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To transfer photos already on a Samsung Galaxy, open My Files, select the photos, tap Move or Copy, then choose SD card and a destination folder. This works only on models that support external storage; Galaxy SD-card support varies by model. Use Copy to keep the phone originals, and verify the destination files before deleting any copies.
Move or copy photos already on your Galaxy
- Insert a compatible microSD card if your exact Galaxy model has a card slot and supports the card.
- Open My Files. Camera photos are commonly under Internal storage > DCIM > Camera.
- Touch and hold a photo or folder to select it, then select any additional items.
- Tap Move to relocate the selected files, or Copy to leave the originals on the phone.
- Return to the storage-location view in My Files, choose SD card, open or create a destination folder, and tap Move here or Copy here.
- Open the destination folder in My Files and confirm the files appear. If you copied them, keep the originals until you have checked the destination.
Samsung documents this file-transfer process in My Files; the exact labels can vary by device. Samsung Support: Move photos, videos, or music from your Galaxy phone or tablet.
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Save eligible new Camera photos to the card
On supported models, open the Camera app settings and select the external SD card under the save-location or storage option. The setting’s name and location depend on the device, Android version, and Camera app version. Samsung’s guidance gives examples of supported models rather than promising the option on every Galaxy.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Changing the save location applies to eligible future captures, not photos already in internal storage. Samsung says 8K video, UHD video at 60 fps, GIF, burst, and RAW captures remain in internal storage even when the SD card is selected; move those files afterward if needed. Samsung Japan: How to set the Galaxy camera save location to an external SD card.
#1 Best Overall
- READ/WRITE SPEEDS UP TO 180/130 MB/S: Load fast and play faster. With read and write speeds of up to 180 MB/s and 130 MB/s¹, you can sprint through load screens and quickly jump between games.
- STORAGE CAPACITIES FROM 128GB TO 1TB: Level up your gaming library with a wide range of storage options, from 128GB to 1TB—including your high-res files, photos, and 4K videos.
- EXTENSIVE COMPATBILITY: Sonic and his friends power up everything you play on from original Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck to action cams and drones. All Sonic the Hedgehog PRO Plus microSD cards include a full size SD adapter.
- 6-PROOF PROTECTION WITH 10-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY: The Sonic the HedgehogTM PRO Plus microSD card stands up to life's biggest bosses—like water and extreme temperatures. ² ³ ⁴ ⁵ ⁶ ⁷ ⁸ ⁹
- MAGICIAN SOFTWARE: Samsung Magician Software helps you unlock unstoppable Sonic the HedgehogTM PRO Plus microSD card performance. It includes product authenticity verification and drive health monitoring.¹⁰
Find photos on internal storage or the card
In My Files, camera images are typically in Internal storage > DCIM > Camera. If the Camera app saves to the card, look under SD card > DCIM > Camera. Folder contents and paths can differ if you use another camera app or change where files are saved. Samsung UK: How to use Samsung My Files App.
Check compatibility before buying or formatting a card
- Confirm the exact model supports a card. Some Galaxy phones do not have a microSD slot, and Samsung says external-storage support varies. Check the model’s specifications or Samsung support information before buying a card.
- Check capacity and format guidance for that model. Do not assume another Galaxy’s limits apply. For example, the Galaxy S9+ manual discusses FAT and exFAT and warns that a different file system may prompt reformatting or prevent recognition; those details are specific to that model, not a universal Galaxy rule.
- Back up before formatting. Formatting erases the card’s existing data. Follow the instructions for your device and card rather than relying on another model’s manual.
Samsung’s S9+ manual is an example of model-specific guidance, not a current compatibility specification for every Galaxy: Galaxy S9+ user manual.
Rank #2
- EXTREME ENDURANCE FOR MONITORING DEVICES: Capture your crucial moments in high-resolution, even in harsh conditions; Engineered to deliver long lasting performance, the Samsung PRO Endurance SSD is a perfect fit for CCTV, dash cams and body cams
- BUILT TO LAST UP TO 140K HOURS OF RECORDING: With capacities up to 256GB*, the PRO Endurance records and rewrites up to 140K hours (over 16 years)**; Plus, with a warranty up to 5 years***, you can rest assured that your data endures
- RECORD & PLAY IN FHD/4K: PRO Endurance simplifies large file transfers with read/write speeds up to 100/40MB/s;**** Plus, FHD & 4K resolution support ensures that crucial moments are recorded in high-res so every detail is documented when it matters most
- CRITICAL DATA, SAFEGUARDED: After rigorous testing, it stands up against magnets¹, X-rays², water³, drop⁴, wearout⁵ and stays cool under pressure with operating temperatures ranging from -25°C to 85°C⁶
- WORLD'S #1 FLASH MEMORY BRAND: Experience the performance and reliability from the world's #1 brand for flash memory since 2003;****** All firmware & components, including Samsung's world-renowned DRAM & NAND, are produced in-house
If there is no SD card option
If SD card does not appear in My Files, first check that the phone supports external storage and that the card is inserted and recognized. Samsung notes that not all phone or tablet models support microSD cards or external storage options that use excessive power. The available options depend on the model and storage device.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsUse USB storage where supported
Samsung describes USB or SD storage connected through OTG as an alternative on supported devices. Compatibility still depends on the Galaxy and the external device; check your model’s guidance before relying on this route. Samsung Support: external storage options.
Rank #3
- ALL THE SPACE YOU NEED: Store tons of media on your phone, load games or download more apps on your tablet at top-notch speed, making transfers seamless and reliable
- FAST AND SMOOTH: With superfast U3, class 10 rated transfer speeds of up to 130MB/s¹,²and UHS-I Interface³ big apps load and run smoothly, while 4K video remains sharp with A2, V30, and USH-I Interface
- EXPAND AND STORE BIG: Find your perfect fit from 64GB, 128GB, 256GB and 512GB; Select the best capacity for all your memories. Speed class: U3
- YOU'RE FULLY PROTECTED: EVO Select Plus provides reliable storage and takes on life’s adventures with water⁴, temperature⁵, X-ray⁶, ⁷magnet, drop⁸, and wears⁹ out protection; Backed by a 10-year limited warranty; Proofs are for the microSD card and do not include the adaptor
- FLASH MEMORY CARD: Performance and reliability you can count on from the flash memory brand; All firmware and components are produced in-house
Transfer with a computer
- Connect the Galaxy to a computer using a data-capable USB cable.
- On the phone, open the USB notification and select Transferring files / Android Auto.
- Use the computer’s file browser to copy the photos from the phone to the computer or other connected storage.
Samsung’s Canada instructions cover file management with a computer; availability and labels may vary by region and device. Samsung Canada: Manage and organize files saved on your Samsung Galaxy device.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Choose the transfer method that fits
| Method | Best for | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| microSD card in the phone | Keeping supported removable storage in the Galaxy and moving or copying files with My Files | Card slot, card compatibility, capacity, and format guidance for the exact model |
| USB or SD storage through OTG | Using external storage without relying on an installed card | Whether the Galaxy and storage device support the connection |
| Computer over USB | Copying files to a computer when the phone has no usable SD-card option | A data-capable cable and the phone’s file-transfer USB mode |
Samsung’s documentation establishes no universal card capacity, speed class, or brand recommendation across Galaxy devices. Choose based on the requirements for your specific model.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- READ/WRITE SPEEDS UP TO 180/130 MB/S: Load fast and play faster. With read and write speeds of up to 180 MB/s and 130 MB/s¹, you can sprint through load screens and quickly jump between games.
- STORAGE CAPACITIES FROM 128GB TO 1TB: Level up your gaming library with a wide range of storage options, from 128GB to 1TB—including your high-res files, photos, and 4K videos.
- EXTENSIVE COMPATBILITY: Sonic and his friends power up everything you play on from handheld gaming consoles to action cams and drones. All Sonic the Hedgehog PRO Plus microSD cards include a full size SD adapter.
- 6-PROOF PROTECTION WITH 10-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY: The Sonic the HedgehogTM PRO Plus microSD card stands up to life's biggest bosses—like water and extreme temperatures. ² ³ ⁴ ⁵ ⁶ ⁷ ⁸ ⁹
- MAGICIAN SOFTWARE: Samsung Magician Software helps you unlock unstoppable Sonic the HedgehogTM PRO Plus microSD card performance. It includes product authenticity verification and drive health monitoring.¹⁰
Rank #4
- EXPAND YOUR STORAGE. Insert your card to add massive storage up to 1.5TB[1] to your Android smartphones and tablets, digital cameras, and laptops.
- SPACE FOR MORE. With expansive capacities up to 1.5TB[1], capture and store hours of Full HD video[4], movies, music, games, photos, and podcasts.
- MOVE FILES FAST. Use your card with the SANDISK QuickFlow microSD UHS-I Card USB-A Reader[6] to achieve up to 195MB/s[2] read speeds [128GB-1.5TB models] and offload your content fast.
- LOAD APPS IN A SNAP. Rated A1[3], the SANDISK Ultra microSD card is optimized for faster app launch and overall app performance.
- EASY CONTENT MANAGEMENT. Easily back up, organize, and transfer your photos and videos with the SANDISK Memory Zone desktop or Android mobile app[5].
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