The Android 4.4.2 KitKat update brought users unexpected problems - many applications stopped working with files on the memory card. This is due to new protections that Google is trying to secure Android - all third-party applications have lost the ability to modify files that are not directly related to these applications.
This means that photo editors can no longer save edited images to the standard gallery, and file managers can no longer delete, copy and rename files. Most users of devices with KitKat did not feel any inconvenience, especially since the developers almost instantly released application updates that to some extent bypass these restrictions.
Advanced users have to put up with serious problems: for example, when a computer is connected to a smartphone, it sees a memory card, but cannot perform any action with the files stored on it. Fortunately, this can be fixed with the SDFix app: KitKat Writable MicroSD. But only on rooted devices.
Install the application on your smartphone or tablet, launch it, click Continue, agree to the terms and conditions and click “Continue” again. If you have Superuser installed, allow SDFix access to root directories.
After gaining access, SDFix will find the file /system/etc/permissions/platform.xml and modify it by adding lines to the code that allow applications with WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE permission to write to the memory card. The original file will be saved in the / system / etc / permissions folder under the name platform.xml.original-pre-sdfix, and can be restored if desired.
All the same can be done manually by yourself, the name is root access and a file manager with the function of editing files. To do this, start the manager, find the platform.xml file in the root directory / system / etc / permissions / and open it in the built-in editor.
It's no secret that the operating system Android widespread in the mobile world.
Such a widespread use of the brainchild from Google also provokes an increase in the number of hacker attacks on this platform. In order to combat this unpleasant moment, the IT giant is trying to introduce new functions aimed at increased safety owners of devices with the Android system, but some of these functions can become a source of additional inconvenience. How to eliminate one of these inconveniences will be discussed below.
Restricting access to the memory card
In the topic, we have already touched on the issue of the memory of the mobile operating system. Many smartphone users based on Android versions 4.4 and older faced a situation where third-party programs do not have access to the root of the memory card... Moreover, this problem also arises for those who purchased a new device already with Android KitKat and higher on board, and for those who have updated to the new system after the purchase.
Why can't Android programs have access to the root of the sd card?
The fact is that open access to the root of the drive is a big security hole in the entire operating system... Trying to protect users from intruders, Google went to such a step as limiting access to the memory card.
In simple terms, in many firmware based on Android 4.4 and higher, third-party programs can no longer write data to the root of the memory card. The ability to write to directories located on a flash card has been preserved. The situation is aggravated by the fact that this limitation has affected all applications without exception, including file managers.
Not everyone is happy with this state of affairs, so below we will consider a way to return access to the root of the memory card to third-party programs.
Many recent smartphones are armed with Android 4.4 KitKat, but as it turned out, with the new sensations, many users felt some inconvenience associated with the microSD memory card not working properly with the new operating system.
Cause
After the Android 4.4 KitKat update, many started complaining about problems in the application (for example, music player, camera, etc.). The fact is that before the advent of Android 4.4, any application had full access to sections of the SD memory card, not only reading, but also writing. This is definitely a huge security hole, as any virus or malicious application could easily steal your personal data stored on your memory card. Therefore, Google limited the rights of Android 4.4 applications to access data on the SD card, leaving only read rights for most applications. Plus, now after uninstalling the application, the entire folder is deleted from the memory card.
Effects
Before upgrading your Android 4.4 KitKat device, consider the following:
1. Application data that are installed on the SD card will be lost after the Android 4.4 KitKat update.
2. Due to changes in API, many applications that have not been adapted for KitKat will not work correctly.
Decision
Rooted users have several options for applications that can “repair injustice”. One of them is called SDFix. This application modifies the following file: /system/etc/permission/platform.xml in such a way that the application gets rights WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE, that is, full access to the SD card.
Those who are deprived of root rights are also deprived of this opportunity, so you have to choose: either get root rights, or refrain from updating Android 4.4 KitKat.
Conclusion
As you can see, there is still no universal method to eliminate this problem. We can only hope for the conscientiousness of application developers who will adapt them for the latest OS update. Many will criticize such restrictions, but it should be understood that Google did the right thing by laying another brick in the foundation of the Android system security.
Looking for an outdoor LED module? There are such
There is a rather unpleasant surprise in the Android 4.4 KitKat operating system, it lies in the fact that third-party applications cannot access writing and reading on the memory card.
Google made a very unpleasant trick / mistake / surprise - absolutely all devices with Android 4.4 in which you can install a memory card cannot fully work with a memory card, only Nexus devices remain the exception to the rule, since they do not have an SD CARD slot. What does this mean for the average user? For example, the file manager will not be able to create / open a folder or file.
In order to fix reading and writing on a memory card in KitKat, you need Root rights
Method 1 (simple option)
After Root is installed on your Android smartphone or tablet, go to the Google Play application store and download SDFix: KitKat Writable MicroSD (free). After installation, go to the SDFix application and click the "Continue" button
Then wait a couple of seconds until the error is fixed. Close SDFix and restart Android for the changes to take effect! Everything!
Method 2 (simple, option for those who want to know more)
The method described just above is automated, but you can fix it by hand, especially since it is not at all difficult! To do this, you need to install a file manager application, for example ES Explorer, after giving it root access to the system partition.
Go to the system partition with the file manager:
/ system / etc / permissions And find the file called: platform.xmlThen open it with the built-in ES Explorer text editor
Find the line:
Add one more parameter just below 
Reboot your Android smartphone or tablet for the changes to take effect! Memory card access problem solved!
