Understanding 'formatting internal storage' on an Android device can refer to a couple of different processes. It might mean completely wiping your device's built-in primary storage back to its factory state, or it could refer to setting up an external SD card to function as an extension of your internal storage (known as Adoptable Storage).
This guide will clarify these processes, focusing on integrating an SD card as internal storage as described in the provided reference, and briefly touching upon wiping your device's primary storage.
Formatting an SD Card as Internal Storage (Adoptable Storage)
Adoptable Storage is an Android feature that allows you to format an external SD card to act like internal storage. This is particularly useful for devices with limited built-in space, enabling you to install more apps and store app data on the SD card seamlessly.
Important Considerations:
- Formatting an SD card as internal storage will erase all existing data on the card. Be sure to back up anything important before proceeding.
- Once formatted this way, the SD card is encrypted and tied to that specific device. It cannot be easily removed and used in another device or computer unless it is formatted back to portable storage.
- Not all devices or Android versions support Adoptable Storage.
How to Format an SD Card for Adoptable Storage (Based on Reference)
Based on the provided information, the general steps to format an SD card so it functions as internal storage are:
- Go to Settings > Storage.
- Touch the SD card's name. This selects the SD card you want to format.
- Touch Format as internal or Format as portable.
- Select "Format as internal" to proceed with setting up the SD card as Adoptable Storage.
Note: As the reference indicates, "If you don't see Format as internal, then your phone only supports SD cards formatted as portable storage."
After selecting "Format as internal," your device will format the SD card. This process may take some time. Once complete, the system will likely offer to migrate some data (like apps, photos, and files) to the new internal storage space on the SD card.
What Happens After Formatting?
- The formatted SD card is merged with your device's internal storage capacity in the system's storage view.
- Apps that support being moved will automatically be stored on the combined internal storage space, potentially utilizing the SD card portion.
- The SD card is now part of your device's system partition and should not be removed frequently without properly ejecting it first.
Formatting Your Device's Primary Internal Storage (Factory Reset)
If your goal is to wipe all data from your phone's built-in memory and return it to its original state (as it was when you first got it), this is typically done via a factory reset. This process does not format the storage in the same way you format a drive on a computer for a new file system; rather, it erases all user data, settings, and installed applications, essentially reinstalling the system software from a recovery partition.
Performing a factory reset is commonly used for:
- Troubleshooting persistent software issues.
- Preparing a device for sale or transfer to a new owner.
- Starting fresh with a clean system.
Warning: A factory reset is irreversible and will delete everything on your primary internal storage. Always back up important data (photos, contacts, app data, etc.) before performing a factory reset.
The exact steps for a factory reset vary slightly depending on your Android version and device manufacturer, but generally involve navigating through the Settings app to System or General Management, finding Reset or Reset options, and selecting Erase all data (factory reset).
Key Differences Summarized
Here's a simple table highlighting the core differences between formatting an SD card as internal storage and performing a factory reset:
| Feature | Formatting SD as Internal (Adoptable Storage) | Formatting Primary Internal (Factory Reset) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Expand internal storage with an SD card | Wipe all user data, return to factory state |
| What is affected | Data on the SD card is erased and integrated | All data on the device's built-in storage |
| Outcome | SD card becomes part of internal storage | Device is wiped clean, like new |
| Reversibility | SD needs reformatting to be used elsewhere | Data is permanently deleted |
| Process Focus | Configuring an external card | System wipe and reset |
While both processes relate to 'storage' and 'formatting' in a broad sense, they serve very different purposes and affect different parts of your device's storage system. The method involving the SD card, as described in the reference, is specifically about integrating external storage, not wiping the device's primary memory.
