[Q] (V400 Lollipop) Cannot mount sdcard with multiuser - G Pad 10.1 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hi,
I updated my G Pad 7.0 Wifi (V400) to Stock 5.0 Lollipop yesterday via OTA and everything looked fine.
I have 2 users on my tablet (one - main - for me, the other one for my girlfriend) and I noticed that the secondary user is unable to mount SDcard at all, so my gf cannot use a big part of her applications.
I already tried rebooting, mount/unmonut and remove/re-insert sdcard, next step should be a WIPE, but I'd like to know first if it's a bug or a Lollipop "security feature" or something.
If you have an updated v400, can you have a try?
Thank you very much!
Davide.

I have a V410. On stock LG kitkat no normal users are able to write to the microSD, not even the primary user. I have to enable root access to even write files to it with a file manager. No lollipop yet on the V410 (not stock anyway).
I know its not exactly what you were asking, but just thought I'd share it. LG definitely has sdcard access messed up in their roms for this tablet line, at least that has been my experience. TWRP, AROMA File Manager, and timmytim's CM12 can all use the sdcard just fine.

jason2678 said:
I have a V410. On stock LG kitkat no normal users are able to write to the microSD, not even the primary user. I have to enable root access to even write files to it with a file manager. No lollipop yet on the V410 (not stock anyway).
I know its not exactly what you were asking, but just thought I'd share it. LG definitely has sdcard access messed up in their roms for this tablet line, at least that has been my experience. TWRP, AROMA File Manager, and timmytim's CM12 can all use the sdcard just fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Jason, thank you for sharing your experience but I'm facing a different issue. I try to explain it better.
With 4.4.2 I was able to move some of my applications to the sdcard (Settings --> Applications --> [app name] --> Move to SD card). Doing this with my primary user allowed me to save some internal storage space and all of my users could play games that were previously moved to the sdcard.
Now with 5.0.2 everything is fine with my primary user, but with my second user I can't see sdcard at all... I see all my moved application in the drawer as a "generic Android icon", and if I try to launch them I get the "SD card removed" popup error.
I know that in a major upgrade like Kitkat->Lollipop a clean installation with full wipe is required, but I asked if someone with Lollipop could try my same scenario in order to check if this is a common Lollipop "feature" (making a wipe useless) or just a bug due to messy upgrade.
Thanks in advice to everybody for your help.

Just to share my personal solution with all of you: I tried a full wipe with no results. At the end I decided to switch to CM12.1 and this solved my problem.

Related

[Q] Can only create folder through "My Files"?

I have rooted and have disabled most of the recommendations listed here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-tab-s/help/debloating-t2805503
I now find myself unable to create a folder (using ES or ASTRO) in any directory?
Very confused
Did you try and search first before posting a new thread ?????
This is one of a number of similar posts with solution.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2815237
Sent from my SM-N9005 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
UpInTheAir said:
Did you try and search first before posting a new thread ?????
This is one of a number of similar posts with solution.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2815237
Sent from my SM-N9005 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry I don't think I was clear. This is not to my external sd card but to the actual storage on my device (or maybe that did happen for others)? I checked out that thread, downloaded the "SDFix: KitKat Writable MicroSD", rebooted and still does not work. I am attempting the wanam xposed fix but whenever I attempt to use the xposed installer, it can't extract (due too inability to write to disk). Is there a way to install xposed via odin?
Thank you for the response. I am new to rooting and Android in general, but I am trying!
lordnorth4 said:
Sorry I don't think I was clear. This is not to my external sd card but to the actual storage on my device (or maybe that did happen for others)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure on what your issue might be, but I just tried using ES File Explorer, and I could create a new folder in the SD0 (internal) directory, without issues. So perhaps try with another file manager like ES.
Freakstyler said:
Not sure on what your issue might be, but I just tried using ES File Explorer, and I could create a new folder in the SD0 (internal) directory, without issues. So perhaps try with another file manager like ES.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay update time. I attempted both Root Browser and ES File Explorer.. Root browser did the same thing as ASTRO, which was that after I attempted to create a folder/file clicked ok, the screen refreshed and viola- nothing. ES File Explorer did have the added benefit of apologizing saying: "Sorry, operation failed".
I attempted more drastic measures, as I am sure I was able to do this earlier on my device (through ASTRO). I backed up my current setup, and then restored the one I made directly after rooting. This had no apps disabled. Problem persisted. Restored to my current and problem still persisted.
I then attempted to use Samsung's "My Files" app, which was surprisingly capable of performing these operations. I don't know what options this leaves me. This is not just a problem with file browsers, as I was using AIDE and was incapable of creating a new project, so this is drastically affecting the use of my device. Does anyone have any suggestions?
EDIT
I have made sure ES File explorer has root permission, and yet it still will not create folder's/files. I have put in an sd card, and am able to write folders to that. A quick and uninformed internet search has lead me to believe that it is because the file system is inproperly mounted, but I have absolutely no idea if that is correct or how I caused that issue. I am further lost on how to go about fixing it.
Would a reflash using the original root method work?
Or perhaps a factory reset?
I just don't know enough.
END EDIT
Thanks for your replies and time, I really appreciate it.
same issue
lordnorth4 said:
Okay update time. I attempted both Root Browser and ES File Explorer.. Root browser did the same thing as ASTRO, which was that after I attempted to create a folder/file clicked ok, the screen refreshed and viola- nothing. ES File Explorer did have the added benefit of apologizing saying: "Sorry, operation failed".
I attempted more drastic measures, as I am sure I was able to do this earlier on my device (through ASTRO). I backed up my current setup, and then restored the one I made directly after rooting. This had no apps disabled. Problem persisted. Restored to my current and problem still persisted.
I then attempted to use Samsung's "My Files" app, which was surprisingly capable of performing these operations. I don't know what options this leaves me. This is not just a problem with file browsers, as I was using AIDE and was incapable of creating a new project, so this is drastically affecting the use of my device. Does anyone have any suggestions?
EDIT
I have made sure ES File explorer has root permission, and yet it still will not create folder's/files. I have put in an sd card, and am able to write folders to that. A quick and uninformed internet search has lead me to believe that it is because the file system is inproperly mounted, but I have absolutely no idea if that is correct or how I caused that issue. I am further lost on how to go about fixing it.
Would a reflash using the original root method work?
Or perhaps a factory reset?
I just don't know enough.
END EDIT
Thanks for your replies and time, I really appreciate it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the same exact issue. I can add folders through the Samsung My Files; the ES File explorer gives me 'Sorry, operation failed' also. I have reformatted, and re-rooted, but same issue.
Im no expert mind you, but i had this exact same issue, pretty sure its a kernel issue, specifically i think selinux and its two modes passive and enforce.........first i tried an app on the store thats suppose to change this mode upon reboot, before i realised newly installed apps were now also having issue with internal storage........anyways, long story short, i checked out the lone kernel in the dev thread, paraphrasing, selinux disabled, or some such, and bingo bango, everythings back the way it was
If you have recovery, might be worth backing up and flashing kernel, see if that works, report if it does for the benifit of others that might find themselves with internal storage issues
Edit
T700/T705 version
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-tab-s/orig-development/kernel-skyhigh-tw-kernel-t2806563
"SELinux PERMISSIVE" - turns out kernel is permissive by default, not disabled
T800/T805 version
http://forum.xda-developers.com/gal...ent/kernel-skyhigh-tw-kernel-synapse-t2854933
Hopefully thats usefull
Yep. Just did a first TWRP backup and restored with my latest kernel flashed. No internal storage write issue. If you really want to know if it's SELinux or how I mount let me know and I can repack a stock kernel for private test. I do set the last line of my /sbin/SkyHigh.sh script as data rw, so probably that's it.
UpInTheAir said:
Yep. Just did a first TWRP backup and restored with my latest kernel flashed. No internal storage write issue. If you really want to know if it's SELinux or how I mount let me know and I can repack a stock kernel for private test. I do set the last line of my /sbin/SkyHigh.sh script as data rw, so probably that's it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you have the internal issue aswell?
So we have two probable culprits, selinux or a line in a script
Can you flash kernel one ontop of the other without negatives, so lets say you put two test versions here, one with the script change but selinux enforce, and your latest kernel at the moment, anyone in the future with this issue, who is willing to help could flash the first one and confirm if fixed and thus hopefully identify the issue specifically as the data r/w or not
On another note
Although i was having internal issues in android itself at the time, my twrp recovery file manager had no problems deleting/moving files.....maybe that might narrow down the issue, i dont know
banderos101 said:
Did you have the internal issue aswell?
So we have two probable culprits, selinux or a line in a script
Can you flash kernel one ontop of the other without negatives, so lets say you put two test versions here, one with the script change but selinux enforce, and your latest kernel at the moment, anyone in the future with this issue, who is willing to help could flash the first one and confirm if fixed and thus hopefully identify the issue specifically as the data r/w or not
On another note
Although i was having internal issues in android itself at the time, my twrp recovery file manager had no problems deleting/moving files.....maybe that might narrow down the issue, i dont know
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, I've never had the issue as I've used my own kernel from just about day one Hence restoring with TWRP hadn't been a problem the one time I just used it.
I have posted a couple of times asking if someone wants to do the flashing, I don't have the motivation and time to do it.
I will however respond to a PM if someone wishes to flash a modified re-packed stock kernel to test. They'll need to supply the stock boot.img from the firmware version they are currently using. If all is good, we can then post the results.
Or in the meantime, user SkyHigh kernel
UpInTheAir said:
No, I've never had the issue as I've used my own kernel from just about day one Hence restoring with TWRP hadn't been a problem the one time I just used it.
I have posted a couple of times asking if someone wants to do the flashing, I don't have the motivation and time to do it.
I will however respond to a PM if someone wishes to flash a modified re-packed stock kernel to test. They'll need to supply the stock boot.img from the firmware version they are currently using. If all is good, we can then post the results.
Or in the meantime, user SkyHigh kernel
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks by the way, for your kernel, and its rescue of my device .........and not least of all, the work you've done with our devices:highfive:
So is this actually a bug or by design? Is it KK or Samsung's problem? Kinda stupid to lock us out of our own SD card but still allow us to install apps from unknown sources???
WTF?
flhthemi said:
So is this actually a bug or by design? Is it KK or Samsung's problem? Kinda stupid to lock us out of our own SD card but still allow us to install apps from unknown sources???
WTF?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. You'll need to re-read the entire thread. Easy mistake.
The thread is about an issue with INTERNAL sdcard after TWRP recovery restore and a "solution".
flhthemi said:
So is this actually a bug or by design? Is it KK or Samsung's problem? Kinda stupid to lock us out of our own SD card but still allow us to install apps from unknown sources???
WTF?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Worked fine until i started rooting and flashing the recovery, pretty sure during that process something triggered this issue
UpInTheAir said:
No. You'll need to re-read the entire thread. Easy mistake.
The thread is about an issue with INTERNAL sdcard after TWRP recovery restore and a "solution".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup, first post in the Samsung threads and I messed up. Now I have to find a proper thread to get an answer....
Just for future reference
This issue affects both internal AND external storage, if you just have an external issue and no internal, its likely you have a different issue, likely the changes brought about by kitkat, where there are other solutions elsewhere.......thats not to say you cant try a kernal thats known to have selinux as permissive and r/w script change though, might actually be another solution to the kitkat/external card issue?i dont know
So to clarify, this issue involves the INTERNAL storage too, which the other issue doesnt
banderos101 said:
Just for future reference
This issue affects both internal AND external storage, if you just have an external issue and no internal, its likely you have a different issue, likely the changes brought about by kitkat, where there are other solutions elsewhere.......thats not to say you cant try a kernal thats known to have selinux as permissive and r/w script change though, might actually be another solution to the kitkat/external card issue?i dont know
So to clarify, this issue involves the INTERNAL storage too, which the other issue doesnt
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This thread is about INTERNAL sdcard write issue after restoring TWRP backup. Current known solution: flash my kernel.
The EXTERNAL sdcard issue is brought about with the introduction of Android 4.4.2 (There are other dedicated threads on this). Current known solutions: flash a patched custom ROM, use one of the Play Store apps (root), or mod the relevant system folder yourself (root).
UpInTheAir said:
This thread is about INTERNAL sdcard write issue after restoring TWRP backup. Current known solution: flash my kernel.
The EXTERNAL sdcard issue is brought about with the introduction of Android 4.4.2 (There are other dedicated threads on this). Current known solutions: flash a patched custom ROM, use one of the Play Store apps (root), or mod the relevant system folder yourself (root).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay, i could have sworn that i was experiencing the same issue on the external, aswell as the internal, infact im certain, i remember trying the external fixes first, assuming i had the kitkat external storage issue, untill i noticed it was also happening to the internal storage.......this was the first and only thread i found concerning internal issues, maybe i had both issues, but then again, the kitkat fixes didnt fix the external issues, your kernel seemed to fix both, at least in my specific situation
Edit
Okay, i see maybe you were answering my question from a more knowledgeble perpective, it just seemed that whatever affected the internal, was also affecting the external, otherwise, wouldnt the sdfix and/or root file managers like es file explorer with a kitkat/sd workaround, worked, both of which i tried.......seems like whatever was affecting my internal was also affecting external..........one way to find out is if folks who find themselves with the internal issues could confirm if they also have external issues, and whether the external fixes work or not
Edit
Ive just come to realise the fact that i was having internal storage permission issues might have caused the external storage fixes not to function properly, and that maybe i did indeed have two seperate issues, and that whatever was affecting my internal storage was a different issue to the kitkat/external sd card issue, so maybe you are right in saying that this only fixes the internal storage issue, which in turn allowed the external storage fixes to work.........hopefully time will tell, and hopefully, some of that makes sense

Vodafone smart tab 4G

Hello,
is possible manually update my tablet to Android 5? I found this
but from ( ROM Part 1 : http://goo.gl/7pyL97 ) this site i cant download ROM
Upgrade/Update Vodafone Smart Tab 4g to 5.0 Lollipop
Upgrade/Update Vodafone Smart Tab 4g to 5.0 Lollipop
I rewrite this tutorial from forum.xda-developers.com :
The users of Vodafone Smart Tab 4g can now update their handsets to Android 5.0 Lollipop using custom ROM. The new Android 5.0 Lollipop comes with many new features :
- Up to 4x performance improvements.
- A battery saver feature which extends device use by up to 90 mins.
- It has a faster, smoother and more powerful computing experience.
- Support for 64-bit SoCs using ARM, x86, and MIPS-based cores.
- OpenGL ES 3.1 and Android extension pack brings Android to the forefront of mobile graphics putting it on par with desktop and console class performance.
- Responsive, natural motion, realistic lighting and shadows, and familiar visual elements make it easier to navigate your device.
- More intelligent ranking of notifications based on who they’re from and the type of communication. See all your notifications in one place by tapping the top of the screen.
- New devices come with encryption automatically turned on to help protect data on lost or stolen devices.
- SELinux enforcing for all applications means even better protection against vulnerabilities and malware.
- State of the art video technology with support for HEVC main profile to allow for UHD 4K 10-bit video playback, tunneled hardware video decoding to save power and improved HLS support for streaming.
- and other cool features.
Here are some more aspects that users should know before trying out the custom ROM :
- Users need to have proper back-up for their personal data on the device.
- The handset should have at least 80 percent of battery power.
- The users also need to ensure that USB Debugging is enabled on the device.
- During the installation, if the device gets stuck on booting, users can perform wipe cache partition and wipe dalvik before rebooting the device.
Tutorial
1. Download Android 5.0 Lollipop ROM for Vodafone Smart Tab 4g from link below :
The ROM File size is big, so I split the file into 3 parts :
ROM Part 1 : http://goo.gl/7pyL97
ROM Part 2 : http://goo.gl/ffHU2x
ROM Part 3 : http://goo.gl/l1zKh5
To combine 3 parts files above into 1 file just use WINRAR, then extract the files into ZIP format. If any problem with the ROM, maybe because the ROM have corrupted during the download process, you can try to re-download the ROM.
2. Install the ROM Manager on your Vodafone Smart Tab 4g . Get it from Google Play Store, then install the clockwork mod recovery. You also can use ROM Installer application from JRummy Apps Inc.(Get it from Google Play Store).
3. Connect your Vodafone Smart Tab 4g to your PC employing the USB information cable. Copy the “ROM.zip” file you downloaded to the SD memory card.
4. Restart your device in the recovery mode using ROM Manager. As soon as in Recovery Mode, go to ROM Manager and select backup/restore to back-up your information.
5. From the Recovery Menu do a total data erase (including Delvik Cache). When completed, go back to Recovery Principal Menu and choose Flash ROM from SD Card. Navigate the location you copied the ”ROM.zip” file and follow the directions for installing Android 5.0 Lollipop on your Vodafone Smart Tab 4g . As soon as the installation is over, just reboot your Vodafone Smart Tab 4g device, and here you go, you’ve just upgraded it to the new Android 5.0 Lollipop.
Hi:
did you tried it? Have you got root on your Vodafone Smart Tab 4G? I found out a thread with the root file/method, but the file link is broken
jrosado said:
Hi:
did you tried it? Have you got root on your Vodafone Smart Tab 4G? I found out a thread with the root file/method, but the file link is broken
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The link is now up in modaco.But users are reporting that since an update the root method doesn't work.
skinniezinho said:
The link is now up in modaco.But users are reporting that since an update the root method doesn't work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes i know.. I'm one of them
I don't understand why some prick upload all tools (root utility and ROMs) for Vodafone Smart Tab 4G to that disreputable server http://downloadsafe.org/? For download it want to send payment SMS messages!!!!! :crying:
If you want my opinion, i think that this supposed lollipop version is fake...
On another forum I've seen this and reports that it works.
I don't have the device (still deciding wether to buy it or not) so I can't test it
http://duben.org/android/vodafone-smart-tab-4g-root-navod
Yes, I've seen that link just a few minutes ago. I will try it tonight, since i don't have my tablet with me now.
Hi, this tutorial duben.org/android/vodafone-smart-tab-4g-root-navod is mine, I was wrote it yesterday in czech language, I hope pictures there are informative enough. In case you need rewrite it to english, let me know, I can take care of it.
Well it worked
But still impossible to use the SD card to install apps Nothing seems to work (app2SD, ...)
jrosado said:
Well it worked
But still impossible to use the SD card to install apps Nothing seems to work (app2SD, ...)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have same issue. Apps can work with data on SD Card, for example RawDroid can edit photos, save/delete files. But App2SD functionality is still not supported. It should work with Link2SD app and 2 partitions on SD card. The reason is emulated external storage in internal memory. I didn't find yet how to turn this of, or how to change it.
sduben said:
I have same issue. Apps can work with data on SD Card, for example RawDroid can edit photos, save/delete files. But App2SD functionality is still not supported. It should work with Link2SD app and 2 partitions on SD card. The reason is emulated external storage in internal memory. I didn't find yet how to turn this of, or how to change it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've tried Link2SD, but with no success. The best i got was to use MountFolder to move the applications data to the external SD card. With this, I've recovered some good precious space (for example, Minion Rush was using 330MB that where freed).
jrosado said:
I've tried Link2SD, but with no success. The best i got was to use MountFolder to move the applications data to the external SD card. With this, I've recovered some good precious space (for example, Minion Rush was using 330MB that where freed).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for tip FolderMount (play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.devasque.fmount) works like a charm.
If anyone wants the source code, here it is:
Code:
http://sourceforge.net/projects/alcatel/files/VF_SmartTab4G_20140923.tar.xz
It was awesome if we could get a rom for this tablet =)
People say it is based on Alcatel Pop 8S tablet, but I have never seen this tablet on sale, neither original roms, nothing about it.
Only alcatel website has some info about it, but not much: http://www.alcatelonetouch.com/global-en/products/tablets/pop_8s.html#.VOPaQfmsVoc
Anyone managed to remove system apps?
Titanium backup says it can't find the apks..
In Android 4.4, apps can't write the sd-card, it's a security thing. But there are apps, which enables sd write. And yes, we have source, but for ROMs we also need recovery, and a developer. But fingers crossed.
sduben said:
Hi, this tutorial duben.org/android/vodafone-smart-tab-4g-root-navod is mine, I was wrote it yesterday in czech language, I hope pictures there are informative enough. In case you need rewrite it to english, let me know, I can take care of it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Anyone tried that? can you confirm that it works?
Any other method that roots 4.4.4?
Yes and it is work. Only "bug" after the root is: every time you reboot your tablet you will got a message that says android is upgrade-ing and continues to updating apps. But it is work.
Sent from my GT-S7560 using XDA Free mobile app
MAROCANU said:
Yes and it is work. Only "bug" after the root is: every time you reboot your tablet you will got a message that says android is upgrade-ing and continues to updating apps. But it is work.
Sent from my GT-S7560 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I stuck on step 7. Finding device... But I did step 5...
What u mean updating apps.? Updates all apps from store?
No, optimezing. Its that thing when android take an update and after that the apps is optimezed. This happening after each reboot. About the root process: if you use win 8, 8.1 you wont be able to rootbso easly because of the drivers. Try with win xp or 7. My advice: use XP. I did it with it.
Sent from my GT-S7560 using XDA Free mobile app
So, to get this straight: we can actually root the Vodafone smart tab 4g and flash custom roms??

[Q] Under 5.0.1 Lollipop...make external SD writable

Under 5.0.1 Lollipop, how do I (or, can I) make external SD writable? The TWRP installation app claims to make that change (I think), but it didn't work.
ivanabq said:
Under 5.0.1 Lollipop, how do I (or, can I) make external SD writable? The TWRP installation app claims to make that change (I think), but it didn't work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go to the playstore and search and download SDFix by NextApp and follow the instructions in the app. That should fix your external sd card problems
ivanabq said:
Under 5.0.1 Lollipop, how do I (or, can I) make external SD writable? The TWRP installation app claims to make that change (I think), but it didn't work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you can. In recovery (twrp) go to wipe/advance wipe/ select sd and press change file system/ choose fat. When done reboot to system.
Through play store, download sdfix. This will surely help.
I was kinda wondering the same thing. I haven't tried twrp but I have used the sdfix tool as SuperSU and it says it worked. I was wondering if users like myself could get some more information on the whole write issue. Specifically! Getting a torrent program to write to the sdcard. After all why would I need root for any other reason? Please help with step by step instructions. Any experience at this is much appreciated.
So far I am luck y to have root. I am getting more familiar with adb command interface. I have been reading about rebooting and installing apk's from the boot menu but, this is all overwhelming for someone who just decided that google is a b.i.t.c.h. and it's time to jump on the xda ban wagon. So far my torrent programs either only write to internal space perfectly, or write to sdcard with small file sizes, stopping prematurely or even stopping only to refreash and start the torrent all over from zero percent. The torrent app ability is all so sketchy at best when it comes to using it with lollipop 5.0.1 lg g3.
Let me know if this is not the place for this discussion and I will delete this post and follow your link.

Phone no longer has anything in 'Internal Storage', can't download files

A while ago my SD card apparently stopped working and my phone asked me to format it to be used as internal storage, wiping all of the data on the card. I was pretty annoyed but after that I had no problems. Recently I removed the SD card as I was going to root my phone with the All in One Toolkit and it seemed to work until I opened SuperSU and was told I had no SuperSU binaries. (I'm not sure if this is relevant but I thought I would mention it just in case).
I then went onto Google Chrome and tried to save a random image and was prompted to overwrite *completely random image name* in documents. No matter which option I hit (overwrite or create new file) I am given the notification it has downloaded but if I tap it then I'm just taken to a black screen with a triangle and an exclamation mark. When I go into the file manager and go to internal storage there is absolutely nothing in there.
I thought this might have something to do with the SD card so I put it back in but was again prompted to format it, so this time I did it as removable storage and it hasn't made a difference. Any ideas?
Android Version 6.0
Software Number 6.13.206.5
If you need any more info let me know.
Thanks!
dezzybird said:
A while ago my SD card apparently stopped working and my phone asked me to format it to be used as internal storage, wiping all of the data on the card. I was pretty annoyed but after that I had no problems. Recently I removed the SD card as I was going to root my phone with the All in One Toolkit and it seemed to work until I opened SuperSU and was told I had no SuperSU binaries. (I'm not sure if this is relevant but I thought I would mention it just in case).
I then went onto Google Chrome and tried to save a random image and was prompted to overwrite *completely random image name* in documents. No matter which option I hit (overwrite or create new file) I am given the notification it has downloaded but if I tap it then I'm just taken to a black screen with a triangle and an exclamation mark. When I go into the file manager and go to internal storage there is absolutely nothing in there.
I thought this might have something to do with the SD card so I put it back in but was again prompted to format it, so this time I did it as removable storage and it hasn't made a difference. Any ideas?
Android Version 6.0
Software Number 6.13.206.5
If you need any more info let me know.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you update the binaries?
xunholyx said:
Did you update the binaries?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was never given an option, it said they couldn't be installed by the app. I was going to try the fix where you install them directly by saving a zip to your phone's internal storage and then installing it but then I noticed the problem with my internal storage.
dezzybird said:
A while ago my SD card apparently stopped working and my phone asked me to format it to be used as internal storage, wiping all of the data on the card. I was pretty annoyed but after that I had no problems. Recently I removed the SD card as I was going to root my phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you chose to make the SD a part of internal storage (known as the new "adoptable storage" option in Marshmallow), you merged it (with the phone's internal storage) as part of the data partition. Then you yanked out a part of that partition, by removing the SD (and why you did that in order to root, I don't know).
I'm not too familiar with what happens (or is supposed to happen, anyway) when you choose adoptable storage, then remove the SD. But I think its safe to say, that resulting storage issues is not a surprise.
dezzybird said:
I was going to root my phone with the All in One Toolkit and it seemed to work until I opened SuperSU and was told I had no SuperSU binaries. (I'm not sure if this is relevant but I thought I would mention it just in case).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The toolkit hasn't been updated in over a year, and causes many issues for that reason. It hasn't been updated for Marshmallow (Android 6) and therefore can't root MM. Toolkit also contains an obsolete version of TWRP which will also cause some issues.
Good rule of thumb: whenever rooting an Android device, you should be sure to use updated methods; and verify the method works with your Android version.
Since you have TWRP installed, try going to the Wipe section in TWRP. Then select the button that says "Format Data" and see if that helps your issue with writing to internal storage. Do not select to wipe any other things in the Advanced section of Wipe (another rule of thumb - if you don't know what it is don't wipe it. For instance wiping "System" will delete the OS entirely).
Of course, formatting data will cause any data to be lost. So backup accordingly (if there is anything left) before you format data.
Once you have the storage issue sorted out (hopefully the above helps), ditch the toolkit, and do the following steps manually:
1) Unlock bootloader (should already be done)
2) Flash TWRP 3.0 with fastboot
3) Flash SuperSU 2.65 in TWRP, to properly root
Aye, I couldn't find an alternative to the toolkit so I just ran with it but I guess I've learned that lesson.
I've managed to sort the issue now so I'll post what I did here for any people who may happen upon the thread in future. I'm still not sure what caused the issue in the first place; maybe it was the memory card, maybe I selected the wrong thing to wipe in TWRP, maybe it was the toolkit or maybe a bit of everything because I'm stupid.
Before I discovered the issue I was going to install the SuperSU binaries manually (since they didn't install for some reason) and install a custom ROM, so I decided to just go ahead with it. After flashing the ROM and then SuperSU.zip everything worked fine and I had a fully rooted phone running Cyanogenmod. According to the guide I was reading I had to wipe a number of things (the Dalvik Cache, System, Cache, and Data) anyway so I don't think it mattered that I had somehow erased the internal memory as it seemed to be reinstalled with the ROM. This is just a guess though, all I know for sure is it's fine now (fingers crossed).
So next time I'd just use the toolkit to help unlock the bootloader and maybe flash a recovery as that seemed to work fine, but manually flash SuperSU.zip to root yourself in case the toolkit is what broke it.
Thanks for your help!
dezzybird said:
Aye, I couldn't find an alternative to the toolkit so I just ran with it but I guess I've learned that lesson.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The best way to achieve bootloader unlock and root is to just do the steps manually.
You don't need a toolkit to do these things. Anyone that can follow instructions and type a few fastboot commands can do it.
All that folks need to do it manually is here. Everything in Section 1 is valid, with the exception that the TWRP version number in the command needs to (obviously) match the number you are trying to install (the example given in the guide is an older version). Some things in Section 2 and 3 are obsolete (s-off method, firmware version) but that's irrelevant in this case (and for most folks) since those things aren't necessary to unlock the bootloader, root, or flash custom ROMs.
dezzybird said:
Before I discovered the issue I was going to install the SuperSU binaries manually (since they didn't install for some reason)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do you mean "for some reason"? I told you the reason. The toolkit uses an old, long obsolete version of SuperSU that existed before MM. It therefore can't root MM, and there is no reason to believe it would. New Android builds often (almost always) require new root methods, and old versions of SuperSU are usually going to cause you trouble. That is why you should always research the current root methods, when trying to root.
dezzybird said:
After flashing the ROM and then SuperSU.zip everything worked fine and I had a fully rooted phone running Cyanogenmod.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't need to root after flashing a custom ROM, they are already rooted.
You also don't need to root in order to flash a custom ROM. Unlocked bootloader and custom recovery is all you need to flash custom ROMs.
dezzybird said:
According to the guide I was reading I had to wipe a number of things (the Dalvik Cache, System, Cache, and Data) anyway so I don't think it mattered that I had somehow erased the internal memory as it seemed to be reinstalled with the ROM. This is just a guess though, all I know for sure is it's fine now (fingers crossed).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
These are not correct assertions. Doing the default wipe in TWRP (it says most of the time, this is all that is needed, and it means it!) doesn't touch internal storage.
On a similar note, flashing a ROM doesn't touch internal storage, either. It just flashes system partition and boot.img partition.
dezzybird said:
So next time I'd just use the toolkit to help unlock the bootloader and maybe flash a recovery as that seemed to work fine, but manually flash SuperSU.zip to root yourself in case the toolkit is what broke it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd strongly advise against using the toolkit at this point, or suggesting to others to use it. As I've already tried to explain (but you seem to be ignoring) the components of the toolkit are woefully obsolete. By the time you flash recovery manually (with fastboot) and manually flash the proper version SuperSU, there isn't much of value that the toolkit does. The bootloader unlock procedure via HTCDev.com is pretty self-explanatory (and the guide I've posted explains whatever isn't already obvious). And is justifiable to say that if you can't handle doing these things manually, you probably shouldn't have root.
I was just stating what I did to fix the issue and what I would have done instead with the same amount of knowledge I had when I started. I did search for stuff like "how to root HTC One M8 2016" and whatnot and the toolkit showed up in like the first 4 results, plus it was linked in the sidebar of the Android subreddit as the go-to option so I assumed I'd be good to go but apparently not.
After I flashed the ROM I didn't see SuperSU which I had been led to believe was what signified if the phone was rooted (if you had SuperSU > Rooted. If not > Not rooted) but apparently not. Like I mentioned, this was my first time rooting a device and I was kinda winging it as a learning experience, hence not doing things optimally (or particularly right)
Thanks for the info, that'll definitely make things easier next time!
dezzybird said:
I was just stating what I did to fix the issue and what I would have done instead with the same amount of knowledge I had when I started.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And what I am saying is: what you stated you "would have done instead" (or do "next time") is in fact not the correct thing to do.
Also, when you say "this is what I would have done" it read strongly like a suggestion to others what "they should do".
Just trying to prevent obvious pitfalls for both you and others in the future.
dezzybird said:
I did search for stuff like "how to root HTC One M8 2016" and whatnot and the toolkit showed up in like the first 4 results, plus it was linked in the sidebar of the Android subreddit as the go-to option so I assumed I'd be good to go but apparently not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My advice would be to stick to XDA, and just use the search function here; or simply browse the forums. Reason being, randomly Googling for root methods will often yield random "root" websites with poorly organized, outdated information; which is often just stolen from XDA in the first place.
The question (and answer) of rooting this device pops up pretty frequently; as well as common pitfalls, solutions, etc. While the forums may be a bit intimidating to work through, the answers are all here; and not hard to find, once you become accustomed to how the forum is organized.
dezzybird said:
After I flashed the ROM I didn't see SuperSU which I had been led to believe was what signified if the phone was rooted (if you had SuperSU > Rooted. If not > Not rooted) but apparently not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The knowledge in the following 2 paragraphs are fairly esoteric, but proboably could have been found in the CM thread or other threads:
CM has a slight oddity to it (and I'm sure its devs have there reasons) versus many other ROMs (but you may find a similar thing in other AOSP based ROMS) in that the ROM is pre-rooted, but root access is toggled "off" by default. To turn it on, do to phone's Settings>Developers Options, and there you find the option to toggle root on or off (default is off).
If you don't see Developer Options in Settings, its a bit of a quirky Android trick to make it appear. Go to Settings>About>Software information>More, then tap the "Build number" 7 times, and you will see a toast message that "You are now a developer" (yeah, that is what it really says!) and the option is now available in Settings.

Rooted A320FL, how to achieve permanently mounted adoptable storage?

Hello!
This is my first post in this forum, please be indulgent if I don't understand some stuff or abbreviations immediately.
I recently bought a Galaxy A3 2017 (SM-A320FL) to replace my old one with shattered screen and back cover. I tried the new Poco X3 for two weeks, but I wasn't satisfied with it since it was just wayyy too large for me, and also the phone speaker was unbearably loud (all people around me could follow the conversation on phone, even on lowest volume), which then led to the decision of sending it back and buying another used A3 2017 in good condition, as I was very satisfied with it, except of limited internal storage which continued to be an issue over months and years. And since the spare parts would have cost the same as the smartphone costs used at the moment, the decision was easy.
To avoid the single problem I had with the old phone, I wanted to root the phone right from the start so I could adopt the SD card as internal storage and/or change the folder some apps (especially WhatsApp) are storing their data and media in. Since the phone is factory reset and I have the other one which is still functioning, I don't have to take much care while trying things, which is great. I took yesterday evening until late night for that plan, and although a lot of threads and posts I read said that rooting the stock OS with latest update of Android 8 is not possible, I did it after some trial and error with flashing the custom recovery TWRP through Odin and then flashing SuperSU through TWRP. If a tutorial is needed, I'd happily write down how I did it, just ask.
But I still have a problem with adopting the storage. And as far as I understood, this is related to the storage encryption of Android/Samsung. Please explain if someone knows, I'd really like to understand the mechanisms that make all of this so laborious. I tried to mount the storage in TWRP when I started it first after flashing (it persists btw, as some people said it is gone and no recovery system can be found after the phone booted normally once, why?), but ran into the problem of "internal storage (0MB)". This was solved by wiping it, then I was able to mount the SD card as internal storage and the internal storage also was shown with a reasonable size in MB. I then started the phone which was obviously factory reset by the wiping. Unfortunately I couldn't see any results in the OS (does stock Android or file manager even show these changes in some way?) and also noticed the adopted storage was not anymore adopted when inspecting it in the TWRP recovery and again the internal storage was at 0MB. I then stumbled upon the app "Root Essentials" which is said to be able to adopt the storage, but needs a zip file which must be flashed by the recovery for that process. I tried it, but the flashing process does not work, as it can't find an installation of the app - my guess is, that this also is related to encrypted storage and the 0MB problem, how should the flash be able to look for something in encrypted space?
Soo, my problem now is, that I want to adopt the storage and don't know how to continue & where to begin. I also don't know if that app "Root Essentials" is any good, just read it at several places while googling so gave it a try. The phone is rooted with TWRP (0MB problem persisting) and stock OS now, and the adoptable storage per se is no must-have for me - if there is any other solution to migrate apps and more importantly their data to the SD card, please let me know, I'd be perfectly fine with that also.
Thank you!
Flo
Hey there Flo,
I am facing the same issues like you, always having to clear up space (e.g. Chrome cache) because the internal storage is not enough for the apps. And you cannot move many of the apps to the SD card, only their data. Last time I had to rermove Teams altogether because it was eating up 500+MB, and I couldn't afford it anymore as the free space dropped below 600MB.
Sooo, here are some basics I have learnt while looking for solutions.
Current custom ROMs are not an option for me as I use this phone for banking and production tasks, and I could not find any of them stable and issue-free enough to switch from the stock one.
The stock ROM is full of bloatware, especially Samsung stuff I do not need, and some others, like the Facebook app. However, you cannot extend internal storage with your SD card as Samsung does not allow this, and this is impossible with the stock ROM.
So I am stuck here, as I cannot leave the stock ROM, but I am constantly running out of space. Currently, I have rooted my device and installed TWRP, too, and I am planning to try one of the debloated stock ROMs to see if they can solve at least my problem with running out of free space on the internal storage.
In any case, what I can confirm is that you either have the stock ROM, and then you can only install apps on the internal storage, or if you want to extend your internal storage with the SD card, you'll have to choose one of the custom ROMs that allow this and wave goodbye to Knox and some other features.
I hope the above helps.
Hi!
Thanks for your detailed answer!
I didn't find a way to adopt the storage persistently, and I think at this point I'll just take your word that it won't be possible with the stock ROM. I knew that the stock ROM adopt storage option isn't able to be brought back by some adb shell commands as it was possible earlier (until 6.0 Marshmallow I think), but I thought that it maybe is possible by tricking the storage the OS sees with the mount in TWRP before the first start. Doesn't seem to work at all (for mostly unknown reasons, at least for me ).
And same for me, I don't know if the custom ROMs nowadays are better a lot, but doesn't sound like that as you described it. I flashed Resurrection Remix on my Galaxy S4 a few years ago, and although I liked the customizability and slimness, I too often ran into bugs and errors with it, which is why I abandoned the phone in the end.
However, I kind of found a fix I can live with on the SM-A320FL: I downloaded Link2SD from Playstore and also upgraded to the plus version, which is reasonably priced. This enables to also store app data on the SD card. I tried it with the 64GB SD card I had rolling around, partitioned it with MiniTool Partition Wizard following this guide to conform Link2SD requirements, and it worked perfectly. I also uninstalled all sorts of bloatware, and as far as i saw the shift to external storage of the apps I tried works fine. All data, including app, cache and app data is moved (and/or linked, not sure) to the ext2 partition on the SD card (which is shown to be a broken partition in Android storage settings btw, but that's fine). If any, only <1KB of file size per app remains in internal storage, which seems great!
I am currently waiting for my ordered 256GB SD card (U3, A2) to arrive next week, then I will do the full port from the old to the new A3 and I'll see how WhatsApp and Spotify behave being stored in external storage. Hopefully Link2SD is able to shift them, especially WhatsApp, since that was the main factor in cluttering the internal storage very fast and efficient.
If the Link2SD doesn't work for WhatsApp media, I'll give FolderMount a try, the direct mount then seems to work for many.
Since you mentioned it: What are the great features of Knox? The secure folder? Data encryption by screen lock? I can't remember using Knox features knowingly in the past three years. Is Knox not already blown by flashing a custom recovery?
Thanks for your help!
Flo
The internal storage data partition not mounting in TWRP is due to the partition being encypted when Android is booted, but also due to quota being enabled and latest version of TWRP for this phone (3.2.3-0 AFAIK) being unable to mount this. Fix for this is to flash a zip from Zackptg5 which disables both these options. See https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/...y-a3-sm-a320f-fl-y-2017.3562302/post-79260952 for full details
I see that OrangeFox is available now (https://orangefox.download/device/a3y17lte), so maybe this is able to mount without these problems, I am going to flash this soon so I will let you know!
FYI I am using H-ROM by Astrako. Very close to stock (it is a port from the A7) and seems to work well. VoWiFI is working in this ROM which was essential for me.
lastsaskatchewanpirate said:
The internal storage data partition not mounting in TWRP is due to the partition being encypted when Android is booted, but also due to quota being enabled and latest version of TWRP for this phone (3.2.3-0 AFAIK) being unable to mount this. Fix for this is to flash a zip from Zackptg5 which disables both these options. See https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/...y-a3-sm-a320f-fl-y-2017.3562302/post-79260952 for full details
I see that OrangeFox is available now (https://orangefox.download/device/a3y17lte), so maybe this is able to mount without these problems, I am going to flash this soon so I will let you know!
FYI I am using H-ROM by Astrako. Very close to stock (it is a port from the A7) and seems to work well. VoWiFI is working in this ROM which was essential for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did “orange fox” work?
King p1n said:
Did “orange fox” work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, with OrangeFox I didn't need to flash the zip file from Zackptg5 which removes quota. I didn't get on with the latest H-ROM 6.0 (too many niggles, particularly ambient light sensor doesn't work so no adaptive brightness; fingerprint scanner doesn't work in apps; video call doesn't work in WhatsApp), but OrangeFox worked really well, definitely recommend it. Sorry for not remembering to come back and update sooner!
lastsaskatchewanpirate said:
Yes, with OrangeFox I didn't need to flash the zip file from Zackptg5 which removes quota. I didn't get on with the latest H-ROM 6.0 (too many niggles, particularly ambient light sensor doesn't work so no adaptive brightness; fingerprint scanner doesn't work in apps; video call doesn't work in WhatsApp), but OrangeFox worked really well, definitely recommend it. Sorry for not remembering to come back and update sooner!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you
Which rom do you use and recommend?
Or can orange fox be used with the stock rom?
Doing this on behalf on a friend who is struggling with storage issues, been years since I’ve touched android
King p1n said:
Thank you
Which rom do you use and recommend?
Or can orange fox be used with the stock rom?
Doing this on behalf on a friend who is struggling with storage issues, been years since I’ve touched android
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Currently I use H-ROM 2.0 (https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/...7-port-v2-0-pie-oneui-64-bits-treble.3940532/) which works well. Only two main niggles that I might change back to stock - video doesn't work in WhatsApp (but is OK in WhatsApp Business) and some VoWiFi calls have echo, but this might just be normal for VoWiFi, not had echo on normal cell network calls. Stock ROM is now available with Android 8 (Oreo) so when I have time I was intending to try that again, maybe with debloat to remove some of the stock apps.
I would recommend OrangeFox, and although I started with TWRP and flashed this over the top, I think you should be OK to just flash this straight from Odin. TWRP would only flash in old version of Odin, I would guess OrangeFox maybe would be the same. Flash in AP using older version Odin3 v3.12.10. Untick auto reboot, when complete power off with vol down + power, then force to recovery using volume up, home and power
lastsaskatchewanpirate said:
Currently I use H-ROM 2.0 (https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/...7-port-v2-0-pie-oneui-64-bits-treble.3940532/) which works well. Only two main niggles that I might change back to stock - video doesn't work in WhatsApp (but is OK in WhatsApp Business) and some VoWiFi calls have echo, but this might just be normal for VoWiFi, not had echo on normal cell network calls. Stock ROM is now available with Android 8 (Oreo) so when I have time I was intending to try that again, maybe with debloat to remove some of the stock apps.
I would recommend OrangeFox, and although I started with TWRP and flashed this over the top, I think you should be OK to just flash this straight from Odin. TWRP would only flash in old version of Odin, I would guess OrangeFox maybe would be the same. Flash in AP using older version Odin3 v3.12.10. Untick auto reboot, when complete power off with vol down + power, then force to recovery using volume up, home and power
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
just to clarify I could use Orange fox with stock rom and enable adopted storage? So I can use SD for apps when necessary.
I did get adopted storage working of sorts, but certain screens were missing from storage in the setting menu (I think Samsung didn't include or removed these as the phone was not intended to work with Adopted Storage), so it would crash when trying to perform certain actions. I can't actually remember now if you could move apps to the Adopted Storage using the standard system menus, it was so flakey that I stopped using that and switched to using Link2SD (which I had already used before so had a Plus license for) and this does exactly what I needed. These are the steps I used to get Link2SD working: https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/app-1-6-link2sd.919326/post-82757807. I don't think you need the Plus version, but it doesn't cost much, removes the ads and lets you move a few more files. Hope that helps

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