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So I posted this question over and Android Forums, but no one has answered after 5 days. Hopefully I'll have better luck here.
What is the point of having an "on-board" sd card and an external card? I understand that -ext is your actual SD Card, but what is the /sdcard then and how is it different than regular "on-board storage"? What goes to either directory by default? This is the first Android phone I've had that does this, so I'm trying to familiarize myself with this.
I just bought a high quality 32GB SD card, so I'm a little disappointed that not everything is going to my SD card and instead to some onboard storage.
What are the benefits of putting things in either of these two?
I could be wrong but I think the internal memory is actually 12-16gb, but its partitioned with certain parts reserved for the operating system and apps.
I have noticed that transferring files from my computer to the internal storage is a bit faster than the external.
But then I do have a basic cheap 16gig SD card, so other cards might be faster.
I've not had any problem with the location of files, but then again I am a neat freak and I keep everything organized and know where everything is at all times
The reasoning comes from an operating system perspective. This is very much like a linux OS. Internal storage is different than ram. Android lives on seperate partitions as designed by google. Storage for the purposes of pictures, music, etc was left to be taken care of by sdcards. Since actual sdcards are more complicated than the average graduating flip phone user, manufacturers starting adding this "external" storage since it would be convenient for users like my mom. Then because geeks designed these, they still wanted to add more storage, so they designed storage you could actually get to! Hence sdcard-ext. Because many/most apps look for /sdcard as a file system, manufacturers could not skip it and just add more to the system partitions, or program installs would fail. They would either half to give a free memory card with purchase of the phone (carriers don't want to give anything away for free, and this is how it was 2+ years ago) or make storage on board that could be reachable.
In a windows point if view, think of it as all programs look for drive d: for extra storage rather than hogging c:, but since carriers didn't want to give away free d: drives, they said install it inside since it is cheaper on the board then to add a sdcard after. So, now /sdcard is like d: and /sdcard-ext would be like e:
I hope that made any kind of sense. It is honestly a useless mess, but sufficient for the unknowing or uncaring masses who just want to save more mp3's or pictures.
Nowell29
Sent from my DROID4 using Tapatalk
My issue is spotify fills up the internal "sdcard" Id ideally like to point spotify to use my external sd card as its a 32 gb card. But that wont work.
Has anyone tried to create a symlink to point a folder to an external folder?
Is there a way to dictate what goes where? For example, if I wanted my apps to go to my actual SD card (/sd-ext), could I do it?
AMTrombley0924 said:
Is there a way to dictate what goes where? For example, if I wanted my apps to go to my actual SD card (/sd-ext), could I do it?
Click to expand...
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I'm pretty sure that without some mild hacking*, there wouldn't be a universal way to do it. If it's doable at all, it will be on an application-by-application basis.
Some apps seem to just "do the right thing". For instance, as soon as I installed and formatted my sdcard, the camera and gallery applications moved my pictures from /sdcard to /sdcard_ext, and from then on, that's where pictures are stored as they're taken.
OTOH, Amazon MP3 is pretty stupid about keeping all downloaded music on /sdcard. When I bricked my phone for about a month, that's one of the things that kept me from trying for a full replacement: I couldn't pull the files out of an internal filesystem, so I'd lose all that music. If I could have had those stored on a removable SDcard, it wouldn't have been a factor.
*example of mild hacking: move application-specific directories from /sdcard to /sdcard-ext and replace /sdcard directory with a softlink to /sdcard-ext equivalent. It's hacky and crocky, but I think it would work, as long as /sdcard-ext is available and has the appropriate directory (target of link).
hopefully one of you would know this answer...
i have the droid 4 as well and i have an aftermarket stereo in my car that has a USB connection. i can plug in my phone and it wont recognize any music until i turn on USB mass storage (obviously) but the problem i'm having is that (what i think is happening) the phone is pretty much mounting the internal sd card first for some dang reason and then the external sd card second. but i can't back out of the /sdcard folder to go into /sdcard-ext where all of my music is.
is there any way to change the mounting order? <--- that's my question.
My phone is rooted and currently running the latest CM9 ROM.
Thanks
-Andrew
Apps will always install on the internal sdcard, no way around this.
Spotify to external SD is simple. First, erase everything and logout. During the login screen press menu and you will be able to change the default location. Login and synch and you're done.
Disabling the internal mount;
etc/vold.fstab
put an "#" before the line "dev_mount sdcard /mnt/sdcard:: 25 /devices/platform/omap/omap_hsmmc.1/mmc_host/mmc1"
This should disable mounting the internal drive. I haven't tested it though. It is possible the OS won't be able to see the internal mmc when it's not mounted.
It's also possible to swap internal with external. BUT... I've read mixed reports on an LG forum where users complained about problems with their phones. So be carefull if you want to test that out. Have to say though, apart from LG users I haven't read problems on other devices. Search for drive swap vold.fstab if you wanna try.
would it be possible to re-partition the phone's memory so that it's: system, internal, and sdcard, rather than having the sdcard and sdcard-ext seperate? I have a 16 gb micro sd card that I plan on keeping in my phone at all times that I plan to store general media on, but I'd like to keep all my apps on the internal storage. I know the process will probably cause me to lose all my data, but I've got nothing important on it. Also if this was the case would I also have to install a new version of android? Forgive me if I seem ignorant, I've only partitioned my hard disk via a bootable usb, so I'm a bit inexperienced.
I have seen conflicting reports around the web on whether the tablet can hold more than a 32gb microSD card, some people say that they have gotten it to recognize the card, however people mention that it may get buggy if the storage uses more than 32gb on the larger cards, and i cannot find any postings where people have used more than the 32gb to test. I had gotten another tablet, so I was hoping to use this one just as a music storage and navigation device which needs the large amount of storage.
Thanks for the help
Has anyone tried the 'adaptable' storage hack on the Note 8 yet?
Worked on my S7.
I have the same question
I was thinking about doing this but from what I hear it's more trouble than it's worth but if anyone whose done it would like to chime in I'm sure we'd all greatly appreciate it.
GallardosEggrollShop said:
I was thinking about doing this but from what I hear it's more trouble than it's worth but if anyone whose done it would like to chime in I'm sure we'd all greatly appreciate it.
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Click to collapse
I feel the same way. More trouble than its worth. The 64GB is plenty for all your apps and for everything else you have your fat Micro SD card.
I can't find half a reason to bother with it. 1. Many apps, especially larger one will use SD card for storage, if not you can set it to do so in settings. 2. SD card is slower than internal memory, so frequently used programs shouldn't be there 3. It creates whole lot of problems if SD card goes bad and yes, had this happen to me multiple times on Sandisk included. 4. it can get complicated when you swap the cards between phones, computers etc and you use the phone without dedicated SD card inside 5. If you really think 64GB internal storage doesn't do it, hunt for elusive 128 and 256 GB versions. They should show up somewhere.
The only a reason to do it I can think off: "because I can?"
I wouldn't do it unless the UFS ever comes out. Supposed to be a lot faster external storage.
Sent from my LGV20 using yo Mama's unlocked bootloader.
If anybody does want to enable adoptable storage on the Note8 despite the potential issues, try ashyx's patch here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-tab-s/general/patch-adoptable-storage-enabler-t3460478
Note:
- You will need TWRP installed.
- It might not work for you. I've only tested it with Renovate.
- You will need to use adb to set up your sd card.
You won't do it on an unrooted phone. Samsung never implemented it.
The phone's built in memory is far faster than any SD card at this point. You'd be slowing your phone down... and not by just a little bit.
I beg to differ
Agree the phones internal memory is tops right now.
Disagree the phone will be slow if you offload storage.
Source: i have virtually every app i use daily (Save a couple) moved to SD card and ive noticed NO.. I repeat NO.. noticeable difference in speed or issue by moving these apps. And im talking about WhatsApp, textra, several video playing apps, Instagram, Snapchat, outlook mobile, and some other apps.
There is SOME residual data from these apps that LIVE on the internal storage—perhaps this left over data keeps the app from bottlenecking from the SD card. This is speculation though.
If interested, in mexico, the largest carrier, telcel offers the 128 Gb model
Have anyone tried formatting the SD card as internal using the SM Partition command over adb?
We (me and my group on WhatsApp) have and it always corrupt the card, I am here now, because I would like to learn how to look for clues to troubleshoot this.
Because it makes no sense at all, pie is compatible with using adoptable storage and FBE, in custom rooms we are able to use this feature, feels odd that in the official rom we can't.
adAptable storage
LionLorena said:
Have anyone tried formatting the SD card as internal using the SM Partition command over adb?
We (me and my group on WhatsApp) have and it always corrupt the card, I am here now, because I would like to learn how to look for clues to troubleshoot this.
Because it makes no sense at all, pie is compatible with using adAptable storage and FBE, in custom rooms we are able to use this feature, feels odd that in the official rom we can't.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am also interested in this. Has anyone had success in setting up adaptable storage on Pie?
Tried with a 8gb sandisk... corrupted sd card after the process
i've tried with this tutorial: https://stackoverflow.com/questions...sd-card-into-internal-storage-via-adb-command
The problem is that modern consumer grade SD cards are not reliable for using as SSD. The number of write cycles is limited, the garbage management may corrupt card on certain conditions, etc. It is good enough that we can use SD card for camera and videos.
bookworth said:
The problem is that modern consumer grade SD cards are not reliable for using as SSD. The number of write cycles is limited, the garbage management may corrupt card on certain conditions, etc. It is good enough that we can use SD card for camera and videos.
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Click to collapse
That's not really a problem.
You see, the SD card lasting around the same time as your device is all there's needed, because it's almost certain that when you replace your device you're probably gonna get a newer, better and larger card along with it.
Or on the off chance you're not, you can "afford" to lose a SD card faster because they are usually cheaper than a SSD, not to mention that apps usually have way less writing to the card can computer programs so it may even outlast SSDs.
I take my SanDisk exterme pro for example.
I have it it's been 3 years now and it's still performing exceptionally.
I've formated it countless times, as internal, as external, multi parted it for Link2SD, made and used SWAP partitions for expansion in performance on low ram phones, hell I used this card a lot and the old faithful is still kicking.
Formatting doesn't do anything to the card, writing gigabytes of data does and disconnecting power at the wrong moment does.
Not everyone buys extreme pro cards - most of the guys who can not afford bigger SSD will also buy cheaper SD cards - because, you know, they are cheaper. And no manufacturer is willing to explain why you lost your important pictures of your baby's 7 day anniversary.
If you want cheap solutions then go for cheaper products - I believe Moto G5 has the feature you are interested in. Maybe this is because with slower CPU's the user has less actual options for wrecking the SD card.
After the Pie update, In the Moto Help app under LEARN, I found this:
"Change storage type" "Go to Settings>Storage>Touch SD Card name>3 dots>Storage Settings>Format as Internal or Format as Portable". (I tried to upload a pic, but it won't load)
I haven't tried this as I am waiting on a new UHS-1 SD card hopefully delivered today! Also under the Moto Help app: "Using SD card as extended Internal Storage" you need to have a high speed SD card such as a UHS-1, "you can move DL apps, app files, media files to the card. This card is NOT readable in other devices and cannot be decrypted on other devices". Hope this helps...
PowurPlayr said:
After the Pie update, In the Moto Help app under LEARN, I found this:
"Change storage type" "Go to Settings>Storage>Touch SD Card name>3 dots>Storage Settings>Format as Internal or Format as Portable". (I tried to upload a pic, but it won't load)
I haven't tried this as I am waiting on a new UHS-1 SD card hopefully delivered today! Also under the Moto Help app: "Using SD card as extended Internal Storage" you need to have a high speed SD card such as a UHS-1, "you can move DL apps, app files, media files to the card. This card is NOT readable in other devices and cannot be decrypted on other devices". Hope this helps...
Click to expand...
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Yeah it is supposed to be this way, but when you format the card it gives no such option.
I think the rom is bugged because the restrictions imposed was on fbe, now that pie fixed this, there's no such restrictions.
On custom ROMs this works as intended.
LionLorena said:
Yeah it is supposed to be this way, but when you format the card it gives no such option.
I think the rom is bugged because the restrictions imposed was on fbe, now that pie fixed this, there's no such restrictions.
On custom ROMs this works as intended.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which custom ROM this feature works?
abrfilho said:
Which custom ROM this feature works?
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Click to collapse
As I have tested the Havoc was, and several folks on my WhatsApp group reported Lineage to be working too.
typically when I have a card go read only (bad) I clone it to a new card and it continues to work in the device. The whole encryption system in android is kind of a bummer because you can't read it on another devices. There is a lot of compromises for security that are made to satisfy the least common denominator. Like they could offer you a way to back up the key to another location, etc.
Not being able to use my 128gb card as internal on my X4 has me a little regretful for leaving Apple. If I had known they took that option away I would have sprung for another model. Hopefully they'll change that. I'm on stock Android Pie, so if any custom ROMs are out there I'm all ears?
biggdogg40509 said:
Not being able to use my 128gb card as internal on my X4 has me a little regretful for leaving Apple. If I had known they took that option away I would have sprung for another model. Hopefully they'll change that. I'm on stock Android Pie, so if any custom ROMs are out there I'm all ears?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I recently purchased my new moto x⁴ after my beloved moto G6 (needs to be repaired [trying to get an estimate from Motorola] as both front and back are shattered).
I'm baffled about the storage limitations for SDcard integration as well. I'm struggling with this low storage space warnings with 32GB but far less for actual storage because of the incredibly huge system files. My 128GB available space on my SDcard is just 128GB when it makes no use via x⁴ .
Updated to PIE but making use of more storage capacity doesn't seem to be a priority. Can't wait until my moto G6 returns but I'll continue to research and see what options are available on x⁴.
Any and ALL advices are most welcomed with a huge thank you in advance.
SOMNER
somner said:
I recently purchased my new moto x⁴ after my beloved moto G6 (needs to be repaired [trying to get an estimate from Motorola] as both front and back are shattered).
I'm baffled about the storage limitations for SDcard integration as well. I'm struggling with this low storage space warnings with 32GB but far less for actual storage because of the incredibly huge system files. My 128GB available space on my SDcard is just 128GB when it makes no use via x⁴ .
Updated to PIE but making use of more storage capacity doesn't seem to be a priority. Can't wait until my moto G6 returns but I'll continue to research and see what options are available on x⁴.
Any and ALL advices are most welcomed with a huge thank you in advance.
SOMNER
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same issue here. I bought the phone and even bought 128gb extra sd card to increase the space. But after I opened and inserted my card I realized it's not showing up extra space. I searched through many forums and found out that's it not possible to do so. I have tried ADB tool and formatted it as internal memory as per steps mentioned. But once I do that it says my SD card is corrupted.
Not sure what is the reason for giving SD card when you cant use it as internal storage. You don't have a gallery app and you already have all your photos going to your google photos, whats the use here.
As you said, will wait if anyone finds a solution. Please do post here in case you find a solution, I will do as well.
Thanks
kaka1981 said:
Same issue here. I bought the phone and even bought 128gb extra sd card to increase the space. But after I opened and inserted my card I realized it's not showing up extra space. I searched through many forums and found out that's it not possible to do so. I have tried ADB tool and formatted it as internal memory as per steps mentioned. But once I do that it says my SD card is corrupted.
Not sure what is the reason for giving SD card when you cant use it as internal storage. You don't have a gallery app and you already have all your photos going to your google photos, whats the use here.
As you said, will wait if anyone finds a solution. Please do post here in case you find a solution, I will do as well.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can set the moto camera to write to scard is probably the biggest reason, outside of music storage. It does suck adaptable storage isnt working/supported.
SchmilK said:
You can set the moto camera to write to scard is probably the biggest reason, outside of music storage. It does suck adaptable storage isnt working/supported.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is the default storage of the camera photos to phone or its auto saving to google photos?
kaka1981 said:
Is the default storage of the camera photos to phone or its auto saving to google photos?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Default is internal, but can be set too sdcard.
Then Google photos will detect a new folder and an if you want to synch
SchmilK said:
Default is internal, but can be set too sdcard.
Then Google photos will detect a new folder and an if you want to synch
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Last time I changed to SD card, the "Free up space" in Google Photos did not work for some reason.
jhedfors said:
Last time I changed to SD card, the "Free up space" in Google Photos did not work for some reason.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hm, I'm more paranoid than you, I transfer my pictures to my computer to free space.
Hello fellow Note 9'ers! I've got a 32gb card just sitting in a drawer doing nothing whatsoever and was wondering about installing it into my N9. A few Q's come to mind.
1. How does the card fit into the slot? It looked too big for a micro sd card.
2. Does having an sd card typically make the device work harder as it periodically scans the drive when being accessed and having files moved to and from it.
3. What do you tend to store upon the sd card? Pictures? Films? Music? Camera stores locally in the camera folder so it would be manual moves if using sd card as a backup.. I'm looking to understand people's usage to see if it's some method I'd follow.
Sent from my SM-N960F using Tapatalk
1. SD card vs. microSD card? The Note9 only takes microSD cards, and if you have one, it should go in just nice. It needs a bit of a push to "click" the card in the holder, and it goes in more easily in certain ways (which edge is inserted first, which way the card is pushed sideways a bit, etc.)
2. Typically just having the microSD card in does not affect the phone's performance in general, unless one has some anti-malware software that has been designed in a very stupid way. However, any access to that microSD card (when such access is needed) are somewhat slower than to the internal storage, but one typically does not even notice the difference. There are some use cases where it can be very noticeable, though.
Files are only moved in/out of it if/when one tells the phone to do so, it does not happen all the time or even "periodically". (Note, this phone apparently does not support installing the card as an extension of the internal storage; in that method there could be less control on what and when gets stored/moved on the card.)
3. The phone automatically switches at least some things to be stored on microSD card as soon as it is installed. E.g. the Samsung camera app automatically switches the target storage to the card instead of internal memory, so new photos/videos will go to the card. One can still adjust that setting manually. (Photos already on the internal storage are not automatically moved.) However, this behavior would be app-specific, i.e. whether one needs to manually change such setting or not, and if such is even possible in an app.
These phones have a built-in "file browser"-style app so moving almost any normal files between internal storage and card is possible, though one might need to know what he is doing, not just blindly move everything
The most typical things to be stored on the card are indeed the "media" files: photos, videos, music. One can move also some apps from internal storage to card, but this needs more consideration (i.e. card random access speed vs. how the app needs storage access). Also, Note 9 having so much internal storage space, moving the apps to the card is not as needed as with some other phones.
6thtry said:
1. SD card vs. microSD card? The Note9 only takes microSD cards, and if you have one, it should go in just nice. It needs a bit of a push to "click" the card in the holder, and it goes in more easily in certain ways (which edge is inserted first, which way the card is pushed sideways a bit, etc.)
2. Typically just having the microSD card in does not affect the phone's performance in general, unless one has some anti-malware software that has been designed in a very stupid way. However, any access to that microSD card (when such access is needed) are somewhat slower than to the internal storage, but one typically does not even notice the difference. There are some use cases where it can be very noticeable, though.
Files are only moved in/out of it if/when one tells the phone to do so, it does not happen all the time or even "periodically". (Note, this phone apparently does not support installing the card as an extension of the internal storage; in that method there could be less control on what and when gets stored/moved on the card.)
3. The phone automatically switches at least some things to be stored on microSD card as soon as it is installed. E.g. the Samsung camera app automatically switches the target storage to the card instead of internal memory, so new photos/videos will go to the card. One can still adjust that setting manually. (Photos already on the internal storage are not automatically moved.) However, this behavior would be app-specific, i.e. whether one needs to manually change such setting or not, and if such is even possible in an app.
These phones have a built-in "file browser"-style app so moving almost any normal files between internal storage and card is possible, though one might need to know what he is doing, not just blindly move everything [emoji14]
The most typical things to be stored on the card are indeed the "media" files: photos, videos, music. One can move also some apps from internal storage to card, but this needs more consideration (i.e. card random access speed vs. how the app needs storage access). Also, Note 9 having so much internal storage space, moving the apps to the card is not as needed as with some other phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you ever so much for your thorough and detailed response! XDA to the rescue!
I need to decide if it's actually needed. Whilst it could be a good backup area for pictures it is also more likely to corrupt.. decisions decisions!
Sent from my SM-N960F using Tapatalk
Better stick with internal storage or go cloud with Google drive.
What?! No smart alek responses and no idiots screaming about searching first??? Really... I was chastised about a hardcore question and this total ridiculous question is answered without ridicule? What a joke.
OJsakila said:
What?! No smart alek responses and no idiots screaming about searching first??? Really... I was chastised about a hardcore question and this total ridiculous question is answered without ridicule? What a joke.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
screw u OJ.
OJsakila said:
What?! No smart alek responses and no idiots screaming about searching first??? Really... I was chastised about a hardcore question and this total ridiculous question is answered without ridicule? What a joke.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Merely getting peoples own user experience regarding the use of an sd card on their own devices. [emoji851]
Sent from my SM-N960F using Tapatalk