Can I Transfer Files from a Micro SD Card to a Bigger One Without Losing Any Data?

Transferring data from a micro SD card to a bigger one is a common need, especially for storing media files, documents, and more. However, some users may have specific concerns, such as preserving data within a particular folder that was obtained from a music streaming service. This article aims to clarify the process and address these common concerns.

Understanding DRM-Protected Streaming Data

Streaming data, particularly DRM-protected content, is often tied either to a specific player with an online account or to a distinct computer that you have downloaded the content to. Simply changing the storage medium doesn't affect the decryption process, as decryption happens within the player. Therefore, transferring the data to a new card won't violate DRM restrictions if the content was initially obtained legally.

Basic Data Transfer Process for Micro SD Cards

The files on a micro SD card are typically stored in a standard file system such as FAT32 or ExFAT. The data within a specific folder may be special, but the files and folders themselves are just data. When you copy the files, the special nature of the folder will be preserved, as long as the new card is of the same file system type and format.

However, there are rare cases where the microSD card might come from a proprietary device that uses vendor locking features. These legacy devices are very uncommon, and if you encounter such a situation, you will be unable to read the card, protecting your special data.

Special Considerations for Apps and Links

Files on an SD card that contain apps and associated links are not straightforward. When transferring a micro SD card to a new, larger one, you cannot simply copy all the files and expect the apps to work correctly. The links to the app data are stored in internal storage and need to be updated to reflect the new location on the larger card. This means you must manually move each app back to the internal storage, switch the card, and then move the apps back to their new locations.

Unfortunately, there is no straightforward method to automate this process, as standard data cloning tools are not designed to recognize SD cards as floppy disks or other types of removable storage.

Manual Transfer via Computer

The easiest method to transfer data from one micro SD card to another is via a computer. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Connect the micro SD card to the computer. If the computer only has an SD slot, you might need an adapter for a micro SD card. These are often available for free; otherwise, you can purchase a cheap USB adapter. Copy the contents of the micro SD card to a new folder on the computer's storage. Insert the new, empty micro SD card and format it using the same file system as the old card. Copy the contents of the folder on the computer to the newly formatted micro SD card. Delete the folder on the computer once the transfer is complete.

By following these steps, you can safely and efficiently transfer your data from one micro SD card to another without losing any files, including those in special folders.