How to Save Downloaded Files to External Memory

A full internal memory is a common issue for Android users, especially for those who frequently download large files. This can impact device performance and cause apps to run slower.

One effective solution is to save downloaded files directly to external memory (SD card). Not only does this free up internal storage, but it also makes it easier to access files on other devices.

In this article, Carisinyal will share some simple methods to save downloaded files to external memory. Keep reading until the end to find out more!

1. Set Storage Location in Browser

The first method is to change the download storage location in your browser. By doing this, all files you download will automatically be saved to external memory.

Here I will give an example of how to set it up through the Google Chrome browser. For other browsers, the settings may be slightly different, so please adjust to the browser you are using. Well, here are the steps:

1. Open the Chrome app on your device.
2. Tap the three-dot icon in the top-right corner to open the Settings menu.
3. Select Downloads from the menu.
4. Tap the gear icon at the top.
5. In the Download location section, change the storage location to external memory (SD card).

Once you've made this change, all future downloads will be automatically saved to your SD card.

2. Move Downloads Manually

If your files are already stored in internal memory, don’t worry! You can still move them manually to free up space. While it may seem complicated, this method is actually quite simple and effective. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open the File Manager app on your device.
2. Navigate to the Download folder or the location where the downloaded files are stored.
3. Select the files you want to move by tapping and holding them until additional options appear.
4. Tap Move or Cut to transfer the files.
5. Choose the desired folder on your SD card as the new storage location.
6. Tap Paste or Move Here to complete the process.

Note: The name of the File Manager app may vary depending on your phone brand, but the steps remain similar. Additionally, you can use third-party apps like ES File Explorer or other file management tools for more flexibility.

3. Move Files via PC/Laptop

Another effective way to transfer files from internal storage to an SD card is by using a PC or laptop. This method is especially useful when moving multiple files at once, making the process faster and easier. Here’s how:

1. Connect your Android device to your laptop using a USB cable.
2. Make sure the device is detected on the laptop, then select File Transfer mode (MTP) on the USB notification on your Android device.
3. Open the Android device folder on the laptop.
4. Open the Downloads folder or download file location.
5. Select the files you want to move and copy them.
6. Open the SD card folder on your device via your laptop.
7. Paste the copied files into the folder on the SD card as desired.

That's it, now all your downloaded files on internal storage have been moved to external storage aka memory card.

Those are some ways to move and save downloads on a memory card. Saving files directly to external memory not only helps save space in internal memory, but also keeps the device running smoothly. Good luck, and hope it's useful!