About storage options

Apps and app data (including photos, videos, and music files) are stored in your phone’s internal storage. Files you download from email or the internet are stored there, too.

You can insert an SD card to instantly add portable storage to your phone for media files, or you can set up the SD card to extend your phone’s internal storage space. Or, to access your files from anywhere you have an internet connection, store them with a cloud service.

SD card: portable storage

Use your SD card as portable storage if you:

  • Frequently swap your SD card and content between devices
  • Have a Class 2, 4, or 6 card
  • Don’t download and install many large apps

When used as portable storage:

  • The card can only store media files.
  • The card is readable by other devices, including phones, computers, cameras.
  • Content on the card isn’t encrypted.
  • You can view or listen to media on the card using media apps.
  • You can set the Camera app to store new photos and videos on the card.
  • Apps can’t be moved to or installed on the card.

To transfer files or view them on another device (TV, computer, etc.), remove the card from your phone and insert it into the other device. You can also move files from internal memory to the card, or transfer files to a computer using a USB cable.

SD card: extended internal storage

Use your SD card as internal storage if you:

  • Need more device storage and plan to keep the card in the phone
  • Download large apps and games
  • Have a high-speed card (UHS-1)

When used as internal storage:

  • The card can be your phone’s primary storage.
  • You can move downloaded apps, app data, and media files to the card.
  • The card is NOT readable by other devices, is always encrypted, and cannot be decrypted on any other device.
  • If you decide to change the card to portable storage, the card must be formatted and erased.

Cloud storage

Clouds are great for storing files you want to share and access on the go, like photos, videos, and music.

Benefits include:

  • Access to your files from any computer or mobile device with an internet connection - uses cellular data or Wi-Fi
  • File synchronization - no need to keep track of multiple versions in multiple storage locations
  • Ideal for backups of photos and videos

Cloud storage providers typically offer free storage that can be expanded with a paid subscription once you reach the free-storage limit. Or you can manage your free storage by removing files you no longer need to make space for new ones.

Apps like Drive and Photos let you easily back up media.