Do you know how to change the download location on an Android phone? You can either change it in the settings app, ES explorer app, or manually. You just need to ensure you have enough space on your phone.
Most phones support the use of SD cards as external storage. This capability allows you to change the location of the downloaded files easily. You can decide to save the files on your phone or SD card (external storage).
The methods differ based on your Android version. Android version 6 and below have a different method than Android version 7. You can also install the ES file explorer app to change the download storage location.
1: Change Through The System Settings (Android 6.0 and below)
If you want to change the download location for your Android 6.0 or below, you can use this method.
Step 1: Click on the Settings app.
Step 2: Click on the storage option or system option. (This is predominant on your phone’s version)
Step 3: Click on the “preferred storage location” or a similar option on the screen.
Step 4: On the list, select your preferred storage location (internal storage, external storage, or let the system decide). The process may differ from one phone to the other.
2: Change Through The System Settings (Android 7 And Above)
If you have Android 7.0 and above, your method will differ from previous versions. Luckily, it is a simple method.
Step 1: Open your “files” app on your Android phone.
Step 2: Once the “files” app opens, click on the three lines in the top left corner.
Step 3: Select Settings on the list.
Step 4: Enable the option to save to an SD card.
If you enable the option, it will save shared files to the SD card.
3: Use the ES File Explorer
Other than just changing the default storage location through the settings app, you can use the ES file explorer app.
Step 1: Install the ES file Explorer app from Google Play Store.
Step 2: Once the installation is complete, click the menu icon in the upper left corner.
Step 3: Click the settings option (gear icon) to enter the directory settings.
Step 4: Click the download path and change to SD card.
That’s how you can use ES file explorer to change the download location.
How To Save Space In Internal Storage
1. Remove Unwanted Files
If you want to ensure that you have enough space in your phone, consider removing any unwanted files. You can delete or move them to your SD card to save space. You also have the option to delete unwanted files.
2. Transfer The Photos And Videos To A Cloud Service
Suppose you don’t want to save all data on your SD card. You can consider transferring them to a cloud service. However, you will need an internet connection to access them.
3. Uninstall Unnecessary Apps
If you haven't used an app for long. You can consider uninstalling it from your Android phone. This will help you to save on space. You can also clear the cache or use an optimizer to find any duplicates and clear the data.
FAQs
Q. How to install an APP to an SD card?
In older phone versions, it was possible to install apps directly to the SD card and even move an app to it. However, currently, it isn't possible on modern versions of Android.
Some LG and Samsung phones previously allowed users to format their SD cards and even install apps and games. However, it is no longer possible not unless you root your android phone, which is a bit difficult. Also, not many new phones have SD card slots anymore.
Q. What is the maximum SD card supported by an Android phone?
The maximum SD card support in Android phones is 32 GB. However, you can still get a 2 GB, 4 GB, 8 GB, and 16 GB Micro SD card.
Free Up Space On Your Android Device.
Do you want to free up space on your android device? Then you can consider using any of these methods to change the download location for your media. They are all appealing, straightforward, and simple.
However, always try to back up your data on any cloud service. This will prevent you from losing valuable data. Even when you change phones, it will be easy to recover the data.
