Google Policy in Kit Kat, MicroSD restricted write access

[tridentcore]

It's looks SONY join the bandwagon for following the Google Policy. All my apps can't write to the MicroSD but built-in SONY apps works fine (**bleep** it..!!). If SONY didn't provide an options like enable/disable switch to MicroSD write access maybe I will take the root action for patch the OS manually. Any luck with you guys..?

[Rickard]

Hi and welcome to the community! Since you're new please be sure that you have checked out our Discussion guidelines.

Installed apps can still write to the external SD card in Android 4.4 (as long as the app supports it). Installed apps can however only write/edit/delete files in it's own folder on the external SD. It can't delete or edit files that belongs to another app.

[tridentcore]

Okey, I assume MicroSD still can writeable but not all apps could do it and only solution is wait for the dev to provide it.. Why wouldn't SONY just enable the write access or provide an option to do so rather than make me get a headache after I know my Z2 the mighty pricey phone CANNOT WRITE to MicroSD. Have to delay a plan to buy 128 GB MicroSD today..

Simple gallery app like QuickPic couldn't delete any photos or SMS Backup app cannot store backup files to MicroSD, to hard for you to make it writeable huh..? Wanna blame the customer for taking root action to ENABLE that SIMPLE function..? A root step for ENABLE WRITE ACCESS and back UNROOT, still void warranty huh..? ********...!!!

[HussainQuadri]

Just wait for the next major update. It should come in that. Some Sony devices already got this feature.

The only company that does allow SD Card access by other apps is Samsung (no one knows why).

[Rickard]

As i understand it, this security restriction is required in Android 4.4 and is not an option.

It's possible to remove it if you have root access but any modification of the phones software may void the warranty.

[tridentcore]

Right.. major update.. If SONY still chained with Google Policy that wouldn't change anything.. Now what, most of my apps couldn't work as it's supposed to be.. Strange my cousin T2 Ultra with Kit Kat didn't have this restriction, the **** cheap one got better..? Oukayyy...

Yes, you understand this restriction as limitation to your customer.. And you said this limitation is required..? for what..? Going root access to modify something for good is still prohibited..? Is there any SONY Developer here to give detailed explanation..? Restriction = Better..? yeaaah right...

Waiting for app developers to update their app compability with Kit Kat and waiting SONY release update to CHANGE this restriction which is I assume never will... greaaat... Flasgship phone with MAJOR BUG.

[Rickard]

I think you are confusing the ability of moving apps to the SD card with this security policy. T2 Ultra can move apps to the SD card but it still has this security policy when updated to Android 4.4. If you for example download a 3:rd party file manager to a T2 Ultra you will not be able to delete a photo from the DCIM folder on the external SD using it.

For more information about this change i recommend that you see one of the articles online describing it like for example http://www.androidcentral.com/kitkat-sdcard-changes?pg=2#content

[tridentcore]

confusing..? really..? Sir.. my cousin's T2 Ultra does everything..!! I don't know if there's software issue or else.. Guess what.. now I realized my brother Z1 can't move any file with built-in File Commander app but in my Z2 can.. Yes my Z2 can but Z1 can't.. really frustrating.. freedom is limited..

The solution is even simpler after I read the XDA Forum thread, only need to modify the write access from the xml file inside system directory and guess what SONY didn't even make it available as an OPTION..!!! Yes we limited from our own device with our own money meanwhile Sam**** didn't limit that..!!!

Customer never win isn't it..?

[aquira26]

It all comes down to one question though, will we be able to delete some files that are taking up space on our external sd in the very near future or not? I can't even get rid of videos I want to delete, and my sd card is almost full. This security feature is pretty much useless in my opinion

[Rickard]

You can already do that using the preinstalled app File Commander or by connecting the phone to a computer and delete the files from a computer.
The restiction discussed here means that you can't download a 3:rd party file manager to the phone and delete the files using that. You need to use the preinstalled File Commander.