Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more

Use Samsung’s My Files app: select the items on the SD card, choose Move or Copy, then select a folder in Internal storage and confirm. Choose Copy to keep the SD-card originals; Move relocates them.

Transfer SD-card files with My Files

  1. Check that the card is supported and visible. Galaxy SD-card support varies by model. Insert the card and confirm that SD card appears in My Files. Samsung’s instructions cover external storage connected to a supported device: Samsung’s SD-card transfer steps.
  2. Open the source folder. In My Files, tap SD card and navigate to the photos or other files you want to transfer.
  3. Select the items. Touch and hold one file or folder, then select any additional items.
  4. Choose Copy or Move. Tap Copy to leave the original items on the card, or Move to remove them from their current location. Samsung explains the distinction in its My Files guidance.
  5. Choose the destination. Return to the My Files home screen, tap Internal storage, and open the folder where the items should go. Create a destination folder first if needed.
  6. Finish the transfer. Tap Copy here or Move here. Open the destination folder in My Files to find the transferred items.

For an important or large photo collection, copying first and opening a few destination files is a cautious way to check the result before deleting anything from the card. If you used removable external storage, unmount it safely in My Files before disconnecting it; Samsung includes this guidance on its transfer support page.

Why can’t I move the files in Gallery?

Use My Files for this operation. Samsung documents the SD-card-to-internal-storage copy or move workflow in My Files, not Gallery. My Files gives you access to the source and destination folders so you can choose precisely where the files go. See Samsung’s file-management instructions.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

What if the SD card does not appear?

  • Check whether the phone recognizes the card. Look in the phone’s storage settings or Device care. Menu names vary by model and software version.
  • If the card is not recognized, reseat it. Google’s Files help recommends removing and reinserting an unrecognized card: Files by Google: SD-card troubleshooting.
  • If Settings recognizes it but Files by Google does not, consider the format. Google notes that a card formatted as internal storage may not appear in Files by Google. That note concerns Google’s app; it does not establish that every Samsung My Files case has the same cause.
  • Check model compatibility. Not every Galaxy phone has a microSD slot. Samsung’s device file-management guidance notes that supported storage and screens can vary. Compatible Galaxy devices may also use USB OTG external storage, such as a supported USB drive, as an alternative.

When to restore a Smart Switch backup instead

If the card contains a Smart Switch backup rather than ordinary photos and documents, use Smart Switch’s restore function instead of treating the backup as a regular folder of files. Samsung’s documented route is to open Smart Switch, tap the SD-card icon, choose Restore, select the content, and restore it. This is for backup restoration; the manual My Files steps above are for ordinary files. See Samsung’s backup and restore instructions.

#1 Best Overall
Sale
Anker SD Card Reader USB C, Dual Slots USB Type C to Micro SD Card Adapter
  • Ultra-Compact: Use effortlessly next to other peripherals in your computer's USB port, or connect to your phone. Note: You may need to remove the case from your device before using this product.
  • Universal Compatibility: Optimized to work with a wide range of USB-C devices, like MacBook 2018, Galaxy S10, and more.
  • Better Than One: One standard and one microSD slot let you easily sync, swap, and share files.
  • USB-C On the Go: Use with your smartphone, wherever you are.
  • What You Get: USB-C 2-in-1 Card Reader, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Why might some content be unavailable to move?

Samsung warns that encrypted music and other purchases cannot be moved to external storage. Its support material does not provide an exhaustive list of content restrictions for transfers from an SD card to internal storage, so an unavailable item may depend on its protection or the app that manages it. Samsung also cautions that interface screens and settings can differ by model, wireless provider, and software version.

Rank #4
Sale
acer SD Card Reader USB C, Dual Slots USB Type C to Micro SD Card Adapter
  • 【Ultra-Fast Data Transfer】Experience blazing-fast 5Gbps data transfer with this USB 3.0 SD Card Reader, ensuring quick and efficient file transfers for photos, videos, and other media. Backward-compatible with USB 2.0 for added flexibility. Easily review and transfer data from security cameras, wildlife monitors, or car cameras, gopro without hassle(📌Note:only reads and transfers data from the SD and TF card, not directly connect to the camera)
  • 【Simultaneous Dual-Card】Save time and boost productivity with dual card slots that allow simultaneous reading and writing on both microSD and SD cards. USB-A and USB-C dual header design makes the micro SD Card Reader perfect for photographers, video editors who need quick and efficient file management(📌Note:Thick cases may prevent full insertion)
  • 【Compact & Travel-Friendly】Designed for convenience, the slim and lightweight card reader for camera memory card fits perfectly in your camera bag or laptop sleeve. Protective covers at both ends shield the ports from dust and liquid, while the attached cord keeps everything secure and easily accessible. A reliable companion for on-the-go professionals and creatives(📌Note: "SD"card and "Micro SD" card not included.)
  • 【Plug-and-Play】The SD Card Reader for PC does not require driver or software installation, just connect to your device and start transferring files instantly. Compatible with Windows 11/10/8/7, macOS, and most Android devices. Crafted from heat-resistant aluminum materials, this SD Card Reader for PC delivers reliable performance and enhanced durability, even during long working(📌Note: SD Slot does not support CF express Type A/B/C Cards; SIM, XQD, MS Cards and Memory Stick)
  • 【Wide Device Compatibility】The USB C SD Card Reader works seamlessly with PCs, computers, laptops, cameras, smartphones and tablets featuring USB-C or USB-A ports, including MacBook Air/Pro, XPS, iPhone 15/16, iPad Pro, Samsung Galaxy S23, Microsoft Surface, Acer Aspire, and Predator series. Perfect for quickly accessing files directly on your device without additional apps or internet connections(📌Note:Not compatible with “Lightning” port devices)
Rank #3
Sale
USB Type C SD Card Reader for Android Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra S25 FE S24+
  • 【Plug and Play】 This SD card reader is designed with a built-in USB-C cord that won't block your other ports, no third party APP, no network, no driver, no extra power, two-way transfer, plug and play. The SD card adapter is the assistant of the photographer, allowing you to immediately view the best moment of the lens. Friendly and compact port design. With the built-in expansion USB-C cable of this sd card reader usb c, you can save space and use ports side by side.
  • 【USB-C SD Card Reader 】 USB C Memory SD card adapter also features with USB A female port, which can easily connect USB peripheral devices, such as USB Flash disk, USB hard disks, MIDI keyboard, mouse, keyboard, etc. Great convenience for you to transfer files between different devices.
  • 【Dual slot design】: USB-C micro sd card reader allows you to access multiple types of memory cards flexibly and conveniently. Compatible with SD, SDHC, SDHC, SDXC, Micro SD, Micro SD, Micro SD, Micro SDHC, Micro SDXC cards, let you to easily browse and copy photos and videos from your cameras, and quickly share your beautiful moments.
  • 【Tool for photographer】 Memory card reader is a Photography Accessories for Canon Nikon SLR Digital Camera. This usb c sd card reader features with the newest USB C Connector, easy to transfer Dash Cam/Trial Camera/Digital Camera's Photos and Videos to your USB-C laptop/smartphone/tablets,Such as for iPhone 16/15 Pro Max,MacBook Pro/Air, iMac, Mac Mini after 2018, iPad Pro 2022/2021/2020, iPad Air 2022, Samsung Galaxy S25/S24/S23/S22/S21/S20 and more USB-C devices.
  • 【Friendly reminder】: This sd card reader for android has built-in USB-C cable, so it does not support the iPhone except iPhone 15/16. The SD card, Micro card cannot be reading simultaneously, but the SD/Micro card and USB peripheral can be recognized simultaneously.
Rank #2
Samsung PRO Plus 128GB microSDXC Memory Card + Reader, Up to 180 MB/s
  • SPEED WORTHY OF THE PROS: Never miss the chance to capture 4K UHD video from your phone or drone¹ and speed up your app performance; The Samsung PRO Plus microSD card is fast enough to keep up
  • COMPATIBILITY MEETS CONVENIENCE: Your microSD card includes a Samsung adapter that works with your computer, handheld gaming console, tablet or camera—and virtually any device with an SD card slot
  • CAPTURE IT QUICKLY: Catch that burst shot and save that 4K video at the drop of a hat with rapid read and write speeds of 180MB/s and 130 MB/s when using Samsung USB readers—so you can capture every scene with ease²
  • MORE STORAGE. MORE SNAPS: Pile in the files and expand your portfolio with a wide range of storage options from 128GB to 1TB; From high-quality photos to flawless 4K footage, there’s plenty of space for all your favorites
  • STATE-OF-THE-ART SPEED: Ultra-high-speeds; Crystal clear 4K UHD video and content; It’s all wrapped up in this A2 memory card, complete with the latest U3 and V30 speeds—bringing the most modern tech together for faster transfers and more memory³

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.