Database Users

get access to internal storage for user data

Hi at all,
I was wondering if there's a way to get access to internal storage memory of my rooted Milestone 2 and put user data into it.
I have 6gb free with a tons of apps intalled and I believe it's a waste of memory
I'm not an android geek, I'm looking to a /etc/fstab to create a new mount point, but android is quite different from a standard linux system...

You can use a Root Explorer app (http://www.androlib.com/android.application.com-speedsoftware-rootexplorer-Fiq.aspx)

patton82 said:
Hi at all,
I was wondering if there's a way to get access to internal storage memory of my rooted Milestone 2 and put user data into it.
I have 6gb free with a tons of apps intalled and I believe it's a waste of memory
I'm not an android geek, I'm looking to a /etc/fstab to create a new mount point, but android is quite different from a standard linux system...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can't actually use the internal memory for storage. Its read only. You can access it with root explorer but you can't store pictures or music there. 8 gigs for apps, kind of a waste
Sent from my DROID2 using XDA App

mikeyinid said:
You can't actually use the internal memory for storage. Its read only. You can access it with root explorer but you can't store pictures or music there. 8 gigs for apps, kind of a waste
Sent from my DROID2 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can pretty much store whatever you want there. The gallery app may not recognize it being there, but with root explorer you can put whatever you want on the phone. I suppose you could also use ADB and push things to the phone but, that's you're prerogative.

kwheel596 said:
You can pretty much store whatever you want there. The gallery app may not recognize it being there, but with root explorer you can put whatever you want on the phone. I suppose you could also use ADB and push things to the phone but, that's you're prerogative.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not the same thing I meant
You can put files in root filesystem with rootexplorer, adb or terminal emulator but apps as album, music or video player can't access it.
On win mobile devices with internal storage (es: i900 omnia) system recognizes 2 storage card with rw access, I wondered if we could use in some way the 8gb of internal storage of our D2/M2

kwheel596 said:
You can pretty much store whatever you want there. The gallery app may not recognize it being there, but with root explorer you can put whatever you want on the phone. I suppose you could also use ADB and push things to the phone but, that's you're prerogative.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i tried to move my picture folder on the internal memory so i could format my sd. my phone froze up and i had to pull the battery after about 10 minutes. when it rebooted the folder i created to hold my pics was gone.

The same here, files and folders placed in internal memory disappear.
I read somewhere that you can put files only on /data folder

Different ways of coding/installing an app with lots of assets

I'll explain my case so it's easier to understand what I'm asking (I'm not an Android developer but I need to know if what I want is possible in Android).
The company I work for would like to be able to create an app that has lots of videos, audios, and other assets. The idea would be to allow users to install this app without having to download it, for 2 reasons:
1. Very big size
2. Target users won't have good internet connection (that's also why the option to stream the videos and audios doesn't work either, they have to be in the device).
I've been thinking about possible ways of doing this, but since I don't know very much about Android development I have a couple questions. Please note that all this has to work with unrooted devices:
1. Is it possible to install an app "manually" in the device? By that I mean without using Google Play, just connect the device to a computer and install the app
2. Is it possible to install an app in an external SD card or USB drive connected to the device?
3. Is there a size limit for apps in Android?
4. Let's say we create the app without the assets (videos, audios, etc) embedded in it. Then we manually copy the assets to the Android device's storage (internal or external). Can we code the app so it asks users where those assets are (for example on their first run of the app) and be able to use them from within the app (let's say play videos or audios with an internal player)
Any advice on this would be highly appreciated!

1. Yes, you just turn on the option to allow installation from unknown sources. I use this all the time to test my apps when I don't have my data cable.
2. I can move my apps data to external SD card but alot of the newer phones are not coming with external cards anymore. I am not sure about USB drives though.
3. Last I read it was 4GB
4. Yes this is possible
lebertian said:
1. Is it possible to install an app "manually" in the device? By that I mean without using Google Play, just connect the device to a computer and install the app
2. Is it possible to install an app in an external SD card or USB drive connected to the device?
3. Is there a size limit for apps in Android?
4. Let's say we create the app without the assets (videos, audios, etc) embedded in it. Then we manually copy the assets to the Android device's storage (internal or external). Can we code the app so it asks users where those assets are (for example on their first run of the app) and be able to use them from within the app (let's say play videos or audios with an internal player)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Enaroth theocratic
zalez said:
1. Yes, you just turn on the option to allow installation from unknown sources. I use this all the time to test my apps when I don't have my data cable.
2. I can move my apps data to external SD card but alot of the newer phones are not coming with external cards anymore. I am not sure about USB drives though.
3. Last I read it was 4GB
4. Yes this is possible
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very much for your reply!
Just a question about point 2: can you do that in a non-rooted device? Also, when you talk about "moving" the app to the external SD card, does it mean it has to be installed first in the internal storage of the device and then moved to the external SD card? Or can it be installed directly in the external one?

zalez said:
1. Yes, you just turn on the option to allow installation from unknown sources. I use this all the time to test my apps when I don't have my data cable.
2. I can move my apps data to external SD card but alot of the newer phones are not coming with external cards anymore. I am not sure about USB drives though.
3. Last I read it was 4GB
4. Yes this is possible
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with you.
Just a note on 2: You cannot install it directly to the SD card. You have to install it on the internal memory first, before you can move it to the SD card.
---------- Post added at 07:07 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:06 PM ----------
lebertian said:
Thank you very much for your reply!
Just a question about point 2: can you do that in a non-rooted device? Also, when you talk about "moving" the app to the external SD card, does it mean it has to be installed first in the internal storage of the device and then moved to the external SD card? Or can it be installed directly in the external one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to install it internal first.

Sorry I wasn't clear on #2. @nikwen is correct.
---------- Post added at 12:09 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:04 PM ----------
This link shows you how to move apps: http://www.groovypost.com/howto/move-apps-from-internal-storage-to-sd-card/
Also, look at 3rd screenshot of the phone and it shows you the check box for allowing apps to be loaded without the play store.

OK, thank you all for your replies!

lebertian said:
OK, thank you all for your replies!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's why we are here.
Welcome.

nikwen said:
That's why we are here.
Welcome.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What about the install...loc... Mainfest Tag
If we set it to external_only will it first install in internal and then move it to internal ??
Sent from my GT-S5302 using Tapatalk 2

sak-venom1997 said:
What about the install...loc... Mainfest Tag
If we set it to external_only will it first install in internal and then move it to internal ??
Sent from my GT-S5302 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think so.
EDIT: Is there really an external_only value? I was unable to find it here: http://developer.android.com/guide/topics/manifest/manifest-element.html

nikwen said:
I think so.
EDIT: Is there really an external_only value? I was unable to find it here: http://developer.android.com/guide/topics/manifest/manifest-element.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry there is one prefer external
Cant have external only as many are without ext sd
Sent from my GT-S5302 using Tapatalk 2

sak-venom1997 said:
Sorry there is one prefer external
Cant have external only as many are without ext sd
Sent from my GT-S5302 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And it just tells the system where it should be installed first. The user will be able to move it afterwards.

nikwen said:
And it just tells the system where it should be installed first. The user will be able to move it afterwards.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup
installed to external storage if available
else goes to internal
movable in all conditions

increase 16gb harddrive space for roms/emu/android games? whats the best way? (use sd

and is there a guide to do this, is it using the sd?
what software apk files do i need?
thanks

I'm using default option to transfert apps on SdCard (after installing), on menu setting/applications.

does that transfer the big obb/data files?

kyrusdemnati said:
does that transfer the big obb/data files?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It did with Doom 3. All 4GB transferred to my SD card.
But YMMV depending on the app of course

I have bought Tales From the Borderlands, which BTW plays really nice with the Nvidia-controller. Whereas the app itself is installed on the microSD-card, the game data it self (e.g. the different seasons - and those are several megabytes) will load internally. That's sad.

Apps to externals HDD
ive been trying to figure out how to move apps from the internal memory to an external HDD i alread used the drive to create a TWRP backup, i can also see the drive in ES file explorer but i cant find any apps or method to move app OBB/DATA to an external HDD there are plenty for apps to SD but i need APP to HDD. can anyone shed some light on this? do you have this kind of thing working?

beefy143 said:
ive been trying to figure out how to move apps from the internal memory to an external HDD i alread used the drive to create a TWRP backup, i can also see the drive in ES file explorer but i cant find any apps or method to move app OBB/DATA to an external HDD there are plenty for apps to SD but i need APP to HDD. can anyone shed some light on this? do you have this kind of thing working?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe Apps to USB storage will be available when we get an Android M update for the Shield TV.

any news on android m ?

If you happen to have xposed
Theres a module thats purpose is to "reroute" those internal folder contents to its counterpart on external sd card
Theres no mention of usb harddrive, but those in this situation thats willing to test and find out......
"Change path to internal SD card on OS level! Android Storage API tweaks.
This module changes path to internal SD card.
You can: change path to internal SD which is returned by System API, change path to obb dirs, app files, download dir (you can have everything on SD card!)
Control it in app settings."
[Xposed][MODULE][4.0+] XInternalSD
http://forum.xda-developers.com/xposed/modules/xposed-disablesignaturecheck-t2789267
Github
https://github.com/pylerSM/XInternalSD
If there are and it works, im sure future readers in this situation would appreciate the confirmation assuming theres no other way

Xposed
I'll try that out don't have xposed installed yet but I guess that will have to be the next thing on my list.

on full android i use link2sd.

@tailslol
Thanks for the tip with the app:good:

Apps to externals HDD
For apps to HDD you need folder mount tested and working

beefy143 said:
For apps to HDD you need folder mount tested and working
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I made a post about it here on xda in shield android tv general.

Why does Nvidia even keep putting 16GB options in these tablets and STB? I swear 32GB should be the absolute minimum.

Sub-Negro said:
Why does Nvidia even keep putting 16GB options in these tablets and STB? I swear 32GB should be the absolute minimum.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Anyway the beta 6.0 is comming with native app to SD support.

tailslol said:
Anyway the beta 6.0 is comming with native app to SD support.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does the apps to SD support in 6.0 move everything? Obb and Data.
Also will it support moving to USB or external HDD?
If not I would say it's still pretty useless to me.

beefy143 said:
Does the apps to SD support in 6.0 move everything? Obb and Data.
Also will it support moving to USB or external HDD?
If not I would say it's still pretty useless to me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Everything,yes but sd only,not USB.
It mount USB as a external device.

There is no "best way" until we can figure out a way to get the Shield TV to support EXT4 file system.
I installed a custom kernel on my Galaxy Note 10.1 v2014 16GB tablet so I can use my 64GB external micro SD as "internal" storage. It works fairly well. It's not perfect, but it works well.
Once I got my tablet to recognize EXT4 file system, I was able to format my micro SD to EXT4 use a Windows app, there are several.
Then, I used Link2SD to mount the card as "internal storage".
My internal storage has only 10gb free when it's stock with no apps installed. I cleaned out the bloat and managed to recover another 0.4gb.
Using Link2SD, I'm able to install another 11gb of apps and games onto my tablet. My real internal storage now is about 8.82gb free. The rest of the data is stored on the micro SD.
For a lot of apps, it's able to store 100% of the app's data onto the micro SD.....I mean 100%!
BUGS:
Because of the way my tablet mounts the micro SD, if I ever have to reboot my tablet, then I have to reboot it twice. First, I do a "hard" reboot". Second, I do a "soft" reboot. The first reboot mounts the micro SD. But, because Links2SD loads before the micro SD mounts, it doesn't see it. So, I do a "soft" reboot, which only reboots the Android UI. Links2SD has a built-in feature to do this. After the soft reboot, Link2SD sees it. You have to buy the paid version to move 100% of the data to the micro SD but it was only $2-3.
Once in a blue moon, my NOVA launcher acts weird. I just do the process above and it resets it.
Without directory linking, which is how Link2SD works, then there is no BEST WAY to do this because there's no way Android will move 100% of the app to the external storage. Link2SD creates symbolic link on the internal storage, so when you look at the App Manager, it still thinks it's internal and even gives you the option to MOVE TO SD but don't do that! It's already on the SD.
So, bottom line, if you want this to work for our Nvidia Shield TV's, then you need to spread awareness to Nvidia and devs here about EXT4 file system support and hope that someone can port it to our machines!

Neo3D said:
There is no "best way" until we can figure out a way to get the Shield TV to support EXT4 file system.
I installed a custom kernel on my Galaxy Note 10.1 v2014 16GB tablet so I can use my 64GB external micro SD as "internal" storage. It works fairly well. It's not perfect, but it works well.
Once I got my tablet to recognize EXT4 file system, I was able to format my micro SD to EXT4 use a Windows app, there are several.
Then, I used Link2SD to mount the card as "internal storage".
My internal storage has only 10gb free when it's stock with no apps installed. I cleaned out the bloat and managed to recover another 0.4gb.
Using Link2SD, I'm able to install another 11gb of apps and games onto my tablet. My real internal storage now is about 8.82gb free. The rest of the data is stored on the micro SD.
For a lot of apps, it's able to store 100% of the app's data onto the micro SD.....I mean 100%!
BUGS:
Because of the way my tablet mounts the micro SD, if I ever have to reboot my tablet, then I have to reboot it twice. First, I do a "hard" reboot". Second, I do a "soft" reboot. The first reboot mounts the micro SD. But, because Links2SD loads before the micro SD mounts, it doesn't see it. So, I do a "soft" reboot, which only reboots the Android UI. Links2SD has a built-in feature to do this. After the soft reboot, Link2SD sees it. You have to buy the paid version to move 100% of the data to the micro SD but it was only $2-3.
Once in a blue moon, my NOVA launcher acts weird. I just do the process above and it resets it.
Without directory linking, which is how Link2SD works, then there is no BEST WAY to do this because there's no way Android will move 100% of the app to the external storage. Link2SD creates symbolic link on the internal storage, so when you look at the App Manager, it still thinks it's internal and even gives you the option to MOVE TO SD but don't do that! It's already on the SD.
So, bottom line, if you want this to work for our Nvidia Shield TV's, then you need to spread awareness to Nvidia and devs here about EXT4 file system support and hope that someone can port it to our machines!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you are a bit late but this is ok
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtPGPBN5PJQ

[Q] How to enable NTFS OTG support

Hi all, how can i enable full (read/write) ntfs support for an otg stick on my Nexus 6P?
Nexus 6P rooted running stock android 6.0.1 + xposed and elementalX kernel

darkalex97 said:
Hi all, how can i enable full (read/write) ntfs support for an otg stick on my Nexus 6P?
Nexus 6P rooted running stock android 6.0.1 + xposed and elementalX kernel
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Stickmount.

Is there a way to enable exfat.

adamo86 said:
Is there a way to enable exfat.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=eu.chainfire.stickmount
Noting:
StickMount can utilize the "ntfs-3g" and "mount.exfat-fuse" binaries to add support for ntfs (untested) and exfat, but these are not included. If you place the "ntfs-3g" or "mount.exfat-fuse" files in the root of your internal storage ( /sdcard ), StickMount will automatically use them.
You can find the needed files here:
ntfs-3g: http://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=1145436&stc=1&d=1340293802
mount.exfat-fuse: http://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=806200&d=1323109372

.Killabyte said:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=eu.chainfire.stickmount
Noting:
StickMount can utilize the "ntfs-3g" and "mount.exfat-fuse" binaries to add support for ntfs (untested) and exfat, but these are not included. If you place the "ntfs-3g" or "mount.exfat-fuse" files in the root of your internal storage ( /sdcard ), StickMount will automatically use them.
You can find the needed files here:
ntfs-3g: http://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=1145436&stc=1&d=1340293802
mount.exfat-fuse: http://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=806200&d=1323109372
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you unzip the file and place it in the internal storage or the otg flash drive

adamo86 said:
Do you unzip the file and place it in the internal storage or the otg flash drive
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep. I saved both zip's, extracted them (no overwrites occurred), then copied to the root of my sdcard (not root of system).
Gl!

.Killabyte said:
Yep. I saved both zip's, extracted them (no overwrites occurred), then copied to the root of my sdcard (not root of system).
Gl!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you say sdcard are you referring to the card which is attached to otg cable. Also when I downloaded files they over write each other because both zips have the same name and same files inside I downloaded from the link on playstore.

adamo86 said:
When you say sdcard are you referring to the card which is attached to otg cable. Also when I downloaded files they over write each other because both zips have the same name and same files inside I downloaded from the link on playstore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey man trying to help you but you have to help yourself a little .
1. Look above, it says, "place the "ntfs-3g" or "mount.exfat-fuse" files in the root of your internal storage ( /sdcard)"
--> This means it's not needed on the external storage device you're pluggin in of course.
2. Both zips have different files. The link from the play store is the same link I posted (for your convenience) above.
3. Wrapping this up: save ntfs-3g-only.zip & fuse-exfat-exfat-utils-0.9.5-static-binaries.zip to where locally.
--> Extract each one to the same directory (again they won't overwrite as attached).
--> Go to the root of your sdcard on your INTERNAL PHONE storage. (hint: this is the same root/top-level folder you get with MTP when you go to browse Internal Storage from say a Windows PC.
4. You can do it, I belive in you. Just do some trial and error if everything (you can't hurt anything if you're still not exactly sure where to copy the EXTRACTED 2 zip files to (hint: 6 to copy in total).
5. Please tell me you're rooted so you have permissions to let stickmount pro do it's thing. If not I'm sure you can figure it out from the above w/ a little elbow grease.
:good: :highfive::victory:
6. If you read this far then you're trying so I attached a picture so you know I'm trying to help . The rest is up to you my friend and please let me know when you get it working. (last tip is try ES Explorer if after mounting in StickMount if you need a quick free browser).

.Killabyte said:
Hey man trying to help you but you have to help yourself a little .
1. Look above, it says, "place the "ntfs-3g" or "mount.exfat-fuse" files in the root of your internal storage ( /sdcard)"
--> This means it's not needed on the external storage device you're pluggin in of course.
2. Both zips have different files. The link from the play store is the same link I posted (for your convenience) above.
3. Wrapping this up: save ntfs-3g-only.zip & fuse-exfat-exfat-utils-0.9.5-static-binaries.zip to where locally.
--> Extract each one to the same directory (again they won't overwrite as attached).
--> Go to the root of your sdcard on your INTERNAL PHONE storage. (hint: this is the same root/top-level folder you get with MTP when you go to browse Internal Storage from say a Windows PC.
4. You can do it, I belive in you. Just do some trial and error if everything (you can't hurt anything if you're still not exactly sure where to copy the EXTRACTED 2 zip files to (hint: 6 to copy in total).
5. Please tell me you're rooted so you have permissions to let stickmount pro do it's thing. If not I'm sure you can figure it out from the above w/ a little elbow grease.
:good: :highfive::victory:
6. If you read this far then you're trying so I attached a picture so you know I'm trying to help . The rest is up to you my friend and please let me know when you get it working. (last tip is try ES Explorer if after mounting in StickMount if you need a quick free browser).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had already done this but I wasn't sure which root memory required the files. so I left the zip files in both external storage and internal storage extracted and without extracting the reason for asking was so I can clean up the double files from the places where it isn't needed. I appreciate your help. And yes I'm rooted running DU Rom since test builds lol
Also it doesn't matter where you put files on internal or external I tried both and it works. However I get a pop up which says it's not compatible and I should format but I ignore this message as it still works.

adamo86 said:
I had already done this but I wasn't sure which root memory required the files. so I left the zip files in both external storage and internal storage extracted and without extracting the reason for asking was so I can clean up the double files from the places where it isn't needed. I appreciate your help. And yes I'm rooted running DU Rom since test builds lol
Also it doesn't matter where you put files on internal or external I tried both and it works. However I get a pop up which says it's not compatible and I should format but I ignore this message as it still works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cheers mate and glad you got it working! :highfive:

Paragon NTFS mounter app can also be used if you are rooted.

External Storage path?

I'm trying to configure an app to save on my external storage card and it's asking for the path. Solid explorer gives the path as /storage/3434-3561/ but the app can't access it via that location. Does anyone know how the path to the external SD card is written?

You can try it without the trailing slash. As far as I can tell, the path is dependent on the card. I put in two different SD cards, and it was two different external paths. Which app are you having issues with?

Info
mrjeffery said:
I'm trying to configure an app to save on my external storage card and it's asking for the path. Solid explorer gives the path as /storage/3434-3561/ but the app can't access it via that location. Does anyone know how the path to the external SD card is written?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wht is the app?
/sdcard/Folder-Name >> is internal (sometimes sdcard0)
/sdcard1/Folder-Name >> is External
there is different type of Path-Name all address to same location But different name so explain more about ur App and what it want.
:good:

Geeks Empire said:
wht is the app?
/sdcard/Folder-Name >> is internal (sometimes sdcard0)
/sdcard1/Folder-Name >> is External
there is different type of Path-Name all address to same location But different name so explain more about ur App and what it want.
:good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The app is NZB Leech+
I'm trying to set the download directory to the external SD card instead of internal.
The default internal location is /storage/emulated/0/Download/nzbdownload
I can't get it to save to the external SD using the method you described.

I think I've found a solution from the apps play store comment section:
Was contacted by developer in relation to SD Card write issues on MM. The app will allow writing to Ext SD but only to the directory created by android for the application. If no path was created for you upon app installation then simply create a folder in Android/data on Ext Sd called sic.nzb.app.donate. Eg. - The path I wrire to on Ext SD card is /storage/17FC-2D20/Android/data/sic.nzb.app.donate/files App fully functional again and one of the best on the market. Thanks to the Developer for the tip.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Edit: Works!