myTouch 1.2v Error "Please Insert an SD card before using the camera"

[JSourp]

I purchased my phone on 3-26-2010, its the T-Mobile myTouch 3G 3.5mm Jack - Black with 512MB Flash, 288MB RAM, 8GB Memory Card, 3.2 Megapixel camera. When I got home I proceeded to add my media to the memory card and customize my ringtones and others, then put about 10 apps on it.

2 days later I proceeded to take a picture, while the camera display was there, I had a message displaying across the screen: "Please Insert an SD card before using the camera". I checked Settings/SD card & phone storage to see the total space at 7.40gb so it was reading the SD card. I unmounted, then mounted to make sure that it was installed properly and it was. After going back and forth between the home screen, gallery, and camera, I was not able to take a picture, nor use any data from the SD card (ie: wallpaper, pictures, videos, music). I called 611 and they said I needed a "refresh" so they instructed me to turn my phone off, then turn it back on after about 10 seconds. Everything worked after that.

2 days later, it happened again, only this time the error was more intermittent. I called 611 again and they instructed me to format the SD card a perform a factory data reset. They mentioned that if this does not work, it must be hardware and they recommended I get a replacement phone. The format/reset worked... for 2 hours.

I took the phone back to the original t-mobile store that I purchased the original from on 4-2-2010. They had no problem doing the exchange, but didn't seem to care why I was doing it. I walked out of the store with a brand new phone, SD card, and SIM card. I logged onto my gmail account and left everything else alone, no wallpaper, pictures, videos, music, apps, NOTHING. The next day, I had the same issue. "Please Insert an SD card before using the camera".

After calling 611 again, they suggested the same format/reset, which I have done several times at this point, with no fix. They then suggested that "third time is a charm" I figured that I could not argue that so on 4-5-2010 I went to exchange it again, and again I walked out of the store with a brand new phone, SD card, and SIM card. By the time I got to a restaurant within the mall, and was seated, the third time was NOT a charm. Yes, that dreaded message came again "Please Insert an SD card before using the camera". I went back to the store and he said that there IS a fix coming for it soon, but with no ETA for the OTA (I think he called it). Possibly Eclair ? but no sign of if or when it is due out.

I have called 611 a few more times, with no word of such a fix for this issue, I cannot find anything useful via searches on google about this issue. I like this phone, but it is not nearly 100% me, not even close, my old Samsung t239 was more me. Any ideas for a fix?

I have contact HTC about the issue, but there response was "I understand how frustrating it is when you keep getting that message and are unable to get the device to take pictures or videos because of this. Unfortunately, I will be unable to assist you with this device. T-Mobile does all the support up to a hard reset for the T-Mobile My Touch in accordance with the agreement between HTC and T-Mobile"

I have recorded a video to accurately show what is happening. YouTube - myTouch Error: "Please Insert an SD card before using the camera"

It has since been brought to my attention (by user IOWA) that: "The reason why it said access denied, is because you need root access, which is basically like administrator access in windows." That makes sense.

By now I have spoken to around 10 different people that answer the phones at T-Mobile, along with 2 "tech specialist" all of which have been very helpful in not solving the issue. Although, t-mobile does have excellent customer service.

Does anyone know of a fix, or future update that will solve this problem with my Android phone? Below are the spec of my phone:
Under about phone is says that I am up to date
Model Number = T-Mobile myTouch 3G
Firmware Version = 1.6
Baseband Version = 62.50SC.20.17U_2.22.23.02
Kernel Version = 2.6.29-g023e5c9
htc-kernel@and18-2 #3
Build Number = 2.10.531.4 CL119339 release-keys

 

[dasudevil]

Have you tried a different SD card?

Paradise Valley Mall, Arizona?

 

[JSourp]

Yes I tried 3 different ones that t-mobile provides as stock, but also one of my one, and failed.

The first store I purchased from was in Paradise Valley Mall, Arizona. That is also were I got my first replacement. Then I went to Arrowhead Mall, Arizona to get a 3rd phone. All three phone have given me the same error.

 

[ayush20m]

this looks very strange since you have changed your phone and card and used multiple combination. Since you are the first one posting it, means it is not very common with the handset too.

I recommend changing the handset once more. Also try HTC's helpline at 866-449-8358.

 

[rdruner]

hey guys i think this i a issue with newer phones i have the same issue off and on i have to reboot pull sd then it works for 1 round of pics/music then stops till i reboot and pull sd again... i purchased like 3 days ago and found some posts on other websites all fairly new posts, any help would be appreciated... im prob going to exchange if no answer but end if the week, i even called cust care and they were no help...go figure.

 

[bone2006]

This is a known issue and tmobile has it in their database. They will tell you to contact HTC and they will replace your SDcard. I believe it's with the 8gb and 16gb that are the issue. I went to a 2GB card just to see if the card was an issue and after 2 weeks not a single issue. Still waiting on HTC to receive my 8GB replacement card.

I had the exact same issue

 

[JSourp]

I will be calling HTC about this issue, I sent an email to them and they replied:

"I understand how frustrating it is when you keep getting that message and are unable to get the device to take pictures or videos because of this. Unfortunately, I will be unable to assist you with this device. T-Mobile does all the support up to a hard reset for the T-Mobile My Touch in accordance with the agreement between HTC and T-Mobile."

But also, I tried a different 1gb SD card that I had, and same issue occurred.

 

[JSourp]

That email was also sent a week ago, maybe the problem was not known at that time. Go figure their first react is to past the blame.

 

[JSourp]

I called the number provided for HTC Tech Support, he knew nothing about the issue and was no help at all. He did however provide me the number for HTC Repair Department:
1-888-617-1113

It is too late to call tonight, I will try and call tomorrow.
The blame has been passed on yet again.

 

[bone2006]

check out tmobile's forum itself, you'll see people complaining about the same issue. So I printed it out and went to a local tmobile store. Since I told them about the issue, they said they couldn't exchange my phone or do anything, except what the instructions said to do. The instructions were simply to call HTC, which they let me borrow a 2GB card, which for weeks now not a single issue.
When I had the 8GB card I had the exact issue and formated, reset my device...etc and nothing would help, but once I got the 2GB sd card, not a single issue. It started out with camera as well then just random it would ask for my sd card.

The first time I called HTC, the person on the phone took 30 minutes and told me they would ship me a new SD card, but they are out of stock and for me to call back in a week. I called back in a week and the person on the phone told me the first person was crazy and they always had sd cards in stock. She took all my information and shipped it.

There's so many posts on tmobile's site about the issue. I would print them out and go into a tmobile store.
Re: My touch SD issues - T-Mobile Community

 

[rdruner]

ok so i had this issue and decided to drop into the retail t-mobile store to see what they could do... he "did the same old troubleshootin' " and then tried a new sd card from a stand alone package and formatted it and its working {note he had to open 2 different packages before it worked} and sent me on my way and i haven't seen an issue yet... will keep posted...

those who have this issue id recommend go to a store and see if this is an option

the store just sends the cards back and don't loose out so they have nothing to loose (maybe call ahead)

Good luck all

*KEEP FINGERS CROSSED FOR 2.1* (birdie in store said its soon)

 

[dasudevil]

*KEEP FINGERS CROSSED FOR 2.1* (birdie in store said its soon)

They are all told to say that. I was told that 4 months ago and it would be out by feb. I would not believe them in soon. They have no clue when its coming.

 

[JSourp]

A resolution has been found. Call 611 using reference number: CCKB629710 . T-mobile knows about the issue. I Called HTC and they are going to send me a replacement SD card. I Will let you know how it goes for me.

 

[JSourp]

The reason its not here yet of because older android phones lack the RAM, from what I am told.

 

[bone2006]

I'm using a 2GB replacement card and HTC took my information and told me I would have it by Friday and now it's Tuesday night of the following week. The phone is at least working with my temp 2GB card, but I would like to get the new 8GB replacement card.

 

[JSourp]

Thank you bone2006, you have truly helped me solve this issue.

Let me provide a little more detail...
T-mobile knows about the issue, a resolution has been found. Call T-Mobile Customer Support (611) from a device other than the one you are having issues with. Tell them the problem you are having is reference number: CCKB62971. They will then refer you to HTC at (888)716-3594. Have your serial number ready. Let HTC know that you need to replace a defective SD Card and they will ship one too you, and you will be required to send them the defective one. I have done this and am waiting for the new SD Card, I will keep this post updated with my results.

 

[bone2006]

Thanks JSoup
That is the exact number I called and I was supposed to get my SD card on Friday and now it's Wednesday, so I called that number again and now the HTC represetative told me that they have been out of the SD cards since the 5th. Even though I called before and after the 5th and they told me they were out and told me to call back in a week, so I called on the 6th and they never told me they were out of the microSD card. They HTC representative said that they are getting a lot of phone calls and that a lot of people are having the same issue.

Luckily I'm able to use this 2GB card for the time being, but I would like the 8GB storage.

 

[JSourp]

I am still waiting on HTC to replace my 8gb SDHC card Class 2, from what I am told they are on back-order. Considering my severe lack of patience, in the meantime I purchased a 8gb SDHC Class 6 from my local Fry's Electronics, I would have upgraded to the 16gb but it was not there.

Anyways, the Class 6 has been working great. I heard that I can partition the Class 6 to enhance the RAM, is this true?

 

[dasudevil]

I am still waiting on HTC to replace my 8gb SDHC card Class 2, from what I am told they are on back-order. Considering my severe lack of patience, in the meantime I purchased a 8gb SDHC Class 6 from my local Fry's Electronics, I would have upgraded to the 16gb but it was not there.

Anyways, the Class 6 has been working great. I heard that I can partition the Class 6 to enhance the RAM, is this true?

What did you spend on the class 6 card. I got a class 4 from Frys a few years ago I think maybe 3 yrs ago and its NICE...


In regards to the partitioning and using the RAM i think you need to be rooted. Not sure on that for sure. My friend from work did it and his phone was FAST as mine. I personally did not see a big difference from the partitioned and non.


Great find on the SD Card.

 

[JSourp]

I paid $26 for the 8gb SDHC Class 6

 

[ruggrock]

Thanks everyone for the thorough info. Just got my myTouch last night and I'm already having this error repeatedly. I will try the paths you have suggested and update if I come across any interesting developments. Thanks a ton for the details - I hate having to battle these things from scratch.

 

[JSourp]

UPDATE:

I have had my new SDHC Class 6 card for going on 6 days now and still works great, not only have I not had the error message pop up, but the pictures in the gallery load faster. The problem is that the default SDHC card that they give out are Class 2, these are too slow. I hope that someone from T-Mobile is reading this. I am still waiting for my replacement SDHC card from HTC, which will probably be a class 2 again, either way I will try it and if it fails then I will give them no choice but to send me a Class 6. When I bought the phone, I expected it too work as advertised, 100% me and all. If it falls short of that by not allowing me to take/view pictures, store ringtones/notifications/alarms, then HTC and/or T-Mobile needs to take responsibility for their error, and solve it. I am sure that neither the iPhone, nor the Blackberry Storm2 are having these issues...I have had my new SDHC Class 6 card for going on 6 days now and still works great, not only have I not had the error message pop up, but the pictures in the gallery load faster. The problem is that the default SDHC card that they give out are Class 2, these are too slow. I hope that someone from T-Mobile is reading this.

I am still waiting for my replacement SDHC card from HTC, which will probably be a class 2 again, either way I will try it and if it fails then I will give them no choice but to send me a Class 6. When I bought the phone, I expected it too work as advertised, 100% me and all. If it falls short of that by not allowing me to take/view pictures, store ringtones/notifications/alarms, then HTC and/or T-Mobile needs to take responsibility for their error, and solve it.

I am sure that neither the iPhone, nor the Blackberry Storm2 are having these issues...

 

[thor82188]

Going to be ordering class 6 card soon too. Either that or go to Fry's or something and find one. Will let you guys know how that goes

Currently, my MT3G stops recognizing the SD card SEVERAL times a day. I have done EVERYTHING that I can think of to fix this. At one point, the errors got so severe that they happened every 5 minutes, in which I had to reformat the card and now it went back to being several times a day.

If I have the same luck as JSourp, then there is no reason T-Mobile or HTC shouldn't start handing out Class 6 microSD cards.


First we get an AMAZING phone whose hardware specs are beastly (HD2) only to find out that it smells and tastes like failure (WinMo). Now the only other decent Android phone available to us that isn't the N1 is only 75% functional. GET IT TOGETHER!

 

[Travace]

sounds pretty common. Both mine and my wifes have this issue.

 

[ajuhasz]

I bought the phone for my daughter on April 11th (comes with a 16GB card) and she's had the same response to format the card etc. We used my 1GB card from my HTC Dash and she was able to take pictures with no problem, no error message. We were thinking about going to the retail store today, but now that I've read this thread it doesn't seem useful. I'll call T-Mobile just so they add the report to their data stats on this issue and address it by also communicating it to the retail representatives.
I'd buy another card, but hey, this is part of the package I bought from T-Mobile and expect it to work without having to unmount and remount the darn card every time we take a picture or video with the phone.
Also hoping for Android 2.1 update soon!!!