SOLVED! Unable To Move App Not Enough Storage Space

If you come across the error “Unable to move app – Not enough storage space” as you move apps between internal memory and the SD card, lack of space is the root of the problem. The best solution is to free up some space in the destination by getting rid of pictures, clips, apps, etc. In addition to that, you could clear the cache, format the SD card and perform a factory reset. Read to the end to learn what must be done to move apps around as you like. 

The Usual Suspects

Usually, the process of moving apps between internal memory and the SD card is a straightforward affair that involves little work. That being said, if you run into the error “Unable to move app – Not enough storage space”, you should consider these possibilities: 

  • Lack of space.
  • Corruption.

What Must Be Done

Free Up Some Space

It’s not uncommon for Android users to keep all sorts of things on their devices even though they don’t need them. If the error “Unable to move app – Not enough storage space”  gives you a hard time, it’s wise to free up some space. If you no longer need an item, don’t hesitate to delete it to make room for others. After you finish cleaning up, proceed to move apps again and see how things turn out. 

Format The SD Card

  • Step 1: Open Settings, select Device care and choose Storage.
  • Step 2: Hit SD card, click the three-dot icon on the top right and pick Storage settings. 
  • Step 3: Tap SD card under the Portable storage section. If you are using a new SD card, press the Format option to format the SD card. On the other hand, if you have already put some data on your SD card, select Unmount, open the SD card one more time and choose Mount. Last but not least, move apps to the SD card and determine whether the issue persists. 

 

Note: If you have access to a computer, you could use it to format the SD card.

  • Step 1: Connect your SD card to the PC through a card reader, open My Computer/This PC and note down the drive letter of your SD card under the Devices with Removable Storage section. 
  • Step 2: Go to Search bar, type cmd and hit Run as administrator. 
  • Step 3: In Command Prompt (Admin), run the command chkdsk SD X: /f. Remember to substitute the drive letter you noted earlier for X. After the process finishes, pull the SD card out of the card reader, insert it into your phone and see how things turn out as you move apps. 

Clear Cache

  • Step 1: Open Settings, select Storage and choose Internal Storage under the Device Storage section.
  • Step 2: Click Cached Data and pick OK once prompted to clear the cache.
  • Step 3: Restart your phone and witness the result. 

Perform A Factory Reset 

Note: Back up data on your phone in advance.

  • Step 1: Press and hold the Power button then hit Power off.
  • Step 2: Press and hold Power and Volume Down buttons at the same time (Power, Volume Up, and Home buttons for Samsung devices) then let go of the buttons the moment the device vibrates. 
  • Step 3: (If your phone is a Samsung model, skip to the next step) As soon as the Start screen appears, use Volume buttons to navigate to the Recovery Mode and press the Power button. If you see No command, press and hold the Power button then hit Volume Up button. 
  • Step 4: In Recovery Mode, use Volume Up/Down buttons to navigate to wipe data/factory reset then press the Power button. 
  • Step 5: Choose Yes, navigate to the Reboot system now and press the Power button. 

How Do I Move An App To The SD Card? 

Android 8.0 

  • Step 1: Open Settings, click App & notifications and pick App info.
  • Step 2: Select the app you want to move then choose Storage.
  • Step 3: If the app could be moved, you should see a Change button. Hit Change, tap SD card and press Move.

Android 6.0,7.0, 7.1 and 7.1.1

  • Step 1: Launch Settings.
  • Step 2: Select Apps, choose the app you want to move and hit Storage
  • Step 3: Tap Change, click SD card and pick Move to change the storage location of the app. 

Android 4.4, 5.0 and 5.1

  • Step 1: Click the gear icon then pick Apps.
  • Step 2: Select On SD card, choose the app you want to move and press Move to SD card. 

What Must Be Done To Use An SD Card As Internal Storage? 

  • Step 1: Open Settings, select Storage and choose the SD card.
  • Step 2 Click the three-dot icon in the upper-right corner and pick Storage settings.
  • Step 3: Proceed to hit Format as Internal option, tap Erase & Format to confirm, tick the Move now circle and press Done. 

Leave a Comment