like an SD card. The SD card storage is great for things like pictures and video storage, not for apps as it can not read and write as fast as the internal storage.
If you continue to experience issues after trying these solutions, it may be worth consulting the device's user manual or support resources for specific guidance related to your model.