How to copy files to the SD card when using an internal storage in Moto X Pure? - X Style (Pure) Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I wanted to use the micro SD card for storing my application in Moto X Pure. But it looks like if I use the micro SD card as internal storage (which looks like is the only way I can move apps to SD card if it is mounted as Internal Storage) I cannot copy files to it from PC. When I connect it via USB to PC (formatted as internal storage) and use File Transfer option I can only see the internal phone storage and not the SD card internal storage. If I format it as internal storage I cannot access it outside of the phone since it is encrypted so that also does not work. I wanted to copy files to the SD card and also use it for my larger apps location but looks like I cannot have both Anyone has resolved this or is there another way? I do not want to use the SD card as portable drive since then I cannot move apps to the SD card i.e. do not get the option to manage storage on the apps. This is with MM.

obb to sd module, maybe its working with large obb on sd card

How do I browse the SD Card?
Don't know how I can copy files to SD card. Is there a file explorer that I can use to browse the SD card if I have formatted it to act as internal storage?
---------- Post added at 08:41 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:29 AM ----------
Also, my laptop does not detect my phone when connected via USB Debugging. Please help! I am not able to browse my SD card on my phone and internal storage on my laptop.
punjabi.dhiren said:
Don't know how I can copy files to SD card. Is there a file explorer that I can use to browse the SD card if I have formatted it to act as internal storage?
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punjabi.dhiren said:
Don't know how I can copy files to SD card. Is there a file explorer that I can use to browse the SD card if I have formatted it to act as internal storage?
---------- Post added at 08:41 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:29 AM ----------
Also, my laptop does not detect my phone when connected via USB Debugging. Please help! I am not able to browse my SD card on my phone and internal storage on my laptop.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use something like ES File Explorer App to browse the content of the SD card in the phone. When you connect the phone to your laptop, you need to look at the notifications and change the "USB For File Transfer" from "Charging only" to "Transfer Files (MTP)".

for transferring media files there is an option under Settings>Storage to move to SD Card.

I experience the same problem... It appears the microsd card is not visible to the PC for file transfer after selecting to use the sdcard as internal storage.
This means if your internal memory is full you can not copy the files over (as it stores it only in the internal memory space and it isnt smart enough to spill into the sdcard).
This is a big pain in the ass. So essentially microsd as internal memory means you cant get your pictures etc from the phone or store extra music to the phone. You are still limited to the 10gigs on the 16gig model etc.
This is a super let down...

Could you use gparted and split sd card into two partitions? Use partition1 for internal and partition2 for files/media.
Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk

Ptikjp said:
I experience the same problem... It appears the microsd card is not visible to the PC for file transfer after selecting to use the sdcard as internal storage.
This means if your internal memory is full you can not copy the files over (as it stores it only in the internal memory space and it isnt smart enough to spill into the sdcard).
This is a big pain in the ass. So essentially microsd as internal memory means you cant get your pictures etc from the phone or store extra music to the phone. You are still limited to the 10gigs on the 16gig model etc.
This is a super let down...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually I just struggled figuring out how to put media on my SD card via micro USB, after combining the SD with the phone's internal memory.
Now I used the Android manager that's available for Mac. And it worked flawlessly. It doesn't show the SD card content only the entirety of storage. But I tested this buy making a folder on the internal. (Via Android manager)
Then I called it *Google play music*
I put about 14 gigs of music on the phone and went to view and monitor my storage change on the phone under settings and low and behold!
Only the SD card memory increased not the internal
So it's not a let down par se. If it works for music it'll work for anything bro.

And that's after I finished.

masterjay21 said:
And that's after I finished.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ill try to use Android Manager to manage this and i iwll let you know if it works. Its crappy that i need a third party software to manage what worked without issue before, but it is better than nothing. Thank you.

Related

storage confusion(memory)

im just a bit confused about the sd card in general,,my phone of astro file manager has like,,,phone>sdcard>externalsd...which is weird and i never know if im searching my phone or my sd card...
when i try and load things i have dragged on my pc desktop onto sdcard they ussualy then go into phone>sdcard>external sd and never just .... sd card
i was trying to load images into sketchbook mobile and i could only do so from the phones camera pictures where i now have to drag everything omn the desktop....why cant i make use of my 32gb external sd card in this regard?
where are the applications for augmenting tehe sd card memory or whatever not for just having aplication sent to sd card memory,
does the sd card just work like say,,an external usb hard drive for a computer except you can put some inatalled application on it,,,,,but nothing like media,,photos videos etc?
or is it just me?
cheers
Your phone aka tab is divided into parts
System arnd 2 gigs
SDCARD arnd 14 gigs
System works as space for system
Sd as your sd card - Flashing doesn't destroy data on this
And if you place another SD card then it is termed as external_sd
So primary storage for you phone is SD Which is its own space
PS : there is usb storage folder (in sd card directory) also which is for your pendrives, etc
-----------
Sent from my sexy NOTE @ 1.4ghz..
Works like a charm.. Please excuse my brevity.
dx.varun said:
Your phone aka tab is divided into parts
System arnd 2 gigs
SDCARD arnd 14 gigs
System works as space for system
Sd as your sd card - Flashing doesn't destroy data on this
And if you place another SD card then it is termed as external_sd
So primary storage for you phone is SD Which is its own space
PS : there is usb storage folder (in sd card directory) also which is for your pendrives, etc
-----------
Sent from my sexy NOTE @ 1.4ghz..
Works like a charm.. Please excuse my brevity.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
there are a lot more partitions than the 2 you mentioned!
efs
system (~1GB)
data (~2GB)
hidden
...
as far as i remember the note has 8 or 9 partitions (all of them have to be
subtracted from the initial 16gig (unformated!! formated it will be significantly less) storage!
so from your 16gigs you should see around 11GB as free mem on '"sdcard"!
i can't tell exactly because i have the 32gb internal version. with it a little more than 25,5GB are shown as "total" available (not free) storage!
as mentioned above
the rom has 1gb partition
data/system has 2gb
rest is used for sd card purposes around about 11.8gb
the device sees the internal memory as sd memory, the external sd card is seen under /external_sd
the file mangers will automatically go directly to the internal storage when browsing
i understand that I get about 12 GB left from 16 internally but.....
what can I actually do with the external_sd?
I cant load jpeggs onto sketchbook mobile at the moment. Reaally annoying
Any reason as to why it wouldn't recognize files in the external_sd?
Also we were saying about partitins and other random folder in the phone SD and external sd? anyone got a referrl to which ones can be deleted and generally how to make the phone and external sd card more navigation friendly?
please this would be really helpful
external_sd is your physical micro sd card, you can do what you want with it, i personally have all my music and movies on there
what files are you putting on the card?
Richy99 said:
external_sd is your physical micro sd card, you can do what you want with it, i personally have all my music and movies on there
what files are you putting on the card?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i guess he has no card installed
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium

Changing SD card in Marshmallow?

So, Marshmallow for Pure should be right around the corner, and it's nice to be able to use SD card as internal memory. My question is, when I need to upgrade the SD card (say, from a 32GB to 128GB in the future), what is the process? The thing is I have a 32GB card lying around, and I don't need a storage at the moment, so I plan to just start using that for now. But then later, may need to upgrade it to a larger/faster card.
namartlu said:
So, Marshmallow for Pure should be right around the corner, and it's nice to be able to use SD card as internal memory. My question is, when I need to upgrade the SD card (say, from a 32GB to 128GB in the future), what is the process? The thing is I have a 32GB card lying around, and I don't need a storage at the moment, so I plan to just start using that for now. But then later, may need to upgrade it to a larger/faster card.
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Click to collapse
This is from the Styles update notes: https://motorola-mobility-en-in.custhelp.com/app/answers/prod_answer_detail/a_id/108821
Expandable Storage
Android Marshmallow enables your SD card to fully extend device internal storage rather than just being used for media files.
After inserting a new SD card to your phone, you will see a notification to set it up. You can choose to use your new SD card as a portable storage or as internal storage:
Portable storage: use your SD card to store your pictures, videos, audio and other media files. You can remove the SD card at any time and transfer it to other device.
Internal storage: in addition to media, you can store downloaded apps and games, all their media and data. The SD card acts as an extension of the internal storage of your phone.
If you have an SD card inserted in your phone when you upgrade it to Android Marshmallow, the card will be defaulted to portable storage. Any existing application stored in your SD card before the upgrade will run as expected (in portable storage). In order to move any new application to the SD card, you have to adopt it as internal storage first. To set your SD card as internal storage:
Back up and preserve any data you have on the card, as formatting for internal storage will erase it.
Swipe the status bar down with two fingers and tap the gear icon at the top right corner of your screen.
Once in the Settings menu, scroll down and tap Storage & USB, then select your portable SD card from the list.
Tap the menu icon (3 vertical dots) at the top right corner of the SD card screen and select Settings.
Select Format as internal and follow the steps in the tutorial.
Important: when the SD card is adopted as internal storage, it is formatted and encrypted to protect your information. It cannot be removed and transferred to other device. If you want to use the SD card as portable storage or in another device after adopted as internal storage, then you need to format it. When doing so, please remember that formatting erases all the data stored in your SD card.
thanks, I have read that but doesn't seem to answer my question... I suppose someone could write an app to do it... migrating from one SD card to another...
Dump the smaller card's data on to a pc, then transfer that to the larger card. But if you choose to designate it as internal storage I think you'd have to dump it into the cloud first.
Sent from my SM-T230NU using XDA Free mobile app
namartlu said:
So, Marshmallow for Pure should be right around the corner, and it's nice to be able to use SD card as internal memory. My question is, when I need to upgrade the SD card (say, from a 32GB to 128GB in the future), what is the process? The thing is I have a 32GB card lying around, and I don't need a storage at the moment, so I plan to just start using that for now. But then later, may need to upgrade it to a larger/faster card.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My assumption is that since this is a formatting to internal storage extension, then you will later (when ready to upgrade to the larger storage card) dump the current data either into a cloud, or usb into a desktop by copying/moving the files (app, media, system etc) onto the desktop into a new folder with just those files, (maybe name it moto x files) then copy/move them from the desktop folder onto the device with the new larger memory card via usb after it's been formatted as the new internal extended memory.
If we change the SD card to internal storage will it mean that sdcard read/write operations will be slower??
So, if adopting the SD card as internal encrypts the card what happens if you try to download music to it from a streaming service like Rhapsody? Will it successfully download? Will it successfully play back in the Rhapsody app on the phone? I have the feeling Rhapsody support won't even have a clue what I am asking. ?
opti1 said:
So, if adopting the SD card as internal encrypts the card what happens if you try to download music to it from a streaming service like Rhapsody? Will it successfully download? Will it successfully play back in the Rhapsody app on the phone? I have the feeling Rhapsody support won't even have a clue what I am asking. ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe as long as it is in the phone it will work as normal. If it is removed from the phone you won't be able to read it.
Sent from my Moto XPE

Features of Marshmallow - Episode 1 : Using microSD card as internal storage

New android version Marshmallow has a feature to use microSD card as internal storage.
When Marshmallow detects a microSD card for the first time it asks to chose Portable or Internal storage mode.
If you choose "Use as portable storage" you will use it as before. You can save your photos, videos, some applications or their data,
backup/restore your phone, etc. and you can see your files if you take it out of your phone and connect to another device or PC, as usual.
But if you choose "Use as internal storage" and click "ERASE&FORMAT" button at next screen,
then your microSD card will be formatted as ext4 and encrypted. You will loose everything in your microSD card and it will
become your only internal storage. Now, If you take it out of your phone and connect to another device or PC, it will not possible to see your files
since it is encrypted. Your microSD is usable only with your phone.
Than, what is the advantage of using microSD card as internal storage?
If your phone's real internal storage very small (ex: 4gb) and you have trouble installing new apps then you may put a 32 GB microSD card and use it as internal storage. Then your internal storage will be 32 GB (Not total of 36GB).
It will act as your phone's internal storage.
Disadvantages?
microSD card used as internal storage is useless out of your phone since it is encrypted. You can not use it taking out of your phone and putting into another device to transfer your photos, music files, zipped ROM files etc.
It will not be visible as external storage anymore.
Phone's real internal storage is not visible.
So,
If your phone's real internal storage is not too small and especially if you want to use your external storage as usual, there is no need to use a microSD card as internal storage.
darkRd said:
New android version Marshmallow has a feature to use microSD card as internal storage.
When Marshmallow detects a microSD card for the first time it asks to chose Portable or Internal storage mode.
If you choose "Use as portable storage" you will use it as before. You can save your photos, videos, some applications or their data,
backup/restore your phone, etc. and you can see your files if you take it out of your phone and connect to another device or PC, as usual.
But if you choose "Use as internal storage" and click "ERASE&FORMAT" button at next screen,
then your microSD card will be formatted as ext4 and encrypted. You will loose everything in your microSD card and it will
become your only internal storage. Now, If you take it out of your phone and connect to another device or PC, it will not possible to see your files
since it is encrypted. Your microSD is usable only with your phone.
Than, what is the advantage of using microSD card as internal storage?
If your phone's real internal storage very small (ex: 4gb) and you have trouble installing new apps then you may put a 32 GB microSD card and use it as internal storage. Then your internal storage will be 32 GB (Not total of 36GB).
It will act as your phone's internal storage.
Disadvantages?
microSD card used as internal storage is useless out of your phone since it is encrypted. You can not use it taking out of your phone and putting into another device to transfer your photos, music files, zipped ROM files etc.
It will not be visible as external storage anymore.
Phone's real internal storage is not visible.
So,
If your phone's real internal storage is not too small and especially if you want to use your external storage as usual, there is no need to use a microSD card as internal storage.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No way to read or write in ext4 in pc???
jaswinprakash said:
No way to read or write in ext4 in pc???
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Click to collapse
Possible, on Linux
Ranpe said:
Possible, on Linux
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Click to collapse
But its still encrypted, so that won't help I guess. Also once you flash your phone or something, the contents won't be available anymore I think. It's just a guess though, I don't know how it is decrypted and all.
Sent from my MotoG3-TE using XDA Forums
jaswinprakash said:
No way to read or write in ext4 in pc???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It seems to be not possible out of your phone by anyway since it is encrypted.
I don't not know whether it is possible to extract encryption key from phone and decrypt the files using this key but this shouldn't be possible because of security reasons.
No one desires access to the important files in the sd card if it is captured by any one else.
darkRd said:
It seems to be not possible out of your phone by anyway since it is encrypted.
I don't not know whether it is possible to extract encryption key from phone and decrypt the files using this key but this shouldn't be possible because of security reasons.
No one desires access to the important files in the sd card if it is captured by any one else.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is possible done it in my Lenovo A328. Courtesy of this mod:
http : / / forum.xda-developers.com / android / development / rom-flight-a328-custom-rom-based-150429-t3137708

How to extend internal storage

Hello everyone, I would like to extend my internal storage. I am using Android M on my XT1562.
I tried to use my SD card has an internal storage but unfortunately it stops formatting at 30%. After a reboot the SD card is shown as internal storage but if I open ES file explorer for example the storage capacity is still 10gb (which is the capacity of the internal storage). So I will have to use it as an external storage as before.
Is there any option to change for example the download folder/the install folder for new apps to the external SD card? Or do I need to root the phone?
Another question is if I could use my SD card as internal storage how about transferring files to my PC? How does that work?
derchrome said:
Hello everyone, I would like to extend my internal storage. I am using Android M on my XT1562.
I tried to use my SD card has an internal storage but unfortunately it stops formatting at 30%. After a reboot the SD card is shown as internal storage but if I open ES file explorer for example the storage capacity is still 10gb (which is the capacity of the internal storage). So I will have to use it as an external storage as before.
Is there any option to change for example the download folder/the install folder for new apps to the external SD card? Or do I need to root the phone?
Another question is if I could use my SD card as internal storage how about transferring files to my PC? How does that work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once you format your SD card as internal storage, it can not be seen in any file manager. Also it cannot be seen on pc. Although you can move data through settings which shows your internal and SD card storage but you can only view it through by going to settings.
You cannot the change the location of apps to be installed in Android 6.0
Sent from my XT1562 using Tapatalk
Once you have set the SD card to internal any apps that you install that could previously be moved to the SD card will install to the SD card, any apps that could not be previously install to the SD card will install on the internal memory.

Replacing/upgrading SD card

Whats he best/easiest way to replace my sd card. At the moment it is a 64 gb and I'm upgrading to a faster Samsung 128GB. The current card is formatted as internal memory. I can easily move/ delete/backup some files to a pc. I'm wondering about app files and data that might be n the sd card if I just reformat it as a media card as someone suggested
Thanks.
You must first change the card to external, the phone will move all the system files for you. If you don't have enough room on the internal to do this you will just have to temporarily move pictures video and music to a pc/cloud/usb etc.
Once you have it set to external just swap them over, do not take the SD out while set as internal.
I thought as much. Thanks kudos1uk for confirmation.
kudos1uk said:
You must first change the card to external, the phone will move all the system files for you. If you don't have enough room on the internal to do this you will just have to temporarily move pictures video and music to a pc/cloud/usb etc.
Once you have it set to external just swap them over, do not take the SD out while set as internal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi All,
I am having same issue now. I want to replace my 32GB with 64GB card. Firstly, HOW do you change the card to external? There is no option doing anything like this. I can only see option to format the card as internal, which means all data will be lost.
For some reasons, i can copy the files from the 32GB out via USB to PC, but if took out the 32GB and put in the 64GB and format as internal, i have no way to access it or put the files back into the card.
Does it have something to do with formatting? Initially i format my 64GB to exFAT, but after putting into the phone, i formatted it again as required by the phone which i assume it will be formatted to whatever that is compatible by the phone.
All i want to do is to migrate the stuff on my old sdcard to my new sdcard and use the phone as usual.
Please help!
Thanks
I now have a 128 gb card in my A1
As far as I can remember you can copy your docs/media etc files on to your pc but not any app files which you will need to reinstall on your new card. The system files should stay on the internal card.
I changed my card before the phone updated to pie and now es file manager only sees the new card.
Update.
I just checked in settings /storage/apps and there is an option to move them to internal though with limited space only a few could be moved.
I'm not impressed with the A1. Sometimes it hangs or crashes. My redmi 6 is more reliable.
slammy O said:
I now have a 128 gb card in my A1
As far as I can remember you can copy your docs/media etc files on to your pc but not any app files which you will need to reinstall on your new card. The system files should stay on the internal card.
I changed my card before the phone updated to pie and now es file manager only sees the new card.
Update.
I just checked in settings /storage/apps and there is an option to move them to internal though with limited space only a few could be moved.
I'm not impressed with the A1. Sometimes it hangs or crashes. My redmi 6 is more reliable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm...i am not sure whats the phone OS version now, not sure if it's Orea or Pie. Maybe i can check later. The internal storage has about 23GB user/32GB. The old 32GB micro SD card has about 10GB used/ 32GB. Even if i took out the whatsapp media and DCIM folder media, there is still a couple of GB of files in the microSD card. So far i can only see i can move the apps back to internal, which i have only 1 (which i uninstalled anyway). So there is still 10GB of files in my 32GB microSD.
How do i move the DCIM folders back to internal? Another problem, in the Camera app, i can't find anywhere to point the camera storage settings at all!
Thanks for your feedback.
Matrixlyn said:
Hmm...i am not sure whats the phone OS version now, not sure if it's Orea or Pie. Maybe i can check later. The internal storage has about 23GB user/32GB. The old 32GB micro SD card has about 10GB used/ 32GB. Even if i took out the whatsapp media and DCIM folder media, there is still a couple of GB of files in the microSD card. So far i can only see i can move the apps back to internal, which i have only 1 (which i uninstalled anyway). So there is still 10GB of files in my 32GB microSD.
How do i move the DCIM folders back to internal? Another problem, in the Camera app, i can't find anywhere to point the camera storage settings at all!
Thanks for your feedback.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Never mind. I have solved the problem.
I keep looking for the options in the 3 dots in my SDCARD menu. Instead i should select the INTERNAL STORAGE. Clicked the 3 dots, there is a MIGRATE option. :silly: This will copy back the files from the SDCARD to the internal memory (provided enough storage...i have to uninstall some games first). Then i can swap out the card and put in new card.
Thanks anyway, hope this will help other people in the future!

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