SD not showing in apps. - General Questions and Answers

Ok, so, i first contacted the Samsung community, but all they could help me with was "well, just reset the phone or the sd" so i'm searching for some help here .
My SD won't show in some apps, system apps will show SD, but apps like RAR, or Donnin Audio Editor won't.
Simply, the explorer doesn't show the SD folder (external), the problem is that with Google Files or Samsung Files i can access that folder without root access, but donnin requires it, and that's weird because with my old S10 i did that every time, it was such a common action that having it removed now seems unreal, permissions are enabled, SD and phone resetted twice.
Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G, Android 11, One UI 3, not planning to root the phone for now, it's brand new.
P.S. - Sorry for eventual bad english, i'm italian and i'm not using a translator

I personally just think that Android 11 is pretty buggy, or that the apps aren't optimized for this version, but i don't know, hope there's a solution!

Related

[Q] Root Apps on play have bogus install icons- Malwear?!

Hello all at XDA!
This is a wonderful site so top marks to those who make the magick happen!
Ok, in short; Got my first computer Sanei N10 CPU - sideloaded a bad Flashplayer (after rooting successfully) and it got root access and/or I gave other malware access using fake icons at Playstore.
Since opening the box I have spent seventy hours this week already trying to learn about everything I can.
Now I am left with the tablet as so -
After factory reset device is still rooted and 'seems' to be working fine
shows 29.44gb of space on a 32gb micro sd card after wipe,
shows 92MB uesd in downloaded apps but shows no icons,
cant access safe mode, display is the same as normal plus fake safe mode icon,
and when i visit Google play root apps like Superuser display a fake overlay 'Install' button icon so I cant download the real Superuser and install more malware instead.
Flashplayer installs itself as soon as browser is opened.
The system runs very smoothly over the top of this hack since a shutdown of all apps forcing me to factory reset and would have run unnoticed if it were not for apps never asking root permissions when i downloaded root apps since.
Its an obscure model and cant seem to find it here on XDA ---------- SANEI N10 CPU 1gig 16gig and (Duel Core I think)
Has anyone heard of this shenanigans with Playstore Icons?
Can anyone point me to the right thread please as I am willing to learn much more form XDA and need a secure computer I can control and understand.
A great learning curve that has opened up a whole new world.
Wake up Neo...

[Q] Does phone need to be rooted for this reason?

I like to tinker with wearables like Pebbles,Sony Smartwatches, Android Wear Watches, Meta Watch, etc. I have purchased about 8 of these and have managed write apps to talk to the Pebbles via WP8 and Windows 7.
I have a Nexus 7 Kit Kat 4.4 tablet and have been able to download the official companion apps for some of the devices. Google Play will not let me download some of the APKs because they require a phone and a tablet isn't supported even though it usually works.
So what I would like to do is purchase a low cost, contract free, Android phone that has at least Kit Kat 4.4 on it and download the wearable companion app on it. Then use the Air Droid app to pull the companions wearable APK off the phone to the Nexus tablet.
The question is would I have to root the Android phone to be able to use Air Droid to pull a copy of th APK?
badplanet said:
I like to tinker with wearables like Pebbles,Sony Smartwatches, Android Wear Watches, Meta Watch, etc. I have purchased about 8 of these and have managed write apps to talk to the Pebbles via WP8 and Windows 7.
I have a Nexus 7 Kit Kat 4.4 tablet and have been able to download the official companion apps for some of the devices. Google Play will not let me download some of the APKs because they require a phone and a tablet isn't supported even though it usually works.
So what I would like to do is purchase a low cost, contract free, Android phone that has at least Kit Kat 4.4 on it and download the wearable companion app on it. Then use the Air Droid app to pull the companions wearable APK off the phone to the Nexus tablet.
The question is would I have to root the Android phone to be able to use Air Droid to pull a copy of th APK?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google has blocked write access to the external SD card on Android 4.4. If you want to move files to the external SD card on Kit Kat, the phone has to be rooted. If you just want to copy files from it, this is supported.
Hearst said:
Google has blocked write access to the external SD card on Android 4.4. If you want to move files to the external SD card on Kit Kat, the phone has to be rooted. If you just want to copy files from it, this is supported.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's not really true. Applications are not blocked from writing to the external SD card, they are just restricted to their own folder on the SD card. That said, it really has nothing to do with this topic since the OP did not mention using an SD card at all.
To answer your question, there are many applications that can backup APKs without using root like Astro, ES File Explorer, etc... I believe Airdroid is capable of doing so, but even if it's not there are other options. You could also definitely use Airdroid to get the APK off the device and onto your tablet once it is extracted using another application. Now, I can't answer the question of "will you be able to use the applications once you transfer them to your tablet?"
raptir said:
To answer your question, there are many applications that can backup APKs without using root like Astro, ES File Explorer, etc... I believe Airdroid is capable of doing so, but even if it's not there are other options. You could also definitely use Airdroid to get the APK off the device and onto your tablet once it is extracted using another application. Now, I can't answer the question of "will you be able to use the applications once you transfer them to your tablet?"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you! That answers my question perfectly.

Debloating The SM-G360T1, SM-G360T & Others: An Easy Guide

There's not a lot of information out there for the Galaxy Core Prime on how we might debloat and save more space, so I decided to make a short tutorial that might help people with some easy steps in cleaning up their device. This guide is meant to be pretty basic and to just help point people in the right direction so that it speaks to a broader scope of Galaxy Core Prime Models, but is based specifically on the SM-G360T1. The SM-G360T is essentially the exact same phone though, so all of these steps should apply directly to that device too. Other Galaxy Core Prime models will be able to use this as well, but just be sure to read the special "NOTE" part of each step. Also, I'm sure it goes without saying, but inevitably I'll get the question, so obviously, root is required for this!
Anyhow, here we go:
1) Do a full backup in recovery before deleting system stuff. This is always a good idea just in case you delete something you're not supposed to and android stops working, then you can just go into recovery(TWRP, CWM, etc.) and restore your backup and your back to square one. It's good to do a new backup too a few days after when you're sure your deleted apps aren't causing any problems so you can restore to that slimmer version later if need be. Also, you should probably save your backup files to the external sd as you will likely have more free space there.
2) Install a debloated rom in recovery. SlimPickins is a great one for the SM-G360T1. It's basically the stock firmware for the MetroPCS Core Prime, but thanks to @Koognod we can now run Android without all the extra junk using his rom. It comes already debloated, deodexed and deknoxed, so you can just install it and not have to deal with finding all the junk to delete for yourself. It's already gone! It's also great for speeding up your bogged down phone or creating more space for your apps and media. Here is the link.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/gal...rom-slimpickins-stock-rooted-bloated-t3250883
NOTE: YOU CAN NOT INSTALL THIS ROM IF YOU DO NOT HAVE THE SM-G360T1. It should work fine on the SM-G360T too, but for anyone else just try googling or searching XDA for your "model #" and "debloat rom".
3) I recommend deleting the "PreloadInstaller" folder from "/system/app/" with a Play Store root browser. You should do this before deleting any system apps in my opinion, as this folder contains an apk that is programmed to put back a lot of the system stuff you delete(either immediately or after reboot). If you don't feel comfortable deleting this folder just yet though, then you can just move it to your external sd card for now with your browser to save space in case you ever want to move it back or just skip this step. Your choice!
NOTE: If you don't have the SM-G360T1 or SM-G360T, then your "PreloadInstaller" folder may be called something slightly different or you may not even have it at all. Just look for something similar in there. Be careful not to delete the package installer though as that's the program that allows you to install apps yourself.
4) You need an app that uninstalls system apps. I use "System App Remover(ROOT)" from the Play Store personally because all your deleted system apps actually go into a recycle bin first where they can be restored later if needed. It also tells you if the app in question is a "Key Module"(ie. proceed with serious caution).
5) Google search the internet for system stuff that's ok to delete for your device. It helps to search your model usually, but I don't think there's much info out there for the Galaxy Core Prime unfortunately, so just searching something like "Debloat Samsung Safe" can be a great resource as many Samsung phones have the same system junk.
6) Delete all the obvious stuff you don't want. This would be things like any of the MetroPCS stuff(or whatever carrier you have) or even the Galaxy app store if you don't want it. A lot of Google apps can be deleted too, though you want to be a little more careful with those as Android is pretty much based on the Google Services Framework and many Google apps are tied into the system. Generally, apps like Chrome, Docs, Drive, Hangouts, Maps(if you prefer another map application like Waze or whatever), etc. are good to go if you want. I wouldn't delete any of the core Google apps though that may handle major processes on your phone, like Calendar, possibly even Gmail or any of the ones that you don't know what they do. Deleting the stock camera, gallery, video or music player may sometimes give you problems down the line too, so I would probably keep those. You can also back all your apps up before deleting with Titanium Backup from the Play Store too in case you delete something that you need to put back later.
*NOTE: Some apps, like the Google ones for instance, may cause popup errors after you delete them. This is normal. Your phone's just looking for all those files that were just secretly running a few moments ago. All you have to do is reboot to get rid of those messages. If they still persist, then just reinstall the app.
7) Download an app to clean up that leftover mess. When you delete an app, especially with system stuff, it often leaves a bunch of folders and junk behind. Go to the Play Store and download an app that allows you to clean all that up. There's lots of good ones. I like to use one called "SD Maid" myself. It's good at cleaning up those leftover files and has a feature called "CorpseFinder" in fact that does just that. It also cleans up a lot of other things on your phone.
Anyhow, if you're a heavy power user like myself or you store a lot of music or other media on your phone in addition to 20 million apps or so and you need more space, then I hope this helps you out. Take care guys. Thanks!
Out of curiosity, how does this affect the "phone unlock" feature? In case I want to change providers?
2xMakina said:
Out of curiosity, how does this affect the "phone unlock" feature? In case I want to change providers?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It won't affect it at all as long as you don't delete the "Device Unlock" app. More info on unlocking your device here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=63729887
Also, you can just install SlimPickins if you want an already debloated rom.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=63868639

phone is erasing my files

I noticed strange behaviour few days ago. In internal storage I creeated folder Apk where I am storing some downloaded apps for offline instalations in case I need them again. But every little apps are missing. For example today morning I have 47 apk files and right now there are only 7. Also I noticed that folder named RecycleBinHW is increasing so I assume that files are moved there somehow??? Before this phone owned Samsung phones for last 6 years and never experienced such issues. How to stop this weird action of my phone and did anybody else have same problem?
zic1 said:
I noticed strange behaviour few days ago. In internal storage I creeated folder Apk where I am storing some downloaded apps for offline instalations in case I need them again. But every little apps are missing. For example today morning I have 47 apk files and right now there are only 7. Also I noticed that folder named RecycleBinHW is increasing so I assume that files are moved there somehow??? Before this phone owned Samsung phones for last 6 years and never experienced such issues. How to stop this weird action of my phone and did anybody else have same problem?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried resetting the phone, to see if it makes a difference? Maybe worth getting a USB C pen to save APK's to? I know that Huawei have Petal Search which searches for all the APK's you need. Could save sometime?
I already have those apk files stored on ext. USB but I want to find how this could be possible... I am testing now - was created new folder with different name and put same files inside... I don't have installed any security app which can detect such apk files as potencialy unsafe...
Change settings in optimizer app. It’s set by default to auto clean.
Many thanks! Yes, optimizer was doing mess, I found and recovered files and disabled cleaning for future. I am using SD Maid for such purposes. this Optimizer is new for me because it is my first Huawei phone.
Hi, today phone again erased most of apk files from my folder. Before I disabled auto clean, I don't know how this reactivated again. Now, I don't know how to recover files, I can not find them anymore, it seems that this Optmizer app change settings in latest update or something. I am really pissed of with this app... Need any help!
I am still having this problem and it seems that other Huawei users have same issues: https://forum.xda-developers.com/mate-20-pro/help/mate-20-pro-delete-apps-apk-backup-t3916434
yeah same here.. i zip them and stay there.. only solution i ve thought
I never experienced such issue with any device in last 10 years since I am using Android phones. It is really makes me crazy. In Optimizer I disabled everything I could. This morning I downloaded few apk files and I just found that all gone from my folder... Unbelivable that I can not control my own phone...
Hello mates, same problem with my P30 and Optimizer app. It randomly erases some files that are recognized as junk but they aren't junk and not just apk files. I read that solution to remove Optimizer with ADB isn't the smartest idea. I disabled Optimizer settings to do "Auto-clean junk files". Is is enough or I could do something else?

Is it possible for a custom ROM to disable Scoped Storage?

As above. I just updated to Android 11 recently on my Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ (SM-N975F), and holy **** Scoped Storage is a massive pain. Google and various device manufacturers have already been gradually restricting and cutting down access to various power user options (e.g. flashing custom firmware, accessing various settings, making dev features harder to use and/or access), but Scoped Storage is pretty redundant.
For those who aren't familar, Scoped Storage severely restricts access to the Android/data folder in your internal storage. As a result, it just turns the Android/data folder into basically what the data/data partition is - a system-managed folder where apps can only access their own folders and only certain system processes (or root users) can access the entire folder structure. This breaks a lot of apps which historically stored their data in their own Android/data folders which would otherwise work on Android 11.
I was hoping that LineageOS would have had an option to disable this "feature" (I noticed a commit around "opting out of scoped storage" at https://review.lineageos.org/c/LineageOS/android_packages_apps_Eleven/+/286006), but it seems not. For me, I've downgraded to Android 10; thankfully the bootloader version remained the same.
Still, I was wondering, is it likely that a custom ROM maker will be able to find some way to disable Scoped Storage on Android 11 in the future? Thanks for any responses.
Edit: clarified that I meant Android 11+.
ArtemisPilly said:
As above. I just updated to Android 11 recently on my Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ (SM-N975F), and holy **** Scoped Storage is a massive pain in the ass. Google and various device manufacturers have already been gradually restricting and cutting down access to various power user options (e.g. flashing custom firmware, accessing various settings, making dev features harder to use and/or access), but Scoped Storage is pretty redundant. It just turns the Android/data folder into basically what the data/data partition is - a system-managed folder where apps can only access their own folders and only certain system processes (or root users) can access the entire folder structure. This breaks a lot of apps which historically stored their data in their own Android/data folders.
I was hoping that LineageOS would have had an option to disable this "feature" (I noticed a commit around "opting out of scoped storage" at https://review.lineageos.org/c/LineageOS/android_packages_apps_Eleven/+/286006), but it seems not. For me, I've downgraded to Android 10; thankfully the bootloader version remained the same. Still, I was wondering, is it likely that a custom ROM maker will be able to find some way to disable Scoped Storage in the future? Thanks for any responses.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is possible if it downgrade your device to android 10
Austinredstoner said:
It is possible if it downgrade your device to android 10
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, that's what I originally thought as well. Still, we can't feasibly remain on Android 10 forever, so I was wondering how is Scoped Storage implemented on the Android OS and whether it can be disabled or that specific module can be rolled back by ROM developers.
ArtemisPilly said:
Yeah, that's what I originally thought as well. Still, we can't feasibly remain on Android 10 forever, so I was wondering how is Scoped Storage implemented on the Android OS and whether it can be disabled or that specific module can be rolled back by ROM developers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They say their some file manager they bypass this restrictions it may work but I can't say for sure
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.marc.files
This app may be able to bypass the restrictions
Austinredstoner said:
They say their some file manager they bypass this restrictions it may work but I can't say for sure
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.marc.files
This app may be able to bypass the restrictions
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I know some file managers are able to bypass the restrictions (Root Explorer, Solid Explorer etc). The problem is with other, non-file-manager apps (e.g. messaging apps, browsers, games) which are used to storing their data in Android/data.
Many such apps either crash upon opening, or they might ask for permission to access their old folders, which when granted, opens up the Android stock file picker. The stock file picker then refuses to allow the app to use its old folder, saying "to protect your privacy, choose another folder" (or something like that, I've downgraded to Android 10), and there don't seem to be any options to use a different file picker (for some reason the only other app I can see in the file picker is Termux??).
This cripples a lot of older apps which are still very useful but which haven't been updated in a while (and when I say "older", I mean "2019" - not that old, about half of Android devices still run on 9.0 or older).
ArtemisPilly said:
Yeah, I know some file managers are able to bypass the restrictions (Root Explorer, Solid Explorer etc). The problem is with other, non-file-manager apps (e.g. messaging apps, browsers, games) which are used to storing their data in Android/data.
Many such apps either crash upon opening, or they might ask for permission to access their old folders, which when granted, opens up the Android stock file picker. The stock file picker then refuses to allow the app to use its old folder, saying "to protect your privacy, choose another folder" (or something like that, I've downgraded to Android 10), and there don't seem to be any options to use a different file picker (for some reason the only other app I can see in the file picker is Termux??).
This cripples a lot of older apps which are still very useful but which haven't been updated in a while (and when I say "older", I mean "2019" - not that old, about half of Android devices still run on 9.0 or older).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google will finally let file manager apps request "All Files Access" on Android 11 next month
Google has finally announced when it will allow file managers and other apps that target Android request the All Files Access permission.
www.xda-developers.com
This wasn't here when u created this thread but this is good news
Austinredstoner said:
Google will finally let file manager apps request "All Files Access" on Android 11 next month
Google has finally announced when it will allow file managers and other apps that target Android request the All Files Access permission.
www.xda-developers.com
This wasn't here when u created this thread but this is good news
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually the article says that Android/data and Android/obb will be excluded from said access, so it's not really any improvement over the current situation.
One of the alternative band-aids to disabling Scoped Storage might be to find some way to mod the stock file picker so it recognises apps like Solid Explorer and Root Explorer (which can bypass the restrictions) as file managers. However this still doesn't help apps which expect to be able to access their files from the get-go; one example is GTA San Andreas, which seems to just crash upon opening.
Xplore file manager bypasses it
X-plore File Manager - Apps on Google Play
X-plore is dual-pane file manager with tree view, LAN/Root/Clouds and more.
play.google.com
ArtemisPilly said:
Yeah, that's what I originally thought as well. Still, we can't feasibly remain on Android 10 forever, so I was wondering how is Scoped Storage implemented on the Android OS and whether it can be disabled or that specific module can be rolled back by ROM developers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can stay on Q for the life of the device more then likely. I'm still running Pie with zero issues.
Android's gone Apple tarted
blackhawk said:
You can stay on Q for the life of the device more then likely. I'm still running Pie with zero issues.
Android's gone Apple tarted
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
money will make even the best developers re-tart just take a glance at windows 10
I still got windows xp
revized said:
money will make even the best developers re-tart just take a glance at windows 10
I still got windows xp
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sad but predictable to see Android tailspinning in like creepy billgatesware.
XPx64 is still the best.
I run W7x64 too.
After that MS became an useless liability.
Evil clownware
I still wonder though, will LineageOS opt out of Scoped Storage or add a feature to disable it?
An equally effective alternative and probably even better one would be to let the user give specific apps full storage permission. Is something like this realizable (even if it's through rooted means - that would be fine)?
We need CONTAINERS for scoped storage. Same as we do for browser containers.
We need a scoped storage manager to group apps.
We don't need an all or nothing approach designed to push everything through the cloud.
Then again, that could be a workaround, right? Same as the workarounds for the browser when local file access was removed: setup a local server to pass data between processes!!
Hi, just my tuppence worth.
I bought an updated android box couple months ago as an upgrade to couple of old ones I had. Mainly use for watching streamed tv shows, viewing youtube and also checking out my cctv and saving recordings to the usb hdd.
Well the new box was amazing. Never mind the hype it is really good. its the hk1 rboxx4. Very fast on latest android 11. But it was a good month messing about trying to work out why nothing would write to the external usb dd. Then I discovered the scope business and the penny dropped.
Google is going to muscle in on streaming ppv sites. Well android has for years. But if they want to sell premium movies etc. or even just official boxes, They wont want the fee payers making back-ups. Just cant see why else they would do it.
The second thing is X-plore does not solve the problem. Ive used it for years on every device iv ever had. But it will not write to ext hdd on android 11. Tried many times, many versions.

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