External drives - SD cards, USB flash drives and portable hard drives - expand the memory of your smartphone, allowing you to store photos, videos and applications without restrictions. However Android strictly controls access to such devices, requiring explicit permission from the user. Without the correct settings, the system may block reading files, writing data, or even not recognize the connected media.

Problems with access arise for various reasons: from outdated permissions to Android 10-13 to file system features (FAT32, exFAT, NTFS). In this article we will look at how to access external storage, what settings are responsible for security, and what to do if the system stubbornly does not see the SD card. Let us separately focus on manually configure access to external storage, what settings are responsible for security, and what to do if the system stubbornly does not see the SD card. Let us dwell separately on hidden limitations of manufacturers (for example, Samsung or Xiaomi), which can block writing to removable media.

Why Android limits access to external storage

Starting with Android 4.4 KitKat Google introduced the concept of "managed access" to external storage. This was done for the sake of security: applications could no longer randomly write data to the SD card, which reduced the risk of virus infection. However, such restrictions have created problems for users, especially when:

  • 📁 Transferring files between devices via USB-OTG
  • 🎮 Installing games on an external drive (for example, Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile)
  • 📷 Saving photos and videos directly to an SD card, bypassing the internal memory
  • 🔧 Using specialized applications (for example, FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer)

In Android 11 and newer the rules have become stricter: the system is now separates access to “permission for all files” (MANAGE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE) and “restricted access” for specific folders. At the same time, some manufacturers (for example, Huawei or Oppo) add their own layers of protection, which complicates the setup.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 13+ and MIUI 14+ (Xiaomi), additional permission may be required in the menu Special access → Access to all files. Without it, even file managers will not see the root folders of the SD card.

Ways to allow access to an SD card or USB drive

There are several ways to configure access to external storage, depending on the version of Android and the purpose of use. Let's consider them from the simplest to the advanced.

Method 1: Permission through Android settings (for most). users)

This method is suitable for Android 10-14 and does not require root access. Follow the instructions:

  1. Connect an SD card or USB drive via an adapter OTG.
  2. Open Settings → Applications.
  3. Select the application that needs access (for example, Gallery or File Manager).
  4. Go to Permissions → Storage.
  5. Activate the switches Access to media files and Manage all files (if available).

For Android 13+ An additional step may be required:

  1. Go back to Settings → Privacy → Accessibility.
  2. Select Access to all files and enable it for the desired application.

SD card is connected and recognized by the system|

The application has permission to access the storage|

Special access enabled (for Android 13+)|

The storage file system is compatible (FAT32/exFAT)-->

Method 2: Formatting the SD card as internal storage

If you want to use the SD card as expanding internal memory (for example, to install applications), it needs to be formatted in a special way. Attention: this process will delete all data from the card!

Instructions:

  1. Insert the SD card into slot.
  2. Go to Settings → Storage.
  3. Click on the name of the SD card → Three dots (menu) → Storage settings.
  4. Select Format as internal.
  5. Confirm the action and wait for completion (may take several minutes).
⚠️ Attention: After formatting as internal storage, the SD card cannot be read on other devices (PCs, cameras and etc.) without completely erasing the data. Also, some applications (for example, WhatsApp) may refuse to work with such a drive.
What to do if Android does not see the SD card after formatting?

If after formatting the card is not detected as internal storage:

1. device.

2. Check the card on another device (it may be damaged).

3. Try formatting it back to FAT32 via PC and repeat the procedure.

If the problem persists, try another SD card - some budget models (especially class Class 4) do not support internal storage mode.

Method 3: Using ADB to unlock access (advanced)

If standard methods do not work (for example, on Xiaomi or Samsung with custom shells), you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method requires connecting to a PC.

Steps:

  1. Enable Developer mode on your phone: Settings → About phone → Build number (press 7 times).
  2. Activate USB debugging in the developer menu.
  3. Connect your phone to your PC and open Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux).
  4. Enter the command to test the connection: 
    adb devices

    The name of your device should appear.

  5. Give permission to access all files for a specific package (for example, for FX File Explorer): 
    adb shell appops set nextapp.fx MANAGE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE allow

    Replace nextapp.fx with your application ID.

List of popular application IDs:

ApplicationPackage ID
FX File Explorernextapp.fx
Solid Explorerpl.solidexplorer2
MiXplorercom.mixplorer
Gallery Googlecom.google.android.apps.photos
ES Explorercom.estrongs.android.pop
 
adb shell pm revoke nextapp.fx android.permission.MANAGE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE

adb shell pm grant nextapp.fx android.permission.MANAGE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE
-->

Solving common problems with external drives

Even after setting permissions, users encounter errors and ways to fix them.

Problem 1: “SD card is damaged” or “Unable to mount”

This message appears if:

  • 🛑 The drive's file system is incompatible with Android (for example, NTFS not supported).
  • 🔋 The card was removed without safely disconnecting.
  • 💥 The drive is physically damaged.

Solutions:

  1. Connect the SD card to the PC and check it for errors using the utility chkdsk (Windows) or fsck (Linux/macOS).
  2. Format card in FAT32 or exFAT (via PC or phone).
  3. If the card is detected but not mounted, try inserting it into another slot or adapter.

Problem 2: Applications do not see files on the USB drive

If you connected a flash drive via OTG cable, but applications (for example, VLC or MX Player) do not detect files:

  • 🔍 Check that the file manager has access to the USB root (this is a separate permission). Android 11+ This is a separate permission).
  • 🔄 Reconnect the drive or reboot the phone.
  • 📂 Make sure that the files are not hidden (the name does not begin with a dot, for example .nomedia).

For multimedia files, also check the presence of the file .nomedia at the root of the drive - it blocks the system from scanning media files.

Problem 3: Writing to the SD card is prohibited (even with permissions)

Some manufacturers (for example, Samsung or Huawei) block writing to external drives for third-party applications. Solutions:

  • 📱 Use the built-in file manager (for example, My Files on Samsung).
  • 🔧 Disable battery optimization for the application that needs access.
  • 🛠️ Install an alternative file manager with support SAF (Storage Access Framework), for example MiXplorer.

Built-in (My files, Files by Google)|

FX File Explorer|

Solid Explorer|

MiXplorer|

Other-->

Optimization of working with external drives

To avoid problems in the future, follow these tips:

  • 🔄 Remove safely SD card: before removing, tap Eject in the notification or in the storage settings.
  • 📊 Regularly check the health of the drive using applications like SD Card Tester.
  • 🔋 For USB-OTG, use high-quality adapters that support USB 3.0 (especially for hard drives).
  • 📁 Separate data into folders: for example, /Music, /Photosto simplify access for specific applications.

If you often work with large files (4K videos, games), give preference to class cards UHS-I U3 or UHS-II. They provide write speeds of up to 90 MB/s, which is critical for recording video to 8K or running games from an external drive.

💡

For maximum compatibility, format SD cards up to 32 GB in FAT32, and cards from 64 GB are exFAT. NTFS not supported on all devices without additional drivers.

Smartphone manufacturers often modify Android, adding their own restrictions. Let's look at the nuances for top brands.

Samsung (One UI)

On devices Samsung c One UI 5/6:

  • 🔐 To access the root of the SD card, you need to enable Show hidden files v My files.
  • 📱 Applications may require permission Access to media files separately for the SD card.
  • 🚫 Some models (for example, Galaxy S23) block writing to external drives for third-party applications without Knoxcertification.

Xiaomi (MIUI)

MIUI 14+ known for aggressive restrictions:

  • 🔒 In order for the application to see the SD card, you need to manually allow access in Settings → Privacy → Special access → Access to all files.
  • 📁 Built-in Explorer may not show system folders on the external drive.
  • 🔄 After updating MIUI permissions are reset - they need to be configured again.

Google Pixel (Stock Android)

On “pure” Android (Pixel 6/7/8) the process is simpler:

  • ⚡ Standard permissions in the application settings are sufficient.
  • 🔧 ADB commands do not require additional drivers.
  • 📂 Support exFAT i NTFS out of the box (starting with Android 11).
💡

On Huawei (EMUI) devices, accessing the SD card may require you to disable the feature Privacy protection in the security settings. However, this reduces the overall protection of the device.

Security when working with external drives

By opening access to external storage, you increase the risk of virus infection or data leakage.

  • 🛡️ Use only proven file managers (for example, Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer).
  • 🔍 Regularly scan the SD card with an antivirus (for example, Malwarebytes or built-in Google Play Protect).
  • 🔐 Do not store passwords, banking data or backups on an external drive Titanium Backup.
  • 📵 Disconnect USB debugging after using ADB.

If you connect an external drive to public devices (for example, in internet cafe), enable encryption SD card in Android settings. This will protect the data even if the card is removed.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 9 and below SD card encryption may lead to data loss when reset your phone to factory settings. Always create backups!

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about accessing external storage

Can I use an SD card as internal memory on any Android?

No, this function depends on the manufacturer and model. For example, Samsung and Xiaomi support it, but Google Pixel and some devices OnePlus also require that the card be fast (class UHS-I U1 or higher).

Why did SD card permissions stop working after updating Android?

Google tightens its security policy with each version. For example, in Android 11 permission was removed. WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE for all applications, and in Android 13 introduced PHOTO_PICKERwhich restricts access only to selected files. After the update, you need to manually configure the permissions again.

How to transfer applications to an SD card if it is formatted as portable storage?

Without formatting as internal storage, transferring applications is only partially possible:

  1. Use the function Transfer to SD card in the application settings (not available for all apps).
  2. Install applications that support installation on external drives (for example, some games via APK).
  3. Use applications like AppMgr III (requires root access on new versions of Android).

Full transfer is possible only after formatting the card as internal storage.

Is it possible to connect an external hard drive to Android via OTG?

Yes, but there are nuances:

  • 🔌 The hard drive must have external power (or use a powered OTG hub), since the smartphone's USB port may not provide sufficient current.
  • 📀 The file system must be FAT32, exFAT or NTFS (the latter is not supported on all devices).
  • 🔋 On some phones (for example, Samsung Galaxy S22) an adapter is required USB-C to USB-A with support USB 3.0.

For stable operation, use powered drives.

What to do if the phone does not see the SD card after being dropped or exposed to moisture?

If the card was physically damaged:

  1. Do not try to format it - this may aggravate the damage.
  2. Connect to a PC using a card reader and try to recover data with apps like Recuva or TestDisk.
  3. If the card is not detected at all, contact your service center - sometimes soldering contact repair helps.
Attention: Do not dry the card with a hairdryer or in the microwave! This will lead to irreversible data loss.