Move apps to sd card lg k51

If you wish to save space in your phone’s internal memory, moving apps to the SD card is an excellent way to free some space. You can move apps to the SD card by going to Settings > Applications, selecting the application, then tapping the “Move to SD card” button. You may notice that for some apps, this option is grayed out though. Why is that?

Reason 1. Developer Choice

Developers of Android apps need to explicitly make their apps available to move to the SD card using the “android:installLocation” attribute in the <manifest> element of their app. If they don’t, the option to “Move to SD card” is grayed out. Why would many developers not enable this button? Well, Android apps cannot run from the SD card while the card is mounted. So if the app handles something like an alarm to remind you of your dentist appointment, that’s pretty important, and the app would not be able to sound the alarm if you happen to have your device connected to your PC. So the developer may choose to lock the “Move to SD card” capability down so they never get an angry email from somebody claiming the app doesn’t work.

Reason 2. Widget Support

Widget support is another big reason apps may be prevented from running on the SD card. If an app is installed on the SD card, the widgets from that app become unavailable to select in certain versions of Android once the device is mounted. The device must be restarted for the widgets from the app to show up as an option again.

Reason 3. Syncing, Service, or Account Interface

If the app handles a certain type of background syncing, runs as a service, or utilizes an account, the app will not fully function from an SD card while it is mounted. Therefore, the option to move it to the SD Card is disabled. You can read more about this issue and how apps run from SD cards on the Android Developers – App Install Location page.

FAQ

How do I make apps download directly to the SD Card?

You will need to have root access on your device, then set your home directory to the SD card using the Android SDK Tools. There used to be a way to enable the option on older versions of Android without root access. But now you must have root access on newer Android versions to be able to set the home directory.

What apps can I move?

Look at moving any gaming apps to the SD card. Games typically don’t have to run in the background or handle any important tasks on the device throughout your day. They also typically take up the most space, making them perfect candidates for an SD card install.

Now you know why the “Move to SD card” button is grayed out for many of your Android apps. Still have questions? Comments? Leave one in the comments section below.

How do I enable the “Move to SD Card” option on any app?

There used to be a way for non-rooted users to enable the “Move to SD card” option. This is no longer the case. You will need to gain root access to your device to be able to move any app to the SD card.. If you’re not sure how to do this, you may want to have a look over at XDA Developers for suggestions.

Are you running out of memory? In this guide, you’ll learn how to move apps to your SD card so you can free up storage and get the most from your storage space.

Managing storage space has become easier with the help of cloud services, streaming, and smartphones getting more internal memory. Regardless, it’s often a matter of time before you find yourself looking around for apps to delete so you can make space for more files and apps. Many of you may own budget devices, which usually make sacrifices in the storage department. You might also enjoy games, and these apps are known to use up a significant amount of storage.

The good news is that if your device comes with expandable storage, you’ll be able to move apps to an SD card. Additionally, you can turn your microSD card into internal storage. This will effectively make it possible to move apps to your SD card and all other data you may have on your phone. We’ll show you how to do both.

QUICK ANSWER

You can move apps to SD by going to Settings > Apps and selecting the app you want to move. Then go into the Storage section. Go into Storage used, tap Change, select the SD card, and then hit Move.

JUMP TO KEY SECTIONS

Things to know before moving forward

Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

There are some things to keep in mind before moving forward. While the ability to move apps to an SD card used to be pretty widespread, it’s become less common in later years. For starters, the list of devices that even support SD cards is getting shorter. Most of them are mid-range or budget phones. And even if your device has an SD card, it might not support moving apps to an SD card. Furthermore, app developers have to enable this feature. Very few do nowadays.

We should also mention that some phones also can turn your external storage into internal storage. This also has its downsides. The main ones are that the phone will require using the SD card at all times, and it can’t be transferred to another phone unless formatted. We’ll talk more about this method and its consequences in the latter section of this guide.

How to move apps to an SD card on Android

The good news is that it’s effortless to move apps to an SD card on Android. Just keep in mind some apps don’t allow this feature. Manufacturers might also remove this capability.

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Go into Apps.
3. Access the app you want to move to the SD card.
4. Select Storage.
5. If the app supports the feature, you will see an option called Storage used. To change where the app is stored, tap the Change button right under.
6. Select the SD card.
7. Tap on Move.
8. The phone will transfer the files.

This process is reversible, so if you should decide you want the app back on your internal storage, you can move it again using the same process.

More tips: How to free up storage space on Android

Use an SD card as internal storage

Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

If the previous method isn’t good enough or isn’t supported by your app/manufacturer, there’s still another way to move apps to microSD on Android. It might be a more convenient option. You can make Android treat your SD card as internal storage. This will make everything much more convenient, as you no longer have to worry about where to put apps and files. Your internal storage and SD card will turn into one conglomerate.

Turning your microSD card into internal storage has its downsides. Once you turn an SD card into a phone’s internal storage, you will only be able to use that storage unit with that specific phone (unless you format it again). Furthermore, the phone will only work when said microSD card is inserted. Removing it will trigger a factory data reset.

Aside from turning your phone and SD card into slaves to each other, you might also have to worry about performance. SD cards can be slow. Make sure you get one that’s fast enough to keep performance healthy on your Android device. Lastly, not every phone supports this feature, even if it has expandable storage.

Adopt an SD card the easy way

1. Insert the microSD card into the phone.
2. If the device supports it, a notification will ask you how you want to use it.
3. Choose to adopt external storage. This will format and encrypt the microSD card.

How to adopt an SD card from the settings

1. Put the microSD card in your Android phone.
2. Open the Settings app.
3. Select Storage.
4. Tap on the SD card you inserted.
5. Hit the menu button and select Storage settings.
6. Choose Format as internal.
7. Hit Erase and format.
8. Hit OK.
9. Migrate your data (or choose to do so later).

Joe Hindy / Android Authority

If you’re having no luck with the native ways to move apps to SD cards, you might want to try one more thing — using a third-party app. There are plenty of them on the Google Play store. A very popular one is AppMgr III, previously known as App 2 SD.

Just remember these won’t work with all apps either. These apps are great options for when phones have stopped supporting the feature, and your apps still do.

Can you move any app to SD?

No. The developer has to support this feature. Additionally, the phone has to support this capability and have an SD card slot, which is rare nowadays.

Can I remove an SD card if I adopt it as internal storage?

Removing an SD card that has been adopted as internal storage will trigger a factory reset. This is because the system has integrated it with the actual internal storage and considers them one. The SD card needs to stay in your phone until formatted again.

Can I use any SD card?

Technically, you should be able to, but keep in mind that a slower SD card will also slow down your apps. It would be best to consider going for at least a Class 10 UHS-1 SD card. Or one as fast as your phone supports.

How commonly do phones support moving apps to SD?

It is now a very rare feature. Even older phones that have been upgraded to more recent Android versions have begun to lose these capabilities.

How do I move apps to my SD card on LG?

How do I move apps on my LG K51?

Why can't I move apps to SD card anymore?

How do I make my SD card my primary storage on LG?