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[Q] Android SD Navigation - How does this thing work?

My SD (the one on the Android, not the SD Card, why the hell did they name it SD?!) is full of junk. In fact, it comes with a load of junk by default.
How do I:
1. Get Android to not pull videos, pictures, and music from games? My gallery, video player, doubletwist, etc is full of stuff like that.
2. Know what I can delete and what I can't? I'd like to clean this place up.
3. How do I find stuff? I mean, is it up to me to make "Music" "Pictures" "Videos" folders for my own sake, and Android just looks everywhere and grabs it?
4. How do I go to my SD Card? In fact, I am 100% sure my SD card has two auto-assigned folders on it and nothing else. I have no idea how to access it or put things on it, and I am also sure my phone does not care that it exists. Obviously my phone's SD has plenty of memory on it, but I don't know why there is even a SD card slot. I was thinking of copying some files onto my SD card to put onto my friend's Android phone, but I am also positive I'd have no idea how to perform what should be a basic task.
So, help me out. What am I doing? And, what apps would I need for question four, or just file browsing apps in general.

I'm confused about what this topic is about.
All the words that would describe what he is talking about are replaced with junk and stuff.
.___.
edit: The captivate assigns the internal sd card as SD:
Delete the "junk"

thehyecircus said:
My SD (the one on the Android, not the SD Card, why the hell did they name it SD?!) is full of junk. In fact, it comes with a load of junk by default.
How do I:
1. Get Android to not pull videos, pictures, and music from games? My gallery, video player, doubletwist, etc is full of stuff like that.
2. Know what I can delete and what I can't? I'd like to clean this place up.
3. How do I find stuff? I mean, is it up to me to make "Music" "Pictures" "Videos" folders for my own sake, and Android just looks everywhere and grabs it?
4. How do I go to my SD Card? In fact, I am 100% sure my SD card has two auto-assigned folders on it and nothing else. I have no idea how to access it or put things on it, and I am also sure my phone does not care that it exists. Obviously my phone's SD has plenty of memory on it, but I don't know why there is even a SD card slot. I was thinking of copying some files onto my SD card to put onto my friend's Android phone, but I am also positive I'd have no idea how to perform what should be a basic task.
So, help me out. What am I doing? And, what apps would I need for question four, or just file browsing apps in general.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A search would have answered your questions. your SD card memory is the phones main programs memory. IT is where alot of your apps store the data. You can use many apps to as a file explorer it even comes with one. Its called My Files. I use Root Explorer which allows to access Root files and make changes to them. The sd card slot is for....wait for it.......More memory. As for it not seeing the files. there are a few music apps that let you set the folders it scans. Power Amp is the best at the moment IMHO. You can also put a file in the folders that you dont want scanned named no media, (with root explorer you can copy one of these files from the root folders if you can make one.)

with pre existing folders (for apps and such)
create a "new file" in it named " .nomedia " with the . (preriod)
this can be done with root explorer or in windows. create blank text document rename to .nomedia with NO .txt then copy and move to folders.
nothing in that folder or sub folder will be included in media scans
or if it is a personal folder you are creating name it starting with a . (period)
and ya internal SD gets messy. Use external for your files to keep organized!

Wouldn't my SD card (even if it is SDHC) be slower? DoubleTwist is already inexcusably slow with my files on the SD itself, what would it be like on the external?
And yes, I know what the SD is, I was just asking why it was named that.

Bumping this because I am curious about any speed differences, and because I would like my SD Card to matter.

Best way to use SD card

I just purchased an external sd card from my phone.
I'm wondering if there's a thread, or some web resource somewhere which gives ideas of the best way to use the external sd card - Especially when using custom ROM's, ETC.
Are there certain standard aps or other data that people usually move over by default, or keep on the internal sd by default, ETC?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda app-developers app

pilotgav said:
I just purchased an external sd card from my phone.
I'm wondering if there's a thread, or some web resource somewhere which gives ideas of the best way to use the external sd card - Especially when using custom ROM's, ETC.
Are there certain standard aps or other data that people usually move over by default, or keep on the internal sd by default, ETC?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Basically... any files you truly value, store on the external sd. I keep all my music, all my pics (and set camera default to store pics on external), my nandroid backups, theme icons, all my downloads (flashable zips, other downloads, etc), and documents (xlsx, docx, pptx, pdf, etc). I also copy both my internal and external to my desktop computer as a secondary secure backup. If you are concerned about space on your emmc (internal), you can also move certain apps to external sd (some apps don't play well on external, but most have no issue being moved). That should get you started.

DoctorQMM said:
Basically... any files you truly value, store on the external sd. I keep all my music, all my pics (and set camera default to store pics on external), my nandroid backups, theme icons, all my downloads (flashable zips, other downloads, etc), and documents (xlsx, docx, pptx, pdf, etc). I also copy both my internal and external to my desktop computer as a secondary secure backup. If you are concerned about space on your emmc (internal), you can also move certain apps to external sd (some apps don't play well on external, but most have no issue being moved). That should get you started.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 I use in exclusively for media files and nandroids/ROMs. Saves so much space on phone.
Sent from my SGH-I727 using xda app-developers app

[Q] No Internal Memory

I need some help here. I have no internal memory on my blaze. I have no games, a hundred pictures or so, and a decent number of apps downloaded. I have used app2sd to move as many apps to the external sd card, but I have consistently run out of memory in a variety of ROMs. I am currently using AOKP ROM, but it is the same case with a few others I have used. I cannot take pictures because my memory is full. Things like evernote will not sync, nook can't download books, etc.
Anybody got any suggestions? I am not really even sure what is taking up all the memory, none of the files are even that large. I can provide any info needed, just not sure where to begin.

Bradlees said:
I need some help here. I have no internal memory on my blaze. I have no games, a hundred pictures or so, and a decent number of apps downloaded. I have used app2sd to move as many apps to the external sd card, but I have consistently run out of memory in a variety of ROMs. I am currently using AOKP ROM, but it is the same case with a few others I have used. I cannot take pictures because my memory is full. Things like evernote will not sync, nook can't download books, etc.
Anybody got any suggestions? I am not really even sure what is taking up all the memory, none of the files are even that large. I can provide any info needed, just not sure where to begin.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used clean master which gave me a good 250mb back. You should try it.
Sent from my SGH-T769 using xda premium

Bradlees said:
I need some help here. I have no internal memory on my blaze. I have no games, a hundred pictures or so, and a decent number of apps downloaded. I have used app2sd to move as many apps to the external sd card, but I have consistently run out of memory in a variety of ROMs. I am currently using AOKP ROM, but it is the same case with a few others I have used. I cannot take pictures because my memory is full. Things like evernote will not sync, nook can't download books, etc.
Anybody got any suggestions? I am not really even sure what is taking up all the memory, none of the files are even that large. I can provide any info needed, just not sure where to begin.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try getting a dropbox, google drive or skydrive account and loading all your files such as pics, videos and even titanium backup folder etc. Using file explorers suchas astro will still let you view the files as if they were on your phone. Also go through all your apps and clear all the caches. Browsers such as Mozilla can have very large caches especially if there synced to your pc. I use dolphin browser, other small browsers such as opera mini might help based on your preferences, try a few. Google+, maps and other google apps tend to keep a large cache on hand. The online album syncs such as dropbox should resolve the issue.
Oh and google drive offers more space initially than dropbox, skydrive gives you 7 gigs off the jump. If it helped hit thx

jbats said:
Try getting a dropbox, google drive or skydrive account and loading all your files such as pics, videos and even titanium backup folder etc. Using file explorers suchas astro will still let you view the files as if they were on your phone. Also go through all your apps and clear all the caches. Browsers such as Mozilla can have very large caches especially if there synced to your pc. I use dolphin browser, other small browsers such as opera mini might help based on your preferences, try a few. Google+, maps and other google apps tend to keep a large cache on hand. The online album syncs such as dropbox should resolve the issue.
Oh and google drive offers more space initially than dropbox, skydrive gives you 7 gigs off the jump. If it helped hit thx
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've downloaded skydrive as I've been using windows 8 on my pc and pretty happy with it thus far. Is there a way to change my setting\s so pictures, etc are stored here? Or would I just basically upload them and then delete them from the gallery?

Bradlees said:
I've downloaded skydrive as I've been using windows 8 on my pc and pretty happy with it thus far. Is there a way to change my setting\s so pictures, etc are stored here? Or would I just basically upload them and then delete them from the gallery?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to download sky drive to your PC. You can edit the settings from your PC to automatically sync PC when on, and doesn't matter where u delete from PC or phone ,online album will sync delete across all devices. I use all three giving me a total of 14.5 gbs of space, I only keep drop box sync on and use the other two selectively.
Also probally best to setup sync over WiFi only to avoid overage on your data network usage

Did everything work out for you?

jbats said:
Did everything work out for you?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, so things did not work out for me. I have files synced and uploaded to dropbox and skydrive. However, all the pictures were already stored on my external sd card, the real external sd card which has about 4 of 8 gb free still. So, I'm at a bit of a loss here as to what to do. The 1.39 available storage on the internal usb storage is completely full. THere are no games, music, and a few pictures on it and that it is it. What is taking up so much space?

Bradlees said:
Ok, so things did not work out for me. I have files synced and uploaded to dropbox and skydrive. However, all the pictures were already stored on my external sd card, the real external sd card which has about 4 of 8 gb free still. So, I'm at a bit of a loss here as to what to do. The 1.39 available storage on the internal usb storage is completely full. THere are no games, music, and a few pictures on it and that it is it. What is taking up so much space?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Look at it in a file explorer only u can see what's on it not us
Try astro file explorer
- - - - - - I'm not a Dev, I just flash ALOT!- - - - - - - - - If I've helped you the THANX button is - - - - - - - - - - - - - - only 2 clicks away! - - - - - - - - - -

I have the same problem with mine. Use a file manager and delete the ".thumbnails" folder in the DCIM folder and it frees up a few hundred mb. It might be hidden so you may need a root explorer or plug your usb into the computer
That's how it is for me at least.

Bradlees said:
Ok, so things did not work out for me. I have files synced and uploaded to dropbox and skydrive. However, all the pictures were already stored on my external sd card, the real external sd card which has about 4 of 8 gb free still. So, I'm at a bit of a loss here as to what to do. The 1.39 available storage on the internal usb storage is completely full. THere are no games, music, and a few pictures on it and that it is it. What is taking up so much space?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You dont sync your browser from phone to pc do you? I use to with mozilla, but ended up with a mobile browser weighing in at around 120 mb (ouch). Use a smaller browser. Another thing do you regularly clear your caches? These can stack up. Also if your photos are all uploaded to dropbox and such, DELETE them from your phone. The ones you use for wallpapers,contacts etc., store on your external card that way to be safe and not delete them when you clear your gallery after new uploads. Last thing check your downloaded files from setting and see which ones can be moved to sd card. Other than that explore your files.
If it helped hit thx

Try wipping Dalvik and cache partition and any thumbnails inside the DCMI folder.

jbats said:
You dont sync your browser from phone to pc do you? I use to with mozilla, but ended up with a mobile browser weighing in at around 120 mb (ouch). Use a smaller browser. Another thing do you regularly clear your caches? These can stack up. Also if your photos are all uploaded to dropbox and such, DELETE them from your phone. The ones you use for wallpapers,contacts etc., store on your external card that way to be safe and not delete them when you clear your gallery after new uploads. Last thing check your downloaded files from setting and see which ones can be moved to sd card. Other than that explore your files.
If it helped hit thx
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I found the culprit with es file explorer. Sizes of folders were not showing up if I connected to the pc and tried to use the windows file explorer. THere was some file that was almost 1gb in the cwm folder.
I use chrome and it is synced. Should I turn this off?

Bradlees said:
I found the culprit with es file explorer. Sizes of folders were not showing up if I connected to the pc and tried to use the windows file explorer. THere was some file that was almost 1gb in the cwm folder.
I use chrome and it is synced. Should I turn this off?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would. Also have you ever tried dolphin browser? It loads web pages alot faster, throw in adaway to block popups and youll be solid. Both you can get from the play store. Its up to you but I use jetpack (playstore) with dolphin to improve speed.
If it helped hit thx

Back up all your apps (Either with Titanium Backup) Wipe and factory reset everything,(In cwr go to mounts and format all except external_SD) flash your ROM. Now you should be all clean. Then I suggest getting a 32 GB SD card and use Link2Sd and Directory Bind to move actual apps to your external SD. Here is a great guide on how to use both apps http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=33884286
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-T769 using xda app-developers app

****** is my sd_card a rat ??? ******

Hello World, I have a question, maybe a stupid one, but here we go
Example: I buy a fresh, new android phone. First thing I do is insert an SD card that is full with photos. I open the gallery app and click on 8 photos from the SD card and look at them fullscreen. Now I remove the SD card from the phone. Question: Did these 8 photos (or any other non-clicked photos) in any way leave a trace in the internal storage of the phone, in the form of full copy, temporary copy, thumbnails...... (so in theory, this trace can be recovered with the proper recovery technique).
What do you think? Any answers are appreciated,
Thank you in advance, Leo.

Whenever you use a gallery app in android to view photos or video from any medium(sd card or Internal storage or Usb otg),
A thumbnail file(image) is created fir every browsed image file, which is smaller in size also.
Which helps us browse the image faster without loading it.
Now since every android app stores all temporary file in Internal storage.
Therefor these thumbnails are also stored in Internal Storage.
Most of the thumbnail files are stored in "DCIM/. thumbnail" location.
Sent from my Redmi K20 Pro using Tapatalk

howtorecover.me/images-stored-android-dcim-thumbnails#5
I have read this article and it claims that:
Thumbnail files are stored in DCIM folder:
/storage/emmc/DCIM/.thumbnails (if only phone memory is used)
/storage/sdcard0/DCIM/.thumbnails (if there is an SD card in the phone)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I have a Galaxy S4 and S5 with an SD card. When I take a photo with the camera app, the photos are stored directly on the SD card (so the DCIM folder in my internal storage is empty). In the DCIM folder on my SD card there are currently 20 photos. When I use the Solid Explorer Classic app I am not able to see the DCIM/.thumbnails folder on the SD card, but I can see it on the internal storage.
The DCIM/.thumbnails folder on the internal storage does not have any thumbnails of the 20 photos from the SD card (but there are other thumbnails for example from viber app...).
So my question is: Where are these thumbnails of the 20 photos from the SD card located? (do they even exist?)
Thank you and all the best,
Leo

No
No one can recover the original quality of those 8 pictures but the phone must save their thumbnails but these thumbs will have very low quality graphics.

Thank you for your replies.
Does anybody else have any extra thoughts??

Anything?

Maybe?

Hello

Konc88 said:
howtorecover.me/images-stored-android-dcim-thumbnails#5
I have read this article and it claims that:
Thumbnail files are stored in DCIM folder:
/storage/emmc/DCIM/.thumbnails (if only phone memory is used)
/storage/sdcard0/DCIM/.thumbnails (if there is an SD card in the phone)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I have a Galaxy S4 and S5 with an SD card. When I take a photo with the camera app, the photos are stored directly on the SD card (so the DCIM folder in my internal storage is empty). In the DCIM folder on my SD card there are currently 20 photos. When I use the Solid Explorer Classic app I am not able to see the DCIM/.thumbnails folder on the SD card, but I can see it on the internal storage.
The DCIM/.thumbnails folder on the internal storage does not have any thumbnails of the 20 photos from the SD card (but there are other thumbnails for example from viber app...).
So my question is: Where are these thumbnails of the 20 photos from the SD card located? (do they even exist?)
Thank you and all the best,
Leo
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The folder you are talking about is typically a hidden folder. Does Solid Explorer have an option/setting that allows viewing hidden files and folders?
Sent from my SM-S767VL using Tapatalk

Yes it is true, this is a hidden folder. Solid Explorer has the option/setting to view hidden files and folders.
I have enabled this option (from the start) and I am not able to see the DCIM/.thumbnails folder on the SD card, but I can see it on the internal storage.

Konc88 said:
Yes it is true, this is a hidden folder. Solid Explorer has the option/setting to view hidden files and folders.
I have enabled this option (from the start) and I am not able to see the DCIM/.thumbnails folder on the SD card, but I can see it on the internal storage.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just to be sure I understand you correctly, you mean it doesn't show the DCIM/.thumbnails folder when viewing external storage from within Solid Explorer but it shows when viewing internal?
Also, do you mean you can't see the folder itself or you can't see what is actually inside the folder?
Sent from my SM-S767VL using Tapatalk

Question Which location should I move my backup photos to?

I'm trying to move away from google photos and I have a ton of images from Google Takeout all sorted out. As such I need to know where do I put my photos in so that the default MIUI gallery app (and other apps of the like) will see them. Also is it possible to change photos saving location to an external SD card as my model is pretty susceptible to breaking and I need to make sure that my photos aren't truly gone.
Thanks in advance

The more technology becomes better/advanced/easier to use, the more people seem inept at using it.
Dude, put the photos on external sdcard in any damn folder you like. Android's mediastore will fully scan your storage on a let's say, a reboot and show the photos in any gallery app you can think of. Personally, I prefer F-Stop gallery app, since it has all I need to move/copy/rename/share or do anything with pictures or video files, and it does not depend on internal mediastore system. FStop gallery app even shows up as a file selector in default file explorer, if you use one.
Also make a full backup of the images to a disk in your PC. It's not that hard.

...and have an off-site backup obviously.

external sd or you can copy it to your pc

ok thanks for all the advice