How to Change Photo Storage Location on Android

Changing the photo storage location on your Android device can be a helpful solution for those who are running out of storage space or simply want to organize their photos in a different location. By default, Android devices store photos in the internal storage, but thankfully, there are methods available to change this location. In this blog post, we will explore different methods to change the photo storage location on Android devices, providing step-by-step instructions and additional tips to ensure a smooth transition.

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The Challenge of Changing Photo Storage Location on Android

One of the main challenges when it comes to changing the photo storage location on Android is that it requires some technical knowledge and understanding of the device’s settings. Additionally, it’s important to properly manage the new storage location to avoid any issues or data loss. Nevertheless, with the help of this guide, you’ll be able to overcome these challenges and successfully change the photo storage location on your Android device.

Things You Should Prepare for

Before diving into the methods of changing photo storage location, there are a few things you should prepare to ensure a smooth process and to protect your existing photos:

1. External Storage Device: If you want to change the photo storage location to an external SD card or USB drive, make sure you have a compatible external storage device available.

2. Storage Capacity: Ensure that the external storage device has enough storage capacity to accommodate your photos. It’s recommended to choose a storage device with ample space to avoid running out of storage again in the near future.

3. Backup: Before proceeding with any changes, it’s always a good practice to back up your existing photos. This will ensure that even if something goes wrong during the process, your precious memories will remain safe and unaffected.

Method 1: How to Change Photo Storage Location via Default Camera App

Changing the photo storage location through the default camera app is often the most straightforward method. Here’s how you can do it:

Step 1: Open the Camera app on your Android device.
Step 2: Tap on the Settings icon or the Gear icon, which should be located either on the top or bottom of the screen.
Step 3: Look for the "Storage" or "Storage Location" option in the settings menu. Tap on it.
Step 4: Select the desired storage location, such as "SD Card" or "External Storage," if available. If the option doesn’t exist, it means your device does not support changing the storage location via the default camera app.
Step 5: Exit the settings menu and start taking photos. From now on, the photos you take will be saved in the newly selected storage location.

Pros:
1. Simple and straightforward process.
2. No need to install any additional apps.
3. Works with most Android devices and default camera apps.

Cons:
1. Not all devices support changing the photo storage location via the default camera app.
2. Limited control over storage location options.
3. May not be available in older versions of Android.

Method 2: How to Change Photo Storage Location Using a File Manager App

If your device does not have the option to change the photo storage location via the default camera app, you can use a file manager app to achieve the same result. Follow these steps to change the photo storage location using a file manager app:

Step 1: Install a file manager app from the Google Play Store. Some popular options include ES File Explorer, Solid Explorer, and Total Commander.
Step 2: Open the file manager app and navigate to the location where your default camera app saves photos. Typically, this will be the "DCIM" (Digital Camera Images) folder in the internal storage.
Step 3: Create a new folder in the desired storage location, such as the external SD card or a specific folder in the internal storage.
Step 4: Cut or copy the existing photos from the default storage location and paste them into the newly created folder in the desired storage location.
Step 5: Open the camera app and navigate to the app settings. Look for the "Storage" or "Storage Location" option.
Step 6: Select the newly created folder in the desired storage location as the default storage location for photos.
Step 7: Start taking photos, and they will be automatically saved in the newly selected storage location.

Pros:
1. Works with devices that do not support changing the photo storage location via the default camera app.
2. Provides more control over storage location options.
3. Compatible with various file manager apps available in the Google Play Store.

Cons:
1. Requires installing and configuring a file manager app.
2. Involves manually moving the existing photos to the desired storage location.

Method 3: How to Change Photo Storage Location Using a Third-Party Camera App

Another option for changing the photo storage location on Android is by using third-party camera apps. These apps often offer more advanced features and settings, including the ability to change the storage location. Follow these steps to change the photo storage location using a third-party camera app:

Step 1: Install a third-party camera app from the Google Play Store. Some popular options include Camera MX, Open Camera, and ProShot.
Step 2: Open the newly installed camera app and navigate to the app settings.
Step 3: Look for the "Storage," "Storage Location," or similar option in the settings menu.
Step 4: Select the desired storage location, such as the external SD card or a specific folder in the internal storage.
Step 5: Exit the settings menu and start using the third-party camera app to take photos. Your photos will be saved in the newly selected storage location.

Pros:
1. Provides more advanced features and settings compared to default camera apps.
2. Offers greater control over storage location options.
3. Avoids the need for manually moving existing photos.

Cons:
1. Requires installing and configuring a third-party camera app.
2. The available options may vary depending on the chosen app.
3. Some apps may have compatibility issues with certain Android devices.

Method 4: How to Change Photo Storage Location Using a Cloud Storage Service

If you prefer to store your photos in the cloud instead of on your device’s storage, you can leverage a cloud storage service to change the photo storage location. Here’s how you can do it:

Step 1: Install a cloud storage app from the Google Play Store. Some popular options include Google Photos, Dropbox, and Microsoft OneDrive.
Step 2: Open the cloud storage app and sign in or create a new account if necessary.
Step 3: Enable automatic photo backup in the app settings. This will ensure that all new photos you take are automatically uploaded to the cloud storage.
Step 4: Check the settings to verify that the photo storage location is set to the cloud storage service of your choice. If necessary, configure the storage location settings.
Step 5: Start taking photos, and they will be automatically backed up to the cloud storage.

Pros:
1. Photos are securely stored in the cloud, reducing the risk of loss or damage.
2. Provides easy access to photos across multiple devices.
3. Offers additional features like photo sharing and synchronization.

Cons:
1. Requires a stable internet connection to upload and access photos.
2. May require a paid subscription for additional storage space.
3. Relies on the cloud storage service, which may have its own limitations and restrictions.

Why Can’t I Change the Photo Storage Location on My Android Device?

There could be several reasons why you might not be able to change the photo storage location on your Android device. Here are some common reasons and their potential fixes:

1. Limited Device Support: Some older or budget Android devices may not have the necessary hardware or software capabilities to change the photo storage location. This is a limitation imposed by the device manufacturer, and unfortunately, there is no direct fix for this issue.

2. Unsupported Default Camera App: The default camera app on your Android device might not support changing the photo storage location. In this case, you can try using a third-party camera app or a file manager app to achieve the desired change.

3. Insufficient Permissions: Changing the photo storage location may require specific permissions or administrator access. Make sure you have the necessary permissions enabled on your device. You can check this in the device settings under the "Apps" or "Permissions" section.

Additional Tips:

1. Regularly clean up your photo collection to free up storage space. Delete unwanted or duplicate photos to optimize your storage usage.

2. Use offline backup methods like transferring photos to a computer or external hard drive to ensure redundancy and protect against potential data loss.

3. Consider using a cloud storage service with automatic backup and synchronization features to keep your photos securely stored and easily accessible across multiple devices.

5 FAQs about Changing Photo Storage Location on Android

Q1: Can I change the photo storage location without using any apps?

A: Yes, if your device’s default camera app supports changing the storage location, you can do it without installing any additional apps.

Q2: Can I use a cloud storage service as the primary storage location for new photos?

A: Yes, by enabling automatic photo backup in a cloud storage app, you can set it as the primary storage location for new photos.

Q3: Will changing the photo storage location affect my existing photos?

A: If you follow the proper steps and ensure that your existing photos are moved to the new storage location, they should remain unaffected.

Q4: Can I revert back to the default photo storage location after changing it?

A: Yes, you can always go back to the default photo storage location by following the same steps and selecting the appropriate option.

Q5: Can I change the photo storage location on a rooted Android device?

A: Yes, if you have a rooted Android device, you may have access to additional customization options, including changing the photo storage location.

In Conclusion

Changing the photo storage location on your Android device can be a useful solution for managing storage space and organizing your photos. Whether you choose to change the storage location through the default camera app, a file manager app, a third-party camera app, or a cloud storage service, it’s important to follow the provided steps and take necessary precautions to avoid data loss. By properly managing your photo storage, you can ensure that your precious memories are stored safely and easily accessible whenever you need them.