This wikiHow teaches you how to install an app or save a file directly to an Android device's SD card.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Android 7.0 (Nougat)
Step 1. Launch the Device Settings app
It has a gear icon (
) located in the "Applications" panel.
- As with Android 6.0 (Marshmallow), you can configure the SD card installed in the device as part of the internal memory. In this way you have the possibility to install the apps downloaded from the Play Store directly on the SD card.
- This procedure involves fully formatting the memory card.
- In this scenario, you will no longer be able to remove the SD card from your Android device to use it for other purposes, unless you format it again and lose all of its contents.
Step 2. Scroll down the menu that appeared to be able to select the Storage item
Step 3. Select the SD card
It has a label similar to "External Memory" or "SD Card".
Step 4. Press the ⁝ button
It is located in the upper right corner of the screen.
Step 5. Select the Change Storage Type option
In some cases it may be referred to as "Storage Settings".
Step 6. Select the Use as internal storage option
Step 7. Select one of the options shown and press the Next button
Some devices allow you to choose between 2 storage options:
- If you want apps to store their data (e.g. cache) on the SD card along with other applications, choose the option Use as internal storage for apps and data.
- If you want the SD card to be used only for installing apps, select the item Use as internal storage for apps only.
Step 8. Hit the Erase and Format button
All data on the SD card will be deleted, after which the memory unit will be configured as required. Once formatting is complete, a confirmation message will appear on the screen.
Method 2 of 3: Android 6.0 (Marshmallow)
Step 1. Launch the Device Settings app
It has a gear icon (
) located in the "Applications" panel.
- With the release of the Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) operating system, you can configure the SD card installed in your device as part of the internal storage. In this way you have the possibility to install the apps downloaded from the Play Store directly on the SD card.
- This procedure involves fully formatting the memory card. Make sure you are using an empty drive or have backed up the data it contains before continuing.
- In this scenario, you will no longer be able to remove the SD card from your Android device to use it for other purposes, unless you format it again and lose all of its contents.
Step 2. Scroll down the menu that appeared to be able to select the Storage item
Step 3. Select the SD card
It has a label similar to "External Memory" or "SD Card".
Step 4. Press the ⁝ button
It is located in the upper right corner of the screen.
Step 5. Choose the Settings item
Step 6. Select the Format as internal storage option
A warning message will appear to inform you that all data on the SD card will be erased.
Step 7. Hit the Erase and Format button
The SD card will be formatted for use by the device as an extension of the internal memory. Once formatting is complete, you will be able to install the apps you download from the Play Store directly on the memory card (this option is normally configured by default).
Remember that some applications cannot be installed directly on an SD card. In this case you will have to install them in the device memory
Method 3 of 3: Android 5.0 (Lollipop) and Earlier Versions
Step 1. Open your device's Archive app
This is the Android file manager, the program that allows you to have access to all the memory units of the device. It features a folder icon.
Step 2. Press the ☰ button or ⁝.
It is located in the upper right corner of the screen. The appearance of the button varies by device, but remember that you will be in the right place if the menu that appears contains the "Settings" option.
If you are using an old Android device you will need to press the "Menu" button on your smartphone
Step 3. Select the Settings item
Step 4. Choose the Set Initial Folder option
It is displayed within the app's main menu in the "Select Directory" section.
Step 5. Choose the SD Card option
It may appear under a different name, for example "External Memory".
Step 6. Press the Finish button
At this point the files you download will be stored on the SD card by default.
