Content

• Steps

This wiki page will show you how to directly download apps and files to SD card on Android.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Android 7.0 (Nougat)

1. 

   ) is usually found in the app drawer.
   • From Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) onwards, you can configure the SD card as part of the internal storage. This supports downloading the Play Store apps directly to the card.
   • This method will include a format (delete) operation of the SD card.
   • You will not be able to remove the SD card and use it in another device (unless all the data in the card has been erased).

2. 

   
   
   ) is usually found in the app drawer.
   • From Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) and later, you can configure the SD card as part of the internal storage. This supports downloading the Play Store apps directly to the card.
   • This method will include a format (delete) operation of the SD card. Make sure to use an empty card or one that has been backed up elsewhere.
   • You will not be able to remove the SD card and use it in another device (unless all the data in the card has been erased).

3. 

   
   
   Scroll down and tap Storage (Memory).

4. 

   Select SD card. This option may be called “External Storage” or “SD Card”.

5. 

   
   
   Press ⁝. This option is in the upper right corner of the screen.

6. 

   Press Settings (Setting).

7. 

   Press Format as internal (Formatted as internal memory). You will now see a warning that the data on the card will be deleted.

8. 

   Press Erase & Format (Delete and format). The card will now format as internal memory. Once the card is formatted, apps downloaded from the Play Store will be there by default.
   • Some apps cannot download to the media card. Such apps will still be installed in the device's internal storage.
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Method 3 of 3: Android 5.0 (Lollipop) and earlier versions

1. 

   Open Android's file manager. It's a folder icon labeled like My Files, File Manager, or Files.

2. 

   Press ☰ or ⁝. This option is in the upper right corner of the screen. The menu button will vary from device to device, but if you see a menu with an option to “Settings”, you made the right choice.
   • If on an older model Android, tap the menu button on the device.

3. 

   Press Settings (Setting).

4. 

   Press Set home directory (Set home directory). This option is on the main control panel in the "Select directories" directory.

5. 

   Press SDCard (SD card). This option may display another name, such as "extSdCard."

6. 

   Press Done (Completed). Downloads now save to the SD card by default. advertisement