Plugged In

For the wired people.

Install Apps to SD Card on Your Android

Phone Without Rooting it
Filed under: Andro(id)meda 322 Comments
June 29, 2013

i
55 Votes

Update 1: See a nice video tutorial about

installing apps to SD card HERE.

Update 2: A bad news for owners of Google

Edition of Samsung Galaxy S4.
Mike is crazy about apps. He likes to pack his android phone with many of the
coolest apps out there in the marker. But there is one problem curse his
device manufacturer, his device has so little internal memory that he can
barely install few of his favorite apps.
Sounds familiar? This is an inevitable problem faced by most Android users.

You can make more space to install your apps by deleting the stock apps that
came with the device when you purchased it (most of which will denitely be
useless). But in most cases you will have to root your phone to uninstall these
bloatwares and in the process you will void the warranty of your device. An
alternate option is to set the install location of the apps to your SDcard. Many
people this that this process requires rooting.
The truth is it doesnt. Heres how to do this:
Heres what you will need:
1. An Android device, of course.
2. Android SDK (Download it here). It is quite a big le, so Relax!
3. Windows PC or a Mac.
Steps:
1. Download Android SDK and unzip the contents to a folder.
2. Enable USB debugging Mode in your android device. To do this, go to
Settings -> Applications -> Development and enable USB debugging
3. Connect your device to your computer in charge only or similar modes but
NOT in USB Storage mode.
4. Go to the folder where you have unzipped Android SDK and navigate to to
sdk folder
5a. Windows users: Go to platform-tools folder. Hold down SHIFT key and
right-click anywhere in the folder.From the pop-up menu, select Open
command window here. This will open up a command prompt screen.
5b. Mac users:right-click platform-tools and choose [New Terminal At
Folder]
6. Now, in the command prompt window, Windows users:
type: adb devices
Mac users:
type: ./adb devices
and press enter. You will see the name of the device connected at the moment.
8. Then windows users type:
adb shell
Mac users type:

./adb shell
and press enter
9. Next, type:
pm setInstallLocation 2
and press enter. (If this command fails, use this: pm set-install-location 2)

10. Done!
11. To verify, type:
pm getInstallLocation
and press enter. If you see an output 2 [external] means that the process is
successful.
Now, in your device, go to settings->Applications->Manage
Applications->On SD card (in some devices it may be USB Storage), and check
the apps that you would like to move to your SD card.

Also see:
If you are a Samsing Galaxy S Duos and like install games on your SD card,
XDA Developers has got a nice post on this.
Also, if you are aSamsung Galaxy 5 userand wont mind to root your phone,
this guide should help you.
If you like to use an app to do this, tryAppMgr III (App 2 SD)or Link2SD
(Note: Some apps will work only with rooted devices).

More useful posts:

Your Guide to the Ultimate Privacy (well, sort of!)
on Facebook
Tired of the new Hangout app!? Read how you can get
your old Talk back.
Is Google chat preventing you from going invisible. Fix the
problem now.
Cricket fan? Check the cool infographics on Champions
trophy.
Related articles
Galaxy S4 Google Edition Plagued with Issues Following Android 4.3
Upgrade (news.softpedia.com)
How To Fix SD Card Writing Error On Galaxy S4 Google Edition Running
On Android 4.3 (thedroidguy.com)
Tags: adb shell, android, android from command prompt, android SDK, install
apps to SD card, move apps to SD card
Comments RSS (Really Simple Syndication) feed

319 Comments:
oneclickroot
July 3, 2013 at 7:01 AM
does every android supported this feature

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Karthik.K.N
July 5, 2013 at 7:01 PM
For sure! Every Android supports this feature..

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jared9
August 7, 2013 at 5:27 PM
my device doesnt show up after giving adb device on command
prompt on platform tools window. My device xperia SP, plz reply

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Karthik
August 7, 2013 at 5:35 PM
Did you connect your device? (in charge only mode after enabling
USB debugging?)

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Tushar
August 9, 2013 at 12:08 PM
same problem with me also. i connected my lava iris 405 on
charging mode only after enabling usb debugging. then also it is
not showing my device

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Anil Kumar
August 13, 2013 at 6:38 PM
I have connected my Celkon A88 in charging mode after enabling
usb debugging, but after entering adb devices, it doesnt show my
device name.. please help

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Raul
August 13, 2013 at 8:34 PM
Hi there, is there a way to undo this? My camera is not working after
this procedure Please advise. Thank you

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Sadie Pulczinski
September 17, 2013 at 11:24 AM
Thank you so very much!!! I have been working at this task for quite
sometime and was following another websites instructions. I kept
getting to about step 6 where I was instructed to type the path of the
folder into the command prompt and I kept getting it wrong but
there was no other advice or help. Finding myself stuck and super
determined- I kept researching and googling until I ran across these
simple instructions. When you tell ppl to go to the folder and hold
shift and right-click, thats the trick I needed!!!!! So thank you very
much and I DO plan on returning to this site in the future!!!
Thanks,
Sadie Pulczinski (:

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TOM.KATA
October 4, 2013 at 11:46 AM
My xperia z1 doesnt work, I changed the location to external storage
and the device prompted that insucient storage available.I have
55GB in my sd card

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OMA
October 29, 2013 at 9:55 AM
Not really. In my Galaxy S3 I get this message:
Error: unknown command getInstallLocation'
So it doesnt work in every Android, unfortunately.

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OMA
October 29, 2013 at 10:00 AM
I just found that
pm set-install-location 2
and
pm get-install-location
does work in the S3!
So if you have this problem, just use the hyphenated version :)

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OMA
October 29, 2013 at 2:12 PM
Mmh, well, using pm set-install-location 2 works in the sense that
it doesnt give you any error message, and checking back with pm
get-install-location gives you the correct result, BUT its really NOT
doing anything in the Galaxy S3. Apps are still installed in the main
memory, no the external SD Card :-(

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Karthik
October 29, 2013 at 3:42 PM
Go to application manager and see if there is a move to SD card
option. This process will be eective not for the already installed
apps, but for the apps being installed after the process. (most times
you may want to check move to SD card option as well). Not all
apps can be moved by this way, btw.

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OMA
October 29, 2013 at 4:02 PM
Thanks for the answer, @Karthik. I know this is only for newly
installed apps, not apps which are already installed. But I tried
installing a new app, and still it got installed in the internal memory.
And the Move to SD card button doesnt appear. I think the Galaxy
S3 has a non-standard storage conguration which prevents this
trick from working.
Karthik
October 29, 2013 at 4:17 PM

yeah, its dicult with Stock S3 without rooting. May be you should
think about rooting.
andhioke
December 12, 2013 at 1:11 PM
I try this on my device Xperia SP (OS Jelly Bean 4.1.2), charge
mode, usb debugging, and when i type adb shell cmd says error
device not found. Please tell me why?

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vamshi
February 25, 2014 at 12:01 PM
i have a problem doing this process..it shows in cmd mode that more
than one device or emulatorwhat should i do to complete this
process of installing apps to sd

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ka
August 10, 2013 at 6:49 PM
My phone is a samsung galaxy note 2 and i did everything correctly and
in the end it did say 2 [external], that is the good part, then after that i
dont know what to do or how to move the apps/ games to the sd card, i
have even used sd manager and it still doesnt work. Please help.
Reply
jared9
August 10, 2013 at 9:41 PM
Ofcourse was in debug mode plus the charging mode. Question is if
or not this works on 4.1.2.
Since I am limited with 6GB ROM while I play heavy games and my
sygic maps taking space of 1GB+ is hilarious. Now I had to do
something and heres what I did
Made a 2nd partition of my ash card in ext2 format and linked all
my apps to that 2nd partition, it worked but not that helpful since it
only gave me a GB of space from internal. So the only option is I

have to stick with one game( games like nova3/fa13/MC4) they

take around 2GB of space
I wonder if custom ROMs would let us install apps on sd.
Btw, nice blog and as someone mentioned earlier that I should have
mentioned before, nice writing too :))
Regards
Jared
TOM.KATA
October 4, 2013 at 11:52 AM
This solution might work for the older versions of android, but its not
for the recent versions!
According to google, Beginning with API Level 8, you can allow your
application to be installed on the external storage (for example, the
devices SD card). This is an optional feature you can declare for your
application with the android:installLocation manifest attribute. If you do
not declare this attribute, your application will be installed on the
internal storage only and it cannot be moved to the external storage.
Whether you can install on external storage depends on if the app
developer allows you to do so!!!
Reply
Keandre Espina
October 4, 2013 at 8:12 PM
Im on JellyBean 4.2.1 and it worked for me.

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jk
January 12, 2014 at 1:41 PM
gjh

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Abdullah Najeeb

February 15, 2014 at 6:34 PM

this is awesomeeeee Thanks Alot
Reply
Kevin DeHart
April 26, 2014 at 10:16 AM
Its more about your computer being able to talk to your device, make
sure you have the driver for your device installed on your computer (I
had to install the LG F6 suit on mine).
If you arent getting any devices from your command prompt this is
likely why.
Reply
omar
June 29, 2014 at 1:30 PM
it gives me options to press 1 to install on internal storage 2 to install on
external but i cant choose
Reply
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July 9, 2013 at 8:23 AM

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July 9, 2013 at 10:10 AM
Glad that you liked the blog. Thanks a lot for your appreciation..keep
visiting and dont forget to share your views..:)

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nk
October 9, 2013 at 2:15 PM
my xperia m shows insucient storage available..??please help

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Heal
July 14, 2013 at 1:02 PM
i did all the instruction with the 2 [external] when i checked it using pm
get-install-location

the problem is, when i try to install an app (IDM it is), it says:
Out of Space
Unable to install IDM. Delete some items and try again.
I checked the SD card and it still has 13GB of free space. Im using a
samsung grand duos unrooted.
Please help. Thanks in advance :)

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Wriju
July 28, 2013 at 6:16 PM
Can apps other than IDM be installed in your micro SD card ?

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Heal
August 1, 2013 at 8:30 PM
nope. i cant install any app. i modied my sd card using mini tool
partition i got in tutorials in the net. shouldnt i do that? thanks :D

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Shivam Chopra
September 5, 2013 at 6:07 PM
Should i do this? Im also using Grand

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Nino
July 15, 2013 at 11:06 AM
Hi, does this work for the Galaxt Grand duos as well?? THanks!!

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Reply
Karthik
July 15, 2013 at 6:04 PM
Yes, it will work for any android device..so cheer up! :)

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Christer
July 16, 2013 at 12:14 AM
Tried it on my S7710. It seemed to work until I tried to install a app, then I
get a message stating I not enough storage space. Do I need to format the
SD card to some specic lesystem?

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Heal
August 1, 2013 at 8:35 PM
that happened to me too. did you gure out what the problem is?

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Stoyo
August 6, 2013 at 7:55 PM
Hi. I also have a S7710 and I really want to be able to install/move
apps to the external memory. Did you manage to solve this problem?

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Saideep
July 16, 2013 at 12:12 PM
Excellent brother it worked liked a charm
and I have a small doubt
How can we directly set the install location to SD card.
I mean by this method we can only move installed apps to SD card but how
to install new apps directly on SD card.

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Karthik
July 16, 2013 at 12:58 PM
Well, if you have root access to your phone try this or this app. Therell
be others too, but these are good.
Some apps by default will be installed in the SD card while others
support moving to SD. But, end of the day, the app will go to the
location mentioned in the manifest.xml le.

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Shaun
July 16, 2013 at 5:42 PM
Hey Thanks !! Works perfectly !!

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MaNi
July 16, 2013 at 9:22 PM
hi when m type adb shell cmd says error device not found what i do ??

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Karthik
July 16, 2013 at 9:30 PM
Make sure you have connected your device (in charge onlymode). Then
see if you can get it right.

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Reply
MaNi
July 16, 2013 at 9:33 PM
its working thanx alot

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Navas
August 9, 2013 at 6:18 PM
what s charge only mode?
i have not connected it in storage mode, but my device is not shown
in list of devices attached

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Karthik
August 9, 2013 at 6:34 PM
Try any other modes than storage.

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July 17, 2013 at 3:43 AM
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govnd
July 17, 2013 at 4:23 PM
device not found:(

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Karthik
July 19, 2013 at 6:57 PM
Make sure you have connected your device in charge only mode.

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David
August 20, 2013 at 12:46 AM
karthik im sure i conected it on charge only and still not shown

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David
August 20, 2013 at 12:59 AM
all i had to do is to cancel the storage request, maybe placing this
step to clear many i see many are indeed lost as i was

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govnd
July 17, 2013 at 4:39 PM
it is working ne on my galaxy ybut the device name is not shown in
case of L
g optimus L5

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Jason
July 17, 2013 at 10:47 PM
fyi, if the pm setInstallLocation command didnt work for you, pm
getInstallLocation probably wont either.. in which case, just follow the
same format as the suggested alternative pm set-install-location by using
pm get-install-location instead :)
Reply
jon
July 17, 2013 at 11:38 PM
i dont see an option to install apps on sd card on my galaxy note 2
Reply
benjisp94
July 18, 2013 at 12:05 AM
can t see my device when I type in adb devices what can i do?
Reply
Karthik
July 18, 2013 at 8:44 PM
Make sure that you have connected your device using USB cable and it
is connected in charge only mode (not any other mode such as disk
drive etc.)
Reply
david
July 19, 2013 at 4:49 AM
great guide! very clear.

only problem is that i dont know how to turn my xperia z to charge only
mode.
searched everywhere on the web /=
help anyone?
Reply
Karthik
July 19, 2013 at 6:31 PM
Generally, by default, your device should connect in charge only mode
when you connect it.
Reply
Wriju
July 28, 2013 at 6:21 PM
@Karthik.. In case of my phone(Grand duos) the default connection
is shown USB storage mode, and i have a same query as David has.
thank you
Heal
August 1, 2013 at 8:39 PM
i think theres no problem as long as you can detect your phone
when you type adb devices.
@Wriju youre also a grand duos user, did you succeed in the
experiment? :D
btw nice tut Sir Karthik. :))
senthil kumar
July 19, 2013 at 6:45 AM
karthik sir everything works but nally when i disconnect my samsung s
duos and try installing an app it says not enough space to install even if
memory card is empty. can u help?
Reply
senthil kumar
July 19, 2013 at 6:46 AM
then i have to change to default install location and then again it installs on
device memory
Reply
misael
July 21, 2013 at 4:29 PM
help, when i hold down SHIFT key and the right-click anywhere in the
folder, i cant nd the Open command window here pls help.. thanks
Reply
Karthik
July 21, 2013 at 4:43 PM
You can open a command window from start-run ans type cmd. Then
navigate to the folder

Reply
Omar
July 21, 2013 at 8:49 PM
One question, about the moving your apps on the sd card. Like, I have
whatsaap and google play which I want to move, I do this process, and
move them. And then, later. I download KIK or Skype, so, can I move them
to sd card? Or do I have to do this process, again. Plese reply ASAP. :D
Reply
Karthik
July 21, 2013 at 9:04 PM
If you do this,then most of the future apps will be automatically
installed to ad card.
Reply
Omar
July 21, 2013 at 11:54 PM
Oh, ok. Thank you very much! :D
Omar
July 22, 2013 at 12:02 AM
Oh and, sorry to disturb you or anything but when you say, hold
down shift and right click anywhere then from the pop-up menu etc,
the pop-up menu doesnt come. :s
Karthik
July 22, 2013 at 11:37 AM
If you have diculties,run command prompt from the start menu
and navigate to your folder
srs.hegel@t-online.de
July 21, 2013 at 10:14 PM
Because I havent enough storage for downloading a 2 GB App I did your
steps. Now I wanna download this big app again but I cant be installed. It
says Downloading all the time. My internal storage is 1,5 GB so there it
cant be installed. My SD-Card has a 8 GB storage. But downloading the app
after changing the install location to SD-Card isnt successfull. Maybe you
can help me, because its the best article, what Ive read about changing
install location.
And please apologize my english, cause Im not a native speaker. Thank
you ;-)
Reply
Alex
July 22, 2013 at 4:17 AM
excelent..very good post :)
Reply
misael
July 22, 2013 at 3:03 PM

sir i made this steps, but my problem is, i cant move facebook,google play
services and go launcher to sd card. what can i do to move them to sd card?
thanks!
Reply
Karthik
July 22, 2013 at 3:06 PM
I guess they are pre installed by your manufacturer. You need root
access in such cases.
Reply
misael
July 22, 2013 at 3:55 PM
thank you sir, do you know how to root? can you give the steps? is it
risky like anyone says?
Karthik
July 22, 2013 at 4:10 PM
Depending on your device, the steps will vary for the process of
rooting. Is it risky? Yes, and no. One obvious thing is that you will
void the warranty of the device. But there are workarounds..search
for how to root in google. XDA developer site is a very useful one.
Try that also.
Sauzzey
July 22, 2013 at 4:51 PM
There is no such function as charge only mode on my Galaxy S2; the later
updates apparently removed this function. The only available functions
now are MTP and PTP mode. Any advice?
Reply
Karthik
July 22, 2013 at 5:40 PM
In general, your device should connect in charge only mode by default.
Reply
Peter
September 6, 2013 at 12:55 AM
My Galaxy Fame will only connect in MTP or Camera mode :(
dsjzdzsujju
July 22, 2013 at 5:02 PM
I did everything, charge only mode, ticked the USE dubegging, did all the
steps, till theshift part. I also did that, opened the window, but from here, it
isnt working, no divice found. Do we have to do this in steps or what?
Reply
Karthik
July 22, 2013 at 5:39 PM
Is your device detected? If not make sure you have connected the device
properly. Of course, you ahve to do these in steps!! Thats why it is

written STEPS 1,2,3 etc!!

Reply
dsjzdzsujju
July 22, 2013 at 8:54 PM
Oh man xD should I un-install sdk and install it again, and do the
steps accordingly?
owenmack8
July 22, 2013 at 11:32 PM
when I try to open the command prompt, the option does not come up.
When I hold SHIFT and right click, the options i recieve are: view, arrange
icons by, refresh, extract all, and add a password. If I go to start and go to
RUN and search command, it comes up but no the full command prompt on
the le so I cannot enter what I have to. How do I open the command
prompt in the le folder without using shift and right click?
Reply
owenmack8
July 22, 2013 at 11:37 PM
saw the comment earlier about navigating to the folder from the
start/run/search cmd. How do i navigate there?
Reply
Karthik
July 23, 2013 at 9:41 AM
Okey, if the folder is in f: android, in cmd type cd.. till you reach c:
then type f: and then cd android.
Karthik
July 23, 2013 at 9:38 AM
Dude, hold down windows key and press R. Then type cmd. Then
navigate to the desired folder.
Reply
jaywiz
July 25, 2013 at 9:32 AM
it isnt working, no device found. i did everything you said in steps bbut
still no go,please help
Reply
Karthik
July 25, 2013 at 10:33 AM
Make sure you have plugged in your device in via USB cable in the
charge only mode.
Reply
Emilianna
September 2, 2013 at 12:59 AM
Try unplugging the cable and plugging it back in, re-run adb devices
again. Try that a few times.

I got the no devices listed msg quite a few times before it sucessfully
recognized my device.
For windows (7), I had to install the drivers specic to my phone.
For mac (Snow leopard), I just had to unplug/plug back in a couple of
times and it started recognizing it.
Reply
Michel
July 25, 2013 at 5:42 PM
hi, thanks for the info, very useful!
It made me wonder though why android doesnt have a built-in option to
choose when installing an app, or later, between internal and external
memory. Or is this a stupid question?
Keep up the good work
Michel
Reply
soni
July 26, 2013 at 1:53 AM
Thanks for huge information. Ill install it.
Reply
santosh
July 27, 2013 at 12:29 AM
adb server is out of date . killing ,,,,
adb server did not ACK
*failed to start daemon*
Reply
santosh
July 27, 2013 at 1:57 PM
Any idea what has to be done to x this
Reply
sirilus
July 27, 2013 at 11:59 PM
my device is acer liquid e2 , no device found i have connected my device
in charge only but still the same,but i cant seems to nd settingapplication-enable usb debuging mode,plis help me :( i only have 800mb
of internal and sd card cant be used
Reply
Wriju
July 28, 2013 at 6:07 PM
Can i perform this process on my Samsung galaxy grand duos (android
version: 4.1.2). Will there be any potential problem after doing this
process? I am very worried for my safety of this expensive device. Thank
You.

Reply
Karthik
July 30, 2013 at 10:10 AM
There wont be any problems because this doesnt require rooring
Reply
aman
July 29, 2013 at 2:28 AM
Does this work with Samsung tab 2 7.0 please reply
Reply
Robi
July 30, 2013 at 8:45 AM
yes it should but that should have enough memory shouldnt it?
Reply
aman
July 30, 2013 at 7:28 PM
It is only 4 GB and I download games up to 1 gb
Robi
July 30, 2013 at 8:44 AM
Done everything up to adb setInstallLocation 2, but it gav me access
denied
Reply
NAGARAJ
July 30, 2013 at 1:17 PM
Hi Karthick, I am using Karbonn A4+ and I tried as u said, I didnt get
popup window when I right click on platform-tool folder.. Kindly let me
know abt it..
Reply
NAGARAJ
July 30, 2013 at 1:25 PM
I manually opened CMD and reached the platfom-tools and typed adb
shell and it says no device found.. kindly help me out..
Reply
Karthik
July 30, 2013 at 10:08 PM
Make sure you have connected your device
Reply
Makis
July 30, 2013 at 1:38 PM
Could u give me a tutorial for rooting my huawei ascend y210 ? It runs
gingerbread 2.3.6.
I want to root it because of the insucient storage error. Help me plz!!
Reply

Karthik
July 30, 2013 at 10:11 PM
The process of rooting depends on device models. I am not sure about
your device
Reply
Makis
July 30, 2013 at 11:11 PM
Model number is HUAWEI Y210-0100. Is that the device model?
Karthik
July 30, 2013 at 11:47 PM
You can try searching for how to root that model in the xda
developer forum. If someone has already tried it, you will get the
steps
Makis
July 31, 2013 at 12:18 AM
couldnt nd sth there. i have tried superoneclick but its not
responding at #7 step waiting for device. do u have any idea about
that? or anyway is there another way to install apps in sd card and
not in internal?
epul
August 1, 2013 at 12:05 PM
my asus fonepad do not support this..:(
Reply
Pavvan
August 2, 2013 at 6:33 PM
////////////////////////////////////////////////
////////////////////////-////////////////////////
2. Enable USB debugging Mode in your android device. To do this, go to
Settings -> Applications -> Development and enable USB debugging
3. Connect your device to your computer in charge only or similar modes
but NOT in USB Storage mode.
////////////////////////////////////////////////
////////////////////////-////////////////////////
hi, i had one doubt here- your 2 & 3 Steps
in 2nd step you said to enable USB-debugging
in 3rd step you said -that to connect your device through in charge only ?
can you please clarify on this.when i connected to phone-pc it should be
in debugging mode or charging mode ?
Reply
Karthik

August 4, 2013 at 9:47 AM

These two are dierent. You have to enable USB debugging and connect
your phone in charging mode.
Reply
Pavan
August 10, 2013 at 6:03 AM
Hi,how to connect Phone in Charging Mode ?
iam using Galaxy Grand
but when iam conecting to PC,it automaticaly connecting to storage
mode ?
and one more issue after completed this process- iam getting
Insucient error message..please help me on this
Mikhail Konstantin Lavrenty
August 4, 2013 at 1:18 AM
Is this safe? just in case i made a mistake is there any way for me to
return my real settings?
Reply
Karthik
August 4, 2013 at 9:40 AM
This is safe. Your phone is not going to be bricked.
Reply
anum
August 4, 2013 at 1:39 AM
When i command prompt window and type adb devices there it didnot
show my device .. what to do tell me plx
Reply
bum
August 4, 2013 at 6:47 AM
not working for me i think it requires adb driver for this work.
Reply
Ajith Narayanan H
August 4, 2013 at 11:42 AM
Thanks for all these helpfull informations.. By the way, im using samsung
galaxy s duos gt-s7562.. it doesnt have the move to sd option in the
application manager.. i dont want to root my phone.. can you help me ???
Thanks in advance:-)
Reply
bd
August 4, 2013 at 5:06 PM
seen this guide before from instructables but this is better, but whats the
workaround for this command line to revert it back, installing in system

memory? does this work for jelly bean?

Reply
Adrian
August 4, 2013 at 7:00 PM
is it working with Samsung Galaxy Young? i just bought my phone days
ago and its almost full already..
Reply
bd
August 4, 2013 at 8:49 PM
Yeah will this work on SGY?
Reply
bd
August 4, 2013 at 8:54 PM
Link2sd is compatible with SGY but not for SGTab from forums iv
read.
Karthik
August 5, 2013 at 12:38 PM
It should work. You can try it and share your results here.
Reply
Dimitris
August 5, 2013 at 1:16 AM
Hello and thanks.
I did all of the above, checked, and the location is set to [external]
But i dont see any option in any Application to move in Sd card
Plus, avery new application is still installed in mobile memmory
(Samsung Galaxy)
Any tips??
Reply
bd
August 5, 2013 at 1:34 AM
Hi, so it didnt automatically install to sd when installing an app? may I
know what galaxy it is?
is it rooted?
Reply
Dimitris
August 5, 2013 at 10:56 AM
No, its not rooted.
I just noticed everyhting is like beforenot installing in card, not an
option to move new or previus istalled applications from phone.
Samsung Galaxy S7710 (Xcover2). Android 4.1.2
Dimitris
August 5, 2013 at 12:47 PM
Okmaybe its a stupid question, but do i have to keep the phone

connected to pc, to get access to this functions???

Karthik
August 5, 2013 at 12:51 PM
Yes.
Dimitris
August 5, 2013 at 1:16 PM
FCK! :) Thanks!!! :))) I feel very stupid, but it cross my mind :P
Dimitris
August 5, 2013 at 6:11 PM
Still not working, even if mobile is connected to pc :(
Any ideas?
Kris
August 5, 2013 at 3:32 PM
Hi,
I have a Samsung Galaxy Mega 6.3
I have done all the steps above but i cant put my device on Charge only
mode.
The command prompt did work the same as mentioned and showed 2
[external].
Ive tried installing an app but it still installed on my device instead.
How do I get my device into Charge Only mode?
Reply
bd
August 5, 2013 at 8:00 PM
Karthik, what is the command line to revert this?
Reply
Dimitris
August 6, 2013 at 3:54 PM
pm setInstallLocation 1 (or pm set-instal-lLocation 1)
Reply
Null
August 7, 2013 at 9:29 AM
Works just ne in a Samsung Galaxy Fame (GT-S6810L), just make sure its
connected on webcam mode, thank you so much for this tutorial!
Reply
beck
August 7, 2013 at 10:46 AM
Hi having trouble setting the location to 2 have tried a few things
here is what I get

pm set-install location: change the default install location. NOTE: this is

only intended for debugging: using this can cause applications to break and
other undesirable behaviour.
0 [auto]: Let system decide the best location
1 [internal]: Install on internal device storage
2 [external]: install on external media
shell@android:/$
I dont know what to do next Ive tried typing the command but I just get
this option list and then Ive tried various combinations. when I just type 2
it says its not found?
Reply
Karthik
August 7, 2013 at 5:32 PM
Make sure the SD card is properly inserted and that the phone is
connected in USB debugging mode.
Reply
dreniel
August 7, 2013 at 10:47 AM
i did it correctly but nothing is installed on my external, and some
applications has error when installing you dont have enough space,
uninstall applications and try again though i have a 32 GB and 20gb free
do i have to partition the external like ext 2?
Reply
deadask
November 9, 2013 at 2:16 PM
have this same kind of problemmy sd card still has more than 5 gb
free space =.=
Reply
squall_17
August 7, 2013 at 11:13 PM
im sorry karthikive got an Acer liquid e2 duo v370, with android 4.2.1
jellybean if it can be usefullNowi follow all the steps and the process
was a successadb device show that my location is 2(external)but when
i move my apps by the phone settings, i can choose just between internal
storage and telephone storage..i dont know how i can solve the
problemmabe you know something more..please help me and sorry for
my bad english
squall_17
Reply
Geo James
August 8, 2013 at 12:33 PM
I am using a samsung galaxy s2 plus android version 4.1.2 i have followed
all the steps and changed my install location to sd card but when i try to
install apps it shows that insert some memory. but i have sucent memory

in my memory card i tried it on another card also but same error occurs.
what to do please help
Reply
nipun gupta
August 8, 2013 at 4:46 PM
can this be done on a tablet with custom rom?
Reply
Anton
August 9, 2013 at 9:09 PM
Did everything, when I write getinstallLocation it says 2 and everything is
good but when I try to install app from Google Play it still goes to the
phone memory?? Tired reboot and didnt work
Reply
Pavan
August 10, 2013 at 7:28 PM
HI, after this process also applications & games are instaling in phone
memory only
but in phone it is showing like it was installed in USB Storage
but actualy it was instlaing in phone only- i can see when i conected to
system
please let me know- what is USB storage ? is it same sd card storage ?
but then why les are in phone memory ?
Reply
Elyzian
August 11, 2013 at 3:02 AM
is there a way to install downloaded apps? Android apps downloaded from
internet to a computer then put them on the phone without rooting the
phone?
Reply
Jacky
August 11, 2013 at 6:12 AM
So glad it worksgreat guide above (though Ive spent some time to
download the correct SDK (should be win 32-bits)). Thanks a lot.
Reply
mihir
August 11, 2013 at 12:55 PM
hello i m having motorola re touch + keypad . i tried your hack on
windows 8. when i attached the cable to phone and my pc there a option
came of usb storage . i didnt touch that so the phone will be on charge
only mode . but when i wrote adb devices . something came list of
devices

but, there were no name device under it. when i wrote adb shell . cmd said
no device found . but i also enabled data debugging . pls help me. my email
is 619mihir@gmail.com or mihirs1999@live.co.uk
Reply
sakshi
August 11, 2013 at 2:27 PM
WILL I BE ABLE TO PLAY GAMES AND USE APPS AFTER MOVING THEM
TO EXTERNAL SD BY THIS PROCEDURE?
Reply
Karthik
August 11, 2013 at 2:34 PM
Yes, of course.
Reply
ilaanne
August 12, 2013 at 9:55 AM
i think this need to be claried that when the writer said SD Card, he
meant the USB storage, NOT the External SD Card which we can buy o
the shelf and plug it into our phone. Its two dierent thing SD Card and
External SD Card.
Anyways, Ive done the steps above and it got me nowhere cos I intended to
move my apps to my external SD Card.
Reply
Ganesh
August 13, 2013 at 8:14 PM
Now.. this was really helpful!. i thought id rooted my phone for
nothing..
Reply
Avi
August 31, 2013 at 10:35 PM
Very good clarication. Thanks !
Reply
harshil
August 12, 2013 at 5:08 PM
I connected my phone in usb debugging mode but when i type ad devices it
shows no devices attached, what to do now
Reply
kompa (@kompanjonac)
August 12, 2013 at 9:35 PM
When I hold down SHIFT key and right-click anywhere in the folder then
nothing happens,can you help me please?
Reply
bharat

August 14, 2013 at 9:06 AM

is it work on sony xperia zr
Reply
Ravikiranreddy
August 14, 2013 at 9:21 PM
This information is really awesome it worked for me i am really happy
Reply
Steve
August 17, 2013 at 4:13 AM
My only connection options are MTP or PTP no charge-only mode. I
tried both but my device isnt showing up with either any workarounds
available? Thank you!
Reply
pikleopolus
August 18, 2013 at 12:27 AM
Ive got the Samsung Galaxy Axiom and went through all the steps, it says
the default location is external, yet when I install an app from the play
store it still tries installing to the internal saying. Insucient storage
space. Whats going on?
Reply
havard
August 19, 2013 at 12:11 AM
pleasehave u gotten any solutions. because i am having the same
problem
Reply
havard
August 19, 2013 at 12:09 AM
please i followed the procedure and everything went succefull, but when i
am installing some games my phone tells me i have insucient space on
wy device
Reply
Karthik
August 19, 2013 at 11:16 AM
May be the game doesnt allow move to sd card function. Check for this
at the game faq/forum if they have one.
Reply
adeel
August 19, 2013 at 2:34 PM
Worked For Me !!!!!! Thank you Soooo Muchhh !!!!!!!!
Device : HTC Desire
Reply
Heru

August 22, 2013 at 1:35 PM

it doesnt work :(
i follow the steps successfully,
but nothing happen, or change in my samsung galaxy fame (with version
4.1 ) :(
after nished, i look on application manager, but the button for move to
sd doest show up..
so i still have my sdcard0 full of Apps. and my extSdCard empty..
but thnks for the info
hope run well on another device..
rgds..
Reply
Juan
August 22, 2013 at 7:40 PM
Working In Samsung Galaxy S Duos ?
Reply
TracerBullitt
August 22, 2013 at 8:48 PM
Im having a similar problem as user, Heal, but with my Xperia Z, on
Android 4.1.2. I installed AppMgrIII just ne (tho to Internal Memory), but
updating Maps failed, Insucient storage available.
Also, I couldnt nd anything as far as, settings->Applications->Manage
Applications->On SD card. Through AppMgr, I get the message, The
device does not have a real primary external storage, or the primary
external storage is emulated. moving app to SD function cannot be
supported by this device.
Any suggestions on this?
Reply
Timmy
August 23, 2013 at 1:50 AM
Im having a little trouble with this. I followed every step, and when I do
the get-install-location is says 2 [External], yet my phone still installs
everything to the internal storage instead of the SD card. I dont have much
internal storage on this phone, so I really want to get this working. Its an
AIO Wireless Samsung Galaxy Amp. Theres no rooting method for the
phone yet, and this does not seem to work at all for it. It only has 1gb total
internal storage, which, after the Android OS/bloatware, it only had 500mb
for me to install apps on, and is almost full. Id prefer to be able to install
apps to my 32gb SD card instead, so I hope I can get this working.
Reply
Mick Wolf
August 27, 2013 at 6:21 PM

First things rst, Great blog, nice and clear and informative. :-)
I followed the directions to a T on my Xperia go with android 4.1.2, the
get command said it too was set to external 2 (also tried the internal 1),
when installing to 2 it still goes to default (device memory) even after
reboot. does the new android have some kind of override fail-safe or
dierent command (although it all said it worked in the command
prompt like in this blog)?
Also when you mention charge only mode is that 1-media device
(MTP) or 2-Camera (PTP) mode or with the phone turned o? I had
mine on and in mtp mode. Thanks in advance, Mick.
Reply
abhishek patnaik
August 28, 2013 at 2:44 PM
make it to PTP
shivam ghun verma
August 23, 2013 at 1:57 PM
when i entered setInstallLocation 2 then it said permission denied
Reply
abhishek patnaik
August 28, 2013 at 2:24 PM
hey m using samsung galaxy s4. when m applying the command adb
devices it shows me a number along with a dialogue as unauthorised
instead of showing device. is it a problem?
Reply
Maureen
August 31, 2013 at 8:50 AM
This is wonderfull Very usefull indeed.. @jared9..my device didnt show
up at rst until i updated the drivers for my phone Click start, right click
on computer and click manage (wen ur device is plugged in camera mode,
b sure to enable debugging) click on manager, then right click on ur device
and update driver (u need internet acess) after this, redo the process and
dope! Ur device wuld b listed :-) q
Reply
Vinod S
August 31, 2013 at 3:38 PM
hello sir ji.plz tell me how to transfer les from an SD card to internal
memory of my xperia Sp phone without an 3rd party application ??will i
have to download another heck app for the same..??
It is pretty pathetic to realise even on this many updated versions of
android is out,you need to rely on additional app to do the same:P.
Reply
ahmed_rmh

September 1, 2013 at 3:49 AM

hey there,
Ive done everything according to the steps step by step,
but I couldnt move the apps to SD Card from my device ,.. I learned that
this plan make the android phone Install new apps to SD Card. However,
my device is HTC Desire V , and the function Move to SD card from the
apps Properties is not working , thats way I tried this plan, So, now when
I try to install any new apps the operation fail ,.. I can reverse this plan
right ?
and would u please advice me What to do now ?
Thnx,
Reply
masum
September 1, 2013 at 7:18 PM
dear i can not nd my device after command adv devices
Reply
aarif
September 4, 2013 at 11:01 AM
After done all this work my phone lava iris .Saving data in internal memory
Reply
midori
September 5, 2013 at 10:54 AM
hello, ive done all the steps and some apps now can be moved. however
the most important apps that i want to move wont move: facebook,
youtube and hangouts as i seldom use all these apps. they consumed a large
and large space of my internal memory. is there a way to move them?
thank you for a great help :D
Reply
Shivam Chopra
September 5, 2013 at 6:12 PM
As i read all the commentsI realize that those who did this in Jellybean
4.1.2 are getting various problems! Im using Samsung Galaxy Grand I9082.
Should i try this? O should i stay with the same old problem! Please Karthik
do reply!
Reply
gokul
September 5, 2013 at 9:47 PM
how to uninstall
Reply
Colleen
September 10, 2013 at 10:08 PM
Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it
seems as though you relied on the video to make your point.
You clearly know what youre talking about,

why throw away your intelligence on just posting videos to your site
when you could be giving us something enlightening to read?
Reply
Pramod
September 12, 2013 at 2:34 AM
Tried it on my Samsung S7562. It seemed to work until I tried to install a
app, then I get a message stating I not enough storage space. please help me
how to come across this.
Reply
Pablo
September 13, 2013 at 11:47 PM
Hi,
I have an LG -P769 with Adnroid 4.1.2. I tried all the steps and it looked
like it was working great. But then on the phone there is no MOVE TO SD
button. When I go to APPS (no apps managers since there is none) I have
the list of apps, I can click and enter them.. then I can force stop
uninstall clear data and that is it.. no MOVE to SD. I installed app 2sd
and when I open it says the device does not have a real primary esternal
storage moving app to SD function cannot be supported by this device
>>>> PLEASE HELP ME! MY PHONE HAS 1gb of space and I can only
install small apps!!!!<<<<
Thanks!
Reply
adarsh suraj
September 14, 2013 at 7:48 PM
i have done all the things and it worked for me.But when i check the
external sd cards free memory after installing a game there is no change in
the free space,why is this ???
wont there be a decrease in free space after installing the app????
thank you
Reply
Asyraf
September 15, 2013 at 1:52 PM
Hi Karthik,
What do u mean by SD card? Is it the external memory that is built-in in
the phone or the external card that we can get from the shop?
Please reply me ASAP.
Thank you.
Reply
MRSD

September 16, 2013 at 4:34 PM

Hey man, does this method make me move games with large data like most
wanted etc.. i have games with 2 gbs above, can i put those sd data to
external sd?
last, can put directly the sd data to external sd? thanks man.
Reply
ibn Haneef
September 18, 2013 at 9:57 PM
Hello,
Thanks a lot for the information.
I am using windows xp.
I couldnt follow 5a step.
When i hold shift and press right key, the pop-up menu displayed is that
similar to the menu when we only click right click(i.e., refresh menu).
What can i do now??? Please reply soon.
Or provide your cell no. so i can call you.
With regards,
Ibn Haneef
Reply
Bilal
September 18, 2013 at 10:05 PM
i have samsung galaxy s duos and this method did not work on it please tell
me solution because i dont want to root my device.
Reply
Michael
September 19, 2013 at 6:54 AM
error unknown command set-install-location heeeeeeeeeeeeelp
Reply
ibn Haneef
September 19, 2013 at 7:14 AM
Yah!..thatz the problem with me too.
Reply
duppy
September 22, 2013 at 5:09 PM
I tried these steps and I am getting the following message, Im stuck, any
ideas thankspm set-install-location: changes the default install location.
NOTE: this is only intended for debugging; using this can cause
applications to break and other undersireable behavior.
0 [auto]: Let system decide the best location
1 [internal]: Install on internal device storage
2 [external]: Install on external media
shell@android:/ $
Reply

renzo
September 23, 2013 at 12:11 AM
it doesnt work on my samsung galaxy y..device doesnt appear!
Reply
Ozy
September 23, 2013 at 2:10 AM
Does this work for galaxy exhibit?
Reply
Roy
January 22, 2014 at 9:58 PM
Ozy, did this work on your Exhibit?
Reply
abhishek
September 24, 2013 at 8:59 AM
After following all the steps I always get an error not enough memory,
this question is planned by other people also, please let me know if you
have any lead..
Reply
abhishek
September 24, 2013 at 9:00 AM
* planned > asked
After the above process if I install a new app i always get this error..
Reply
bea
September 24, 2013 at 10:04 AM
After entering adb devices, mine said List of devices attached *blah blah*
unauthorized. Anyone know how to x this? :(
Reply
bea
September 24, 2013 at 10:06 AM
my phone is samsung galaxy s4 gt-I905 with android version 4.2.2
Reply
bea
September 24, 2013 at 10:18 AM
i meant I9505
Reply
bea
September 24, 2013 at 12:47 PM
Ok I manages to get past this unauthorized part. My problem now is the
install location. I received an error unknown command with pm
setInstallLocation 2 tried the pm set-install-location 2 and I think it
worked because I didnt see an error message. But when I tried to verify

it with get InstallLocation I received an error again.

Reply
Raph
September 24, 2013 at 8:00 PM
even i change my sd card it will read the new one?
Reply
Niko Bellic
September 25, 2013 at 9:02 AM
will some body help me? Im getting error of pm getInstallLocation when I
enter that nothing happen. my phone is Xperia Z 4.2.2 jelly bean. Thank
you!
Reply
Niko Bellic
September 25, 2013 at 9:08 AM
pm setInstallLocation 2 tried the pm set-install-location 2 and I think it
worked because I didnt see an error message. But when I tried to verify it
with get InstallLocation I received an error again. same with beas
problem
Reply
ARC
October 1, 2013 at 1:08 PM
try pm get-install-loaction.
Reply
anket
September 25, 2013 at 11:27 AM
i tried it in xperia z. it didnt work, rather when ever my phone is trying to
install new app, or update old app it shows error message as not enough
internal memory. please help.
Reply
abhishek
September 27, 2013 at 3:33 AM
Plz answer this question, if anyone knows the answer..
Same problem with my phone..
Reply
GALHOUM
October 7, 2013 at 12:11 AM
REVERSE IT BY TYPING 1 INSTEAD OF 2 IN THE PM COMMAND
Mukul
September 25, 2013 at 4:58 PM
There isnt any option of move to sd card/usb storage in my phone samsung
galaxy s duos.please reply
Reply

Ace Cooper
September 26, 2013 at 6:54 AM
Didnt detect my device on command prompt and very impossible to locate
charge only option on my xperia z ultra. please, I need to move my data to
external storage asap
Reply
Ganesh
September 27, 2013 at 3:07 PM
I am not able to get the device name.please help me on this
Reply
ARC
October 1, 2013 at 1:06 PM
Guys heads up, I use android 4.1.1 jelly, I tried above pm
setInstallLocation2 it doesnt work, the correct piece of code is pm
set-install-location 2 Problem with your device being recognized?
[WINDOWS 7 TESTED ONLY] Install latest google usb driver via device
manager : in device manager>your device(right click)>properties>update
driver>select driver le downloaded from : developer.android.com/sdk
/win-usb.html >install>(if problem persists then continue reading)
download this folder and replace the incomplete platform tools folder
(usual problem when downloading the monstrous SDK) from
:dl.google.com/android/repository/platform-tools_r16.0.1-windows.zip
>backup your original platform tools folder on other partition (before
replacing a restart is recommended if youve tried using the code in
command prompt, this will erase the memory that this folder was opened
via command prompt else face errors, which i did)>replace the
downloaded folder and then try the code, it shoould have device beside
your device ID. If the problem yet persists then my friend youve more SDK
update folders to google, download and replace!!! well, maybewhat else
then?
Reply
scarecrow09
October 2, 2013 at 1:23 PM
Im another one whos made it through the rst six steps and ended up with
a blank devices list. Help?
Reply
GALHOUM
October 7, 2013 at 12:16 AM
INSTALL PDANET ON PC AND MOBILE IT WILL APPEAR
Reply
usman
October 3, 2013 at 1:18 AM
pal i have got samsung galaxy tab 3 , tried all your step but am actually
stuck at the beginning
1. my device is detected as oine in cmd prompt, although i have enabled

usb debugging mode. probably i cant get it into charge only mode please
help
Reply
GALHOUM
October 7, 2013 at 12:14 AM
INSTALL PDANET ON BOTH TAB AND PC
Reply
usman
October 3, 2013 at 2:29 AM
got all the way to the end through this process , even got 2[external]
processed but apps are still not moving to external sd card, using app to sd
on my galaxy tab 3 but still get error for no external primary sd or the
internal storage is emulated as external primary storage device
any help buddy?
Reply
Mr. X
October 3, 2013 at 12:58 PM
i did all of the step and yes, it stated that my default storage is external. but
when i install an app, the app was installed in the internal. any solution?
come on guys
Reply
ibnhaneef
October 3, 2013 at 5:17 PM
Reblogged this on teknotips.
Reply
sailonula
October 6, 2013 at 12:06 PM
So it really dont void the warranty.. Pls reply i really want to move some
heavy apps
Reply
Karthik
October 7, 2013 at 1:10 PM
It will not void warranty
Reply
Umer
October 6, 2013 at 6:52 PM
I have Android 4.04
Still i cant move my facebook app what to do :( ?
Reply
Andres Lab
October 12, 2013 at 10:34 AM
Hi thanks for the tutorial but I have a problem, I type adb devices and it
shows list of devices attached and when I type adb shell it says error:

devices not found. Please help!.

Reply
Valter Figueiredo
October 14, 2013 at 6:45 AM
This post saved my life. Thanks alot!
Just added this blog to Favs.
Reply
Salman
October 14, 2013 at 12:43 PM
My Xperia doesnt support this trick.Please help me
Reply
shanavas
October 14, 2013 at 1:33 PM
Not working on jb 4.1.2
I was successful in issuing these cmds.
but when I tried to install new app:: installation failed.
hence reverted back!!!
Reply
Usman
November 8, 2013 at 8:06 PM
managed to get it done for my galaxy tab 3 and getting the same error
of insucient storage, trying to revert back but cant get my device
detected, suggestions?
Reply
Robozoom
October 15, 2013 at 4:18 PM
I have a galaxy tab2 p3110 with 4.3 rom (pac rom) installed and used set
install location 2. (which was accepted and which I controlled by pm get
install location)
Still, apps are installed on the internal card. But why? Maybe this setting is
ignored by 4.3 and the app itself is to decide?
Also, only apps can install, that have r/w permissions to the media group or
sd card group. (see: permissions.xml) Other apps get not sucent
memory. But even if they are allowed to install, as I said, they install to
the internal memory.
This is so annoying.
Reply
BeloSolo
October 19, 2013 at 9:25 PM
This is a very interesting article on how to use the Android SDK and adb.
But, I do this with a menu selection, inside the OS, at Settings ->
Application Settings -> Preferred Install Location: check one of the circles,
as follows. 1) Internal Storage Device, 2) Removable SD card, 3) Let the

System Decide.
This is (I think) with Android 2.3.5. From this article, I gather I should
leave option #1 checked, to get as much as is possible onto the card, and
not into internal memory.
I have just read three other articles on using the SDK and adb to do this,
and I cant gure out why theres been no mention of just opening the
Settings menu. Is it possible that the menu selection method doesnt do the
same? Or, could my Android be so dierent from others of the same version
number??
Reply
arvind.krs@gmail.com
October 20, 2013 at 11:29 AM
Hi,
I have tried performing the steps given but the command adb devices is
not showing any attached devices:(
I have window7 and Galaxy note2.
adb devices
List of devices attached
Kindly suggest the way around or advise next step further. I dont want to
root my device.
Thanks
Email: arvind.krs@gmail.com
Arvind
Reply
arvind.krs@gmail.com
October 20, 2013 at 1:09 PM
Its NOT working for GALAXY NOTE2
All the above said is performed still application are automatically installed
on phone memory without prompting any selection screen/option
Please advise some solution to this
Reply
OMA
October 30, 2013 at 4:29 AM
It seems this doesnt work with Samsung phones :-(
The only solution is using one of the methods that involve rooting.
Reply
cuber2
October 28, 2013 at 8:15 PM
I did everything and it says the default location is now external 2.. but I

dont have a Move to SD button in my application manager! :( Why

not
Reply
cuber2
October 30, 2013 at 4:05 AM
I also discovered after doing this the phone started thinking I had no
more space every time I tried to install something. So I changed it back.
S:
Reply
OMA
October 30, 2013 at 4:25 AM
It seems this doesnt work in some devices with manufacturer
modications, such as Galaxy phones.
Reply
Paul
November 8, 2013 at 1:21 PM
Hi I am Using Android 4.2.2 Xperia ZR and it didnt work when i opened
the app.. There was no Options saying move to SD CARD.. But I did
everything as you said and the verication also said External but didnt
workplz help
Reply
Usman
November 8, 2013 at 7:45 PM
i have tried all the steps on my Samsung galaxy tab 3 ( jelly beans) even
got the nal external memory selected. but the devices started giving
insucient storage error once an app tried to update or even if i tried to
download any new app where as i had 2.1gb space internal and 50gb space
on sd card. any useful help or should i reverse back to original settings
Reply
eeyah19
November 9, 2013 at 7:06 AM
omg!!! super thankyou!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i cant explain the happiness im feeling
rght now!!! thanks
Reply
deadask
November 9, 2013 at 1:42 PM
im using sony xperia M and i cant nd charge only mode..and thus adb
devices command cant detect my phoneany help in this matter? thanks
:)
Reply
Mahesh
November 11, 2013 at 5:38 PM
hey bro

M using xperia m dual ( C2004) i have gone through your instructions but
still my phone is not listed in the command prompt
please help me
Reply
hemz
November 13, 2013 at 11:26 PM
my phone has two options while connecting USB. i.e. media transfer & mass
storage. which one should be selectd & after writing adb devices i cant
found name of any device attached i show only line list of devices
attached.. but cant found any device so after typing adb shell. i got
error message like.. device not found plss help me to overcm frm this
problm.. what to do now??? i hv sony xperia M dual
Reply
deep
November 16, 2013 at 12:34 AM
I will done this prosses but now i will install any ap then sho free up some
space
Reply
Patar Ronnie Hatigoran
November 17, 2013 at 3:57 PM
Hello Mike, hope you still around monitoring comments in this page
Ive been searching the way to solve this installing issues for a while and
google lead me here in your blog (nice work mate).
Ok, i follow your video tutorial step by step.
1. I can see my device, its mean the command adb devices work
2. Command adb shell work, rst this command pm setInstallLocation 2
lead me to and error, then i change to this pm set-install-location 2 and
work
It should be done right?
Then i turn o USB debugging, and restart my phone.
Next i try install game from google play, but nothing happen, the app still
installed on my internal storage (i try about 5 times with 5 dierent apps),
and i still cant nd option move to SD in applications setting.
Heres my question:
1. Is this trick work on all devices or android version??? I use Xperia ZL
Android 4.2.2
2. Is the command are work in all android version? I wonder dierent
version has dierent command.
I nd myself pretty frustrated because i still cant install the app on SD card
but the other way, i dont want root my device yet

Thanks, really appreciate your hints

Reply
Karthik
November 17, 2013 at 4:28 PM
Your commands are correct. I heard people say this sometimes doesnt
work in Jelly Bean. It is also possible that the apps you tried doesnt
allow move to sd card. Can you see move to sd card for your already
installed app. If not then your device also doesnt support this. Rooting
is the best option.
Reply
Patar Ronnie Hatigoran
November 17, 2013 at 6:23 PM
Thats what i wanna heard, at least i know when to stop thinking
about since its been a week nd out this installing issues
Thanks mate, keep update
myhhhaytaDan Mihaita
November 18, 2013 at 11:55 PM
I have a problem at this part:
5a. Windows users: Go to platform-tools folder. Hold down SHIFT key and
right-click anywhere in the folder. From the pop-up menu, select Open
command window here. This will open up a command prompt screen.
I have Windows SP2 :(
Reply
Karthik
November 19, 2013 at 9:25 AM
No problem. Follow the same.
Reply
Anurag
November 19, 2013 at 6:02 PM
i not got the list of devices
Reply
hemz
November 20, 2013 at 9:33 PM
i hvnt got the list of device attached plzzz help how to move apps to sd
card.m having sony xperia M dual.
Reply
hemz
November 20, 2013 at 9:49 PM
whthr i need any additional softwares to instl???,. uhhh frstrtd..
Reply

Paula Buckner
November 22, 2013 at 2:05 PM
5b. Mac users: right-click platform-tools and choose [New Terminal At
Folder]
yeh, I dont get this as a choice (running OSX 10.8.5 on a MacBook Pro).
Suggestions?
Reply
Laurie
November 23, 2013 at 10:58 AM
Does not work on new Sony Xperia X1 Changes to external 2 but when
you go into phone tells you The device does not have a real primary
external storage, or the primary external storage is emulated. Moving app
to SD function cannot be supported by this device. However the X1 has
a setting to move some items to SD and when connected to computer can
move music, photos, videos etc. to SD. See what happens when 4.3 is
released for X1 December and 4.4 early next year!
Reply
Laurie
November 23, 2013 at 2:52 PM
Make sure you go back in and change the storage back to internal 1
otherwise you will end up with a message that there is insucient space
and you can not longer download any apps
Reply
Bibaswan Mukherjee
November 24, 2013 at 12:46 PM
that android sdk le is too big
Reply
Delilah Drummond
November 26, 2013 at 6:38 PM
Im not nding the platform tools folder and I have no idea what you
mean by the rst step.
Reply
bishujit
November 26, 2013 at 11:02 PM
Is it working on galaxy star pro??? I hav tryd lots of apps but nt wrkng at
all,
Reply
bishujit
November 26, 2013 at 11:04 PM
Is it workz on galaxy star pro??
Reply
Jake Skidmore
November 29, 2013 at 10:38 AM

it says that there is an emulator also connected

Reply
Aadi
November 30, 2013 at 2:30 AM
i have Samsung gt-s7562 mobile my phone memory was full but i have 8
GB free memory card i follow given steps and when i run pm
getInstallLocation command i get 2 [external] output but i dont get option
move app to sd card and when i try to install new app i get memory full
error please suggest
Reply
Franz Franzenstein
November 30, 2013 at 2:32 PM
I have no charge-only-mode does this work with camera mode?
Reply
Ishvinder
December 1, 2013 at 12:44 AM
I have Micromax Canvas HD A116 I Foolwed all the steps and its displays
2[external]
but when i move my apps it moves them to internal memory only
What to do?
Reply
Ignatious Jayathilake
December 13, 2013 at 5:05 AM
Awesome article! Worked pretty nicely on my android. Cheers Mate!
Thanks a lot :)
Reply
Alvin
December 13, 2013 at 11:08 PM
I cant installed anything from playstore says that my storage are not
enough but both of internal or sd card are more than enough to install
Anyone get the same problem?
Reply
vinu
December 15, 2013 at 4:57 PM
how to reverse these process? reply me please
Reply
vinu
December 15, 2013 at 10:50 PM
no devices list is shown? what to do?
Reply
Tamal Banerjee
December 17, 2013 at 1:09 AM
Is this technique work with samsung galaxy s duos GT- s7562 ?

Reply
nikka ranola
December 17, 2013 at 12:11 PM
Hi Im using Lenovo A516 and I did this trick but unfortunately, its not
working on my phone. :( can you help me out with this? Thanks in
advance. :)
Reply
Akshay Chauhan
December 21, 2013 at 11:09 AM
how to go back to original???
Reply
Dave G
December 22, 2013 at 6:50 PM
Great, easy tutorial. Worked like a charm, THANK YOU!!!
Reply
Bidinho Casn
December 25, 2013 at 6:42 PM
Guy, if u used da comand pm set-install-location 2, ull hafto use pm
get-Install-Location to verify itand yes, i did it.
Reply
Sarah
January 3, 2014 at 11:06 AM
It worked! My frustration with this phone is nally gone THANK YOU!!
Reply
iyoesh
January 7, 2014 at 7:29 PM
could you tell me the detail please
Reply
natan
January 8, 2014 at 7:05 PM
sony st21i
sucess al the steps, but
still the apps install into internal memory ,there is option move to internal
memory ..still not the solution i want to nd it
Reply
Michal
January 16, 2014 at 4:33 AM
I just want to notice that if your device doesnt support MASS STORAGE
you need to make adb commands when you are in MTP mode. So
debugging mode ON and choosed MTP mode. Only charging doesnt work
for devices that doesnt have MASS STORAGE mode.
Reply
Murugan NATARAJAN

January 17, 2014 at 11:22 AM

my phone is htc wildre s i didi the same thing as u said but its not
detecting my device
stepwise i ill explain u what i did
Main thing i m using Windows 8 OS
Step 1- downloaded and installed the java JDK (this i got inf from other
site)
step1- downloaded android sdk bundle from android developer site( with
64 bit les)
(hrere i need to do download what type of le like 32 bit or 64 bit)
step3- unzipped the downloaded sdk bundle in c:\development\android sdk
bundle
step4- in sdk folder adb executable le is there
Step5- then i connected my device in charge only and USB debugging mode
step6- then shift right click on that window and opened the prompt
command windows
step7- i entered the command as adb devices and then pressing enter, its
shows as only List of devices attached no any device number or serial
number
pls help on this
Murugan/Tamil nadu/India
Reply
Aditya Sharma
April 8, 2014 at 12:21 PM
same thing is happening with me.. my phone is micromax canvas hd
a116.. if u nd the solution then dont forget to tell me about that..
Reply
Cleric JP
January 19, 2014 at 11:28 PM
Hey bro hello guys,
I just bought a new Samsung Galaxy Ace 3 Duos GT-S7272 Android Jelly
Bean 4.2.2.
then i bought (Kingston MicroSD-HCUi 16gb C10) to increase phone
memory and speed, BUT after 2 days of usage and downloads I was
surprised the Phone become Slow and screaming to free more space from
Phone Memory!!!
somehow all downloaded apps installed on Phone memory and just 4 of
them installed on SD card.
so i have to manually change the destination to the SD card and leave the

phone memory free as Posible, but im so afraid from these steps cuz my
Phone and SD card is new and Expensive but i have no choise i should do
it. so is these steps should work with my phone and SD card or theres
another steps for my phone and SD card??
regards for all of you and sorry for my bad english :-/
Reply
Fail Hard Hack
January 28, 2014 at 6:56 AM
whoah this weblog is wonderful i like reading your articles.
Keep up the good work! You know, a lot of individuals are hunting
round for this information, you can aid them greatly.
Reply
Tinto
January 29, 2014 at 10:05 AM
hii/ I have done the process on my samsung s duos.all successbut couldnt
locate move to sd card option
Reply
kashmir
February 6, 2014 at 9:20 PM
hey i have xolo q1000 with android 4.2.1
i have followed all steps. but when i type adb devices
list devices attached comes but nothing is listed.
i have tried chrge only mode, mtp mode, etc.
but same result.
please help.
my phone is unrooted
Reply
Mithun Dias
February 7, 2014 at 8:41 AM
Hi. I tried the method mentioned above bit by bit for my Micromax Bolt
A58. Device memory is around 100 MB after uninstalling spul. 130 MB of
Internal memory, wowmicromax sure knows how to screw its audience. I
will never switch to them ever.
Fortunately your instructions got executed well without any issues. But
when I try to install .apks, the default location of the installation goes to
PHONE MEMORY, & not EXTERNAL!!!
And some .apks such as clean memory got installed to SD Card yet shared
memory around 7MB goes to phone. This is weird all together. And I visit
play store a lot. When I install through PS portal, I want it to get installed
to EXTERNAL. Is this possible?
Hoping to get some light regarding these queries. Thank you :-)
Reply
shadows

February 11, 2014 at 12:24 AM

I did exactly as u told us , and i made sure my installation path is location 2
,and i rebooted the phone , but when i install any application it still goes to
phone memory not sd card .whats wrong ?????
Reply
yousef hammam
March 11, 2014 at 6:49 PM
i have a question : is this way need to use internet in the pc ???
Reply
Ganesh Gauli
March 12, 2014 at 11:13 PM
i get 0[auto] as output what does it mean .i m using galaxy grand
Reply
Eman
March 13, 2014 at 2:06 PM
I need help, when i do this, my phone still only says phone storage or
internal storage, so how do i get it to my SD card?
Reply
ralman
April 16, 2014 at 9:35 PM
rubbish..not work
Reply
PrIyAnGsHu
April 24, 2014 at 2:24 PM
Great tutorial man, thanks a lot for the help. Just moved the apps to my SD
card in Galaxy Y without rooting it. Thanks a lot for this incredible help
man :)
Reply
angrier grinch
April 29, 2014 at 8:50 AM
ive followed this tutorial to the dot have problems like the others i still
cant move my applications to my SD card.. and it always says not enough
space anybody with a GALAXY EXHIBIT having the same problem?
Reply
Raju
May 23, 2014 at 1:15 PM
done successfully but apps r still installing on internal memory
plz help. :/
Reply
avantika
May 31, 2014 at 1:02 AM
i m using micromax a58.i want to update my watsappvn i m try to do my

phn phn z shwng insucnt storage evn though i hv 36 mb intrnl

memry,1.36 gb sd card and phone memry 14.4mbwats upgrade jst
need 14.57 mb.i jv sunct memry.
my watsapp is in phn memry and i m unable to move in sd cardi vl b vry
gratful if u vl solv my prblm
Reply
Kevin DeHart
May 31, 2014 at 10:58 PM
I am sorry, but this is pretty hard to understand. If you are trying to
install new apps and it says you have insucient memory then what
you need to do is go back into the shell, reset the default install
location. restart the phone. Install the new apps. go back into the shell
and change the install location back to the external, and nally move
the apps (if possible) to your external. NOTE: Google anything and most
game market apps will not move to external (for security and
anti-pirating) unless you have a rooted phone.
Reply
Danish
June 2, 2014 at 12:52 PM
Thanks Working!!!
Reply
Fawzi
June 5, 2014 at 5:17 PM
I have a virtual SD card 0.4 GB in my phone and another real SD card 8 GB.
I have done the above instructions however the installation have gone to
that too small virtual SD card. I ak how to change the default installation
path to the real External SD card.
Thanks for your reply admin
Reply
Nipun
June 19, 2014 at 11:00 AM
when i type adb devices, it shows my device name but it says unauthorized
device. please help me. my device is sony xperia m c1904 android 4.3
Reply
FAIZAN
June 19, 2014 at 1:31 PM
work on my samsung galaxy s duos 2 gt-s7582 please replay fast
Reply
daini
July 19, 2014 at 6:16 PM
my phone is connected to my pc, I can move les to and from phone
memory. but adb devices command showing zero devices connected. any
solution?

Reply
Dungeon Hunter 4 Cheats
July 22, 2014 at 1:22 PM
My brother suggested I may like this website.
He was totally right. This put up actually made my day.
You cannt imagine simply how so much time I had spent for this
information! Thank you!
Reply
shantanu
August 8, 2014 at 2:24 PM
It SAYS 2 [EXTERNAL] .. Still I Cant Move Or install Any of The Apps To
SD CARD .. What To Do ?? .. My Device Is micromax Canvas Juice A177 ..
Please Help
Reply
shubham
August 17, 2014 at 9:51 AM
Does this work on MOTO E. [Android version 4.4.4]
Reply
jonas nirahua
September 15, 2014 at 1:29 PM
ora isoh mbut..
Reply
nevil119
September 1, 2014 at 10:44 AM
Just loved reading entire article. Very helpful. how to move apps to
external sd card
Reply
www.dailymotion.com
September 4, 2014 at 5:02 PM
Excellent post. I used to be checking constantly this blog and Im
impressed!
Very useful information specically the closing phase :
) I handle such info a lot. I used to be looking for this certain info for a long
time.
Thank you and best of luck.
Reply
www.dailymotion.com
September 4, 2014 at 5:02 PM
Excellent post. I used to be checking constantly this blog and Im
impressed!
Very useful information specically the closing phase :
) I handle such info a lot. I used to be looking for this certain info for a long
time.

Thank you and best of luck.

Reply
Mukesh Bisht
September 25, 2014 at 6:27 PM
hey dude i have micromax unite 2, so just wanna conrm few thing.
can you reply me on mail
that will helpfull
thanks
Reply

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