You cannot move apps to an SD card directly from the Play Store because the app itself does not include a setting to change where apps are installed. However, you can free up internal storage by using two real solutions: moving individual apps to the SD card after they are installed, or formatting your SD card as internal storage so that supported apps install there automatically.
Method 1: Move apps to your SD card after installation
This is the most common and safest method for moving apps to an SD card. It works on nearly all Android devices, though not every app supports being moved.
- Open your device's Settings app.
- Tap Apps (or Apps & notifications > App info).
- Select the app you want to move.
- Tap Storage (or Storage & cache).
- If the option is available, tap Change and then select SD Card.
Not all apps can be moved this way. App developers must enable this functionality, and system apps or apps with widgets often cannot be moved. For media-heavy apps such as YouTube or Spotify, check the app's own settings to change the default download location on Android for media files directly to the SD card.
Method 2: Format your SD card as internal storage (Adoptable Storage)
Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) and later versions introduced Adoptable Storage, which allows an SD card to function as an extension of internal storage. When you format an SD card this way, new installations of supported apps can automatically be placed on the storage device with the most free space, including the adopted SD card.
- Insert a compatible SD card into your device.
- Go to Settings > Storage.
- Select your SD card from the list.
- Choose Format as internal (or Format as internal storage).
- Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the process.
Be aware of critical warnings before using this method. An SD card formatted as adoptable storage is encrypted and permanently tied to that specific Android device, meaning it cannot be easily removed and used in another device. Using a slow SD card for adoptable storage can degrade overall phone performance. If you need to change the storage location to an SD card on a Samsung tablet, note that Samsung devices may hide or rename this option depending on the One UI version, but the general process remains the same.
What about third-party apps to move apps to SD card?
Third-party apps like AppMgr III exist, but they carry significant risks. Many of these apps require a rooted device, which can void your warranty and cause system instability. Even without rooting, these apps often rely on workarounds that may not work on newer Android versions. Consider them a last resort for advanced users only. If your device supports Adoptable Storage or the built-in move feature, those methods are far safer and more reliable.
Tips for managing apps on your SD card
To get the most out of moving apps to your SD card, keep these points in mind:
- For apps that download media (like music or video players), check the app's internal settings for options to store files directly on the SD card.
- When apps stored on the SD card receive updates, the updated version is typically installed on internal storage first. You may need to move the app back to the SD card after the update completes.
