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To transfer pictures on a compatible Samsung Galaxy, open My Files, select the images, tap Move or Copy, then choose SD card and the destination folder. Check that your exact phone or tablet supports microSD first: Samsung says not all Galaxy devices support MicroSD cards.

Before transferring pictures

  • Check device compatibility. Look up the specifications or Samsung support page for your exact Galaxy model. A microSD card is not supported by every Samsung phone or tablet.
  • Insert the card. Open My Files; when a card is inserted and supported, the SD card destination should appear.
  • Choose whether to move or copy. Move relocates the selected files and can free internal storage. Copy creates a second version on the card and leaves the originals on the device. If you want to keep the phone copies, choose Copy.

Transfer pictures with My Files

  1. Open My Files.
  2. Tap Images, or browse to the folder containing the pictures.
  3. Touch and hold one picture to select it. Select any additional pictures you want to transfer.
  4. Tap Move to relocate the selected files, or Copy to retain the originals.
  5. Return to the My Files home screen and tap SD card.
  6. Open the folder where you want the pictures stored, then tap Move here or Copy here.

The exact screens and labels can vary by carrier and software version. Samsung’s My Files instructions describe moving or copying files to storage; they do not make another app, such as Gallery, a destination in that workflow. See Samsung’s My Files transfer guidance.

Use Gallery to move pictures into an SD-card album

Samsung UK documents an alternative that stores a new Gallery album on the SD card. Menu names and availability may differ by market and software version.

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  1. In Gallery, open Albums and tap the options menu.
  2. Create a new album and choose the SD card as its storage location. Name the album and create it.
  3. Return to the pictures, select the images, and open More options.
  4. Tap Move to album and select the album you created on the SD card.

If Gallery does not offer these options, use the My Files method. Samsung’s separate Gallery instructions describe this album-based route: How to use an SD card with your Samsung phone.

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If the SD card does not appear in My Files

  • Confirm the exact model supports microSD; some Galaxy devices do not.
  • Check that the card is inserted. Samsung says the SD card destination appears when a card is inserted in a device that supports it.
  • If your model supports external USB storage, Samsung also documents USB storage as another possible destination. Check your device’s support information for compatibility.

Samsung’s instructions explain the supported workflow but do not establish a universal card capacity, speed class, or transfer-time improvement. Choose storage only after checking your specific device’s requirements. Sources: Samsung US: MicroSD cards and your Galaxy phone or tablet; Samsung US: Move photos, videos, or music from your Galaxy phone or tablet.

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