Tips
How to Install Apps to the SD Card by Default on Android 2.2 Froyo
August 3, 2010 | by Lars Aronsson
Android Tutorials, Beginner's Guide to Android, Tips
The Android 2.2 Froyo feature that most people have been looking forward to is likely official support for installing apps to the SD card. It’s something that many feel should have been included from the start, and I guess we’ve all gotten the dreaded “phone storage is getting low” notification on our Android devices at one point or the other. I personally ran out of internal storage just one day after I bought my HTC Desire (impressed or appalled?).
>>> Don’t forget to read many more useful Android hacks and tricks from Androinica.
There are certain tricks to regain a couple of MB here and there, like clearing the cache that some applications use, but for those with a taste for apps and games, the phone storage limitation has been quite a nuisance. Android users with root access have been able to enjoy the Apps2SD utility, but getting it to work is a comparatively complicated process. Frozen yogurt to the rescue!
To install an app to the SD card on Android Froyo, the application itself needs to support it. In my experience though, most current apps can be moved to the external storage. However, the Froyo system installs all new applications on your device’s internal memory by default, except for those that explicitly request external installation. Luckily, it’s possible to make your Android 2.2 phone put apps on the SD card by default instead. Here’s how:
- First you have to enable USB debugging on your Android device from Settings > Applications > Development > USB debugging.
- Now you need to download and install the Android SDK on your computer from http://developer.android.com/sdk/. Once you’ve downloaded and extracted the package to the folder of your choice, run SDK Setup.exe and click on Available Packages to the left. If you get an error message at this point, enable “Force https://…” in the Settings. From the list of available packages, select “Usb Driver package”, click on the Install Selected button in the bottom right corner and follow the prompts.
- Connect your phone to your computer with a USB-cable. Your OS will prompt you to install new drivers. Choose to install them from the android-sdk/usb_driver folder. Do not mount your device; you only need to plug-in the cable.
- Next, run a command prompt and navigate to the Android-SDK\tools folder. In Windows, this is done by selecting Run from the Start Menu (or by pressing Win+R) and typing cmd. You change drives in the command prompt by entering the drive letter followed by a colon (:), and change folders with the CD command. For example, to enter the Android-SDK folder, simply type cd android-sdk.
- In the Android-SDK\tools folder, type in adb devices and you should get a serial number starting with “H” in return. All you have to do next is entering adb shell pm setInstallLocation 2. Voilà, you’re done! Android will now install apps to the SD card by default.
- To switch back to storing software on the internal memory, enter adb shell pm setInstallLocation 0.
I should point out that it’s preferable to install certain apps to the main memory, since it will take a while before the SD card becomes available when you start your phone. Applications installed on the memory card will also be unavailable to the system each time you mount your phone as a disk drive. The internal storage is probably quicker as well, even though Google claims that “there is no effect on the application performance so long as the external storage is mounted on the device.” In general, apps that integrate with the Android OS and that often run in the background is better to install on the internal storage, while games and most other applications will have no problem chilling outside on your SD.
Update: Homescreen widgets should be installed to the internal storage as well. I noticed that LauncherPro, for example, won’t recognize widgets stored on the SD card when you start your phone, because when the app is launched, the memory card is still unavailable.
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I'm still waiting for the Froyo update for my HTC Aria, but I probably will have to wait all the way until the holidays. Hopefully this is not the case as I seriously need the apps to SD card feature.
Thank you. Work very well
I have htc desire with android 2.2
I have tried this, installed the SDK, launched a command prompt, browsed to the tools folder to run the adb, but i get a message saying "Error: device not found" any ideas? I can't be far away, if it would just recognise the device. I have allowed USB debugging_Any suggestions would be much appreciated, thanks in advance
It appears I don't have the correct drivers installed for ADB, even though I've installed the USB package through SDK. Am i missing something here?
how it worked for u . even i tried the same process but it didn’t work for me .
Hi for me it is working when i try to move app. When i am installing from google play store it is installing to internal memory only.
What was the problem?
plz tell me.
i am waiting for ur replay!!!
Thanks in advance!!!!
Also as I mentioned yesterday. SDMove app which is free in the Android Market that takes the headache out of knowing which apps should/can be moved to the SD card for Froyo users. http://www.appbrain.com/app/com.beaglebros.SDMove I thought I'd post this since you haven't yet. SDMove color codes which apps you can move to the SD card and which apps you should leave in the system memory.
Thanks for the tip! I will check it out, sounds useful.
hey please help..
i have sony ericsson xperia walkman w8 with android 2.2 please suggest me how to download applications direct to sd card
Thanks for the tip and link. I was halfway thru installing the SDK on my phone via the cable when things got murky, and I realize I lack the knowledge and skill for this. Having a simpler ap is, well, simpler!
Thanks again,
I want to fix it once it for all !!! Not to move to SD each time I install an app.
It’s a pleasure to find someone who can identify the isuses so clearly
I could be wrong, but using a class 6 sd card, I almost feel that the apps run faster, not slower. This could be just perception, but comparing the Movies app on my phone to my wife's, me having the app on sd, it seemed to be just a bit snappier when installed to sd.I
This is nonsense! Such a complicated method shouldn't be necessary! I pay hundreds of dollars and on top of that I need to become a hacker to install a bloody app. Nonsense I tell you!
Hey Nonsense! This place is not for you! Now get going..
If you think this is complicated then you are an idiot.
No he does have a point tho, apps should be installed to sd card by default. Only stuff like your standerd ring tones, contact should be installed on phone.
I would go one step further.
There should be a standard feature where the user chooses where to install the App – internal storage or SD card.
That would be much better than.
5 stars for this method!!works great!!the SDMove is good as well….good color coding scheme..!!
P.S SDMove won't allow you to install apps by default on SD Card…It will just move the apps which have the capability to SD Card…I think this method and SDMove will work great!!
I have a Droid. When I plugged in the phone, I didn not get the “OS prompt to install drivers” Now what?
I kinda agree with Marcel.
Hi CR. Which OS is your computer running, and did you install the "Usb Driver package" from SDK Setup.exe? The USB driver is needed for it to work. And please note that you shouldn't mount your phone as a disk drive, just connect the cable. Hope this helps!
Is it the USB driver package revision 3? If so, then yes. I installed it from the SDK Setup.exe. Which OS will ask for the drivers? The computer or the phone's? Also, I didn't mount the SD card. Actually, since my 2.2 update, it doesn't ask me to mount or not mount the SD card any more. It tells me USB connected and USB debugging connected. If I go into USB connected, I have the option to turn on USB storage. That's all I get. Thanks for helping.
The same. Nothing happens when I connect the phone to PC.
any luck?
does this tip means that all your apps you have will move to SD even if it's not made for an SD card? do you know what i mean?? ex: can i move any app to my SD card??
No, it only works for apps that support being installed to an external storage.
Live Wallpapers (and all other apps that you need when the SD-card is mounted to your computer) should be stored on your phone.
i'm using SE x10i after i typed "adb shell pm setInstallLocation 2" on command prompt the error comes up "Error: unknown command 'setInstallLocation"
anybody help please….
This tip only works on devices with Android Froyo, and the X10 hasn't gotten its update yet unfortunately.
When Im choosing the usb folder its telling me no drive found. I dunu what is the problem? m using windows vista 32. What shal I do? can u answer me ASAP?
Tanx
hi i got the same problem did u find the answer?
i got the htc desire + froyo dude
I agree with Marcel…Also, I tried the market app which turned out to be totally useless.
http://www.nexusoneforum.net/forum/nexus-one-appl…
Apps that "Officially" Move to SD on Froyo
Hi all
I've started a list of apps that can be moved to SD from other sites and put them in alpha order. Also I realised if I type SD in the Search on the Android Market it brings up anything to do with SD and surprisingly most of the apps can be moved to SD. Install these softwares, then use Apps 2 SD or SD Move (software to help move apps over to SD or use Manage Application on Froyo). (Ok that doesn't mean all can be moved because I believe it picks the wording SD from all apps and creates the list). However, I still found most could be moved over to SD. Some may not be to everyones liking but at least theres a bigger list this way. It really is a case of the developers updating their apps to include moving to SD. Not sure if I can put my list on here, so appreciate the feedback.
Could someone please help me on how to run commands on Mac os , thanks?
Awesome stuff dude!! Have so far recovered over 50% of my main memory!!
Thank you very much for this tutorial, worked wonders! Although with some tippies:
If you are running Windows 7 like me, UNPLUG your phone from PC, d/l the Android SDK kit but entirely skip the part with installing USB driver, instead just go to HTC page (http://www.htc.com -> Support and find your product) and d/l HTC Sync application, install it. Plug in the phone now, set connection type to synchronize and check if HTC Sync recognizes the phone, if yes, you are set (HTC Sync installs the needed ADB drivers under Win 7).
All you need to do now is to enable the USB Debugging in your phone and set connection type to "Charge only" (tho it worked also with sync setting) and follow up rest of the tutorial.
^ HTC Desire – Android Froyo 2.2 (not-rooted) + Windows 7 Ultimate 32bit.
Hi…I'm using HTC HD7 window 7. Can i install this application. Can my phone work with window 7 + Android 2.2 Froyo simultiously.
Thank u very much ur suggestions helped a lot
ty 1ce agn …. 
Do I need to download the 2.2 platform before plugin my device? I dunu why when Im choosing usb folder its saying “windows can not find drivers software for your device.” can anyone help me?
Can any1 tell me why is it like this pls…
Can any1 tell me why is it like this pls… http://i640.photobucket.com/albums/uu124/felix131…
Sorry, i did it! yay! android sdk need to be opened when doing the command prompt stuff, hahaha!
hey felix can u tell me the sreps in simple words?:( plzzzzzzzz… tanx.
I have downloaded the folder in my desktop.so also tell me what command I should write? by the way I have only drive c.
tanx
THANKSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS YOU ROCK YOU SAVEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE.
Thank you SOOO much. I too have been battling the ratted “phone storage is getting low” notification since day 1 of my Desire. A note for HTC Desire users – you need to install HTC Sync software off your phone to get ADB working – this caused me a mega headache. See here for details: http://jamesgiang.wordpress.com/2010/04/25/adb-dr…
Do we change the default setting from HTC Sync to "Ask" before it recognises the USB drivers only I get no update to the drivers when I connect the Desire. Am I missing something here. I have donwloaded and executed SDK, downloaded USB Drivers 3, connected the Desire to USB and nothing happens. Help !!!
cheers
Aha, just checked the post above, I can install USB drivers direct through HTC Sync?
Hi 1st of all I have to say that this is a great website for android!! Keep up the good work!!
Now to my problem.. I have tried everything that you have described but with no luck..I have an htc desire with vanilla froyo.. I am doing everything that is required in cmd but with no luck. Do I get a confirmation when I make the change in the parameter. After I try to copy a app on the sd but it doesnt work.
Does any of you have a clue whats wrong?
thanks,
sid
same problem as sid please help!
Please forgive me if this question is too elementary – I'm as noob as it can get.
1) Do I need root access and does this work with Droid Incredible?
2) SDK Setup.exe same as SDK Manager.exe?
I downloaded the app install but couldnt locate SDK Setup.exe but I was able to locate the "USB Driver Package" after running the SDK Manger.exe.
On list of available package, all the packages were checked including the USB Driver Package, should I unselect all but USB Driver Package?
After installing the USB Driver Package, and installed my device using usb, the OS prompted me to install new driver but no option to install them from the android-sdk/usb_driver folder. (Device is not mounted)
I must be doing something wrong, Someone please help!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks for reading
works. thanks
I tried following this method, however when it came to installing the drivers at the "Found new hardware" step, my PC was unable to find any to install. Can anyone help? I'm running XP home (service pack 3), and have an HTC desire.
Sorry, just saw the post above Giles', will try that now.
The HTC Sync did almost everything till step 4.
The only thing what you have to do, type "adb shell pm setInstallLocation 2" in dos prompt, as written in step 5.
It works perfectly.
The new HTY Sync did the usb driver install process.
Yes!! Fuckin' brilliant!
This made my Droid 1 work horribly slow and was very unstable. The memory available was very low also. Best to let the phone decide where the apps should be.
Hi
I just recently bought Htc Desire with three mobile uk, there are many problems i am facing thosea are as follow
1)
I always find it very difficult after could of minutes it is showing me stogage memory low.
I updates firmware to 2.2 froyo but sill can not move my applications on SD card
how can i move my applications on sd as it is just slowing my phone down n occupying memory
2)
many files like htc sense, htc.com/inti, my uplo, htc sync, updater,loader, maps opens and runs automatically in background automattically, i can not stop them
i stop them manuually then again it starts
3) whats this rooting htc android phones, wats benefits of this and any official htc document/site providing info about this
I hope you will resolve this matter ASAP
Thanx
Raj
hello everyone. i have an issue. i have the a81e tablet with 2.2 froyo on it. i made all the above succesfully . but now the tablet can’t install any app. i return it again to internal memory and it’s all fine. any idea for this?
Simply awesome! It would be great if all data could move to the SD card, but great chunk is being removed from my internal memory so yay!
Notably, 8.17MB from the Flash player app left my internal memory to find itself on my SD card!
could you please expain me the step 3….what do you mean by dont mount device?….please help
pls help i , did all the steps but cannot get device serial when typing adb devices
It’s more a workaround in my opinion. Not the apps should have this feature inside to place it on the SDHC card, but Android OS should give an option by default to let install any app to SD or internal memory.
Dude thank you so much ! it worked fine on my htc desire!
i'm getting an error device not found msg even though my device is connected… help please?
Ok Please help me. I am using HTC Desire with Froyo not rooted. I get to the step to connect the phone but dont get an os prompt???. I have read that i need to use HTC Sync to install the drivers to my phone??? How do i do this? I have tried doing it via Application installer on HTC Sync but i dont know what to install? I need a complete idiots guide for people using HTC Desire. Please can someone do this and a big than you to anybody that does : )
Hi… Does this work without partitioning the SD Card?
Took me 3 hours but I finally figured out that the USB drivers in the download does not include my LG Optimus One. Had to get drivers from them and so step 2 and 3 were not needed… (because those just make your OS update the drivers from the set it has downloaded from the SDK manager which Opimtus One was not a part of).
Kept repeating the steps over and over… Until I figured that my phone is relatively new and may not be in the USB drivers list.
hi, i have problems following the tutorial..
i'm stuck at no 3.. it did ask me to install new drivers but i didn't get to choose to install it from where or to where…
when i proceed with step 4, i typed "cd android-sdk", it says "the system cannot find the path specified".
can someone help me?
i got into tools folder, but when i typed "adb devices" it says "List of devices attached" but apparently nothing is listed. when i typed "adb shell pm setInstallLocation 2" it says "error: device not found".
any idea what's the problem here?
having a little problem install apps now.. worked great for moving to sd and worked first to install new apps. but now i cant. it fails to install every time now!!
Although I installed the SKD manager and downloaded the usb drivers the adm is not recognized. I run Windows XP and I have an HTC Desire. Can somebody tell me what's wrong?
I've replied in a later post.
Sorry … I meant ADB manager..
Can not wait to try this out! Storage has been a huge annoyance for me.
Hi everyone. I'm stock in step 4. I don't know what I need to do in the cmd console. Need help, please. Thanks…
This is just what I've been looking for. Once this setting is applied "Move to SD" appears for apps not yet set to move by the developer. back out of the memory danger zone again, thanks to this, and have TIBU'd back another 20 apps already. Great POST!
WORST most BADLY explained tutorial I've EVER read. You should be ashamed!! >:(
That was not very nice Andrew. There are FAR worse out there! It was pretty good considering everything involved!! I'm pretty assure the writer is assuming this is written for people not afraid to explore and play around a little. A lot of work went into it. The problem is everybody's systems and devices are a bit different. I appreciate the tutorial. It has the potential to be a lot of help to me, at the very least, I discovered the SDK manager to play with. Think of it as a step towards learning something greater, even if it doesn't work.
Please NEVER make a tutorial again unless you know what you're talking about.
Please help my friend- for htc desire, if I got a well-working htc sync who sees my phone, and i plug it to pc, choose charge only and have activated usb debugging, where I'm going in cmd? Do I have to copy drivers from android-sdk-windows folder to my HTC driver folder or what? I just can't see any connection with your android sdk folder and drivers, in case that i;ve already have drivers from htc sync installed. Any info is welcome, please help..
I had problems for ages with my Desire. I've finally got it working!!! Instead of going to the android-sdk-tools/tools folder, go to the android-sdk-windows/platform-tools folder.
Then type in "adb", THEN the setInstallLocation 2.
Reply if you still need help. I will help you. I know how frustrating it is!!
I love you!!! I was stuck cause the adb command was unrecognized! Just typed in adb and saw a bunch of stuff I didn't read yet cause I'm so excited the command was recognized! Thank you!
Thank you but this article need an update ASAP
The article is dated 2010, and the reader should be able to surmise that the content was applicable in 2010, and not necessarily 2012.
It isn't a bad tutorial, it's just out of date. The SDK appears to have changed completely – there is no longer any USB drivers with it and the ADB exe doesn't exist either.
adb.exe is in folder "tools" or "platform-tools". I have it in "platform-tools".
But it still doesn't work. I have Nexus One, I did everythink I found on Internet and I still get "error: device not found"
Did all the above and went and try to see whether this works, downloaded firefox and it stored it on internal memory.
typed in "adb shell pm setInstallLocation 2" no errors. Anyone have any idea how to check/test whether this is working?
HTC desire froyo unrooted.
Thanks,
Does not work on my htc desire;
i can install adb composite but the bloody device does not start and I cannot connect with my device , adb returns no device at all.
I have only installed the google usb driver – by means of configuration new hardware and then pointing to the winusb.inf, choosing composite adb – but should I then install the HTC sync driver to be able to connect my htc to my pc???
Hi
Is there a way to do your 6 steps on a mac computer? My phone is running Android 2.2, and I use a mac, so the .exe files don't work on my mac computer…
Thanks
F.Y.I
it only worked for me when I downloaded only the USB driver package, and then got from the CMD to :
…..platform-tooladb devices
thanks
ADB has now been moved to "platform-tools" instead of "tools"
"Next, run a command prompt and navigate to the Android-SDK ools folder"
The tool folder is "platform-tools".
It works. Thanks.
So ,, finally I am done … It worked ,
The people having trouble with the '' usb_driver and command prompt `'' step ,,, this is for you
Simply skip the usb_driver step . If you have the android-sdk-windows folder anywhere ,rename it short to (android ), copy and paste it into the C: drive…… next look for the adb.exe in the tools folder – if its there , then the command you are gonna type in cmd would be ( cd C:androind ools)
If its not there ,, then come to android-sdk folder and then Platform-tools ,, if you find adb.exe there ,, then the command would be ( cd C:androidplatform-tools )
then you are gonna get into that specefic folder ,,, the type adb devices
then adb shell pm setInstallLocation 2 ,,
and you re done. Enjoy
Lars…will this work on my Nexus one with froyo 2.2?
I also dont see an option for usb drivers when the packages come up…
same i can’t find the usb drivers packages, i can only see google usb driver package! so confused!
Could someone make a video to show us!
thanks
I have an LG Optimus V and needed to download the USB driver from the LG website. See http://developer.android.com/sdk/oem-usb.html for a list of links to each manufacturer's webpage to download and install the appropriate driver for your phone. Once I did that, I unplugged and replugged the USB cable, the correct driver installed and I was able to navigate back to the adb location (which btw, is not in the tools directory anymore, but in the platform-tools directory) and run the command, no problems.
how do i install modern combat 2 without using wifi or network connection? i have extracted the rar files into sd card and installed the apk file but keeps telling me to switch on wifi to download more data
It worked perfectly but still some of the apps getting downloaded in the phone memory. Can anybody tell me why is that happened? Any solutions? Thanks.
I have followed instruction as you said and it worked perfectly but still some of the application getting downloaded in to the phone memory. I would be greatful if you can give me any solutions for that….thanks
worked just fine..now my app2sd can move all my installed apps to SD….superb
Oh wow, Android really is cool like that. Amazing.
It doesnt work..i did the entire process. I didnt install the USB Driver package as i dont need to cuz i use Samsung Galaxy Ace which comes with Kies that lets my phone get connected without needed extra drivers.
After all the thing with command prompt..i used Astro is install some games storeed in my SD card , yet they are automatically installed into the phone memory
I have an LG Optimus M and have a few issues.
Device number starts with an A not an H. I cannot install the drivers as I already installed the LG ones (and only google drivers are now available). Finally tried your method, but it did not work on the my 2.2.
forgot to mention I get no response from typing setinstalllocation 2. I tried location 1 with no luck and if i go any higher it says location not valid.
When I run the command I'm getting this msg, any idea?
[1] Killed pm setInstallLoc…
im using samsung galaxy ace and "Your OS will prompt you to install new drivers. Choose to install them from the android-sdk/usb_driver folder. Do not mount your device; you only need to plug-in thecable." i didn get prompt by the OS
how how how
Hey, what about Eclair?
Not working for my LG phone either. Got to the point where it should show my device serial number, but nothing listed?
guy, if you are haveing problem with the usb driver for htc, go to the developer.htc.com and down their usb driver. once you download then, go to device manger and it will work..yeah
enable force what ? cant see the whole thing and the link doesn't open.
- Connect your phone to your computer with a USB-cable.
- run a command prompt (by pressing Win+R) and typing cmd
- navigate to the adbplatform-tools folder (by cd command)
- in the adbplatform-tools folder, type in "adb devices" and you should get a serial number
- type in "adb shell pm setInstallLocation 2"
- You’re done! Android will now install apps to the SD card by default.
Okay thanks a lot guys…
Step 2 : obsolete, not needed anymore, USB drivers are loaded by default, you can skip this step
- Step 4 : For the poster above ; in your console window browse to drive:wherever_you_installed_the_SDKplatform-tools (ie. c:mypathAndroid-SDKplatform-tools
(Thats it for step 4)
- Step 5 : The 'adb' command is moved from the /tools folder to the /platform-tools folder, so the initial path to run the 'adb' command from in console should be ie. c:mypathAndroid-SDKplatform-tools
Then run adb.exe then type 'adb devices' hit enter this should return a serial, this serial should correspond with the serialnumber from your phone (in you phone goto settings –> about the phone –> phone ID to check the match), if it does you can run 'adb shell pm setInstallLocation 2' and your all done.
when I type:
adb devices
I get:
'adb' is not recognized as an interal or external command, operable program or batch file.
what am I dong wrong?
Go for superbox…this moves some of the apps from phone memory to sd card…
thanks…works great
thank you……..
work very welll
In my cmd shows "cannot create sys/module/yaffs/parameters…" and "permission denied". What Can i do to fix it?
Worked great for my Nexus S 4G thanks alot man…. Just beware of anything you use the widget for it must be on your phone and not SD card to work properly on your desktop… Or atleast that was what happen with my Nexus S 4G…
Google is stupid developper , if they can't create a normal rom , so don't create anything !
if you buy a telephone , it's for call someone !
but if you want install a lot of apps , and have 7440 MB , why should this android needs to install in 77 MB avaiable storage ? NONSENSE by GooGLe !
DO NO DELETE THIS COMMENT BECAUSE IT TELLS TRUE !
Just fucking brilliant.
I agree the post is outdated now but author is the one who pointed us in the right direction.
just have to say this again- Just fucking brilliant.
i have HTC Desire Android 2.2 same as Sid… it won't work… and i did as you describe above.
Thanks this is very much helpful
) samsung galaxy ace
Guys please help me. Im running Gingerbread on HTC Chacha. I done all that this guide says (took the adb in "platform-tools" since that were it is now) but it is still installing apps onthe internal memory…Im so sad as this phone looks great but the inability to install loads of apps due to internal memory restriction is just daft from google….Please help.
I have a HTC Wildfire and Android 2.3, was hoping this would work but sadly it dosent. I even tried getInstallLocation after i changed it, and it replied with 2 lol, so it thinks it has changed it but when I install new apps they are still on the same stupid internal memory storage.
can anyone plz simplify this method as i m not able to handle the cmd part………plz help……
How do you have it move the apps to the phones INTERNAL SD card and not the microSD slot?
It doesnt work with wildfire….
Thank you! Exactly what I was looking for. Although I still can't install "battlehearts" it did help me free up a lot of space on my phone.
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hey man i own optimus one..got well but stuck in command promt for"adb devices"to that designated location it shows the regular non recognized internal or external error…please help
i m out of my internal memory
great, well work for my HTC desire. thanks
it works really
It took me an evening but this works for my galaxy mini
thx
Hi
Is this method different from using ( Mod Install Location ) a free application.
I need not only to transfer the application ( 5 to 20 MGB ) , I need to transfer the associated files as well. For example, I can transfer the application of Sygic or NDrive but not the maps to the external memory.
Please help
thnx
Extra !
Note : On Win 7 u DOT NEED to install any usb driver, and go directly to "C:Program FilesAndroidandroid-sdkplatform-tools" and enter "adb shell pm setInstallLocation 2" !
any way THANKS !
its saying /sbin/sh: pm: not found
The adb program has now beem moved to android-sdkplatform-tools, for me on 64 bit win7 for example:
C:Program Files (x86)Androidandroid-sdkplatform-tools
can this process be used for 2.3.4?
i also want to know this because adb shell command is returning an error
/sbin/sh: pm: not found
thanks man
it worked
wasent that simple as u stated but it worked
This tutorial was written almost a year ago. The steps should be updated as it was stated in previous comments. However even I did it all right the solution did not help me to resolve the storage issue on my HTC Desire 3.2. Somehow it still downloads application on my internal memory. Do not know where is the problem and to be honest, don't have nerves anymore (I already lost entire evening on this)…
Downloaded http://developer.android.com/sdk/ however there is no SDK setup exe? Only SDK manager.exe
Any ideas?
Just use the SDK manager
Tried this on my HTC Desire froyo with great succes. Then applied the stock gingerbread rom. Now this trick doesn't work anymore
FYI the adb devices has moved folders…at least in my version of Android SDK I downloaded. there is a txt file i (eventually found…gggrrrrr) that says it has moved to the 'platform-tools' folder so if the locations in the above instructions doesn't work try this.
also have to agree with person who suggested downloading HTC Sync to get the usb drivers installed. Once i did that i had no problems with my HTC Desire.
thanks for the article …had it not been for the usb driver problem and known to search in the 'platform-tools' to begin with it would have taken me 2mins to setup. all worked well and have got about 20Mb back so far.
thanks
Tried to fix this today on my HTC Desire. It cost me some time to figure out that the latest version of de SDK doesn't contain some files that are needed for this action. The command prompt won't recognise the commands you fill in. The article here: http://theunlockr.com/2009/10/06/how-to-set-up-ad… provides you the files that you can download here: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=RTEY0Q97. You should unzip them in the ools folder. Now open the SDK and a command prompt and navigate to the ools folder (type CD followed by for example "C:Androidandroid-sdk ools" without the quote-signs around it). You should now be able to fill in "adb devices" (again without quote-signs) and get the right response from the command prompt. If that works you can fill in the command "db shell pm setInstallLocation 2" (without quote-signs). The command prompt won't give some response, it will only start a new field to fill in a command. You can now disconnect your phone (don't forget to do it the right way, some time ago I almost ruined my phones SD-card by just disconnecting it). During all of this it should be connected as described above, ofcourse.
Another tip is to delete updates from system apps if you don't use them. This provided me 10 MB extra space. Because you can always reinstall them if you want to, why spill your memory on such things?!
Grtz,
Stijn
I see my post is ruined a bit after posting… I'll try to fix it asap!
please help me in converting android version from 2.1 to 2.2 or 2.3
thnx
Fab thanks – took me a while to get there as a complete noob, but go there I did. Thanks again!
hey thnx for this post. I did the same and can install all apps on sd card. This was confirmed when I saw the apps>manage apps>apps on sd card. But still my phone memory is being reduced when i installing apps. SDmove shows all the apps that can be moved to sd card which phone says already on sd card. Why is this happening? Pls help me as my galaxy has a very low internal memory
I have the same issue. I did all the steps and it does install (atleast that’s how it shows) all new apps on SD card. But even after installing the internal memory is going down. It is as it it installs a part of it to SD and the rest to internal memory. The application manager which came as default with my samsung galaxy ace shows these apps in SD card and gives an option to move to phone but when i do it the size of the apps grow significantly and when i revert to sd card it shows a less size(for e.g an app showing as 800KB on SD card when moved to phone shows it as 5 MB and vice versa).
So something is definetely fishy. it is not working exactly as it is supposed to.
Guys, Thread owners, Android experts-> Are we missing something?
thanks man!!!!
and my gf just ran out of her internal storage in 6 hrs beat that!!!
Hi, it dosent work i get windows must install drivers for ADB but there is no location called android-sdk/usb_driver folder in my android folder. I only have a folder called C:Program FilesAndroidandroid-sdkextrasgoogleusb_driver and when i choose that is says that it dosent find any driver and there for i cannot install it. What to do?
When I do this step "In the Android-SDK ools folder, type in adb devices", it said 'adb' is not recognised as an command….what should I do instead?
I'm missing one piece of the puzzle. I need drivers for my Samsung Precedent. I've got the android sdk working and understand how everything else works, but my phone isn't being listed when I type "adb devices". When I type "adb usb" it says there are no devices to connect.
Any idea where I can find these drivers?
I am using galaxy pop no package is there for it what can i do plz tell
email me at cfunky0003@yahoo.com
PLz help me iam out of phone memory. I am using samsung galaxy pop. It is not working after this step "Connect your phone to your computer with a USB-cable. Your OS will prompt you to install new drivers. Choose to install them from the android-sdk/usb_driver folder. Do not mount your device; you only need to plug-in the cable.." it is saying"THe specified location does not contain information about your device" plz help me plz plz plz
—-cfunky0003@yahoo.com plz help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
same here dude
mine is not even asking for driver
I've tried this with an LG Optimus V, and adb responds with "Erorr: closed" after I type the "adb shell pm setInstallLocation 2" command; it does, however, recognise my device (which I confirmed with "adb devices") … Any idea what's gone wrong?
Hey Craig,
I'm trying to changed my Android configurations so all the apps that I download install automatically to my SD card instead of internal memory.
I followed this guide to the T, but I'm stuck in step 5.
When I type adb devices I don't see a serial # starting with an "H".
I need someone's help.
I'm running windows XP SP3
I did step 1 – enable USB Debugging
I did step 2 – Downloaded Android SDK and Insalled it. There's was 12 boxes that were checked, so I unchecked all of them and only left "Google USB Driver Package." I installed the package.
I did step 3 – Connected my phone and installed the drivers from android-sdk/usb driver folder.
I did step 4 – Ran the command prompt and typed in: cd c:program filesandroidandroid-sdk ools ….but it said no file was found. I read a comment below that the file adb had moved and it was true. In the tools folder, there was a notepad doc that said that adb has moved to the folder "platform-tools." So I ran this command: cd c:program filesandroidandroid-sdkplatform-tools and found the folder.
This is where I'm stuck, STEP 5. I typed in adb devices and instead of getting a serial number starting with an "H", I got this: "List of devices attached" and a black line undernear followed by c:program filesandroidandroid-sdk ools. No serial number.
I tried to type in "adb shell pm setinstalllocation2" but it said "error: device not found"
What do I do now?
Some one help a brother out.
Rob
sixpackrob@gmail.com
My phone is a DROID 2.2.2
Hey Rob!
Install usb device driver for your phone!
I can’t get Windows 7 to install the SDK drivers and instead it uses defualt windows drivers. Trying to update manually doesn’t work either. I have the device set to debug mode but no dice! Help!
I had the exact scenario as you. Although my usb driver was updated and everything else okay, turned out I needed some separate driver so it would work with Android. Windows did not find it, but fortunately a charitable hacker posted the driver on his site. I'm working with a pandigital tablet though. Once I installed a different driver, my serial number showed up. Shell commands work, but the now the set install location isn't working!!! I'm stuck on the last step! Ugh! Hope you fixed your problem by now, but I'm posting this in case my experience helps anyone else. Google your device and android and sdk and driver or something, perhaps just search forums if a general search doesn't help.
I have the same issue. I did all the steps and it does install (atleast that’s how it shows) all new apps on SD card. But even after installing the internal memory is going down. It is as it it installs a part of it to SD and the rest to internal memory. The application manager which came as default with my samsung galaxy ace shows these apps in SD card and gives an option to move to phone but when i do it the size of the apps grow significantly and when i revert to sd card it shows a less size(for e.g an app showing as 800KB on SD card when moved to phone shows it as 5 MB and vice versa).
So something is definetely fishy. it is not working exactly as it is supposed to.
Guys, Thread owners, Android experts-> Are we missing something?
I'm trying to do this on an Optimus V and I followed all the steps and at the end I checked and it says the new install location is 2, but it doesn't seem to be updated on my phone because everything still installs to internal.
Nothing wrong with us!!! Something wrong withGoogle Android!!!
Worked well for me on an HTC Desire running Gingerbread. The ADB tool has moved from 'tools' to 'platform-tools'.
Thanks.
NOT WORKING ON T-MOBILE MOVE (ALCATEL OT-908) !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
will this work on any android based device
i tried it on coby kyros but it didnt work
Hey. I have windows 7. when I plug in my HTC Wildfire S (It's 2.3.3 but I assume its the same procedure using a different package) it doesn't prompt to install drivers but does it automatically, yet it wont find them all. When I try to install them manually via my device manager it says no drivers were found. My phone is set to "charge only" not mounted as a USB drive.
works awesome
important points
1. run command prompt as administrator (if you are getting permission error)
2. adk is now present in "platform tools" folder and not "tools" folder
rest works great
arungupta1985@gmail.com
U ROCK MAN !!!
)
I am stuck at 5th step. 5. I navigated to Android-SDK ools folder, ..now where do I type in adb devices..
Hi, I've got an issue with the windows command box – it doesn't recognise the instruction adb devices…is there something I have to download in addition to the SDK?
Will this one work with newer versions of android, like gingerbread?
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can u plx post a video of it on youtube plx it is bit difficult to understand………….thanx in advance
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doesn't work on my galaxy wonder with 2.3.5 Gingerbread OS…
Well, you did better than me because I'm getting "adb is an unrecognized command" or something like that.
C:\android-sdk\platform-tools
this is the correct folder
In case if your device is not found, follow the steps in the below link
http://theunlockr.com/2009/10/06/how-to-set-up-adb-usb-drivers-for-android-devices/
Thanks, I followed the steps and successfully changed the setting. However when I install application, it consume space both on SD card and Internal memory. isn’t there any way to completely install apps on SD Card?
Hello, I have a mac and I can skip the driver part and I didnt need to run an .exe file or install it, but Im new to the whole terminal command prompt and im having a little trouble typing the file directory that leads to the sdk file location. The sdk file is in the my documents file and the downloads file. Either one works, but can anyone tell me what I need to type in the command prompt for me to proceed to the next step?
nothing happened when i typed in adb devices and further
just checked out again . usb driver not working with HTC Desire . tries many times to install but unlucky
ok just some advice from me
first u must get samsung usb device and install it
than connect your android to the pc
if u download the right usb device, your pc will detect your phone
and for adb services, they change it location to platform tools
so you must get in that folder , not tools
hi
i brought new dell venue mobile.the above process is not not working in my mobile.do you know how to make it run
Hello,
I successfully managed to change my download location (I confirmed it with the command “adb getInstallLocation” which returned “2[external]) but still, when I tried to install an app that can be moved to the SD card it got installed on the internal memory anyway. I’m running LG P500 Optimus One and I read on XDA that this command doesn’t work on stock roms, only on Cyanogenmod and other modified roms, is that so? Help appreciated, thanks!
^^Same’s happening with me. I have a really low Internal memory, and i cant download any more apps because of it. Can someone please help?
I did everything, got the serial number and then typed in the command, but it still tells me that i dont have enough space.
i tried turning my phone off and on again. I have htc cha cha with android 2.3 gingerbread
I’m new to this android business >_< but will this work on gingerbread?
Thanks, gr8 tip, my applications install on SD card now, however application updates still install on phone memory
any solution for the updates?
For Installing Applications to the SD Card by Default on Android 1.6 – Donut users and another version later with root privileges on their phone or gadget, it is better to use the application “Link2SD”. This application tool is very helpful and very easy to use rather than if you use the Android SDK with a very complex procedure and long-winded as mentioned above.
The following are links to download the application “Link2SD” tool :
– “https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.buak.Link2SD”
May GOD Bless All of You.
so i did this and now when it loads up it starts to install an app automatically then shuts down immediately, any ideas, did i just crash my phone
i restarted it a couple times and it completed the install, so if any of you have this problem just start your phone up again, really wish google play installed to sd by default in froyo and give you the choice. very nice walkthrough lars, many thanks
I can’t seem to download the SDK to my computer. It gets to 98% then says download interrupted. Any ideas?
Please some one help me…
I’m installed android sdk form http://developer.android.com/sdk/index.html
But i’m not able to run it… when i’m startring “SDK Manager” “AVD Manager” just one command prompt will open closing automatically…
I tried so many ways But i’m still not able to run it… Give me a solution to run it and to in stall apps in sd card… Please Please Please Please Please Please Please Please Please
I have installed android sdk manager. But can’t find usb_driver in android-sdk folder. Am i missing something?
another problem
Command prompt is giving this error
err “setinstalllocation 2″ command not recognized
ive followed the instructions step by step and it appears as though everything works, but…when i attempt to move preloaded apps from the internal storage im giving to option to move to sd, ok….so i attempt to download a game and see if it automatically installs to sd and i get and “not enough storage” message. ive tried running with and without system administrator and nothings worked…ne ideas.
It is a convenient option however I have heard from a lot of developers that it is not suggested to this because applications are meant to run from your phone not and external SD card so a lot of times you will haveproblems like crashing, blackouts, slow loading etc…especially boot up times are significantly different cause it has to load up all those files and it takes longer to access them.
However a smart idea would be to copy videos or photos, things that take up storage space to the external SD card because they can run just as they should.
Syntax error!!!
not setinstall…
setInstall…
“Voilà, you’re done! ”
Ha már írsz, akkor helyesen írd, ne tévessz meg másokat!
Voilá!
Works fine… Though now needs a few changes
after installing the drivers.. you need to the Android-SDK\tools folder and the further to platform-tools and then to adb… Once you give the command mentioned above… The phone now gives option to move some of your apps to SD…
Thanks !!!
Thanks for your help. B
Very useful info. I had a hard time trying to figure how to extend my HTC cell phone memory. Awesome!!
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hey thak you for this but i dpn’t inderstand a shit after the third step so pliiz explain to me and if you want to cantact me don’t send me messages in my Email cuz i have some prolem whit it and please explain to me cuz i do really want to download directly to my SD thanxx again =D
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Hey guys…I have a new LG L75C Smartphone and need to know how to move (or download) apps to the SD card. I have read all the posts, most talk about other phones, some talk about “rooting” the phone, some talk about hooking up the phone to the computer and typing in lots of commands, some talk about an app “move2SD”, etc…and a LOT of the statesments say these things do not work on their phone.
Can someone please reply to me and let me know the simplest, best, and most workable way to help move or download apps to the SD card instead of the internal memory? Thank you!!!!
I am stuck at step three. Could somebody help me? I am using a HTC Evo Shift and my phone asks me if I want to HTC Sync, Charge Only, Mount it as a disc drive, USB tether, or Internet Passthrough. No matter what I do, my OS isn’t asking me to download any drivers for my phone. I did all the steps. Could someone assist me?
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