Introduction

Managing storage space on your Android device can be frustrating, especially when none of your apps allow the option to move them to the SD card. Here, we explore various methods to help you reclaim valuable space.

Force Allow Apps on External Storage

One solution lies in enabling the “Force allow apps on external” option, which appears when you enable developer mode. This can be particularly helpful for third-party apps, though it won't affect built-in apps.

Go to your settings. Head to system information. Locate the ‘build’ section and tap it seven times. Scroll down to find and enable ‘Developer options’. Navigate to developer options, where you will find “Force allow apps on external.” Turn this option on. Now, go to your apps and select the one you wish to move to the SD card. In the storage section, you should find the option to change the storage location.

Tips: Ensure your apps are compatible with external storage to avoid any compatibility issues.

Delete Dumpstate/Logcat to Clear Unnecessary Data

If your device appears full yet you have very little space, clearing temporary data and logs can help. This method involves manually deleting unneeded files without the risk of losing your important data.

Go to your phone icon and pretend you are dialing a number. Type 9900 on your phone’s keypad. Select “Delete Dumpstate/Logcat” from the list. Confirm by clicking “OK.”

This process may affect performance due to slower read/write speeds on SD cards compared to internal storage. Use this method cautiously.

Format SD Card as Internal Storage

For an alternative approach, consider formatting your SD card as internal storage, which can temporarily extend your usage. However, be aware that this action encrypts your SD card, making it unreadable on other devices and erasing all existing data.

Go to your settings and select ‘Storage’. Tap on your SD card. Access the three-dot menu at the top right. Select ‘Storage settings’ and then ‘Format as internal’. Navigate through any screens and confirm the action.

Warning: This process is irreversible. Existing data on your SD card will be lost, and your card will be encrypted, rendering it unable to be read by other devices.

Conclusion

With these methods, you can efficiently manage your Android device’s storage space, ensuring optimal performance and usage. Always back up your data before attempting any changes to your storage settings, and proceed with caution to avoid data loss.