Using an SD card as the default storage for your Android device is a great way to expand your available storage space. With just a few quick steps, you can configure your device to automatically save photos, videos, downloads, and other files to your SD card rather than internal storage.
Why Make the SD Card Default Storage?
There are a few key reasons why you may want to make your SD card the default storage location:
- Expand available storage space – SD cards provide additional storage capacity for your device. Set it as default to automatically store content there.
- Free up internal storage – Making the SD card default can help free up your device’s internal storage for apps and system files.
- Store large files – SD cards are ideal for storing large files like photos, videos, and downloaded movies/music.
- Easily transfer files – It’s convenient to transfer files from the removable SD card to a computer or other device.
Overall, making your SD card the default storage allows you to get the most use out of the available space. The process to change the default location varies a bit depending on your specific Android device and version, but the general steps are straightforward.
Requirements for Using SD Card as Default Storage
Before changing your default storage location, there are a few requirements to note:
- Your device must have an SD card slot – Older devices may not support adding external storage.
- An SD card must be properly inserted – The card needs to be formatted and mounted correctly.
- Your Android version must support adoptable storage – Older versions have limited SD card integration.
- Some system files remain on internal storage – Not all files can be moved to external storage.
As long as your device and Android OS meet these requirements, you should be able to successfully set your SD card as the default storage location.
How to Make SD Card Default Storage on Android 10 & Newer
For Android 10 and newer versions, the steps are:
- Go to Settings > Storage.
- Select your SD card.
- Tap the three-dot menu icon in the top-right corner.
- Select “Settings” from the menu.
- Choose “Format as internal” and then confirm.
This will format the SD card and convert it to adopted internal storage. Once complete, it will function as expanded internal memory for your device.
Key Notes
- Adoptable storage requires the SD card to be formatted, erasing all data.
- Some apps may not fully work from adopted storage.
- You’ll see the SD card storage pooled together with internal storage.
Making SD Card Default on Android 9 Pie
For Android 9 Pie, here are the steps to make the SD card default:
- Go to Settings > Storage.
- Select your SD card.
- Tap the three-dot menu button.
- Choose “Storage settings” from the menu.
- Select “Format as internal” and confirm to format the card.
- Reboot your device after formatting is complete.
This will convert your SD card into adopted storage just like with Android 10. Once your phone restarts, the card will be set as the default location.
Key Details
- Must reboot after adoptable storage setup.
- Other users won’t have access to adopted storage.
- Can migrate data over after formatting.
Setting Default Storage on Android 8 Oreo
For Android 8 Oreo, the process is a bit different than adopted storage:
- Go to Settings > Storage.
- Select your SD card.
- Tap the three-dot menu button in the top corner.
- Choose “Storage settings” from the menu.
- Select “Format as portable” and confirm to format the card.
- Choose “Default location” and set to SD card.
With this method, the SD card acts as portable external storage rather than adopted internal memory. But media and downloads will still save there by default.
Key Points
- SD card remains portable external storage.
- Can still easily remove the SD card.
- Must repeat steps when inserting SD card again.
Setting Default Storage Locations for Specific File Types
In addition to making your SD card the default storage globally, you can also configure where specific types of files are saved by default.
Here are some examples of setting default save locations for different file types:
| File Type | How to Set Default Storage |
|---|---|
| Photos & Videos |
|
| Music & Podcasts |
|
| File Manager Downloads |
|
The process may vary slightly between different Android versions and manufacturer skins. But the general steps to change default save locations for photos, audio, downloads, etc are similar in most apps.
Moving Existing Files to the SD Card
After you’ve set your SD card as the default storage location, you may want to move existing files from your device’s internal storage over to the external SD card.
Here are some common ways to migrate your files:
- Photos & Videos – Use your device’s gallery app to select items and tap the menu option to move files to the SD card.
- Music & Podcasts – Open your audio player app, browse to files, tap the menu button, and select the option to move to SD card.
- Documents & Downloads – Use the file manager app to tap and hold files, select move, then choose the SD card.
- Large Apps – Some apps like Netflix allow you to move the installed data to external storage in the app settings.
Moving existing files to your new SD card default storage quickly frees up internal space on your device.
What If the SD Card Is Removed?
If you set your SD card as the default storage location, what happens when you remove the card from your device?
In most cases, your device will automatically switch back to saving new files to internal storage when the SD card is removed. Any apps that were moved to the SD card may also stop working until it is inserted again.
To avoid issues, be sure to reinsert your SD card into the device after transferring files off it to another device. Double check that it is set as the default again after re-inserting.
Tips for Using SD Card as Default Storage
Here are some helpful tips for making the most of your SD card as adopted internal storage or default file location:
- Use a high-speed SD card to prevent lag – Class 10 or UHS-1 minimum.
- Back up important files first in case the format fails.
- Be aware of potential reduced performance vs. internal storage.
- Check for app compatibility issues if some crash or won’t install.
- Make sure to safely eject before removing the card.
Conclusion
Overall, setting your SD card as the default storage location can be a great way to instantly add more space for apps, photos, music, and other files on your Android device. The process takes just a few quick steps and varies only slightly between different versions. With your SD card now set as the go-to place to save new files automatically, you can make the most of the flexible removable storage.