Solved! samsung j3 - How to change default playstore download location to SD card?

[DanUKIPS]

Basically my phone won't let me download from the playstore without deleting whatsapp or google docs which I want, even though I have a 128gb SD ready to be used. Thanks.

 

[webworkings]

Most apps will only work and install to "Internal" storage. A SD card is "External" storage. So it being there makes no difference on what apps you can install on the phone.

Now some phones will allow the SD card to be converted to "Internal" storage, however, if memory serves, that device doesn't. Should you wish to try though, I am including the instructions on how it is done below.

NOTE: If the phone does in deed not allow for the change, then your only option is to limit what apps you have on the phone or get a phone with more "Internal" storage.

Instructions...

First, you need to be using a phone that is running at least Android "Marshmallow" (6.0) or newer, or be able to upgrade to it. Second, you will need the instructions I am including below. And third, you need a phone that has not been restricted by the manufacturer from making this change. Which does happen.

NOTE: If any of the steps are missing on your phone, or they don't work for you, then you have a phone that either has an older Android version or has been restricted by the manufacturer. If that is the case, you will not be able to use this information.

How to turn the "External" SD card into "Internal" storage - Option A

NOTE: Please be sure you start with a blank SD card. It needs to be blank because when the card is converted to "Internal" storage, it will be formatted (wiped) and encoded (making the cards data only readable by that device).

1. Go to device “Settings”, then select “Storage”.
2. Select your "SD Card", then tap the “three-dot menu“ (top-right), now select “Settings” from in there.
3. Now select “Format as internal”, and then “Erase & Format”.
4. Your SD Card will now be formatted as internal storage.
5. Reboot your phone.

NOTE: If you don't reboot the phone, many things may not work correctly, so make sure you do.

How to turn the "External" SD card into "Internal" storage - Option B

IMPORTANT NOTE: Be sure you start with a blank SD card. When the card is converted to "Internal" storage, it will be formatted (wiped) and encoded (making the cards data only readable by that device), so anything on it prior would be gone.

1. Go to "Settings", and then select "Storage & USB".
2. At the bottom of the list you should see the SD card's details, including the option to format it and make it "Internal" storage.
3. Once this is done, reboot the device and you can start running things from the card.

IMPORTANT NOTE: If you don't reboot the phone, some things may not work correctly, so make sure you do the reboot.

An Additional Note: Some apps (like system ones) are not movable. So while you can move downloaded ones, and some of the system ones, you will not be able to move many preinstalled apps.

A Final Note: If you set up the card as "Internal" storage, then the data on it will not be readable by any other device. To access the data you would have to connect he phone to say a computer and copy it over to the computer from the phone/card. Otherwise only phone can read the data. Also, be sure you do not reset (hard or factory) the phone. If you do, then all the data on the card will no longer be readable, even by the phone itself.

 

[DanUKIPS]

Neither of those options show up on a Samsung J36. No format as internal storage and no storage & usb.

 

[webworkings]

Then, as stated in the instructions, your phone does not allow for that change. Many devices have been restricted by manufacturers to now allow it. That leaves you with what I said before. Either limiting what you install or getting a device that has more "Internal" storage. I would also list getting a device that allows for the change of the SD card to "Internal" storage, but there is no guaranty in that. They don't list if a device allows it or not. So one can't know until they have the device and try.

 

[DanUKIPS]

Ok thank you.

 

[psphone]

Hi DanUKIPS
I saw your thread on Samsung J3 and SD Card. I'm having exactly the same issue. Did you manage to resolve the issue or will the phone just not let you extend the memory?

 

[webworkings]

As stated above, that phone will not allow for making the SD card "Internal" storage.