How to expand your Amazon Fire tablet storage

(Pocket-lint) – It’s no secret that the internal storage on Amazon’s Fire tablet range is a little limited. If you’ve ever had a child complain at you because they can’t download any more games or videos to their tablet, you’ll know this better than anyone.  Thankfully, you can expand the storage of nearly all models of Fire tablet. Certainly, you can expand the storage of any of the most recent models, and even make use of a feature that allows you to adopt the microSD card as internal storage to save apps and games on to. 

What do I need? 

You’ll need a microSD card, preferably a ‘Class 10’ card to ensure it has fast enough read and write speeds.

Those are very affordable these days; even Amazon basics versions have fast read and write speeds now, so you won’t need to really worry about performance.

POCKET-LINT VIDEO OF THE DAY

Still, we’d recommend getting a SanDisk Ultra, you can get a 128GB Class 10 card for a very reasonable price and – with it – double or quadruple your Fire tablet storage. Plus, apps will run on it well if you decide to use the SD card as internal storage.  Of course, if you want higher than 128GB, you can get it.

Most Fire tablets support up to an additional 512GB, with some of the bigger, newer models even supporting up to 1TB of additional storage. We suspect 128GB will be enough for most people, however. 

squirrel_widget_3666259

What model Fire tablets can be expanded? 

All current models of Fire tablet support a microSD card, and many older models do as well. Just look for the small plastic flap on the bottom edge if you’re holding it in landscape orientation with the camera at the top. 

That means you can buy any of the Fire tablets Amazon currently offers and know that you’ll be able to add storage if and when required. 

squirrel_widget_12855743

How do I expand storage? 

Thankfully, the process of putting your SD card in the tablet is a simple one. All you need to do is locate the aforementioned SD port under the plastic flap. If you’re holding the Fire HD 8 in landscape mode with the camera on the top bezel, the microSD port is on the bottom edge, near the right corner.

If you’re holding in portrait with the ports and buttons on the bottom edge, the microSD port is on the right side, near the left corner.  Open up the plastic flap, and push the microSD card in with the top of the card facing upwards and the gold contact points on the underside facing down (or the same way as the rear of the tablet). 

‘Incompatible microSD card’ message, what do I do? 

If you get a notification on your Fire tablet saying the inserted SD card isn’t supported or is faulty, you need to format it. Again, it’s a fairly simple process.

Just tap on the ‘Format & Erase’ option  on the notification and it’ll take you to the card formatting screen. You get to choose whether you want to format it as a standard ‘portable’ SD card or format it to adopt it as internal storage.  If you want to manually wipe and format it again you can head to Settings > Storage > Choose the SD card and then tap the three dots in the top corner and select ‘format as portable storage’, or ‘format as internal storage’. 

Use SD card as internal storage on Fire tablet

Since the Fire tablet’s operating system is based on Android – and Android has had the ability to ‘adopt’ external storage as internal for a few years – you use a memory card as internal memory.

That means you’re not only able to save files and content onto it, but also install apps and run them from the microSD card.  Again – if you get that ‘incompatible microSD card’ message, tap the ‘Format & Erase’ option on the pop-up message and then choose ‘use as internal storage’. Read the popup warning about wiping existing content from the card and tap ‘format storage device’.

Now just wait for the formatting to complete. 

Move Fire tablet apps or data to the SD card

Once the card is in place and formatted, you can move your data, content and apps to the SD card. Doing so is a simple process. To move content/data the process is as follows: 

  1. Open Settings 
  2. Tap ‘Storage’ 
  3. Select ‘Move data to SD card’ 
  4. On the next screen confirm that you want to move data/content 

That’s it.

Just wait for the tablet to move your content from the internal storage to the microSD card. It’s almost exactly the same process for moving apps: 

  1. Open Settings
  2. Tap ‘Storage’ 
  3. Select ‘Move apps to SD card’ 
  4. Read the pop-up warning, then tap ‘Move apps’ 

The process of moving apps from internal to SD storage does take a little time, so you may need to be patient and wait for the process to be over. 

Which Apple iPad is best for you? iPad mini vs iPad vs iPad Air vs iPad ProWhich Apple iPad is best for you? iPad mini vs iPad vs iPad Air vs iPad Pro By Britta O’Boyle . 10 March 2022

Apple iPad mini vs iPad vs iPad Air vs iPad Pro – our guide to the differences between old and new iPads to help you decide which is the best for you. Writing by Cam Bunton.

Editing by Britta O’Boyle.

Tags:

aybl listed on couponmatrix.uklondon-city-airport listed on couponmatrix.uknetflix listed on couponmatrix.uknordic-spirit listed on couponmatrix.ukroov listed on couponmatrix.ukshoeaholics listed on couponmatrix.uk
aybl listed on couponmatrix.ukThe AYBL collection is packed with comfortable basics and bold splashes of colour to motivate your fitness journey. Whether you’re a runner, yogi or gym enthusiast, you can’t go wrong with stretchy AYBL leggings to move your body more freely or a premium-quality sports bra for your workouts. AYBL gym wear hits the sweet spot between quality and affordability, especially when you use an AYBL discount code from Groupon. Thanks to student discounts, AYBL Rewards and amazing sales, AYBL remains the best place to revive your activewear wardrobe on a budget.
london-city-airport listed on couponmatrix.ukTaking off from London City Airport? Before you fly to your new destination, you'll want to make sure your car is parked safely and securely - and that's where the London City Airport parking service steps in. Book your slot for less with a London City Airport parking promo code and enjoy complete peace of mind throughout your trip. From people carriers to sports cars and everything in between, at London City Airport parking, every vehicle will be kept safe and secure.
netflix listed on couponmatrix.ukIf you want quality content, you need look no further than Netflix. As a streaming hub for films, TV shows, animes, documentaries and more, you get more than your money’s worth when cutting the cost of your membership with a Netflix discount code. With Hollywood blockbusters, indie hits and hundreds of hours of original content to binge, there never needs to be a dull moment when you have Netflix – be you at home or away.
nordic-spirit listed on couponmatrix.ukWhen you get the urge for a quick smoke, know that you can continue uninterrupted whilst still getting what you crave with Nordic Spirit nicotine pouches. A simple soluble product that can be placed behind your upper or lower lip, pick a pouch and use a Nordic Spirit discount code to knock the cost of your favourite flavour. So don’t struggle another second with daily cravings, turn to Nordic Spirit for that much-needed boost so you can soldier on without distraction.
roov listed on couponmatrix.ukRoov is your go-to for affordable homewares and accessories. Whether you’re looking to kit out your kitchen, transform your garden or pick out the perfect present, you’ve come to the right place—make the most of a Roov discount code and you’ll bag a bargain on top quality brands. From practical storage solutions to cute novelty gifts, Roov has an awesome range at even better prices—jump online to discover a bargain today!
shoeaholics listed on couponmatrix.ukIf you’re ever unsure what’s in for footwear this season, you only have to look over the latest additions to the Shoeaholics catalogue. Host to hundreds of shoes and handbags from designer brands like Aldo, Kurt Geiger and Hunter, you’ll be hard-pressed choosing which chic styles to buy for less with a Shoeaholics discount code. With flash sales and new brand launches guaranteed to keep your shoe selection on trend, you’ll never need another store to satiate your craving for phenomenal footwear.