Develop Bugs

(solved) 64gb sd card stuck on read only

Hey! So my 64gb SanDisk microsd card was working fine then the other day it decided to switch to read only, and nothing I do will fix it, windows refuses to format it, ubuntu says it did but the data remains untouched, nothing works! Any help?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda premium

Try downloading root explorer and mounting it as r/w
Sent from my SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app

do you use an adapter to connect it to your pc?
also, i had a sandisk usb flash drive. 2 of my coworkers had a flash drive and micro sd go out in december and january. coincidence? perhaps...

dima470 said:
Try downloading root explorer and mounting it as r/w
Edit: thanks bro! Didn't see the option to mount as r/w, that fixed it!
Sent from my SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It says the permissions cannot be changed because the file system is read only
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda premium

Andrew_han said:
It says the permissions cannot be changed because the file system is read only
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How was this solved?

something similar happened to me with mine. I had to reformat it and I lost everything that was on it but it works now.

Same Issue
I has been dealing with this issue ...now with two SanDisk Micro sd cards XC I, I did tried to format in almost all the know ways...tried Linux, Windows, command line, Different adapters, Different computers, tried with the Storage feature from the Android OS,
Now I have two beatiful 64G micro sd cards....READ ONLY. Also if you browse the content in the file explorer from the computer the Delete option is not listed in the explorer.
Is there any magic tool that can remove this read only feature from the cards????????

same issue
etvelec77 said:
I has been dealing with this issue ...now with two SanDisk Micro sd cards XC I, I did tried to format in almost all the know ways...tried Linux, Windows, command line, Different adapters, Different computers, tried with the Storage feature from the Android OS,
Now I have two beatiful 64G micro sd cards....READ ONLY. Also if you browse the content in the file explorer from the computer the Delete option is not listed in the explorer.
Is there any magic tool that can remove this read only feature from the cards????????
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same issue here: did you update ROM to 4.3 version? I read that it could contain a setting within the platform.xml file that you find into system/etc/permission folder. See this
I tried it but with no success.
I hope you're luckier

Btw i sent it back to Amazon asking for refund (and they agreed). Bye
Sent from my GT-N7100 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Dika2110 said:
Same issue here: did you update ROM to 4.3 version? I read that it could contain a setting within the platform.xml file that you find into system/etc/permission folder. See this
I tried it but with no success.
I hope you're luckier
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I warn you trying this setting. I tried this >>> Editing .XML file. I started getting severe force closes especially Google Frame Work Services. Even reverting did not help. Had to use my Nandroid Backup to go back.
4.3 is sucking so far for 64 GB External SD Card write support. Titanium Backup & Helium both apps can not do automatic scheduled Backups on External SD Card since 99% of the time they do not get Write Access. Only way to do an external SD Card backup is manually after rebooting the phone, even that is hit n miss.

blasterrr said:
I warn you trying this setting. I tried this >>> Editing .XML file. I started getting severe force closes especially Google Frame Work Services. Even reverting did not help. Had to use my Nandroid Backup to go back.
4.3 is sucking so far for 64 GB External SD Card write support. Titanium Backup & Helium both apps can not do automatic scheduled Backups on External SD Card since 99% of the time they do not get Write Access. Only way to do an external SD Card backup is manually after rebooting the phone, even that is hit n miss.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with you. 4.3 is still far from 64Gb SD Card support, and I know that editing this file can be dangerous, but I read that someone was able to restore his card and due to its cost was worth a try. During my tentative, this update didn't have effect (but at least I didn't get more troubles).

Same issue.
64GB SanDisk card from my Note 3 (search brought me here) became read only after 5 months.
I've ended up sending it under warranty back to SanDisk.
I'm glad I didn't loose anything as I've backed it up but still don't like the idea of returning something with a lot of my data and photos I can't delete.

may have found solution
Lembo said:
Same issue.
64GB SanDisk card from my Note 3 (search brought me here) became read only after 5 months.
I've ended up sending it under warranty back to SanDisk.
I'm glad I didn't loose anything as I've backed it up but still don't like the idea of returning something with a lot of my data and photos I can't delete.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was having the very same problem. I finally went into the computer management, and was about to throw phone across room....when I tried to format one last time. This time I unchecked the quick format. It is taking longer, but seems to be working...I am keeping fingers crossed.
Full Format has finished and card is saved! Hope this helps anyone in the future.

[Q] External SD Card is not writable. Fixing permissions does not work or help.

I'm currently running Stock TW 4.1.1 because it just works SO well for me. I've not bothered to upgrade since I bought this phone almost a year ago now I think..?
I'm fully rooted though and I'm running the Note 2 keyboard etc.
Anyway I finally decided to try an upgrade. I tried using the Stock MOD 4.3 ROM which was MUCH slower then my 4.1.1 ROM so I Nandroided back to my backup.
I've noticed that my external 16GB SD Card is no longer working though. I mean, it works. I can access my files and open them BUT the card is not writable. If I check the file permissions I can clearly see it's not set right. If I try to change the file permissions in something like ES File Explorer or Root Explorer I just get errors about not being able to change permissions.
If I boot into TWRP and run the "Fix Permissions" this doesn't help either.
Again this is for my EXTERNAL SD Card, not the built in SD Card.

kdoggy said:
I'm currently running Stock TW 4.1.1 because it just works SO well for me. I've not bothered to upgrade since I bought this phone almost a year ago now I think..?
I'm fully rooted though and I'm running the Note 2 keyboard etc.
Anyway I finally decided to try an upgrade. I tried using the Stock MOD 4.3 ROM which was MUCH slower then my 4.1.1 ROM so I Nandroided back to my backup.
I've noticed that my external 16GB SD Card is no longer working though. I mean, it works. I can access my files and open them BUT the card is not writable. If I check the file permissions I can clearly see it's not set right. If I try to change the file permissions in something like ES File Explorer or Root Explorer I just get errors about not being able to change permissions.
If I boot into TWRP and run the "Fix Permissions" this doesn't help either.
Again this is for my EXTERNAL SD Card, not the built in SD Card.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried backing up the contents of the sd card and formatting it? Either from within the phone's storage menu or another device.

dntesinfrno said:
Have you tried backing up the contents of the sd card and formatting it? Either from within the phone's storage menu on another device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No I have not. I wanted to see if there was a way to do it without formatting first but if no one has any other idea's, I might have to try that.

kdoggy said:
No I have not. I wanted to see if there was a way to do it without formatting first but if no one has any other idea's, I might have to try that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That would be my first move to rule out a potential hardware failure, assuming you have the means to do so without much trouble.

Well being that it started right after a Nandroid restore I'm thinking it's not hardware failure related but you never know.
I guess it wouldn't take too long to do that. I'll give it a go.

Yep that did it. I guess I was WAY over thinking the issue.
I'm able to save porn to my external SD Card again so that is a major plus!

kdoggy said:
Yep that did it. I guess I was WAY over thinking the issue.
I'm able to save porn to my external SD Card again so that is a major plus!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol as long as the porn is ok

External SD card write issue

I'm currently running a rooted GPE G pad with stock 4.4.2 installed and am having an issue writing to the external SD card in both titanium backup and folder mount. In Tibu it says I don't have write permissions when trying to change the backup location to /storage/sdcard1 and folder mount gives me an error as well when trying to write to the same location. Is there some option in 4.4.2 preventing me from writing here or am just doing something completely wrong? I used the same sd card in my rooted Galaxy S4 for both these apps and haven't had any problems.
Sent from my AOKP GS4

I had a very similar issue on the stock 4.2.2 (non-gpe version). Some games were not updating, error 492 if I recall. I could not delete or remove the folder, and certain folders were not allowing me to write to them. I chalked it up to the LG OS just causing damage to the SD card - I formatted it, installed CM11, and haven't had the issue since. I was able to put the MicroSD in the PC and delete the folder/files, but the folder would still appear (reappear/get re-made) when put in the tablet, as it would then show up on the PC.
Not sure what caused it, but I was under the impression it was the stock firmware. Evidently not.

Posted this in another thread, but figured I'd also post here for reference...
I had the same problem; couldn't write, etc although from a PC or installing the same SDCARD in another device worked fine.... called Google Support; no help by the way and after searching/reading for a while determined the problem.
This link explains how to fix... basically Android is not accessing the proper "name" of the external card and you just need to add one line to fix permissions.
http://www.androidauthority.com/galaxy-s4-gpe-android-4-3-sd-card-fix-254960

Worked perfectly, thanks! I would likely have looked into returning it if I couldn't figure out how to fix that.
Sent from my TouchPad using Tapatalk 4

Just tried this on Stock LG Rom (V500) and unfortunately it did not resolve my issue updating apps that I have moved to external SD card via Foldermount. I can successfully run apps and write to external SD via titanium backup just can't update apps via play store. Foldermount developer blames LG and is already working to correct in his next version. Was hoping this was the solution. Guess will have to wait for update from dev.
Sent from my LG-V500 using Tapatalk 4

First time I had a SD card get fried on me. Sandisk 64GB SD fails with write protect. Cannot even format on PC.
Could it be the G Pad is frying cards?

Hmm, not sure it's the G Pad. I have also had issues with Sandisk 64GB cards but in Galaxy Tab. I do not think the Sandisk are as reliable as say the Samsung cards. I think this is one of the reasons you can find them so cheap vs. other brands. Picked up 2 more for $34 each on Black Friday. In any case, you may be able to resurrect by using the MiniTool Partition Wizard. I had a card that I was able to fix by deleting all the partitions and recreating. Give it a whirl you have nothing to lose. The desktop tool is free.

cbb77 said:
Hmm, not sure it's the G Pad. I have also had issues with Sandisk 64GB cards but in Galaxy Tab. I do not think the Sandisk are as reliable as say the Samsung cards. I think this is one of the reasons you can find them so cheap vs. other brands. Picked up 2 more for $34 each on Black Friday. In any case, you may be able to resurrect by using the MiniTool Partition Wizard. I had a card that I was able to fix by deleting all the partitions and recreating. Give it a whirl you have nothing to lose. The desktop tool is free.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll have to give that tool a shot. I am going to RMA card anyways.
Sent from my LG-V510 using XDA Premium HD app

I also had issues with Sandisk Ultra 64GB card, works fine with smaller cards. Kept saying card dismounted unexpectedly and Titanium would fail many times during a backup because. I CAN do a nand backup no problem in recovery and works fine in PC so some firmware issue with either 64 GB cards in general or just Sandisk? Same issue only worse if use a custom rom. Was gonna return my pad but once tested other cards realised some 64GB/Sandisk compatibility issue.... I can also recommend mini tool partition wizard

CWobbles said:
I also had issues with Sandisk Ultra 64GB card, works fine with smaller cards. Kept saying card dismounted unexpectedly and Titanium would fail many times during a backup because. I CAN do a nand backup no problem in recovery and works fine in PC so some firmware issue with either 64 GB cards in general or just Sandisk? Same issue only worse if use a custom rom. Was gonna return my pad but once tested other cards realised some 64GB/Sandisk compatibility issue.... I can also recommend mini tool partition wizard
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mini tool partition did not work for me. I cannot write to card but can read from it.
Sent from my LG-D800 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

AndroidUser00110001 said:
Mini tool partition did not work for me. I cannot write to card but can read from it.
Sent from my LG-D800 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Worth trying this tool https://www.sdcard.org/downloads/formatter_4/eula_windows/ but I suspect Sandisk just isnt the 64GB card to go for

CWobbles said:
Worth trying this tool https://www.sdcard.org/downloads/formatter_4/eula_windows/ but I suspect Sandisk just isnt the 64GB card to go for
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nevermind, fixed it

spillner said:
Nevermind, fixed it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good news:good:
Would you mind sharing how?

I fixed mine following the instructions in ripper dude's link.

RiPpeR_dUdE said:
Posted this in another thread, but figured I'd also post here for reference...
I had the same problem; couldn't write, etc although from a PC or installing the same SDCARD in another device worked fine.... called Google Support; no help by the way and after searching/reading for a while determined the problem.
This link explains how to fix... basically Android is not accessing the proper "name" of the external card and you just need to add one line to fix permissions.
http://www.androidauthority.com/galaxy-s4-gpe-android-4-3-sd-card-fix-254960
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well me thinking it was the sandisk 64gb I ordered a samsung pro 64gb and same thing as the sandisk while the LG and TBP recognize it as external_sd and i can store files on it I cannot move apps to it Nor does TBP recognize it at the bottom as sd1 anyway I tried the fix above and neither root explorer,es file explorer or solid explorer would let me edit and this is after i clicked mount rw..... anyone have any other ideas?

jionny said:
well me thinking it was the sandisk 64gb I ordered a samsung pro 64gb and same thing as the sandisk while the LG and TBP recognize it as external_sd and i can store files on it I cannot move apps to it Nor does TBP recognize it at the bottom as sd1 anyway I tried the fix above and neither root explorer,es file explorer or solid explorer would let me edit and this is after i clicked mount rw..... anyone have any other ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you say you can't edit the file even after mounting as r/w, what error do you get? Basically, until you edit the file I think you'll continue having the problem.

RiPpeR_dUdE said:
When you say you can't edit the file even after mounting as r/w, what error do you get? Basically, until you edit the file I think you'll continue having the problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No errors i get into the platform xl file see write external then try to add the extra line but nothing happens I type and nothing, whatever I type and nothing happens. It will not allow me to edit it although all permissions are set for editing

jionny said:
No errors i get into the platform xl file see write external then try to add the extra line but nothing happens I type and nothing, whatever I type and nothing happens. It will not allow me to edit it although all permissions are set for editing
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check SuperSU to ensure the app you're using has been given root access. If you can't edit the file, sounds like you don't have proper permissions.

RiPpeR_dUdE said:
Check SuperSU to ensure the app you're using has been given root access. If you can't edit the file, sounds like you don't have proper permissions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wish that was the problem but like I said I tried root explorer, es file explorer and my favorite solid explorer all have root access,I'm going to uninstall solid explorer and reinstall and see if that helps

jionny said:
I wish that was the problem but like I said I tried root explorer, es file explorer and my favorite solid explorer all have root access,I'm going to uninstall solid explorer and reinstall and see if that helps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Give this app a try, I've encountered various problems with different versions of the apps you've mentioned and never had an issue with this one. After install, add the root add-on and you should be good to go.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nextapp.fx

[Q] Running out of Space, Symlinks and Installing Apps to SDcard

Due to size limitations (GPads only coming in 16gb varieties) I am beginning to run low on space on my Gpad (v500 running cm11). However I have a 64gb microSD card and I would like to use this as much as I can to conserve space on the internal memory.
There are a few ways to solve this but I not fully know how to do this.
Firstly, is it possible install apps to microSD card? If so, how? I know some devices support this and some do not. My phone for example does not but I have heard that some people have had success with this.
Next, there are some rather large folders on my internal storage that I would like move to my sdcard however the apps that use those folder can only read them where they are currently located (cmupdates, ebooks, etc).
I read about symlinks and managed to make a few but the only place I was able to make a symlink was to /data/media/0. But the changes to that do not show up the apps which I believe read either /sdcard or /storage/emulated/0. And for my SDcard I can get to it either in /mnt/media/sdcard1 or through /storage/sdcard1.
I tried and succeeded in making a link between /mnt/media/sdcard1/eBooks and /data/media/0/eBooks however the link does not show up in /sdcard or /storage/emulated/0 and it does not show up in the apps, leading me to believe that is where the apps read the sdcard from.
If anyone can answer the above two questions or give any other suggestions for maximizing available space on my internal card please let me know.
Thank you!

I think most of your issues could be resolved with Link2SD (under 10 posts, can't post a link to Google Play).

You can also use an app called Foldermount. It's only $.99 ( if I recall correctly) for the unlocked version. This allows you to move any folder to SD card. I like it as it guides you thru the way and will move the data for you as well. Latest version has been updated to allow apps from play store to install properly. Well worth the $1 price.

mzfckr993 said:
I think most of your issues could be resolved with Link2SD (under 10 posts, can't post a link to Google Play).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
cbb77 said:
You can also use an app called Foldermount. It's only $.99 ( if I recall correctly) for the unlocked version. This allows you to move any folder to SD card. I like it as it guides you thru the way and will move the data for you as well. Latest version has been updated to allow apps from play store to install properly. Well worth the $1 price.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks guys! Looks like using these two combined I can get exactly what I wanted. I'll use link2SD to put apps on the SD card and Foldermount to move the other folders I want moved.
Thanks again!

Can you let me know if this works for you? I can't get mine to read or write my SD card at all! I can't even move a picture from my Box cloud account to the SD card. Are you experiencing this? Or did I get a bad unit?

1barlog17 said:
Can you let me know if this works for you? I can't get mine to read or write my SD card at all! I can't even move a picture from my Box cloud account to the SD card. Are you experiencing this? Or did I get a bad unit?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
These solutions did work for me, I am still tweaking to get it the way I like it especially since every time I update my Rom Link2SD has to generate new scripts. I can ready and write to the SD card just fine and I could before I started using this as well. I am not sure why you aren't able to write to your sd card. Could it be a bad SD card? Try plugging it into your computer.

I've tried 2 different SD cards both of which I can move files to and from on my computer. So I know it's not the card. I'm thinking maybe I should exchange it out for another day one...

1barlog17 said:
I've tried 2 different SD cards both of which I can move files to and from on my computer. So I know it's not the card. I'm thinking maybe I should exchange it out for another day one...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Probably... That sounds like a device issue not card.

How are the cards formatted?
The ROM you are using may not support the format.
1barlog17 said:
I've tried 2 different SD cards both of which I can move files to and from on my computer. So I know it's not the card. I'm thinking maybe I should exchange it out for another day one...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

C0BRA01 said:
How are the cards formatted?
The ROM you are using may not support the format.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure I just put the card in my computer and clicked format SD card. I'm not rooted or running any special ROM, it's completely stock out've the box.

Well, if you did it from your PC, it may be formatted NTFS, and you need them formatted FAT 32. Get it here; http://www.partitionwizard.com/free-partition-manager.html Not only allows formatting almost any format xFAT, Fat32, NTFS, etc.. and you can partition them also which is not supported by Windows, but IS supported by most Android ROMs. I doubt there is anything wrong with your device.
1barlog17 said:
I'm not sure I just put the card in my computer and clicked format SD card. I'm not rooted or running any special ROM, it's completely stock out've the box.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

C0BRA01 said:
Well, if you did it from your PC, it may be formatted NTFS, and you need them formatted FAT 32. Get it here; http://www.partitionwizard.com/free-partition-manager.html Not only allows formatting almost any format xFAT, Fat32, NTFS, etc.. and you can partition them also which is not supported by Windows, but IS supported by most Android ROMs. I doubt there is anything wrong with your device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the tip, this makes me feel a little better about my purchase, I'll give it a try. I'm also thinking of buying a 64gb San Disk card and hopefully it will just work with a brand new one.

These solutions did work for me, I am still tweaking to get it the way I like it especially since every time I update my Rom Link2SD has to generate new scripts. I can ready and write to the SD card just fine and I could before I started using this as well. I am not sure why you aren't able to write to your sd card. Could it be a bad SD card? Try plugging it into your computer.

Lucien2 said:
These solutions did work for me, I am still tweaking to get it the way I like it especially since every time I update my Rom Link2SD has to generate new scripts. I can ready and write to the SD card just fine and I could before I started using this as well. I am not sure why you aren't able to write to your sd card. Could it be a bad SD card? Try plugging it into your computer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have been trying to fix the issue with Rom updates and link2sd. You have to provide the Rom (in my case cyanogenmod) a backup script so it can back up the files. I am planning on figuring it out at some point but if you get it before I do would you mind posting your script? Thanks!
Sent from my VS870 4G using XDA Premium HD app

colwellkr said:
I have been trying to fix the issue with Rom updates and link2sd. You have to provide the Rom (in my case cyanogenmod) a backup script so it can back up the files. I am planning on figuring it out at some point but if you get it before I do would you mind posting your script? Thanks!
Sent from my VS870 4G using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So a follow up with this, I was able to get a script working. I don't know if this feature is unique to cyanogenmod or not but any script in /system/addon.d will execute itself during a rom install and be restored automatically if it was wiped. So using 50-cm.sh as an example I made a script called 11-link2sd.sh to perform the backup of the mount script for link2sd which is located in /system/etc/init.d/11link2sd.
I then had insert this script and my mount script into a cyanogenmod update and flash it in. But after that I tried flashing an update of cm11 to test it and it worked! Attached is my script which should also work for anyone who is able to flash it into their /system/addon.d folder.

couldn't install on usb storage or sd card

I tried doing the unmount trick, the one with the terminal. Still nothing
The "funny" thing is that I can install free apps without problem, but when I download Swype and Poweramp unlocker (which I bought) i keep getting this error
solutions?

Did you try a Link2SD?

More details please buddy, want to help but need to know as much as you can tell. Rom, flash details, when it first happened, etc.

EmptyArea said:
More details please buddy, want to help but need to know as much as you can tell. Rom, flash details, when it first happened, etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello, I have flashed the JellyKat ROM v5 on my NoteII and got a new sd card (ADATA 32GB) from ebay, the card was sealed so I hope I wasn't cheated, but randomly I see these things in my DCIM folder and I can't write to the card and the phone seems to not read the media on it music photos everything, and I can't install any apps on it or update existing app or even create a folder through the default touchwiz My Files.
I tried to format the card on the PC but can only do quick format because it loads and loads and then say windows can't format this, I also formated it via the phone it worked for a while and then stopped working again, now I don't put a card in the phone.

Doomstemplar said:
Hello, I have flashed the JellyKat ROM v5 on my NoteII and got a new sd card (ADATA 32GB) from ebay, the card was sealed so I hope I wasn't cheated, but randomly I see these things in my DCIM folder and I can't write to the card and the phone seems to not read the media on it music photos everything, and I can't install any apps on it or update existing app or even create a folder through the default touchwiz My Files.
I tried to format the card on the PC but can only do quick format because it loads and loads and then say windows can't format this, I also formated it via the phone it worked for a while and then stopped working again, now I don't put a card in the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Seems like sdcard's memory partitions corrupted.
Try different Sdcard & update info
Sent from my GT-N7100 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

optimusPRIME said:
Seems like sdcard's memory partitions corrupted.
Try different Sdcard & update info
Sent from my GT-N7100 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have been using my old card from my tablet all day now and it is working fine I created a new folder and copied some files from internal storage to it to test it and it worked.
Is there a way to fix the corrupted partitions on the other card?

Jerry69 said:
I tried doing the unmount trick, the one with the terminal. Still nothing
The "funny" thing is that I can install free apps without problem, but when I download Swype and Poweramp unlocker (which I bought) i keep getting this error
solutions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup, I also faced that kind of problem before, simply run KitKat SD fix, grant root and let the app patch the platform.xml. Reboot and try again. It worked for me. :good: