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26 February 2024  Amanda J. Brook  Senior Product Manager
 

Summary
Learn how to use an SD card as internal storage on your mobile phone and understand the pros and cons. Optimize your storage space easily.



Table of contents

table iconI. Advantages and disadvantages of converting SD card to built-in storage
table iconII. How to change an external SD card into a built-in storage in an Android phone?
table iconIII. How to recover files lost in the process of converting SD card to built-in storage
format sd card as internal storage

I. Advantages and disadvantages of converting SD card to built-in storage

The internal storage of a mobile phone is utilized for the operating system, pre-installed apps, and application data, while external storage typically refers to a removable SD card. Using an SD card as internal storage has both advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages of converting SD card to built-in storage:

Using an SD card as internal storage for a mobile phone can expand the space available for downloading apps, games, and storing data when the phone’s internal memory is full.

Disadvantages of converting SD card to internal storage:

1. Using an SD card as internal storage on a mobile phone can help store a large amount of data and address memory shortages. However, it is slower than the phone’s internal storage, impacting speed when the SD card is slow.
2. The slow reading and writing speed of the SD card can affect the running speed of the mobile phone and its limited cycle. Using the SD card as internal storage for the phone may lead to frequent data read/write operations, increasing the risk of damage and potential data loss.
The advantages and disadvantages of using an SD card as internal storage for a mobile phone are outlined above. It is advisable to utilize the phone’s internal storage whenever possible. If necessary, carefully consider the pros and cons before proceeding.

II. How to change an external SD card into a built-in storage in an Android phone?

To use the SD card as internal storage on your phone, format and encrypt it first. After formatting, it will become the main storage space. Remember to back up its contents to prevent data loss.
Specific steps are as follows:
① Insert the SD card into the phone, open settings, go to storage settings, and you will see two storage devices: internal storage and SD card.
change an external SD card into a built-in storage
② At this time, the SD card is either a portable storage device or an internal storage device.
③ Click the SD card, then click the three dots icon in the upper right corner, and select (storage settings) > (format as internal).
change an external SD card into a built-in storagechange an external SD card into a built-in storage
④ Click (ERASE & FORMAT). If the system prompts that the SD card is running slowly, it means the speed is not high enough. Click (OK) to continue formatting or try with a different SD card.
formatting the SD cardformatting the SD card
⑤ After formatting, you will be prompted to migrate data to the new SD card. Select Move now > Next > Move > Finish.
move your apps
⑥ After optimizing the above operations, the SD card can be used as the internal storage device of the mobile phone.
TipsAfter converting the SD card to the phone’s internal storage, reformatting may be required to use it with other devices.

III. How to recover files lost in the process of converting SD card to built-in storage

If the SD card does not back up files before converting it to the built-in storage, it may cause data loss. SD cards should be stopped immediately to avoid overwriting deleted/lost file data. Use data recovery software like Renee Undeleter for Mac and Windows systems.

1. What is Renee Undeleter?

Renee Undeleter is a tool specifically designed to restore system data files. Whether you accidentally delete important files, empty the recycle bin, or format the disk/storage, this software can help you retrieve the lost data. With four functional modules – file recovery, format recovery, partition recovery, and image creation, it provides a comprehensive solution to all data loss problems.
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2. How to recover lost/deleted SD card data with Renee Undeleter?

Renee Undeleter is a professional data recovery software with comprehensive functions and a simple operation process. The specific steps are as follows:
Step 1: Connect the SD card to the computer via a card reader, download and install Renee Undeleter, then run the program. Choose the (Whole Partition Scan) option on the main interface.
Note: Do not install on the disk that needs to restore data, so as not to cause data overwriting.
select whole partition scan in renee undeleter to recover deleted video from sd card
Data recovery function:

  • Fast Partition Scan – Quickly retrieve files lost due to accidental deletion or emptying the recycle bin.
  • Whole Partition Scan – Quickly recover files lost due to inaccessible or formatted partitions.
  • Whole Disk Scan – Analyze and get partition information and perform a full scan of the entire partition.
  • Image Creation – You can create a mirror image for a partition to back up the current partition state.
Step 2: Select the SD card partition and click (Next).
Renee Undeleter Whole Partition Scan
Step 3: Wait for the scan to complete, preview the file by double-clicking. Check the file you want to recover and click the (Recover) button.
Note: It is recommended to save the recovered files in other partitions instead of the original SD card to avoid data overwriting.
preview and select the files to recover in renee undeleter