How to format an sd card as internal storage​？

Formatting an SD card as internal storage on Android devices is a feature that allows you to use the card not only for storing media files but also for installing apps and system data. This can be especially useful if your device has limited internal storage, as it provides a way to expand the available storage by using a microSD card. 

1. Android Storage Options

Android devices typically come with two primary types of storage: internal storage and external storage. The internal storage is where the system files, apps, and their data are stored. External storage refers to removable storage options like microSD cards, which are typically used for media files such as photos, videos, and music.

With newer versions of Android (Android 6.0 Marshmallow and later), Android allows users to format their microSD card as internal storage. This feature is known as Adoptable Storage and allows the SD card to be treated as an extension of the phone’s internal storage.

2. What Does Formatting an SD Card as Internal Storage Mean?

When you format an SD card as internal storage, Android essentially encrypts and reconfigures the card to be part of the device’s main storage pool. The SD card behaves as if it were an extension of the internal storage, and apps can be installed directly to the SD card, which is managed by the operating system just like internal storage.

Encryption: The SD card is encrypted and formatted in a way that makes it readable only by the specific device it was formatted on.

Integration: The card becomes an integral part of the internal storage, which means you won’t be able to remove the SD card without causing issues with the system. If you remove the card, your apps and data stored on it will no longer be accessible.

Performance: While this process provides more storage, the performance of apps running from the SD card can sometimes be slower compared to those running from the internal storage.

3. Benefits of Using an SD Card as Internal Storage

There are several advantages to formatting an SD card as internal storage:

Increased Storage Capacity: If you have limited internal storage, using an SD card as internal storage gives you additional space to install apps, store app data, and keep media files.

Better App Management: By moving apps and data to the SD card, you can keep the internal storage free for system files and other important data.

Improved Performance for Lower Storage Phones: If your phone has low internal storage, using an SD card as internal storage can improve your device’s performance, as it can prevent the system from running out of space.

Cost-Effective: Expanding your storage with an SD card is usually cheaper than buying a device with more internal storage.

4. Precautions and Potential Risks

While there are benefits to formatting an SD card as internal storage, there are also a few risks and precautions you should consider:

Data Loss: Formatting an SD card as internal storage will erase all the data on it. Ensure that you back up your files before proceeding with the formatting process.

Card Compatibility: Not all SD cards are suitable for use as internal storage. Some low-quality or low-capacity cards may not provide the performance needed to run apps efficiently.

Performance Limitations: SD cards are typically slower than internal storage. While high-end SD cards (UHS-1. UHS-2) can offer good performance, even the best SD cards are often slower than the built-in storage of modern smartphones.

Encryption Issues: Once formatted as internal storage, the SD card is encrypted, and it can only be used in the device where it was formatted. If you remove the SD card and try to use it on another device, you may not be able to access the data.

App Performance: Some apps may not perform optimally when running from an SD card, particularly when the card is slower or has a poor read/write speed.

5. Choosing the Right SD Card

Before formatting an SD card as internal storage, it is crucial to choose the right card. Not all microSD cards are created equal, and using a low-quality or slow card can result in poor performance.

Here are some factors to consider when selecting an SD card for internal storage:

Class Rating: Look for an SD card with a high speed class rating, such as UHS-I or UHS-II. These cards are designed to handle the demands of high-speed data transfer.

Capacity: Ensure that the SD card has a large enough capacity to meet your needs. Cards with at least 32GB or 64GB are ideal for internal storage, though higher capacities (128GB or 256GB) are also available.

Brand: Stick with reputable brands like Samsung, SanDisk, or Kingston. Cheap or off-brand SD cards may have unreliable performance or shorter lifespans.

6. How to Format an SD Card as Internal Storage on Android

Now that you understand the benefits and precautions, here is a step-by-step guide to formatting your SD card as internal storage on an Android device.

Step 1: Insert the SD Card into Your Device

Power off your Android device and insert the SD card into the SD card slot.

Once the device is powered back on, go to the Settings menu.

Step 2: Navigate to Storage Settings

In the Settings menu, scroll down and tap on Storage & USB (or Storage depending on your Android version).

Under the “Portable Storage” section, you should see your SD card listed.

Step 3: Select the SD Card

Tap on the SD card option.

You’ll see options to format, eject, or mount the SD card. Select Format as internal (or Adoptable Storage, depending on your device).

Step 4: Confirm the Format

A prompt will appear, asking you to confirm that you want to format the SD card as internal storage.

Tap Erase & Format to proceed. Be aware that this process will delete all data on the SD card.

Step 5: Complete the Formatting Process

The formatting process will take a few moments. Once completed, your SD card will be recognized as internal storage.

Android will also give you the option to move existing data, such as apps and media files, to the SD card.

7. Troubleshooting Issues During or After Formatting

If you encounter any issues while formatting the SD card, here are a few things to check:

Card Read/Write Errors: If your SD card is not being recognized or has read/write errors, try using a different SD card or check if the card is physically damaged.

Insufficient Space: If you get an error saying there isn’t enough space to format the card, ensure that the SD card has enough available space. You may need to delete unnecessary files before proceeding.

Format Not Working: If the format process fails, it could be due to a faulty SD card or a device-specific issue. Try restarting the device or using a different card.

8. Managing Internal Storage on Android

Once your SD card is formatted as internal storage, you can manage it just like any other storage. Here are some tips for managing your internal storage:

Move Apps to SD Card: In the Settings menu, go to Apps and select an app. Tap on Storage and then choose Change to move the app to the SD card.

Manage Files: You can manually move files between the internal storage and SD card through the file manager app. This helps optimize the space usage.

Monitor Storage: Keep an eye on your storage by checking the available space in the Storage section of the Settings menu.

9. Disabling or Unmounting SD Card as Internal Storage

If you decide that you no longer want to use the SD card as internal storage, you can unmount it. However, keep in mind that this process can lead to data loss if you remove the card.

Go to Settings > Storage & USB > Tap the SD card > Eject or Unmount.

To switch it back to external storage, you may need to reformat the SD card.

10. Common Issues with SD Cards Used as Internal Storage

Slow Performance: Even high-speed SD cards can be slower than internal storage. Apps and media may take longer to load.

App Crashes: Some apps may not work correctly when stored on the SD card due to slower read/write speeds.

Card Failure: If the SD card fails or becomes corrupted, the apps and data stored on it will be inaccessible. Always back up your important data regularly.

11. Alternatives to Formatting an SD Card as Internal Storage

If you don’t want to format your SD card as internal storage, there are other ways to extend your device’s storage:

Use the SD Card for Media: Keep photos, videos, and music on the SD card, and leave apps and system files on the internal storage.

Cloud Storage: Use cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive to store apps, photos, and videos online.

USB OTG Drives: You can also use USB OTG drives to store additional files if your device supports it.