How to set SD card as default storage on Android

Most phones have a maximum storage limit. When the default storage capacity on an Android phone is used up, it will affect the storage of personal information. Many people choose microSD cards to expand the storage capacity on their Android phones. Here are instructions for setting an SD card as the default storage on an Android phone.

How to set SD card as default storage on Android

Step 1:

Insert the SD card into your phone, then tap Settings > Storage . Tap the SD card that is inserted into your phone, then tap the 3-dot icon in the top right corner.

Step 2:

In the displayed menu, click Storage settings to adjust the storage on your Android phone. Next, click Format as internal and select Format SD card to set the SD card as the default memory on your phone.

Formatting an SD card will erase all of its contents. Back up any data you want to keep before completing this step.

Step 3:

You continue to select Move content to transfer data to the SD card connected to the phone. Press Done when this process is complete.

Depending on your phone, there will be some limitations on how you can use your new SD card and what you can store on it. Some devices won't let you store apps or games on the SD card, but you can store additional data there.

Samuel Daniel

Update 23 September 2025