Recent switcher to Android - MicroSD question

[BigRed1]

I recently switched from iPhone to Android (moved from iPhone 4 to an LG L90).

The LG is a nice device for $99 (unsubsidized). I wasn't concerned about only having 8GB of storage space because it has a MicroSD slot. "No problem," I thought, "I can save pictures and apps to the MicroSD card I bought."

Maybe not.

It turns out that in the version of Android I have (4.4.2), Android severely limits the use of the MicroSD card. While I am a huge nerd and not completely useless in terms of tweaking setups, etc., I have no interest in learning about rooting the device or really hacking Android.

That being the case, is the MicroSD card only good for pre-loading content like music? I can't save new apps or content (like photos) to the card, correct?

It seems like Google really doesn't want us to use these MicroSD cards, (valid security concerns, I think?).

I'm a bit annoyed at this point - I think I would have sought out a device with at least 16GB of internal memory had I known this beforehand.

Thanks for any help - I've googled and looked around a bit, but the answers aren't super clear to me as an Android newbie.

 

[MRU]

Its a guideline from Google but many manufacturers have cirumvented it and incorporated SD Card support for App data and photos....

It can also depend on device and manufacturer in regards to policy of MicroSD. Samsung and HTC allow the moving of data from apps to be stored on the MicroSD. Likewise it varies in regards to the photo storage. I know my flagship devices with MicroSD card support have supported photos being stored on the SD card.

I have a feeling the reason you are so hampered is the fact the device is considered low end by the manufacturer and those SD card support features are being limited by LG's Software too, perhaps restricting that functionality for its mid to flagship devices.

 

[aeboi]

You can move certain apps to the SD card (go into the app settings and click move to card). Chrome, for example, can't be.

 

[BigRed1]

Its a guideline from Google but many manufacturers have cirumvented it and incorporated SD Card support for App data and photos....

It can also depend on device and manufacturer in regards to policy of MicroSD. Samsung and HTC allow the moving of data from apps to be stored on the MicroSD. Likewise it varies in regards to the photo storage. I know my flagship devices with MicroSD card support have supported photos being stored on the SD card.

I have a feeling the reason you are so hampered is the fact the device is considered low end by the manufacturer and those SD card support features are being limited by LG's Software too, perhaps restricting that functionality for its mid to flagship devices.

I think that with 4.4, or somewhere around there, Google dropped the hammer and is no longer allowing these kinds of circumventions to the SD card rule.

Thanks for the help - I finally found that setting to move apps' data to the SD card. Still can't seem to move the camera photos over there, might have to see if there's another way/app that will.

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You can move certain apps to the SD card (go into the app settings and click move to card). Chrome, for example, can't be.

Thanks.

 

[MRU]

I think that with 4.4, or somewhere around there, Google dropped the hammer and is no longer allowing these kinds of circumventions to the SD card rule.

No not at all, I've run devices with 4.4.2 and all allowed SD support for photos and app data. It will depend on the device.

Photo wise check in your camera apps settings to see if it gives you the option, if not try a third party camera from google play.

 

[BigRed1]

No not at all, I've run devices with 4.4.2 and all allowed SD support for photos and app data. It will depend on the device.

Photo wise check in your camera apps settings to see if it gives you the option, if not try a third party camera from google play.

You're right. It was right there in the camera settings (not in the Settings app, where I was trying to do it). Problem solved!

 

[Sincci]

If you can root your device, you can also install an app called SDFix which allows you to use your SD card in the way it used to work before KitKat.

 

[MRU]

You're right. It was right there in the camera settings (not in the Settings app, where I was trying to do it). Problem solved!

Yay

 

[BigRed1]

Thanks again for all of the help.

Speaking more broadly, I do like the device. It has a decent screen, camera comparable to my IP4, and Google Now is OK. Wifi calling/texting has been a savior in my house where I get no signal.

My only real complaint is that the GPS reception is TERRIBLE. I lose signal all of the time, and the phone refuses to adjust my navigation when I decide to take an alternative route.

Like I said, for $99, I can't complain. I just couldn't justify spending $600 on a new iPhone or similar amounts for a flagship Android phone.

 

[MRU]

Thanks again for all of the help.

Speaking more broadly, I do like the device. It has a decent screen, camera comparable to my IP4, and Google Now is OK. Wifi calling/texting has been a savior in my house where I get no signal.

My only real complaint is that the GPS reception is TERRIBLE. I lose signal all of the time, and the phone refuses to adjust my navigation when I decide to take an alternative route.

Like I said, for $99, I can't complain. I just couldn't justify spending $600 on a new iPhone or similar amounts for a flagship Android phone.

The low end androids have certainly improved and offer a viable smartphone experience. Enjoy the phone

 

[adder7712]

Its a guideline from Google but many manufacturers have cirumvented it and incorporated SD Card support for App data and photos....

It can also depend on device and manufacturer in regards to policy of MicroSD. Samsung and HTC allow the moving of data from apps to be stored on the MicroSD. Likewise it varies in regards to the photo storage. I know my flagship devices with MicroSD card support have supported photos being stored on the SD card.

I have a feeling the reason you are so hampered is the fact the device is considered low end by the manufacturer and those SD card support features are being limited by LG's Software too, perhaps restricting that functionality for its mid to flagship devices.

My Xperia Z3 doesn't allow me to transfer any apps to the SD card yet my Tab S does allow you to do so.

But, I prefer having apps stored internally, relegating the SD card to photos, music or other media.

 

[hallux]

KitKat doesn't totally cripple the SD card. Apps can still write to it, but only in folders that the app in question created. This is done to protect the data written by other apps and keeps the card somewhat organized. However, what DOES get "crippled" is the ability to use apps like ES File Explorer to move files around on the card.