For a while now, the Google Play Music app has had the ability to download tracks to microSD cards for offline listening. You’ll need an Android smartphone or tablet with a microSD card slot and a microSD card with some free space. The feature has been designed for Android 4.4 KitKat but Google said it is available for some older devices in ‘experimental form’. So it’s worth trying if you have an older device but you may experience problems.
There is an iOS app for Google Music but Apple doesn’t offer expandable storage on the iPhone or iPad so this guide doesn’t apply. See also: Spotify vs Google Music comparison review.
How to get Google Music to download to SD card
Step One
Open the Google Play Music app on your device.
Step Two
Open the Settings menu which is found in the side bar on the left – either swipe in from the side or tap the three lines at the top-left of the app.
Step Three
Under the Downloading section of the menu tap on Storage location.
Step Four
Now select External from the menu – it will tell you how much free space there is on your memory card.
Note: You can save music to your SD card, but you can’t transfer music from your SD card to another device.
Tech Advisor’s Reviews Editor, Chris has been reviewing all kinds of tech for over 10 years and specialises in audio. He also covers a range of topics including home entertainment, phones, laptops, tablets and more.
