Using MicroSD Cards with Amazon Fire Tablets: A Complete Guide

Expanding Storage on Your Amazon Fire Tablet

The standard Amazon Fire Tablet, priced at $50, is equipped with 8 GB of internal storage. However, the device is also compatible with MicroSD cards.

Utilizing a MicroSD card presents a cost-effective method for augmenting the tablet’s storage capacity.

Benefits of Using a MicroSD Card

Increased storage allows users to accommodate a greater volume of content, including music files, video recordings, applications, and various other data types.

MicroSD cards offer a practical solution for those needing more space than the built-in memory provides.

Reading eBooks from a MicroSD Card

It is feasible to access eBooks stored on your Fire Tablet’s MicroSD card.

However, Amazon’s operating system does not automatically recognize or display eBooks located on the external storage.

Users will need to manually navigate to the MicroSD card to locate and open their eBook files.

Despite this, the functionality remains available, providing flexibility in managing your digital library.

Selecting a MicroSD Card

MicroSD cards are widely available for purchase wherever electronics are retailed, including online marketplaces like Amazon.

Currently, a 32 GB MicroSD card can be acquired on Amazon for approximately $13, while a 64 GB card is priced around $21.

Maximum Capacity for Fire Tablets

Fire tablets support Micro SD cards with a maximum capacity of 128 GB. Therefore, this represents the largest size card that can be both purchased and effectively utilized.

Performance Recommendations

For the best possible performance, Amazon suggests opting for either "UHS" or "Class 10" Micro SD cards.

Lower-class cards, such as "Class 2" Micro SD cards, may be available at a reduced cost, but they offer considerably slower speeds.

Insufficient speed can hinder functionality; for instance, video playback may be impossible from a slower Micro SD card.

Choosing a faster card ensures a smoother user experience.

Transferring Files to Your SD Card

To utilize media on your Fire Tablet, a method for transferring files from your computer to the SD card is required. Many computers are equipped with either a Micro SD or standard SD card slot. If your computer possesses a Micro SD slot, direct insertion of the card is possible.

Alternatively, if only a standard SD card slot is available, an SD card adapter can be used to accommodate the Micro SD card. These adapters are often bundled with Micro SD cards upon purchase.

In cases where your computer lacks both types of slots, a USB Micro SD card reader offers a convenient solution. These readers are readily available for purchase.

File System Compatibility

The Micro SD card must be formatted with either the FAT32 or exFAT file system for compatibility with the Fire Tablet. Typically, SD cards are pre-formatted with one of these systems.

To verify, locate the SD card in Windows Explorer, right-click, and select "Format." Ensure the appropriate file system is chosen before proceeding.

Once confirmed, you can copy desired media files – including videos, music, photos, and even eBooks – onto the Micro SD card.

It's worth noting that Amazon may impose some restrictions on eBook transfers. (Refer to this list of supported video file types for Amazon Fire tablets.)

Safely Removing and Inserting the Card

After the file transfer is complete, safely eject the Micro SD card from your computer via the right-click "Eject" option in Windows.

Disconnect the card reader, and then insert the Micro SD card into the designated slot on your Fire Tablet. On the $50 Fire Tablet, this slot is located on the side, near the upper-right corner, and is protected by a small access door.

Accessing Media and eBooks on Your Fire Tablet

Your Fire Tablet will automatically recognize videos, music, and photos that are stored on a Micro SD card. These files are readily accessible through pre-installed applications. For instance, video files located on the Micro SD card can be found within the "My Videos" app that comes with your device.

The automatic detection process simplifies media access for users.

eBook Access Requires Additional Steps

Unlike other media types, the Kindle app does not automatically display eBooks that are saved on your SD card. To access these files, a separate file manager application is necessary.

Users can download the free ES File Explorer app, or another comparable file-manager, to locate and open eBooks directly from the SD card storage.

Alternatively, utilizing a different eBook reader application provides another method for accessing your digital books.

• Browse to the eBook file on your SD card using the file manager.
• Tap the eBook file to initiate the opening process.

This allows for convenient reading of eBooks stored on external memory.

Managing Storage: Downloading Content to Your SD Card

To control where your content is saved, access the Settings application on your Fire Tablet. Select "Storage" from the settings menu, then choose "SD Card".

Enabling the "Install Supported Apps on Your SD Card" feature will direct future app downloads to the SD card, provided the application supports this functionality. However, individual user data associated with each app will remain stored in the device’s internal memory.

Activating the "Download Movies and TV Shows on Your SD Card" setting ensures that any videos downloaded from the Amazon Video app – including both films and television episodes – are saved directly to the SD card.

Switching on the "Store Photos and Personal Videos on Your SD Card" option will cause photos and videos captured with your Fire Tablet to be stored on the SD card rather than the internal storage.