Why does my phone move apps from internal storage to SD?

[Dawn87lee]

My phone randomly moves apps to my SD card, I'm assuming to free up some space, but it renders the app corrupt and I can't use it. I end up having to delete the app and reinstall it. I can't seem to move it back. 

I've turned off the smart cleaning function that tidies up your storage. The internal memory is 32gb and there is 10gb remaining. I also have a 128gb SD card. Can anyone suggest how to stop this from happening? 

[CameronT]

Hi @Dawn87lee, welcome to the community.

Do you transfer data manually by going to Settings > Storage > Transfer data?

This will automatically select apps to transfer.

To move an app back, go to Settings > Apps > The app you wish to move > Storage > Change > Internal Storage.

[Dawn87lee]

On my phone the option is there to transfer data manually but i can't actually click it. It's grey and faded, almost as if you have to turn on a setting to allow you to use that function. At the moment Its there but not able to be clicked on, if that makes sense. I've attached a pic to show you. 

Also when I go to apps and click on an individual app, it tells me where it is stored and how much space it uses etc but doesn't say anything about moving its location. It states internal or SD but doesn't give me the choice to move it. 

Thanks for your suggestions. 

[CameronT]

@Dawn87lee,

If it is greyed out, it either means there is no data to transfer as it has already been moved, or that your SD card is not being read.

To move apps, you first need to tap on Storage, then Change. I have included some screenshots below.

[Dawn87lee]

Hi CameronT 

I don't seem to have the option to move them between internal storage or SD. See attached screen shots. 

[Dawn87lee]

I've had a closer look and does seem like my phone isn't recognising my SD card. It definitely used to, but now when I look in my file manager and storage I can't see my SD card. I'm not sure how to fix that. 

[CameronT]

@Dawn87lee,

If those apps are pre-installed, you will not be able to move them to the SD card. It looks like those particular apps are part of your firmware.

Have you tried to remove the SD card and re-insert it? If not give it a try, then restart the phone.

[Dawn87lee]

Those apps aren't part of my firmware, they are apps I downloaded from Google Play Store. I have removed my SD Card and tried re-inserting it. I've even tried  software repair and also a reset to factory settings, none of it worked so my phone is now on it's way back to Sony to be checked out. Hopefully I will have it back soon.

[CameronT]

Let us know how you get on @Dawn87lee