The LG K20 is a reliable smartphone that offers various functions, including impressive photo capture capabilities. Whether it’s a precious family moment, a breathtaking landscape, or a delectable meal you can’t wait to share, you’re likely to fill up your internal storage rapidly. Luckily, the LG K20 allows you to expand your storage with an SD card, providing an easy way to manage your images without sacrificing precious space on your device. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to move pictures to your SD card on the LG K20, maximizing your device’s potential while keeping your memories safe.
Why Move Pictures to an SD Card?
The benefits of moving pictures to an SD card are manifold, especially if you’re an avid photographer or keep a large library of images. Here are some compelling reasons to make the transition:
- Free Up Internal Storage: The LG K20 comes with limited internal storage, and moving photos to an SD card can help prevent your device from slowing down.
- Extended Memory: SD cards come in various sizes, allowing you to choose the perfect fit for your needs without worrying about running out of space.
- Organize Your Files: Having an SD card allows you to create folders and organize photos better, making it easier to find specific images later.
- Backup and Transfer: Storing your pictures on an SD card makes them easy to transfer to other devices without needing to rely on cloud services or cables.
In short, moving your pictures to an SD card can simplify your life while maximizing the use of your LG K20.
Preparing Your SD Card
Before you start moving pictures to an SD card, it’s crucial to ensure your SD card is set up correctly. Here’s how to prep:
Check Compatibility
Before purchasing or using an SD card, ensure it is compatible with the LG K20. The device supports microSD cards, typically available in sizes from 32GB to 256GB. Always opt for a reputable brand with good read/write speeds for optimal performance.
Insert the SD Card
To insert the SD card:
- Turn off your LG K20.
- Locate the SIM/microSD card tray on the side of your device.
- Using the provided eject tool, gently push into the small hole near the tray to pop it out.
- Insert the microSD card in its designated slot, ensuring it is securely in place.
- Reinsert the tray back into the device.
- Power on your LG K20.
Once the device is powered on, your LG K20 should automatically recognize the SD card.
Moving Pictures to SD Card
Now that your SD card is set up and ready to go, it’s time to move your pictures. Below are two primary methods to transfer images: through the built-in file manager and by using a computer.
Method 1: Using the Built-in File Manager
Using the LG K20’s built-in file manager is straightforward. Follow these steps:
- Unlock your LG K20 and open the **File Manager** app. If you can’t find it, swipe down from the top of the screen to access your app drawer.
- Once in the file manager, navigate to the **Internal Storage** section. Here, you should see folders like DCIM, Pictures, Downloads, etc.
- Tap on the **DCIM** folder to access your camera photos, or browse to any folder where your pictures are stored.
- Select the images you want to move by **tapping and holding** on the first one, then tapping on additional images to select multiple files.
- After selecting the pictures, tap on the **three vertical dots** (menu) icon usually found at the top-right corner of the screen.
- Choose the **Move** or **Cut** option from the dropdown menu.
- Now navigate back to the SD card by going to **Device Storage > SD Card**.
- Once in the SD card folder, select a destination folder (you can also create a new folder by tapping the **New Folder** option).
- Finally, tap on **Paste** to move the selected images to the SD card.
After the process is complete, you can verify that the files have successfully transitioned by checking the SD card for your pictures.
Method 2: Using a Computer
If you prefer performing the transfer via a computer, here’s how to do it:
Connecting Your LG K20 to PC
- Connect your LG K20 to your computer using a USB cable.
- On your phone, swipe down the notification bar and look for the USB options notification. Tap on it and select File Transfer.
- The File Explorer on your PC will open automatically, displaying your LG K20’s internal storage.
Transferring Photos
- Navigate to the folder where your pictures are stored on your LG K20, typically found in the DCIM folder.
- Select the images you wish to move. You can select multiple files by holding the Ctrl key while clicking each file.
- Copy the selected images (right-click > Copy) and navigate to the SD Card section displayed in File Explorer.
- Choose the desired folder on the SD card (or create a new folder), then paste the images (right-click > Paste).
- Wait for the transfer to complete, then safely eject your LG K20 from the computer.
Organizing Your Pictures on the SD Card
Once you’ve successfully moved your photos to your SD card, organizing them can enhance your experience. Consider these tips for effective management:
Create Folders
Organizing pictures into folders based on categories can simplify your search for specific images. For instance, you could create folders such as:
- Family
- Travel
- Projects
- Events
Delete Unwanted Photos
After migrating to the SD card, take the time to review your images and remove duplicates or pictures you no longer want. This helps free up additional space and makes it easier to manage your collection.
Setting Default Storage for Photos
To streamline your workflow, consider setting your SD card as the default storage location for new photos taken with your LG K20 camera.
How to Set Default Storage to SD Card
- Open the Camera app on your device.
- Tap on the Settings icon (usually a gear icon).
- Look for the Storage location option.
- Select SD Card.
With this change, any new pictures captured with the camera will automatically save to the SD card, saving you time and space in the long run.
Troubleshooting Tips
While moving pictures to the SD card usually goes smoothly, you might encounter a few issues. Here are solutions to common problems:
SD Card Not Recognized
If your device doesn’t recognize the SD card after insertion, ensure it is seated correctly. If it is, try the following:
- Remove and reinsert the SD card.
- Try using a different SD card to see if the problem persists.
- Format the SD card if it’s an unused card.
Slow Performance After Moving Files
If you experience sluggish performance after moving files, consider:
1. Restarting your device.
2. Cleaning your cache through the Settings > Storage section.
3. Ensuring your SD card is formatted properly.
Conclusion
Moving pictures to an SD card on your LG K20 is a simple yet effective way to manage internal storage while preserving your priceless memories. Whether through the phone’s built-in file manager or an external computer, you can effortlessly transfer your images and organize them for improved accessibility. Remember to set your SD card as the default storage for new photos, and always keep an eagle eye on the contents, deleting unwanted images as you go.
Embrace the flexibility and convenience of storing photos on an SD card, relieving your LG K20 of clutter and enhancing your overall experience. Whether you’re traveling, celebrating, or simply capturing life’s moments, having sufficient storage is essential, and with these steps, your device is set to keep all the moments that matter most.
What is an SD card and why should I use it with my LG K20?
An SD card, or Secure Digital card, is a portable storage device that can expand the memory of your LG K20. By using an SD card, you can store a larger number of pictures, videos, apps, and other files without consuming the internal storage of your phone. This is particularly helpful if you frequently capture high-resolution photos or videos.
Using an SD card allows for more organization and ease of access to your media files. It also enables you to transfer files easily between devices, which can be convenient for managing your content on your computer or sharing it with friends.
How do I insert an SD card into my LG K20?
To insert an SD card into your LG K20, first, power off your device to prevent any potential damage. Locate the SIM card tray on the side of your phone. You can use a SIM eject tool or a similar object to gently push into the small hole next to the SIM tray, which will pop the tray out.
Once the tray is out, place the SD card in the designated slot, ensuring that the gold contacts are facing down. Carefully reinsert the tray back into the phone, and turn your device back on. Your LG K20 should recognize the SD card automatically, and you can start using it right away.
How do I move pictures from my LG K20 to the SD card?
To move pictures from your LG K20 to the SD card, begin by opening the “Files” or “Gallery” app on your device. Navigate to the folder where your images are currently stored, usually under the internal storage. Select the photos you want to move by long-pressing on one photo, and then tapping on the others to select them.
After you’ve selected the images, look for the “Move” option in the menu, and choose to move them to the SD card. You’ll likely need to navigate to the specific folder on the SD card where you want to store your pictures. Once you confirm the move, your photos will transfer to the SD card, freeing up space on your internal storage.
Can I set the SD card as the default storage for pictures on my LG K20?
Yes, you can set your SD card as the default storage location for your pictures and other media on your LG K20. To do this, go to the “Camera” app settings. Look for the option that allows you to choose the storage location for your photos and select the SD card as the default.
By setting the SD card as the default storage, all your future pictures will automatically be saved to the SD card instead of consuming your internal storage. This not only helps manage space effectively but also ensures that you can keep your media organized on the SD card.
What should I do if my LG K20 doesn’t recognize the SD card?
If your LG K20 doesn’t recognize the SD card, first ensure that the card is properly inserted into the device. Eject the card and reinsert it, making sure it clicks into place. If it still doesn’t work, try using a different SD card to see if the problem lies with the card or the phone itself.
Another troubleshooting step is to format the SD card using your computer. Be sure to back up any data before formatting, as this will erase all contents on the card. After formatting, reinsert the card into your LG K20; it should now recognize the card if it is functioning correctly.
How can I safely remove the SD card from my LG K20?
To safely remove the SD card from your LG K20, first, navigate to the “Settings” app. From there, find “Storage” or “Storage & USB” depending on your software version. Locate your SD card in the list, and tap on the option to unmount or eject it. This process safely disconnects the card from the system.
After unmounting, you can physically remove the SD card from your device. Gently push the tray with the SD card out, and take the card out of the tray. Always ensure the card is unmounted before removal to avoid data corruption or loss.