Summary
Some Android apps do not allow you to save files to external storage like SD cards by default. This can be frustrating if you want to free up space on your device’s internal storage or need to transfer files off your device. Fortunately, there are a few methods you can try to force apps to let you use external storage.
The easiest options are to see if the app has a setting to enable external storage access, switch to a similar app that does allow external storage, or use a file manager that can bypass restrictions. If those don’t work, you may need to root your Android device to gain full system access for more advanced workarounds. Proceed with caution though – rooting can void your device’s warranty and pose security risks if not done properly.
What is External Storage on Android?
External storage refers to any storage space separate from the internal storage on your Android device. The most common examples are:
– SD cards – These portable memory cards can be inserted into your device to add more storage capacity. They are removable and typically have much more space than internal phone storage.
– USB drives – Android supports plugging in external USB drives like flash drives or portable hard drives. This can also provide more storage and the ability to easily transfer files back and forth from other devices.
– Network storage – Some apps can connect to storage drives on your local network or cloud services to save and access files. Apps like Google Drive leverage the cloud for storage capacity and file syncing.
Internal device storage contains the Android operating system, pre-installed apps, and data tied to system functions. It’s managed by the OS and more restrictive. External storage offers more flexibility in reading, writing, and modifying files.
Why Apps May Not Allow External Storage Access
There are a few reasons why an Android app may not allow you to save files to external storage:
– **Enhanced security** – The app developer wants to keep data more secure by isolating it in protected internal storage. This is common for banking and financial apps storing sensitive information.
– **Prevent piracy** – Storing files only in internal storage prevents easily sharing or copying them from the device. This helps guard against piracy for paid apps and content.
– **Design limitations** – The app may be designed to work exclusively with internal storage, not external. Coding it to interact with external storage may require more development time and effort.
– **OS constraints** – Android limits what files and directories an app can access by default. The app may not request elevated access to enable full read/write capabilities to external storage.
So in many cases, storage limitations are intentional by the app developer. But there are still ways you may be able to override the restrictions as the device owner to use external storage how you want.
Check App Settings
The first step is always to check the app’s settings menu. Many apps provide an option to enable saving to external storage, but have it disabled by default.
Open the app and look for a Settings or More options menu. Search for keywords like “storage”, “memory”, “SD card”, or “external”. If there is an option to allow, enable, or select external storage, problem solved!
For example, in the Spotify app:
1. Tap the **Home** button in the bottom left.
2. Tap the **Settings** gear icon.
3. Tap **Storage**.
4. Toggle on **SD Card Storage** to allow storing downloads on external storage.
This won’t work for every app, but it’s quick to check. Enabling external storage access from within the app is the easiest and most direct solution if the developers provided the option.
Switch to an Alternative App
If the app you want to use restricts external storage and lacks a setting to change this, consider switching to a similar app that does support external storage.
For example:
– **Music/media apps** – Spotify may not allow external storage but other apps like Apple Music, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, and VLC likely have the option.
– **Cloud storage apps** – If Google Drive doesn’t allow saving to SD cards, try Microsoft OneDrive, Dropbox, or Mega instead.
– **Messaging apps** – If WhatsApp won’t save media files externally, Telegram or Signal may fit your needs.
– **Games** – If a large Android game won’t store data externally, look for alternative games in the same genre that aren’t as restrictive.
You may lose out on some app-specific features you like, but a different app can provide more storage flexibility. Do some research to find highly rated apps similar to the one you want to replace.
Use a File Manager
Dedicated file manager apps can often bypass storage restrictions imposed by other apps. They give you direct access to your device’s full file system.
Apps like ES File Explorer, Solid Explorer, FX File Explorer, and MiXplorer let you copy, move, and save files wherever you want. The steps may vary but generally you can:
1. Open your file manager app.
2. Navigate to the folder for the restricted app. This is usually in the Android > data folder.
3. Copy or move the files you want to external storage like an SD card.
4. Delete the original files if you moved them.
The app may detect removed files and replace them in internal storage later. But a file manager gives you a handy workaround to free up internal space and access files on external storage.
File Manager Limitations
File managers don’t always have full access to an app’s directory. Manufacturers like Samsung and Xiaomi may block access to some folders. Apps may employ additional security protections as well.
In these cases, you may need to root your device to gain complete access as explained in the next section. But a file manager is still one of the simplest ways to manipulate an app’s files without root when permitted.
Root Your Android Device
Rooting gives you administrative control over your Android operating system. It lifts restrictions and allows granting full read/write permissions to any app. With a rooted device, you can usually force external storage capabilities.
How Rooting Works
Rooting gives apps superuser status to bypass constraints coded into Android by manufacturers. Here’s an overview of the process:
– **Unlock bootloader** – The bootloader controls what software loads during the Android boot process. Unlocking it allows loading custom software.
– **Install custom recovery** – A recovery environment lets you install firmware modifications. A custom recovery like TWRP opens up more rooting options.
– **Flash root file** – Tools like Magisk, SuperSU, and CF-Auto-Root install the su binary that gives root shell access.
– **Enable root permissions** – Apps like BusyBox install utilites to fully leverage root powers such as write privileges anywhere.
With root, you can directly edit system files, run special commands, install modified firmware, backup the entire OS, and more. Root isn’t necessary for most Android uses but can enable more advanced customization.
Risks of Rooting
While rooting unlocks greater control over your device, it also carries some downsides:
– **Voided warranty** – Most manufacturers void your device warranty if you root, as it tampers with the system software.
– **Bricking** – A failed rooting process can brick the device, leaving it unusable and requiring factory resets or ROM flashing to fix.
– **Security issues** – With great power comes great responsibility! Root access compromises some Android security measures.
– **App incompatibility** – Some apps may not work on rooted devices due to integrity checks or reliance on standard file paths.
– **Time investment** – Rooting takes time to research compatible phone models, find trustworthy tools, test procedures, and troubleshoot problems.
Weigh the trade-offs carefully before deciding to root your Android. Back up critical data first too! When done properly though, rooting lets you truly take control as device administrator.
Root Solutions for External Storage
Once successfully rooted, you have a few options to force apps to external storage:
– **Link2SD** – This app creates symbolic links from internal folders to external storage folders. apps can’t detect the difference in paths.
– **XInternalSD** – It leverages root to treat external storage as adopted internal storage with full access for apps.
– **FolderMount** – It can mount folders from internal storage to extenal locations while redirecting the app to the new folder path.
– **App settings edit** – Many apps store settings in .xml files in the /data folder. You can edit these files directly to toggle on external storage options.
– **Build.prop edits** – Android’s build.prop file controls many device-level settings. You can add flags like `persist.sys.external_sd=1` to enable forced external storage permissions.
With enough tinkering through the rooted environment, you should be able to override just about any storage limitations an app tries to impose. But keep in mind edge cases may still cause instability or crashes – thoroughly test any storage workarounds.
Alternative App Markets
Another option is downloading the APK you want directly from an alternative app market that caters to rooted devices. These custom app repositories distribute modded APKs with advanced functionality unlocked.
For example:
– **APKMirror** – User-submitted uploads of APK files across Android apps and game. Look for “root enabled” APKs.
– **ACMarket** – Cracked and modded games and apps across Android, no root required by default.
– **Apk4all** – Apps with unlocked pro features as well as rooted variants.
– **ModdedCentral** – Popular hub to find modified and patched APK files of many apps.
Downloading modified APKs always carries some risk. Stick to well-known repositories like APKMirror where the community vets uploads. Check reviews, permissions, and scan files for malware before installing.
Conclusion
While not all Android apps allow saving files to external storage, you’re not necessarily stuck using only internal device storage. Try the app’s settings first, or explore alternative apps. File manager workarounds provide quick relief in many cases. Rooting is the nuclear option granting full control – albeit at the cost of security trade-offs and warranty voiding. Finally, modded APK files present another unofficial solution if you trust the source and installation risks. Weigh the options carefully to find the right external storage approach for your needs and comfort level.