Are you running out of storage space on your Chromebook? Don’t worry! We have a solution for you. In this article, we will guide you on how to use an SD card for app storage on Chromebooks. It’s a simple process, and we’ll walk you through all the steps. Let’s get started!
Chromebooks have become increasingly popular, especially during the pandemic. However, they often have limited storage space. Luckily, many Chromebooks come with an SD card slot or a USB flash drive option, allowing you to expand your storage capacity.
Adding extra storage is great for files you’ve downloaded or created, but what happens when an app needs more space? For example, apps like Netflix allow you to download videos for offline viewing. In this case, you’ll need to enable file storage on your SD card.
Enabling SD card access for apps on your Chromebook is a straightforward process. We’ll show you exactly how to do it. Before we begin, we recommend that you update your ChromeOS to the latest version. Let’s dive in!
How to Make Chromebook Android Apps See Your SD Card
First, open your Chromebook settings and click on “Device”. From there, select “Storage Management” and then “External Storage Preferences”. Locate your SD card and enable it. You can also search for “External Storage Preferences” in the Chrome OS settings or launcher to go directly to the menu. Make sure to restart your device after enabling your external storage.
How to Configure Android Apps to Use Your SD Card for Downloads
After restarting your Chromebook, open the Chrome OS settings again and navigate to the Google Play Store option. Select “Manage Android Preferences”. To save time, you can search for “Android Preferences” in the search bar or Chrome OS launcher. This will take you directly to the necessary entry. A new window will open with Android preferences.
In the Android preferences, select “Applications and notifications” and you’ll see a list of your installed Android apps. Find the app you want to use with SD storage and tap on it. Alternatively, you can search for the specific app’s settings in the Android settings. If you want to enable SD card support for multiple apps, you’ll need to repeat these steps for each app.
In the “Application Information” screen for the chosen app, select the “Permission” entry and enable “Storage” if it’s not already enabled. Then, open the app and proceed with its configuration. Depending on the app, you may need to update the “sync” option or change the “Download Location” from internal to external storage. If necessary, restart the app or your device to see the changes take effect.
Lastly, make sure to completely close the adjusted applications and restart them. Now, apps like Netflix and Plex will be able to use your external SD card for storing downloads.
Final Words
We hope this guide has helped you use your SD card for app storage on your Chromebook. Keep in mind that the location of the setting may vary for different apps, and not all apps support this feature. So explore the app’s settings, and if you found this article helpful, don’t forget to share it with others.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use a USB flash drive instead of an SD card for app storage on my Chromebook?
A: Absolutely! Chromebooks have the flexibility to use either an SD card or a USB flash drive for expanding app storage. Simply follow the same process mentioned in this guide and select your USB flash drive instead of an SD card to enable app storage.
Q: Will enabling SD card access for apps slow down my Chromebook?
A: No, enabling SD card access for apps should not slow down your Chromebook. The SD card acts as additional storage and allows apps to offload data onto it, freeing up space on your device’s internal storage. It may even improve your Chromebook’s performance by reducing the strain on its internal storage.
