When you set up an SD card on your Android device, you can choose between portable storage or internal storage.
When you format an SD card for portable storage:
- You can save files, like photos and videos, on the SD card.
- You can’t install apps on the SD card.
- You can transfer the SD card between devices.
When you format an SD card for internal storage:
- You can load files, like photos and videos, on the SD card.
- You can install apps on the SD card.
- You can’t transfer the SD card between devices.
- The SD card can be used in addition to your device's storage.
Set up a new SD card
Important: If you format your SD card, data will be permanently deleted. Before you format the SD card, back up your files.
- On your device, swipe down from the top of the screen.
- Tap the notification SD card detected.
- To set up your SD card for:
- Portable storage, select Format.
- Adoptable storage, select Format another way.
- Once your SD card is formatted, you can choose to Move content or Move content later.
Reformat your SD card from Portable to Adoptable
Important: If you format your SD card, data will be permanently deleted. Before you format the SD card, back up your files.
- Open your phone’s Settings app.
- Tap Storage SD Card.
- At the top right, select Menu Storage Settings Format Format another way Format.
Reformat your SD card from Adoptable to Portable
Important: If you format your SD card, data will be permanently deleted. Before you format the SD card, back up your files.
- Open your phone’s Settings app.
- Tap Storage SD card.
- At the top right, select Menu Format Format card.