Are you tired of running out of storage space on your Android device? Do you have an SD card inserted, but it’s being used as internal storage, and you want to remove it? You’re not alone. Many Android users face this issue, and it can be frustrating, especially when you need to free up space or replace the SD card. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of removing an SD card from internal storage, so you can use it as portable storage or replace it with a new one.
Understanding The Difference Between Internal Storage And Portable Storage
Before we dive into the process of removing an SD card from internal storage, it’s essential to understand the difference between internal storage and portable storage. Internal storage refers to the storage space on your device that’s used to store apps, data, and other files. Portable storage, on the other hand, refers to external storage devices like SD cards that can be inserted into your device to expand its storage capacity.
When you insert an SD card into your device, you’re given the option to use it as internal storage or portable storage. If you choose to use it as internal storage, the SD card will be formatted and encrypted, and it will be used to store apps, data, and other files. However, if you choose to use it as portable storage, the SD card will not be formatted or encrypted, and it will be used to store files like photos, videos, and music.
Why You Might Want To Remove An SD Card From Internal Storage
There are several reasons why you might want to remove an SD card from internal storage. Here are a few:
- You want to free up space on your device: If your device is running low on storage space, removing an SD card from internal storage can help free up space.
- You want to replace the SD card with a new one: If your SD card is old or damaged, you might want to replace it with a new one. Removing the SD card from internal storage is the first step in this process.
- You want to use the SD card as portable storage: If you want to use the SD card to store files like photos, videos, and music, you’ll need to remove it from internal storage and format it as portable storage.
Step-by-Step Guide On How To Remove SD Card From Internal Storage
Removing an SD card from internal storage is a relatively straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you do it:
Step 1: Go To Settings
The first step is to go to your device’s settings. To do this, follow these steps:
- Tap the Settings icon on your home screen or app drawer.
- Scroll down and select “Storage” or “Storage & USB options.”
Step 2: Select The SD Card
Once you’re in the Storage settings, you’ll see a list of storage devices connected to your device, including the SD card. Select the SD card by tapping on it.
Step 3: Tap The Three Vertical Dots
In the top right corner of the screen, you’ll see three vertical dots. Tap on these dots to open a menu.
Step 4: Select “Format As Portable” Or “Format As External”
In the menu, you’ll see an option that says “Format as Portable” or “Format as External.” Select this option to remove the SD card from internal storage.
Step 5: Confirm The Format
You’ll be prompted to confirm the format. Tap “Format” to confirm.
Step 6: Wait For The Format To Complete
The format process will take a few minutes to complete. Wait for it to finish before proceeding.
Step 7: Remove The SD Card
Once the format is complete, you can remove the SD card from your device.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you’re having trouble removing an SD card from internal storage, here are a few troubleshooting tips to help you:
- Make sure the SD card is not encrypted: If the SD card is encrypted, you’ll need to decrypt it before you can remove it from internal storage.
- Check for apps that are using the SD card: If there are apps that are using the SD card, you’ll need to uninstall them or move them to internal storage before you can remove the SD card.
- Use a third-party app to format the SD card: If you’re having trouble formatting the SD card using the built-in settings, you can try using a third-party app to format it.
Common Errors And How To Fix Them
Here are a few common errors you might encounter when trying to remove an SD card from internal storage, along with their solutions:
- Error: “SD card is encrypted and cannot be removed”: To fix this error, you’ll need to decrypt the SD card before you can remove it. To do this, go to Settings > Storage > SD card > Decrypt.
- Error: “SD card is in use by another app”: To fix this error, you’ll need to uninstall the app that’s using the SD card or move it to internal storage. To do this, go to Settings > Apps > App name > Storage > Change > Internal storage.
Conclusion
Removing an SD card from internal storage is a relatively straightforward process that can help you free up space on your device, replace the SD card with a new one, or use the SD card as portable storage. By following the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to remove an SD card from internal storage with ease. Remember to troubleshoot any errors that you might encounter, and don’t hesitate to seek help if you need it.
| Device | Steps to Remove SD Card from Internal Storage |
|---|---|
| Android 10 and later | Settings > Storage > SD card > Format as Portable |
| Android 9 and earlier | Settings > Storage > SD card > Format as External |
By following these steps and troubleshooting any errors that you might encounter, you should be able to remove an SD card from internal storage and use it as portable storage or replace it with a new one.
What Is The Purpose Of Removing An SD Card From Internal Storage?
Removing an SD card from internal storage is necessary when you want to switch to a new SD card or use the current one in a different device. This process is also helpful when you’re experiencing issues with your device’s storage, such as slow performance or insufficient space. By removing the SD card from internal storage, you can free up space and improve your device’s overall performance.
When you remove an SD card from internal storage, you’re essentially breaking the link between the SD card and your device’s internal storage. This allows you to use the SD card as a portable storage device, and you can easily transfer files between devices. Additionally, removing the SD card from internal storage can help you to troubleshoot issues related to storage, such as corrupted files or storage capacity.
Will I Lose My Data When I Remove The SD Card From Internal Storage?
Removing an SD card from internal storage does not necessarily mean that you will lose your data. However, it’s essential to back up your data before making any changes to your device’s storage settings. You can back up your data to an external hard drive, cloud storage, or another device. This ensures that your files are safe and can be easily restored if something goes wrong during the process.
If you have already stored data on the SD card, it’s recommended to transfer the files to your device’s internal storage or another external storage device before removing the SD card from internal storage. This way, you can ensure that your data is safe and easily accessible. It’s also a good idea to verify that your data has been successfully transferred before removing the SD card.
How Do I Know If My SD Card Is Set As Internal Storage?
To check if your SD card is set as internal storage, go to your device’s settings and look for the storage options. You can usually find this in the “Storage” or “Device Maintenance” section. If your SD card is listed as “Internal Storage” or “Device Storage,” it means that it’s currently being used as internal storage.
If you’re still unsure, you can check the SD card’s properties or details. This will give you information about the SD card’s capacity, available space, and storage type. If the SD card is set as internal storage, it will likely be listed as “Internal” or “Device Storage” in the properties or details section.
What Are The Steps To Remove An SD Card From Internal Storage?
To remove an SD card from internal storage, go to your device’s settings and look for the storage options. Select the SD card and choose the option to “Format as Portable” or “Change Storage Type.” This will break the link between the SD card and your device’s internal storage. You may be prompted to confirm that you want to remove the SD card from internal storage.
Once you’ve confirmed, the SD card will be reformatted as a portable storage device. This process may take a few minutes, depending on the size of the SD card and the speed of your device. After the process is complete, you can safely remove the SD card from your device and use it as a portable storage device.
Can I Remove An SD Card From Internal Storage Without Formatting It?
It’s not recommended to remove an SD card from internal storage without formatting it. When you set an SD card as internal storage, your device formats the card to work seamlessly with the internal storage. If you remove the SD card without formatting it, you may experience issues with the card’s performance or compatibility.
However, some devices may allow you to remove an SD card from internal storage without formatting it. This option is usually available in the device’s settings, under the storage options. If you choose to remove the SD card without formatting it, make sure to back up your data and verify that the card is working correctly before using it as a portable storage device.
Will Removing An SD Card From Internal Storage Affect My Device’s Performance?
Removing an SD card from internal storage can potentially affect your device’s performance, especially if the SD card was being used to store frequently accessed files or apps. When you remove the SD card, your device may need to adjust its storage settings and reconfigure its storage allocation.
However, the impact on performance is usually minimal, and your device should adapt to the changes quickly. If you experience any issues with performance after removing the SD card, try restarting your device or clearing the cache to resolve the problem. Additionally, consider transferring frequently accessed files or apps to your device’s internal storage to minimize any potential impact on performance.
Can I Use The Same SD Card As Internal Storage On A Different Device?
It’s not recommended to use the same SD card as internal storage on a different device. When you set an SD card as internal storage, your device formats the card to work specifically with that device’s internal storage. If you try to use the same SD card as internal storage on a different device, you may experience compatibility issues or data corruption.
If you want to use the same SD card on a different device, it’s best to format the card as a portable storage device first. This will erase all data on the card and allow you to use it as a standard SD card on the new device. Alternatively, you can transfer the data from the SD card to the new device’s internal storage or another external storage device.