3 less-known Reasons Why Can’t you Move Apps to SD Card!

I’ve been there—I wanted to free up space on my phone, inserted a high-speed SD card, and then realized that I couldn’t move apps to external storage. If you’ve ever tried this and found the “Move to SD card” option missing or greyed out, you’re not alone.

The reason? Android has evolved, and app developers now have the power to restrict storage locations. This guide explains why apps won’t move to an SD card and provides alternative ways to save internal storage without rooting your phone.

Quick Fix Summary: Why Can’t I Move Apps to an SD Card?

The main reasons include:

• Android Versions (7.0 and above): Google removed native support for moving apps.
• Developer Restrictions: Some apps aren’t allowed to be moved due to security or performance reasons.
• Pre-Installed Apps: System and essential apps must stay on internal storage.
• App Widgets & Background Services: Apps that run in the background won’t work correctly if moved to an SD card.
• SD Card Type & Speed: Slow or corrupted SD cards may prevent app transfers.

How to Fix It

• Try Adoptable Storage Mode (Android 6.0 and above)
• Manually move app data to external storage
• Use a high-speed Class 10 or UHS SD card
• Transfer files, downloads, and media to the SD card to free up internal storage

Why Can’t I Move Apps to an SD Card?

If you’re unable to move apps to an SD card, it’s likely due to device incompatibility or an updated Android version. It’s important to note that the latest Android versions, specifically those above 7.0 (Nougat), no longer support the ability to move apps to an SD card or any external storage.

Android’s New Storage Policy (Why Google Removed the Option)

Since Android 6.0 Marshmallow, Google started restricting SD card access for security reasons. By Android 7.0 Nougat, the “Move to SD card” option was mostly removed.

Fix:

• Adoptable Storage Mode (Android 6.0 and above)
  • Go to Settings > Storage > SD Card
  • Tap Format as Internal
  • Move apps automatically to the SD card

Warning: Formatting the SD card as internal storage deletes all existing data.

App Developer Restrictions

Many developers disable the “Move to SD Card” option in their apps because:

• It affects performance (SD cards are slower than internal storage).
• Apps that run in the background fail to work correctly.
• Some apps rely on specific file paths that must stay in internal storage.

How to Check if an App Supports SD Card Transfer?

1. Go to Settings > Apps > Select an App.
2. Tap Storage > If the “Change” button is missing, the app cannot be moved.

Fix:

• If an app does not support SD card transfer, manually move its data using a file manager.

You’re Moving the Wrong Apps

Not every app can be moved:

• Pre-installed apps (like Google Play Store, Camera, or Messages) must stay on internal storage.
• Launcher apps won’t work correctly if moved.
• Live wallpapers & widgets break when stored on an SD card.

Quick Fix:

• Use App Cloning: Some third-party apps clone installed apps to the SD card.
• Move large game OBB files manually (only for advanced users).

Your SD Card is Too Slow or Corrupted

SD card speeds matter. If you’re using an old or slow SD card, apps may lag, crash, or refuse to move altogether.

How to Check SD Card Speed?

• Look for a Class 10 or UHS-1 SD card.
• Use apps like A1 SD Bench to test read/write speeds.

Fix:

• Use a faster SD card (Class 10 or higher is recommended).
• Reformat the SD card if you suspect corruption.

Can’t Move Apps? Try These Storage-Saving Hacks

If you cannot move apps, the next best thing is to free up space on your internal storage:

Move Media Files to SD Card

• Go to Settings > Storage > Tap SD Card
• Move photos, videos, and downloads manually.

Change Default Download Location to SD Card

• Google Chrome: Open browser settings > Downloads > Set to SD Card
• YouTube: Change offline video storage to SD card

Clear Cached Data

• Go to Settings > Storage > Cached Data > Clear Cache
• Clearing cached files can free up several GBs instantly.

Use Lightweight Alternatives for Heavy Apps

• Facebook Lite instead of the full app.
• Spotify Lite instead of the regular version.

How to Move Apps to an SD Card on Android (If Supported)

If your phone still allows moving apps to an SD card, follow these steps:

1. Go to Settings > Apps
2. Select the App you want to move
3. Tap Storage > Look for the “Change” option
4. Choose SD Card as the new storage location
5. Confirm and wait for the process to complete

If the option is missing, the app must stay in internal storage. Here are more How-tos by us.

11 Reasons Why Apps Won’t Move to SD Card (Quick List)

1. Android 7.0 and above removed the option.
2. Developers restrict SD card movement.
3. Certain apps (widgets, system apps) must stay in internal storage.
4. App updates may remove the “Move to SD” option.
5. Some launchers and live wallpapers stop working on an SD card.
6. SD cards are slower than internal storage.
7. Moving an app can break background services.
8. Some apps use specific file paths that cannot be changed.
9. Game OBB files often won’t transfer.
10. Formatting as internal storage deletes all data.
11. Poor quality SD cards may cause app crashes.

Related Fixing Guides

How to Fix Apps Greyed Out on Android
Fix Flashlight Not Working on Android
Uninstall Any Android Launcher (Step-by-Step)

Final Thoughts – Should You Even Move Apps to an SD Card?

In 2025, moving apps to SD cards is no longer the best solution. Google has restricted app movement because SD cards are slower and less secure than internal storage. Instead of trying to move apps, free up internal space by shifting media files, clearing cache, and using cloud storage.

Still have questions? Drop a comment below, and I will help you out.