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25 July 2019  Ashley S. Miller  Specialist of Customer Service Dept.
Last update by Emma Johnson at 25 July 2019

Summary
When a smartphone runs out of storage space, we can try to use a SD card as internal memory. Do you know how to use a SD card as internal memory? Is there any merit or demerit in such setting?



How to Use SD Card as Internal Memory?

We can set a SD card as external or internal memory in an Android phone. The internal storage is factory set to be internal memory. But, do you know how to use a SD card as internal memory? During this process, the SD card will be formatted and encrypted and then all data will be moved to the card. Remember to back up all data as you decide to modify the settings.
how to use sd card as default internal memory
① Inset the SD card into the phone. Then, go to [Settings] > [Advanced settings] > [Memory&storage]. You can see two storage installations.
go and see the storage situation in a smartphone
② So far, the SD card is still listed under [Portable storage]. If the SD card has been used as internal memory, you cannot see these words.
③ Tap the target SD card and then tap the three vertical dots on the top right of the screen. Select [Storage settings] > [Format as internal].
how to use sd card as internal memory
how to use and format sd card as internal memory
④ Tap [ERASE&FORMAT]. Then, you will be informed if the phone system finds that the card is slow. Tap [OK] to continue.
erase and format sd card
how to conintue to use sd card as internal memory
⑤ After that, the data will be migrated to the new storage location. Please tap [Move now] > [NEXT] > [Move] > [DONE].
tap to move data now in a smartphone
tap done to finish steps of setting as internal memory
⑥ As you go through all these steps, the SD card will be used as internal memory.
Tips!Please note that not all SD cards can be used as internal memory. If you want to save all data on the SD card by default, you can set the SD card as the default storage location. You can follow this way: [Settings] > [Storage] > [Default location] > [SD card].

Is it Good to Use SD Card as Internal Memory?

The internal storage is used to install the operating system and save the pre-installed apps, the other apps and the data generated from apps. The external storage is usually designated to the portable SD card. But, is it good to use a SD card as internal memory? Here are some merits and demerits.

Merits:

When a phone closely runs out of the storage space, a SD card can expand the space. Then, you can install more apps and save much more data.

Demerits:

Of course, using a SD card as internal memory can save tons of data when the space of the phone has run out of use. Compared with the internal storage, a SD card reads and writes slower. The SD cards at low speed class can even affect the phone’s daily running.

In addition, a SD card has a limited number of read-write cycles. Using a SD card as internal memory will require more frequent read/write operation. Gradually, that will degrade its performance and lead to data loss.

Summing-up:

These are pros and cons of adopting a SD card as internal memory in an Android phone. It is suggested you use the internal storage by default. If you really need to change this setting, please read the above contents carefully.
Tips!If you accidentally deleted files in the SD card or formatted the card, the following tutorial can help you safely recover the data.

How to Recover Deleted and Formatted Data from SD Card?

Renee Undeleter is powerful software for data recovery. It supports to recover many file types and supports to scan files, partitions and disks, which performs well in formatted/deleted disks and SD cards. It is a good helper for you to recover data from the formatted, deleted and even damaged SD card.
Renee Undeleter - User friendly & Helpful Formatted Data Recovery Software

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Multi Recovery Modes File recovery, Whole partition recovery and Whole disk recover are available.

Support Different File Types Photos, videos, audios, files, emails, etc.

Image Creation Creat image for disk or parititon.

Compatible with Different Devices SD card, SDHC, SDXC, USB disk, computer, etc.

Easy to go 3 steps for whole recovery.

Multi Recovery Modes Files/partition/disk recovery modes.

Support Different Devices SD card/USB disk/hard disk, etc.

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① Plug out the SD card. Then, use a card reader to connect it to the computer.
insert micro sd card into card reader
② Download and install Renee Undeleter. Then, select one of the scan modes. In this case, we select [Whole Partition Scan].
select whole partition scan in renee undeleter
③ Select the target SD card and click [Next] to go on.
Renee Undeleter Whole Partition Scan
④ The SD card will be scanned. The larger SD card will be scanned for a longer time.
⑤ As it is finished, double click to preview the files and check the target ones. Then, click [Recover] to go on.
scan and preview files to recover
⑥ Set where the files will be saved and click the button [Recover] to save them.
select the output folder for usb or sd card recovery session in renee undeleter
Tips!Please save the files to the other disk in fear that they are lost again.