How to swap memory on Android? What should be done? Before we begin.

Modern users They can’t imagine their life without a smartphone in their pocket, because for many it is not just a device that helps them communicate with the right caller, but also a kind of window to the world. The presence of a good amount of memory in a device is highly valued by active users; many store on the device not only entertainment items, but also a lot of useful information, including documentary information.

Agree, it’s not pleasant when downloading an important file to be faced with the impossibility of saving it due to lack of memory. Faced with the problem of lack of memory, many people think about how to replace the internal memory of the phone with a memory card. It should be noted that this problem is faced mainly by owners of Chinese phones and tablets.

Let's try to understand this problem in more detail. To change the path where applications are saved, you need to have a specific program on your device. You should be aware of the possible risks and problems associated with them. If the memory is replaced incorrectly, an internal program failure may occur, which will lead to a complete flashing of the phone. An external storage device – a memory card – may also fail; to restore it, you will also have to use flashing the phone.

Editing the system file

So, in order to change the internal memory to external and install any applications directly on the card, you need to find or install the Root Broswser or ES Explorer program on your phone, you also need to be present in the system root rights Read how to get them quickly.

Replacing memory occurs as follows: you need to select the Root Broswser or Explorer program and start it, then look for the vold.fstab file in the system, it is located at device/system/etc/, open and carefully read the file, we will need to edit a couple of lines.

To read this you will need to be familiar with the file structure. If you carefully examine the file, you will easily find the corresponding lines responsible for replacing internal memory with external memory. After finding the corresponding lines, you need to perform a small manipulation and change the internal memory to external memory, in other words, swap the lines so that everything looks like the image below.

In this case, the line dev_mount sdcard…. is responsible for standard file safety, and dev_mount sdcard2…. for an external one (SD card). In order for our built-in memory to exactly change to the external memory we need, for this we just need to change some lines. But not all and not completely, but only additional and final inscriptions that follow dev_mount sdcard/storage/sdcard0 and dev_mount sdcard2/storage/sdcard1. As soon as we do it in the image, we need to save it.

After replacing the internal memory with a memory card, you should restart the phone. After you reboot your device, you will be able to enjoy the availability of memory and the installation of all subsequent games will be performed on the SD card. Do not lose sight of the fact that you carried out all the manipulations manually and if there is something missing, you will have to send the phone for flashing.

There is an equally effective way to replace memory without using the Root Broswser program. To do this, you only need to perform a few manipulations with your phone using a computer, literally three clicks. First of all, you will need to run the HTC Driver Installer file and install it on your computer so that all the necessary utilities for further work appear.

The second manipulation will be to install the driver on the system media C:\\android-sdk-windows, then you should run the SDK Manager program to check the files and their readiness for installation. After this, you should connect the phone to the computer and confirm the command: transfer everything to the SD card, read on how to do this.

We use ADB

Connect your phone with USB debugging enabled in the settings.
Go to the folder with the program and run the adb.exe file using the cmd command line, while holding down the shift button, right-click on the file and select open command windiws here

Will open command line in which we write adb devices

Now run the following command, which will swap the memory, just type it and press Enter.

After these manipulations, you should disconnect the phone from the computer and reboot the phone. After the reboot, you can verify that the button is working: transfer everything to the SD card and voila, you can safely use your phone. Now all applications and important documents and downloaded files will be saved on the external drive.

It should be remembered that when you remove the memory card from the phone, the installed applications will disappear, this is probably the only negative this method. It is also recommended to use external drives of at least class 10, as small drives will not bring the desired result.

The small amount of internal memory on cheap Android smartphones and tablets, the main problem is the inability to install applications. In such cases, replacing the internal Android memory with a memory card can help you.

For those who don’t understand from the title what this article is about: let’s assume you have 400 MB of internal Android memory, which is very little (about 12-20 installed applications), then you can think about taking and replacing the main memory with a memory card.

Before you start!

Do you have Android version 5.1 or later? Great! Then perhaps on your smartphone you can increase or!

Method 1

method 2

If you don't have such settings? Then read on to the article!

Risks and what you need to know

Replacing Android internal memory with a memory card only occurs if you have root rights installed (no root, method does not work)! For those who don’t know what Root is and how to get it:

Besides this you obliged know the Android file system structure.

Memory substitution is possible only if your Android device there is a system file vold.fstab on the way /system/etc , if you don’t have one, then this method is unfortunately not for you! Take advantage alternative ways(link 1, link 2, link 3). Also if Android does not have its own memory, then this article also not for you. The article is mostly for devices with a Mediatek (MTK) or Rockchip processor.

Since the system file will be edited there is a risk that you may make a mistake and device won't boot, in order to fix this you need to reflash the device, and also the memory card may fail and you will encounter the same problem, firmware will also help.

With a replacement internal memory on a memory card, the latter's service life is greatly reduced (due to frequent reading/writing), and the speed of Android may also drop if the class is very low microSD cards.

Attention!

Before you start making any changes, use the official option to replace the memory card -.

Instructions for replacing Android internal memory with a memory card

1. Install file manager Root Browser (if you chose another, then do not write “smart” questions in the comments “I don’t see” “does not edit”)

2. Launch the Root Broswser file manager and follow the path:

/system/etc/

3. Looking for a file vold.fstab and open it (click on the file and select Edit)

4. On file vold.fstab we see approximately this picture:

## Vold 2.0 fstab ## # Regular device mount ## ##Format: dev_mount ## label - Label for the volume ## mount_point - Where the volume will be mounted ## part - Partition # (1 based), or "auto" for first usable partition. ## - List of sysfs paths to source devices ######################################## # Mounts the first usable partition of the specified device #/devices/platform/awsmc.3/mmc_host for sdio dev_mount sdcard /mnt/sdcard auto /devices/virtual/block/XXXXXX dev_mount extsd /mnt/extsd auto /devices/platform/XXXXXX/XXXXXXX /devices/platform/sunxi-mmc.0/mmc_host dev_mount usbhost1 /mnt/usbhost1 auto /devices/platform/sw-ehci.1 /devices/platform/sw_hcd_host0 /devices/platform/sw-ehci.2 /devices/platform/ sw-ohci.1 /devices/platform/sw-ohci.2

On in this example Please note that two lines are highlighted if you have read the structure carefully before file system Android, then you already know that /sdcard or /sdcard0 this is internal memory, and /extsd or /external_sdcard, /sdcrad1, /sdcrad2, /external_sd This is external memory, that is, MicroSD.

All you need to do is swap these two lines:

dev_mount extsd /mnt/extsd auto /devices/virtual/block/XXXXX dev_mount sdcard /mnt/sdcard auto /devices/platform/XXXXX/XXXXX

Another example, on a different device:

Dev_mount sdcard /storage/sdcard0 emmc@fat /devices/platform/goldfish_mmc.0 /devices/platform/mtk-msdc.0/mmc_host dev_mount sdcard2 /storage/sdcard1

Change to the following:

Dev_mount sdcard /storage/sdcard1 emmc@fat /devices/platform/goldfish_mmc.0 /devices/platform/mtk-msdc.0/mmc_host dev_mount sdcard2 /storage/sdcard0 auto /devices/platform/goldfish_mmc.1 /devices/platform/mtk-msdc.1/mmc_host

Do you still have additional questions? Ask them in the comments, tell us what worked for you or vice versa!

The memory replacement method described below is only possible if you have the vold.fstab system file located in the /system/etc folder.

It should be cautioned that when performing a memory replacement there is a risk of making an error, since system files will be directly edited. You also need to be prepared for the fact that the life of the memory card will be greatly reduced, and the speed of Android may also drop significantly. Reflashing the device will help resolve the above problems. So we advise you to weigh the pros and cons before making systemic adjustments.

Algorithm for replacing Android internal memory with a memory card

Usually, for these purposes, we use the Root Browser file manager, when opening it we go to the /System/etc/ folder. Next, find the vold.fstab file and open it. To do this, use a long hold, and then click Edit.

After this, the internal Android file system opens, which we have already studied. In the structure that opens, we find the lines that contain the definition of main memory. On various devices strings may vary significantly.

Let's give an example for a general understanding of what you should pay attention to. As you know, the internal memory of Android is usually called sdcard or sdcard0, while the external memory can be called extsd, external_sdcard, sdcrad1, sdcrad2.

Replacing names in internal system files will automatically replace the default memory. Therefore, we look for lines that mention the above designations and swap them, but before that, carefully study again how memory is designated directly in your device.

After replacing and saving the results, you need to reboot the system, after which you can start working with the increased memory size.

How to swap memory on Android and why is it even needed? Should we engage in such manipulations at all and are they capable of causing irreparable harm to our device? Such questions are often of interest to people who are in control of a device with a small amount of built-in memory. If your smartphone has a corresponding capacity of, for example, four gigabytes, then you know that using such a device is nothing short of a pain. Because loading a sufficient number of multimedia files onto it is very, very problematic. So how can you swap memory from internal to external on Android?

Introduction to the problem

By the way, you should not think that only the Android operating system suffers from such a problem as a small amount of built-in memory. It is also available on iOS. These two systems constantly compete with each other. From time to time, “Windows Fawn” also intervenes in the combat, but it soon finds itself thrown out behind the tatami. What does the IOS topic cover? There are facts that invariably prove the “exposure” of this operating system to users. Initially, its code was a mystery. Nevertheless, a similar trend does occur. But the Android operating system, developed by Google specialists, is currently becoming more and more closed to potential developers with each update. This is exactly what bothers people who are so accustomed to this operating system.

Why do you need to know the answer to the question of how to swap memory on Android?

Currently, the OS we are talking about no longer allows users to install applications with the appropriate software - the so-called cache - on an external memory drive. In our case, let it be a MicroSD memory card. Probably, owners of devices with a capacity of 32 gigabytes and above will grin, but what should people do who have at their disposal from 4 to 8 GB, part of which (note this!) is spent on maintenance operating system? The only way out of this situation is to perform certain manipulations. And here it is more important than ever to know the answer to the question of how to swap memory on Android. Actually, this is not difficult to do. However, extreme attention and, by the way, straight hands are required. If you have these parameters, then we will move on to consider the meaning of the operation in order to understand what will be performed and why.

How to swap memory on Android 5? What to do with other versions?

There is a way out of the current situation, when we have only a couple of gigabytes at our disposal to host a multimedia contingent. It consists, firstly, in acquiring an external one and secondly, in software replacement of a certain code that can convince our device that the internal one is external. Well, and, of course, vice versa. Thus, the smartphone will treat the MicroSD card as an internal board. I would like to note that the question of how to swap memory cards on Android sounds completely incorrect, since several external drives cannot take part in this process.

What is needed for replacement?

Regardless of what version of the operating system you have installed and what manufacturer’s device you have, we will need the same set of utilities. These are programs called Root Explorer and Total Commander (which a huge number of users know). Additionally, you will need to obtain one for the device.

Replacement process

In order to begin the operation, open the Root Explorer program. We move to the address /system/etc. There you need to find a file called vold.fstab. In it you should find lines and parameters that are responsible for the mount points of external and internal memory. They are called, respectively, like this: SDcard and extsd. After this, you will need to swap the parameters. This will complete the active phase of the operation. Be sure to back up your files, and remember that such operations are performed at the user's own risk.

Risks and what you need to know

Replacing Android internal memory with a memory card only occurs if you have root rights installed (no root, method does not work)! For those who don’t know what Root is and how to get it:

Besides this you obliged know the Android file system structure.

Changing memory is only possible if your Android device has a system file vold.fstab on the way /system/etc , if you don’t have one, then this method is unfortunately not for you! Use alternative methods (link 1, link 2, link 3). Also if Android does not have its own memory, then this article also not for you. The article is mostly for devices with a Mediatek (MTK) or Rockchip processor.

Instructions for replacing internal Android memory

to a memory card

1. Install the file manager Root Browser (if you chose another one, then do not write “smart” questions in the comments “I don’t see” “does not edit”)

2. Launch the Root Broswser file manager and follow the path:

/system/etc/

3. Looking for a file vold.fstab and open it (click on the file and select Edit)

4. On file vold.fstab we see approximately this picture:

# Regular device mount

Format: dev_mount
label – Label for the volume
mount_point – Where the volume will be mounted
part – Partition # (1 based), or ‘auto’ for first usable partition.
– List of sysfs paths to source devices
#

# Mounts the first usable partition of the specified device
#/devices/platform/awsmc.3/mmc_host for sdio
dev_mount sdcard /mnt/sdcard auto /devices/virtual/block/XXXXXX
dev_mount extsd /mnt/extsd auto /devices/platform/XXXXXX/XXXXXXX
/devices/platform/sunxi-mmc.0/mmc_host
dev_mount usbhost1 /mnt/usbhost1 auto /devices/platform/sw-ehci.1 /devices/platform/sw_hcd_host0 /devices/platform/sw-ehci.2 /devices/platform/sw- ohci.1 /devices/platform/sw- ohci.2

In this example, note that two lines are highlighted; if you carefully read the structure of the Android file system before these, then you already know that /sdcard or /sdcard0 this is internal memory, and /extsd or /external_sdcard, /sdcrad1, /sdcrad2, /external_sd This is external memory, that is, MicroSD.

All you need to do is swap these two lines:

dev_mount extsd /mnt/extsd auto /devices/virtual/block/XXXXXX
dev_mount sdcard /mnt/sdcard auto /devices/platform/XXXXXX/XXXXXXX

Introduction to the problem

Why do you need to know the answer to the question of how to swap memory on Android?

Currently, the OS we are talking about no longer allows users to install applications with the appropriate software - the so-called cache - on an external memory drive. In our case, let it be a MicroSD memory card. Probably, owners of devices with a capacity of 32 gigabytes and above will grin, but what should people do who have at their disposal from 4 to 8 GB, part of which (note this!) is spent on maintaining the operating system? The only way out of this situation is to perform certain manipulations. And here it is more important than ever to know the answer to the question of how to swap memory on Android. Actually, this is not difficult to do. However, extreme attention and, by the way, straight hands are required. If you have these parameters, then we will move on to consider the meaning of the operation in order to understand what will be performed and why.

How to swap memory on Android 5? What to do with other versions?

What is needed for replacement?

Regardless of what version of the operating system you have installed and what manufacturer’s device you have, we will need the same set of utilities. These are programs called and Total Commander(which a huge number of users know). Additionally, you will need to obtain one for the device.

Replacement process

In order to begin the operation, open the Root Explorer program. We move to the address /system/etc. There you need to find a file called vold.fstab. In it you should find lines and parameters that are responsible for the mount points of external and internal memory. They are called, respectively, like this: SDcard and extsd. After this, you will need to swap the parameters. This will complete the active phase of the operation. Don't forget to do backups files, and remember that such operations are performed by the user at his own peril and risk.

The capabilities of the device can be seriously expanded if you replace the internal Android memory to a memory card. This will allow you to install many more applications on your tablet or other gadget, but the main requirement for performing this update is to have root rights on the device. Let's look at ways to use an SD card as the device's system memory, as well as the conditions associated with this.

Risks and conditions for replacing the gadget’s internal memory with an SD card

Before repeating the steps below, the user should consider several important points:

The lifespan of the SD card will be greatly reduced due to frequent read/write cycles when running applications.
The speed of the gadget may drop noticeably if you use microSD card low class.
If you make a mistake when editing a system file, the phone may not boot next time - you will have to reflash it.

In general, the procedure (especially for inexperienced users) is quite risky, so it makes sense to carry it out exclusively for old gadgets with a small amount of their own memory.

Using the Root Browser utility and editing the vold.fstab file

To swap memory, from Google Play You will need to install Root Browser.

Let us repeat that you can only fully work with it on rooted devices. After running the above application:

In Android, sdcard stands for internal memory, and extsd stands for external memory, i.e. SD card. By replacing these lines, we actually swapped these types of memory. On some systems these pieces of code may look different, for example like this:

They need to be replaced as follows:

After completing the described procedure, reboot the gadget. Before doing this, be sure to check that there are no errors in the modified code, so that there is no need for reflashing in the future.

The second way to increase memory using Link2SD

The application is available in Play Market and only works on devices with root rights. This file manager does not physically replace the device’s internal memory with an external drive, but it is capable of transferring any utilities to an SD card, significantly saving the gadget’s resources.

The peculiarity of the application in question is that the MicroSD itself will have to be split and properly formatted. Therefore, copy everything valuable from your card to your computer and start dividing the drive into sections.

Dividing the device card into sections if there is a custom Recovery

Every Android device has a recovery mode, but the method described below is only suitable for devices with . If you've never heard of CWM, move on to the second drive partitioning option. Next, we’ll tell you how to solve the problem if your device recovery mode has the Partition SD Card item:

Partitioning a MicroSD card via a computer

Connect the card to your laptop or PC. To do this, you can use a card reader or other equipment, the main thing is that it should be defined as a drive and not an MTP media device. Further: