Database Users

[Q] SD card problem. Please help

Hi guys I registered just for help with this annoying problem. So I bought my Xperia Play on ebay and the guy said it was brand new. Anyway so I open it up pop my sim card in then I slide it open to try out some games. So I click on Bruce Lee then it tells me insert SD card so then I think to myself "did the guy take the SD card" so I end up opening the back cover and looking for the SD card slot and to my surprise it had an SD card in it.
An 8GB card so I didn't know what the problem is. So I went over to storage and tried to mount it, it then tells me "SD card is blank or has unsupported filesystem" so then I click on that to format it and it does nothing just brings a little loading thing then the same notification that it is blank.
I finally got my brother's phone and popped it in and formatted it through the pc through his phone and then popped it into mine and the same problem again. I'm at the end of my rope, I've contacted the seller but I'd really would like to be able to fix it myself and keep the phone.
Thanks for any help and sorry for the essay lol.
Since then I've tried using my brother's micro SD I've tried formating and everything I can think of. This is my last resort before looking for a place that might be able to fix it.

Not an expert here, but if you have tried multiple cards and they don't work, you could try a factory reset on the phone. If that does not work, sounds like a hardware issue, though someone else might know better.
Sent from my brain on channel 64!

That's what I'm thinking but I wanna see if someone has a fix or a trick before taking it in to be checked.

Do you have another card to try?
Mine was cracked and quit working. I got a new 16GB card anyway because 8 isn't enough for a gaming system. 16 isn't even enough but that was the biggest I could find under $100.
I didn’t want to spend just as much on a card as I did on the phone. Although I did spend $900+ for a 32GB iphone 3GS.

ncaissie said:
Do you have another card to try?
Mine was cracked and quit working. I got a new 16GB card anyway because 8 isn't enough for a gaming system. 16 isn't even enough but that was the biggest I could find under $100.
I didn’t want to spend just as much on a card as I did on the phone. Although I did spend $900+ for a 32GB iphone 3GS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried like 3 cards. One that came with it, then I went out then bought a 4GB Sony card and then I resorted to trying out my brother's card that works in his samsung phone.

Then it is probably a hardware problem. See if you can get it fixed under warranty.
How long ago did you buy it? You have 20 days to file a claim through Paypal.

Try multiple microSD cards if you have any available to you. If the phone isn't mounting it properly, try formatting the SD card on your computer. Be sure to use defalt file system and the default allocation size.
One thing I noticed is that the SD card will not mount properly if the back cover is not put on securely. There are two small buttons that are depressed when the back cover is replaced, which tells the Play to keep the SD card mounted.
When I was hot swapping SD cards with the back cover off, the SD card did not remain mounted.
Good luck!

32gb micro sandisk not mounting ??

hi,just tried my new 32gb sandisk & it wont stay on,i plugged it in & it says i can safely remove & when i mount it it appears as 29gb and then vanishes again,ive erased the card but still wont stay & also restarted phone ??? any ideas ? is the card a duff ?
bloody hell now my old card is doing the samething & all my data,music & videos etc are not showing ?
none of my cards will stay mounted & ive factory reset also,they just appear & disappear 16gb & my new 32gb sandisk ?
notification keeps coming up to safely remove sd card

There is a little switch that clicks down when you put the back down. Be sure the back cover of your phone is all the way one or it won’t mount.
Also once you change cards your old card will not work in your phone again (data wise).
The phone seems to marry to the card then forget the old card. I learned that the hard way when I put a smaller card in while I rooted my phone (all I did was format the other card at that point). Then I put my main card back in all my games had to be reinstalled.

You can copy all the data files from one card to the other and the phone will recognize both properly
Sent from my XPlay using XDA App.

Not that I know of. Like I said it forgot my SD after putting a new one in and formatting it. So i'm guessing one at a time.

ncaissie said:
Be sure the back cover of your phone is all the way on
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
slide your finger pressing firmly at the edges of the back cover all around

thanks for the info folks,i didnt know the bloody cover had to be on to get the micro sd working

kenf2210 said:
thanks for the info folks,i didnt know the bloody cover had to be on to get the micro sd working
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah, it's actually more convenient because it allows you to change sd cards without restarting your phone.
Sent from my XPlay using XDA App.

kenf2210 said:
thanks for the info folks,i didnt know the bloody cover had to be on to get the micro sd working
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same, had the same issues at first, and this was the solution.

That feature is there so hotswapping your memory card won't cause data corruption.
Sent from my R800

SD Card not working

I brought a XPeria play from Amazon.com that is supposed to be new and appears to be that way. I was super excited to get it...
Except one thing...
The SD Card that the phone come with is not being read properly. It comes with an 8GB card.
I am not sure what brand of card it is. It says 8 GB microsd HC
I even tried using my current SD card that I have in my other phone, also 8 GB made by kingston. Class 4 I believe
Everytime i stick it in there it says SD CARD CAN NOT BE ACCESED
I go into settings and it will at first show 7.40 GB available and then it will change to unavailable.
What can I do?
It is an R800i

I actually had the same problem just a little while ago and I put into my x10 and it said the card had damaged clusters out something like that and it just repaired it, so that could be it or the sd card slot just doesn't work properly
Sent from my R800a using XDA App

Not too sure if this will work, but i guess its worth a shot right?
Format the SD Card ~ Take a backup of everything on it if needs be.
(If you can't do it via the phones settings, use an adapter and do it via your pc)
then place it back in, try to mount it, if it fails; reboot the phone and see if it automatically mounts.
Hope it works if you try it.

Make sure the back of the phone is securely in place, there is a tiny microswitch on the rear of the phone that tells it the back is on, if the back is not on properly, the micro sd will unmount itself.

(Guide/How-To) How to Fix a Non-functional microSD

This guide/how-to will show you how to fix your non-functional microSD card.
Things you need:​-Broken microSD
-Blackberry (tested with a Curve)
That's it!
How I came across this fix and some backstory:​Your microSD card might not really be broken. Just follow these easy steps to fix your "broken" microSD. The other day, I tried to flash a ROM from my external SD. In recovery, it said that there was no external SD mounted. I knew that wasn't true, so I took a deeper look in. I also tried to manually mount the SD card in the settings menu. I tried changing my ROM, trying putting the microSD into different devices, but no matter what I did, the microSD couldn't be read. I even considered returning to stock.
I was on Amazon, already looking at some new UHS-1 Sandisk cards. I figured I needed a faster and bigger card anyways. That was when I noticed a Blackberry Curve next to me. I hadn't tried putting the microSD in it yet, so I said to myself, "What do I have to lose? It's already not working. It can only make it better." I put in the microSD and voila! The BlackBerry recognized the card and asked if I wanted to format it. I hit yes and the BB formated the microSD with no issues. I put my microSD back in my T-Mobile Galaxy S2, and guess what? The phone recognized it! Another plus is the fact that with the BlackBerry format, there was only one folder. Normally, when you format a card in a phone, there are A LOT of folders. I just deleted the BlackBerry folder so basically, I had a completely empty card.
Formal Instructions on how to fix your microSD:​1. Put your not-functional microSD into a BlackBerry.
2. The BlackBerry should ask to format the card. Hit yes.
4. Connect your microSD to a computer. Open it up.
5. Delete the folder called "BlackBerry" (optional).
6. Your microSD card should now work fine.
If this thread helped revive your broken microSD and saved you money by not buying a new card, please click the thanks button.

Can't u just format it on a pc?
Sent from my LG-P999 using xda premium

fadownjoo said:
Can't u just format it on a pc?
Sent from my LG-P999 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It might not show up. My microSD only showed up in the BB. This is just if nothing can read the card.

Oh hai man XD
Sent from my Baconator Over-9000

Tezlastorme said:
Oh hai man XD
Sent from my Baconator Over-9000
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey storm !
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium

android88 said:
This guide/how-to will show you how to fix your non-functional microSD card.
Things you need:​-Broken microSD
-Blackberry (tested with a Curve)
That's it!
How I came across this fix and some backstory:​Your microSD card might not really be broken. Just follow these easy steps to fix your "broken" microSD. The other day, I tried to flash a ROM from my external SD. In recovery, it said that there was no external SD mounted. I knew that wasn't true, so I took a deeper look in. I also tried to manually mount the SD card in the settings menu. I tried changing my ROM, trying putting the microSD into different devices, but no matter what I did, the microSD couldn't be read. I even considered returning to stock.
I was on Amazon, already looking at some new UHS-1 Sandisk cards. I figured I needed a faster and bigger card anyways. That was when I noticed a Blackberry Curve next to me. I hadn't tried putting the microSD in it yet, so I said to myself, "What do I have to lose? It's already not working. It can only make it better." I put in the microSD and voila! The BlackBerry recognized the card and asked if I wanted to format it. I hit yes and the BB formated the microSD with no issues. I put my microSD back in my T-Mobile Galaxy S2, and guess what? The phone recognized it! Another plus is the fact that with the BlackBerry format, there was only one folder. Normally, when you format a card in a phone, there are A LOT of folders. I just deleted the BlackBerry folder so basically, I had a completely empty card.
Formal Instructions on how to fix your microSD:​1. Put your not-functional microSD into a BlackBerry.
2. The BlackBerry should ask to format the card. Hit yes.
4. Connect your microSD to a computer. Open it up.
5. Delete the folder called "BlackBerry" (optional).
6. Your microSD card should now work fine.
If this thread helped revive your broken microSD and saved you money by not buying a new card, please click the thanks button.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sorry but does not work for my Sandisk 8GB formatted by curve 8520 =(

bckd00r said:
I'm sorry but does not work for my Sandisk 8GB formatted by curve 8520 =(
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried it on a Curve 8520 as well and it worked fine.

bckd00r said:
I'm sorry but does not work for my Sandisk 8GB formatted by curve 8520 =(
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This solution not for all cards If you card is password locked - it can help to format. If card totally dead - solution not applicable.

ildaris said:
This solution not for all cards If you card is password locked - it can help to format. If card totally dead - solution not applicable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My card wasn't being read by anything besides the Blackberry.

.
Cool tip

Thanks this worked. I had an old card to and it wouldn't read in my epic 4g touch and it really worked tx.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium

stereo386 said:
Thanks this worked. I had an old card to and it wouldn't read in my epic 4g touch and it really worked tx.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's good .

android88 said:
This guide/how-to will show you how to fix your non-functional microSD card.
Things you need:​-Broken microSD
-Blackberry (tested with a Curve)
That's it!
How I came across this fix and some backstory:​Your microSD card might not really be broken. Just follow these easy steps to fix your "broken" microSD. The other day, I tried to flash a ROM from my external SD. In recovery, it said that there was no external SD mounted. I knew that wasn't true, so I took a deeper look in. I also tried to manually mount the SD card in the settings menu. I tried changing my ROM, trying putting the microSD into different devices, but no matter what I did, the microSD couldn't be read. I even considered returning to stock.
I was on Amazon, already looking at some new UHS-1 Sandisk cards. I figured I needed a faster and bigger card anyways. That was when I noticed a Blackberry Curve next to me. I hadn't tried putting the microSD in it yet, so I said to myself, "What do I have to lose? It's already not working. It can only make it better." I put in the microSD and voila! The BlackBerry recognized the card and asked if I wanted to format it. I hit yes and the BB formated the microSD with no issues. I put my microSD back in my T-Mobile Galaxy S2, and guess what? The phone recognized it! Another plus is the fact that with the BlackBerry format, there was only one folder. Normally, when you format a card in a phone, there are A LOT of folders. I just deleted the BlackBerry folder so basically, I had a completely empty card.
Formal Instructions on how to fix your microSD:​1. Put your not-functional microSD into a BlackBerry.
2. The BlackBerry should ask to format the card. Hit yes.
4. Connect your microSD to a computer. Open it up.
5. Delete the folder called "BlackBerry" (optional).
6. Your microSD card should now work fine.
If this thread helped revive your broken microSD and saved you money by not buying a new card, please click the thanks button.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks man, was considering to buy a new one :beer:
Sent from my LG-E400 using xda premium

If you get *really* desperate, have stuff on it that can't be replaced, and have a few days to burn, you can also try to rip the bits from it using an Arduino (or any other microcontroller).
The easy part is pointing at address=0 and sequentially reading it a bit at a time, byte by byte, via SPI. The *hard* part is interpreting it as a filesystem. I know code exists for FAT32, but I'm not so confident about ext2/3/4 or NTFS. For those, you might have to come up with a way to get the raw data into a form DD can recognize.
The point is, a microSD card is pretty hard to physically destroy. It's one of the few devices we have left that can be low-level read by fairly simple means (in theory, you could probably read it with a 3v DC power source, a SPST toggle switch, two momentary buttons, a LED & resistor, a soldering iron, and some wire... one button for MOSI, one button for SCK, and the LED for MISO. Flip the switch to transition ~SS from high to low to reset the latch, and press away. Ok, maybe debounce it, too...
It wouldn't do you much good that way, but it's an example of just how easy it IS to rip raw bits from a microSD card. No real timing requirements (AFAIK, microSD timing is entirely static). Apparently, this is kind of how the first home computers worked, too...
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2

bitbang3r said:
If you get *really* desperate, have stuff on it that can't be replaced, and have a few days to burn, you can also try to rip the bits from it using an Arduino (or any other microcontroller).
The easy part is pointing at address=0 and sequentially reading it a bit at a time, byte by byte, via SPI. The *hard* part is interpreting it as a filesystem. I know code exists for FAT32, but I'm not so confident about ext2/3/4 or NTFS. For those, you might have to come up with a way to get the raw data into a form DD can recognize.
The point is, a microSD card is pretty hard to physically destroy. It's one of the few devices we have left that can be low-level read by fairly simple means (in theory, you could probably read it with a 3v DC power source, a SPST toggle switch, two momentary buttons, a LED & resistor, a soldering iron, and some wire... one button for MOSI, one button for SCK, and the LED for MISO. Flip the switch to transition ~SS from high to low to reset the latch, and press away. Ok, maybe debounce it, too...
It wouldn't do you much good that way, but it's an example of just how easy it IS to rip raw bits from a microSD card. No real timing requirements (AFAIK, microSD timing is entirely static). Apparently, this is kind of how the first home computers worked, too...
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't really understand all of that but it sounds like it would work, lol.

StraTzHD said:
Thanks man, was considering to buy a new one :beer:
Sent from my LG-E400 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice . I'm glad it worked.

Galan,233-7550 ancnsel
android88 said:
This guide/how-to will show you how to fix your non-functional microSD card.
Things you need:​-Broken microSD
-Blackberry (tested with a Curve)
That's it!
How I came across this fix and some backstory:​Your microSD card might not really be broken. Just follow these easy steps to fix your "broken" microSD. The other day, I tried to flash a ROM from my external SD. In recovery, it said that there was no external SD mounted. I knew that wasn't true, so I took a deeper look in. I also tried to manually mount the SD card in the settings menu. I tried changing my ROM, trying putting the microSD into different devices, but no matter what I did, the microSD couldn't be read. I even considered returning to stock.
I was on Amazon, already looking at some new UHS-1 Sandisk cards. I figured I needed a faster and bigger card anyways. That was when I noticed a Blackberry Curve next to me. I hadn't tried putting the microSD in it yet, so I said to myself, "What do I have to lose? It's already not working. It can only make it better." I put in the microSD and voila! The BlackBerry recognized the card and asked if I wanted to format it. I hit yes and the BB formated the microSD with no issues. I put my microSD back in my T-Mobile Galaxy S2, and guess what? The phone recognized it! Another plus is the fact that with the BlackBerry format, there was only one folder. Normally, when you format a card in a phone, there are A LOT of folders. I just deleted the BlackBerry folder so basically, I had a completely empty card.
Formal Instructions on how to fix your microSD:​1. Put your not-functional microSD into a BlackBerry.
2. The BlackBerry should ask to format the card. Hit yes.
4. Connect your microSD to a computer. Open it up.
5. Delete the folder called "BlackBerry" (optional).
6. Your microSD card should now work fine.
If this thread helped revive your broken microSD and saved you money by not buying a new card, please click the thanks button.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hi sir.. how about if one doesn't have a blackberry?? what should they do?

kanor_ said:
hi sir.. how about if one doesn't have a blackberry?? what should they do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know. This only applies to people who have a BlackBerry. I guess you could try sticking your microSD in different devices and see if something pops up asking you to format your card.

kanor_ said:
hi sir.. how about if one doesn't have a blackberry?? what should they do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
android88 said:
I don't know. This only applies to people who have a BlackBerry. I guess you could try sticking your microSD in different devices and see if something pops up asking you to format your card.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well you could borrow someone else's blackberry. Just kidding!
Has anyone found out why only blackberry? Do they have a different algorithm to read flash memory?
Sent from my Micromax A110

BabuMoshaaye said:
Well you could borrow someone else's blackberry. Just kidding!
Has anyone found out why only blackberry? Do they have a different algorithm to read flash memory?
Sent from my Micromax A110
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
More to the point how about doing some basic fact-finding first and finding out what errors the kernel on the device is reporting when it tries to mount the sdcard, then steps can be taken to solve the real problem rather than relying on magic and what some people might term as beginners luck! A good place to start is
Code:
adb shell dmesg

Strange external micro SD card problem with Moto X Pure 1575, please help!

Similar issue like in this post:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x-style/help/sd-card-problems-moto-x-pure-t3447789
But even worse. The external SD card suddenly vanishes from phone, now it only shows up shortly after phone re-starts, then the external SD card will disappear again. Don't know what's wrong. Then I put a new SD card, it happens like that after I used it for two days. The external SD card is used as portable storage.
When I tried to format the SD card when phone just started, it fails to do so, then it disappears.
I took both SD cards to Windows computer, they show up correctly and I can copy the files out from them. However, I cannot format them, they give out error: the exFAT card is writable protected. How a micro-SD card is locked for writing?
Tried to search online, but couldn't figure out how to solve the issue. It seems to me the phone has some issue with the card and changed the card somehow.
Can anyone help?
Thanks a lot!

I've had similar issues with SD cards that were going bad - weird, inconsistent behavior. Do you have another SD card you can test the phone with to confirm it isn't a rom or tray problem?
I once had a card that would work fine in TWRP, fine in a PC w/ adapter, but just show up as removed and added over and over again in a rom. Had another that could be read, but not written or formatted. It was full of music, but music players could only play about 5 seconds then they'd skip to the next song. Both of these cards failed in short order after starting this flaky behavior.
Based on my experience, I'd say recover your data and RMA if it is an option. Having microSD to supplement storage is convenient, but those things are cheap for a reason.

jason2678 said:
I've had similar issues with SD cards that were going bad - weird, inconsistent behavior. Do you have another SD card you can test the phone with to confirm it isn't a rom or tray problem?
I once had a card that would work fine in TWRP, fine in a PC w/ adapter, but just show up as removed and added over and over again in a rom. Had another that could be read, but not written or formatted. It was full of music, but music players could only play about 5 seconds then they'd skip to the next song. Both of these cards failed in short order after starting this flaky behavior.
Based on my experience, I'd say recover your data and RMA if it is an option. Having microSD to supplement storage is convenient, but those things are cheap for a reason.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I've tried the second one(which works perfectly before I put in the phone) already, it ends up as the same bad state. I am afraid to brick the third SD card I throw into there...but I will try another one later.

I should have read more carefully. I wouldn't throw a third card at it if you've already tried two and had the same result.
Is this with the stock rom?

jason2678 said:
I should have read more carefully. I wouldn't throw a third card at it if you've already tried two and had the same result.
Is this with the stock rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, stock ROM, but I did root the phone.
I tried to contact Moto support and request a repair, funny enough it didn't go through because I don't have US address, which I did and put it right there!
For test, I put another small capacity card in the phone again to see what's going to happen...It might be the card, but two cards in a row...and they are different brand...Anyway, Lexar card will replace my card without trouble. But I still want to know if it's the phone's problem...Will see.

cr2069 said:
Yes, stock ROM, but I did root the phone.
I tried to contact Moto support and request a repair, funny enough it didn't go through because I don't have US address, which I did and put it right there!
For test, I put another small capacity card in the phone again to see what's going to happen...It might be the card, but two cards in a row...and they are different brand...Anyway, Lexar card will replace my card without trouble. But I still want to know if it's the phone's problem...Will see.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Be interesting to see if the small card behaves. If it is <32 gb it is probably fat32.
Some of the problems I described above started after letting an old phone format a high capacity card that started out as exfat to fat32. Some people say they do it and it is not a problem, but I tried formatting one 64 gb card from exfat to fat32 and broke it twice. Once using a phone and the second time using a laptop and gparted. Manufacturer did replace it both times. Left as exfat I'm still using the same card in my XT1575 several years later.

cr2069 said:
Yes, stock ROM, but I did root the phone.
I tried to contact Moto support and request a repair, funny enough it didn't go through because I don't have US address, which I did and put it right there!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just thought I would chime in and say since you unlocked your bootloader moto legally will not offer a repair unless you pay for it since you're warranty is now null and void.
Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk

jason2678 said:
Be interesting to see if the small card behaves. If it is <32 gb it is probably fat32.
Some of the problems I described above started after letting an old phone format a high capacity card that started out as exfat to fat32. Some people say they do it and it is not a problem, but I tried formatting one 64 gb card from exfat to fat32 and broke it twice. Once using a phone and the second time using a laptop and gparted. Manufacturer did replace it both times. Left as exfat I'm still using the same card in my XT1575 several years later.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now I put 4GB card there, it works fine now, need to wait for a few days. My original cards are 64GB, both were formatted as exFAT, now both say being locked fro writing(what...the micro SD card is locked for writing...I want to know how...)

Cdub1976 said:
Just thought I would chime in and say since you unlocked your bootloader moto legally will not offer a repair unless you pay for it since you're warranty is now null and void.
Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I heard of that, I just did a test drive there and it didn't go through...