Solved! Samsung t280 can't format sd as internal

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Jan 3, 2019
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I have a 7" Samsung tablet t280. It doesn't give me the option to format the SD card as internal. I am using a 64gb SD card but it is hardly touching the SD storage. The tablet is running out of space. Is there much point using a 64gb SD card if it won't let me move apps over onto the SD card.
I have a Lenovo 10" which lets me use a SD card as internal. Maybe it's more use in this tablet.
 
Solution
It is an issue with both the version of Android on the device and the manufacturer choosing to remove this option (it is in Android versions newer than 6.0 but the manufacturer can remove said option, or block it). I am including the correct instructions on how to do set it up below, so you can try it, however there is no guaranty it will work.

First, you need to be using a tablet that is running at least Android "Marshmallow" (6.0) or newer, or be able to upgrade to it. Second, you will need the instructions I am including below. And third, you need a tablet that has not been restricted by the manufacturer from making this change. Which does happen.


NOTE: If any of the steps are missing on your tablet, or they don't work...
It is an issue with both the version of Android on the device and the manufacturer choosing to remove this option (it is in Android versions newer than 6.0 but the manufacturer can remove said option, or block it). I am including the correct instructions on how to do set it up below, so you can try it, however there is no guaranty it will work.

First, you need to be using a tablet that is running at least Android "Marshmallow" (6.0) or newer, or be able to upgrade to it. Second, you will need the instructions I am including below. And third, you need a tablet that has not been restricted by the manufacturer from making this change. Which does happen.


NOTE: If any of the steps are missing on your tablet, or they don't work for you, then you have a tablet that either has an older Android version or has been restricted by the manufacturer. If that is the case, you will not be able to use this information.


How to turn the "External" SD card into "Internal" storage - Option A

NOTE: Please be sure you start with a blank SD card. It needs to be blank because when the card is converted to "Internal" storage, it will be formatted (wiped) and encoded (making the cards data only readable by that device).

1. Go to device “Settings”, then select “Storage”.
2. Select your "SD Card", then tap the “three-dot menu“ (top-right), now select “Settings” from in there.
3. Now select “Format as internal”, and then “Erase & Format”.
4. Your SD Card will now be formatted as internal storage.
5. Reboot your tablet.

NOTE: If you don't reboot the tablet, many things may not work correctly, so make sure you do.


How to turn the "External" SD card into "Internal" storage - Option B

IMPORTANT NOTE: Be sure you start with a blank SD card. When the card is converted to "Internal" storage, it will be formatted (wiped) and encoded (making the cards data only readable by that device), so anything on it prior would be gone.

1. Go to "Settings", and then select "Storage & USB".
2. At the bottom of the list you should see the SD card's details, including the option to format it and make it "Internal" storage.
3. Once this is done, reboot the device and you can start running things from the card.

NOTE: If you don't reboot the tablet, some things may not work correctly, so make sure you do the reboot.


A Final Note: If you set up the card as "Internal" storage, then the data on it will not be readable by any other device. To access the data you would have to connect the tablet to say a computer and copy it over to the computer from the tablet/card. Otherwise only that tablet can read the data. Also, be sure you do not reset (hard or factory) the tablet. If you do, then all the data on the card will no longer be readable, even by the tablet itself.

 
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Jan 3, 2019
2
0
10
Its only lollipop so not new enough. At least I know it's not worth using a 64gb SD card. I use it as my mobile tablet for being out and about and fits in my handbag.
Its a nice tablet but I know not to over load apps that I don't need.
Tho I wish i knew about Android versions before I bought it. Thank you for explaining this for me
 
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