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On a Samsung Galaxy phone that supports a memory card, the microSD slot is usually part of the SIM tray on the device’s side. Some older models with removable backs put the card beneath the back cover. Not every Galaxy phone accepts a memory card, and the exact position and tray layout vary by model. Check the tray markings and your model’s Samsung support information before inserting or buying a card.
First, check whether your Galaxy supports a memory card
A SIM tray does not necessarily include a microSD position. Samsung says, “Not all phone models support SD cards,” and the maximum card capacity also depends on the model. Verify your exact model and regional variant using Samsung’s SD card guidance or its model-specific support information before choosing a card.
If you are unsure which device you have, look up its model number in the phone’s settings or on the device documentation, then check Samsung’s information for that model. Do not infer compatibility from the presence of a tray alone.
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Galaxy phones with a fixed back
Inspect the sides of the phone for a SIM/memory-card tray. On supported models, the microSD card sits in a marked position in that tray. The location and arrangement differ, so check the symbols on the tray rather than assuming a particular side or compartment.
#1 Best Overall
- Compatible with Nintendo-Switch (NOT Nintendo-Switch 2)
- Expand your storage in a flash: ideal for Android smartphones and tablets, Chromebooks, and Windows laptops.
- Increase your TV show, movie, and Full HD video[4] recording collections dramatically with up to a massive 1.5TB[1].
- Transfer files fast with up to 150MB/s[2] read speeds and SanDisk MobileMate USB micro 3.0 microSD card reader[6].
- Load apps faster with A1-rated performance[3].
Older Galaxy phones with a removable back
Some older models place the microSD slot under the back cover, sometimes beneath the battery. Samsung’s general instructions describe removing the back and battery before sliding the card into its slot; follow the sequence in the manual for your exact device.
How to insert a microSD card in a tray
- Confirm compatibility. Check Samsung’s information for your exact model and variant to confirm that it supports microSD and the card capacity you intend to use.
- Open the tray. If your model has an ejectable tray, insert the SIM tray ejector pin gently into the tray’s eject hole and withdraw the tray. Samsung’s instructions cover supported tray designs; do not force a tray or insert the tool into an unrelated opening.
- Identify the memory-card position. Read the symbols printed on the tray. They show which position is for the microSD card and how it should sit.
- Seat the card and replace the tray. Align the card as shown on the tray, then reinsert the tray carefully. Do not rely on a universal orientation: the position and contact direction vary by model.
If the markings are unclear, stop and consult the model-specific manual rather than guessing. Samsung’s SIM and memory-card instructions explain the general process.
Rank #2
- 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].
How the SIM and microSD share a tray
Some trays have separate positions for a SIM and a microSD card; others use a hybrid or dual-SIM arrangement that limits which cards can be used together. For example, Samsung Netherlands describes a particular single-SIM tray with the SIM in the lower compartment and optional microSD in the upper compartment, with the gold contacts facing down. In the dual-SIM configuration described on that page, two SIM cards cannot be used at the same time as an SD card. These details are specific to the configuration Samsung describes, not a layout rule for every Galaxy phone. Check your tray symbols and model-specific instructions.
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Remove a card safely
Before removing a microSD card, unmount it in the phone’s storage settings to help prevent damage or data loss. Samsung’s older general instructions describe going through Device maintenance or Device care, then Storage and SD Card, and selecting Unmount. The labels and path may differ with the phone’s software version, so use the available storage settings on your device. Once unmounted, remove it using the procedure for your tray or removable-back model.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- TRANSFER SPEEDS UP TO 800 MB/S: With sequential read speeds up to 800 MB/s, get into your game up to 4× faster than our standard microSD cards (UHS I)¹.
- DYNAMIC THERMAL GUARD: Keeps its cool even when the action heats up. Dynamic Thermal Guard helps reduce overheating for fast, smooth gameplay.
- ALL YOUR GAMES ON ONE TINY CARD: Store all your games and downloadable content (DLCs) with up to 512GB of reliable storage. No deleting. No compromises.
- 6-PROOF PROTECTION WITH 3-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY: Built to last, made for peace of mind. Anything can happen when you’re gaming on the go. With 6 types of protection²⁻⁹, the P9 Express can handle it all—helping maintain your game progress.
- NEXT-GEN AND BACKWARD COMPATIBLE: Your microSD Express card is compatible with Nintendo Switch 2¹⁰ and microSD UHS-I¹¹ devices, including tablets, drones, cameras and more.
Rank #4
- 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
Rank #3
- Compatible with Nintendo-Switch (NOT Nintendo-Switch 2)
- Ideal storage for Android smartphones and tablets
- Up to 128GB to store even more hours of Full HD video (1GB=1,000,000,000 bytes. Actual user storage less. Full HD (1920x1080) video support may vary based upon host device, file attributes, and other factors. See official SanDisk website.)
- Up to 140MB/s transfer speeds to move up to 1000 photos per minute (Up to 140MB/s read speed, engineered with proprietary technology to reach speeds beyond UHS-I 104MB/s, require compatible devices capable of reaching such speed. Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device, interface, usage conditions, and other factors. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes. Based on internal testing on images with an average file size of 3.55MB (up to 3.7GB total) with USB 3.0 reader. Your results will vary based on host device, file attributes, and other factors.)
- Load apps faster with A1-rated performance (A1 performance is 1500 read IOPS, 500 write IOPS. Based on internal testing. Results may vary based on host device, app type, and other factors.)
What to verify before buying a card
- That your exact Galaxy model and regional variant support microSD.
- The model’s maximum supported capacity; there is no single capacity limit that applies to all Samsung phones.
- Whether the tray allows your intended SIM and memory-card combination.
- That the card type and capacity match the phone’s official specification.
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