Just got the Note II and have to say I am very impressed. Currently been an iPhone user for 4 years and have to say I'm not disappointed in the Note II, it's a breath of fresh air.
Just wondering how you enable the device to show as a mass storage device when connected to a computer.
Device(s): Samsung Galaxy Note II, Transformer Prime
Carrier: Sprint
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Without root, you can't make any SD memory, internal or external, show up in storage mode. That functionality was pulled out after Gingerbread.
ICS has unified internal memory now, and since storage mode requires exclusive file access and lockouts, it won't allow it. You have to use MTP to move files over, but this is a bit kludgy and doesn't work well with Macs. It also works with limited file types. Not sure why they don't allow storage mode for microSD memory unless it's because >ICS does not technically support microSD so they didn't program it to do so.
You could always plug your microSD card into the PC to get storage mode. Alternately, Airdroid and its ilk can transfer files wirelessly. For phone initiated wifi transfers, I use Solid Explorer Beta 2. This way, I get the same kind of speed as Airdroid without having to go through a desktop browser interface.
It works with Windows 7 and Windows XP. Just make sure your windows updates are current. Also if your Note 2 screen is locked by pass code or pattern, you have to unlock it for the phone drive to show up.
It is so much easier than using iTunes on the iPhone. I could just drag and drop videos, music, audiobooks, etc... and better yet, I can delete them on the phone itself! Imagine that! For those of you who never used iPhone, it won't let you delete songs on the iPhone without connecting it to iTunes. I have the older version of OS, so I have to physically connect to my PC in order to delete songs on the phone.
Hi Mike
"Nexus Media Importer" App from Play store is perfect for what you want .Ck it out
I installed and it works perfectly on my Note 2. Better i feel than the previous USB Mass storage on the Note 1.
Woops .Just realized you are connecting to computer .Sorry, thought you were talking about connecting mass storage to your Note
Andy
Last edited by probe444; November 26th, 2012 at 05:51 PM.
Reason: didnt read post correctly
I'm surprised people have to go through all of that in order to see the Note 2 as a storage device.
I have a Sprint Note 2 and as soon as I plug it into the computer with a microUSB>usb chord, it gives defaults to viewing the internal and external (microSD) storage. Hmm, maybe another difference between the International and other versions?
I did notice some slight differences in the notification toggle order on the International version vs. the Sprint version, so it's possible.
__________________
If anyone is interested, my International Note 2 is up for sale. PM me and I can let you know more details.
Also AirDroid app (free) is a good option to transfer stuff between computer and the phone wirelessly.
Yup. Love Airdroid. Initially, I thought you can only access the internal storage, but I found out that it can still identify the ext. storage if you use the File Explorer.
One thing I noticed today when transferring some files was that my PC would only detect my Note 2 if I use the stock usb cable. Using one of my other micro cables would result in my PC not even acknowledging my phone. I think it may have to do with the Notes current needs. When I first got my Note it was taking 6 hours to fully charge. Thats because I added a usb extension inline to the stock usb cable. After some research I removed my extension usb and my phone now fully charges in under 3hrs depending on how depleted my battery is. Just throwing this out there in the event folks run into issues, make sure you use the stock usb cable or the like for best results.
One thing I noticed today when transferring some files was that my PC would only detect my Note 2 if I use the stock usb cable. Using one of my other micro cables would result in my PC not even acknowledging my phone. I think it may have to do with the Notes current needs. When I first got my Note it was taking 6 hours to fully charge. Thats because I added a usb extension inline to the stock usb cable. After some research I removed my extension usb and my phone now fully charges in under 3hrs depending on how depleted my battery is. Just throwing this out there in the event folks run into issues, make sure you use the stock usb cable or the like for best results.
I am using two 99 cents micro USB cables I got from ebay, and they both worked fine in transferring files between laptops and Note II.
Device(s): Samsung Galaxy Note II, Transformer Prime
Carrier: Sprint
Thanks: 49
Thanked 127 Times in 94 Posts
Quote:
Originally Posted by srikat
Also AirDroid app (free) is a good option to transfer stuff between computer and the phone wirelessly.
If you have Windows share folders set up, I would seriously recommend Solid Explorer Beta 2 for wireless transfers. You can browse to your share and then copy it to any folder, internal or external. Transfer speeds are fast, about the same as Airdroid, but the advantage here is that the entire process is initiated and processed by the phone, which means you don't have to log into your PC and open the browser to make the connection.
And yes, you can copy the other way as well, from phone to PC.
If you have Windows share folders set up, I would seriously recommend Solid Explorer Beta 2 for wireless transfers. You can browse to your share and then copy it to any folder, internal or external. Transfer speeds are fast, about the same as Airdroid, but the advantage here is that the entire process is initiated and processed by the phone, which means you don't have to log into your PC and open the browser to make the connection.
And yes, you can copy the other way as well, from phone to PC.
Can you explain exactly how you do phone to PC (and vice versa) transfers without using a browser?
The app doesn't really explain enough for me to understand how the process works (as compared to Airdroid).
-EDIT- Scratch that...nevermind, Cobra. I got too curious, so I downloaded and opened up the app. It was way more easy to figure out than I thought. When you click on menu/file sharing, it automatically brings up the ftp site that you'd use in a browser to share/move files back and forth from PC to phone and vice versa! And I see what you're saying about just bookmarking the FTP site and setting your own password. Amazing! Thanks for posting that. If this app had the capabilities of backing up apps, I'd get rid of Astro File Explorer (which I've really grown fond of over the past couple years).
Last edited by drexappeal; November 28th, 2012 at 05:58 PM.
Weird, I have the Tmo version and I can't do that.
What happens when you plug your phone to your pc? Do you get any sounds? Are you using the stock usb cable or a non oem one?
On my desktop pc, things were literally plug and play. However, on my laptop which is running windows 7 same as my desktop, I had to go into device manager and allow windows to find the driver online. After that all is well on my laptop.
If you have Windows share folders set up, I would seriously recommend Solid Explorer Beta 2 for wireless transfers. You can browse to your share and then copy it to any folder, internal or external. Transfer speeds are fast, about the same as Airdroid, but the advantage here is that the entire process is initiated and processed by the phone, which means you don't have to log into your PC and open the browser to make the connection.
And yes, you can copy the other way as well, from phone to PC.
I installed to see if it'll work on my Mac but haven't had time to really get into yet. Did find real quick how to change the color scheme to pink.
I installed to see if it'll work on my Mac but haven't had time to really get into yet. Did find real quick how to change the color scheme to pink.
Only thing holding this back from being better than astro is ability to backup apps without rooting. I don't know what changes the astro team made, but I can't seem to find the straight forward app backup system that they used to have.
One thing I noticed today when transferring some files was that my PC would only detect my Note 2 if I use the stock usb cable. Using one of my other micro cables would result in my PC not even acknowledging my phone. I think it may have to do with the Notes current needs. When I first got my Note it was taking 6 hours to fully charge. Thats because I added a usb extension inline to the stock usb cable. After some research I removed my extension usb and my phone now fully charges in under 3hrs depending on how depleted my battery is. Just throwing this out there in the event folks run into issues, make sure you use the stock usb cable or the like for best results.
I have confirmed this. I have a rather long USB cable, about 9 feet, that will not show a drive letter when the phone is plugged in. The phone will charge, but there is no recognition that windows sees the phone.
I went to the stock cable and that does work.
So maybe is had to do with the length or quality of the cable?
Just confirming that I was able to duplicate this issue.
Is there any way I can see the files on my Galaxy Note 2 using windows explorer?
I'd like to use syncback to keep my music files up to date as Kies doesn't seem to be able to handle this very well.
My AT&T Note II just works out of the box. I plug it in to my home laptop running Windows 7 - 64 bit and my work laptop running Windows XP - SP3 and both could see the phone drive without me doing anything.
I have no idea why others could not get it to work. Maybe it only works on the AT&T version?
Okay, I'm not sure how many people posting, that are unable to view the phone's internal and external storage are, are newbs, but here is another simple thing to check.
After plugging the phone into the computer using a microUSB>USB plug, pull down the notification bar and click the notification that identifies the phone being plugged in. Your phone should then give you the option to see the phone as a mass storage device. Make sure that is selected.
That's the only other "simple" or "rational" explanation I can have for all these people not being able to see the phone's drives when connected.
Unless, there are people posting without even reading through the entire thread (which has posted majority of the solutions), then I really don't know what else to say except that maybe the phone is defective.
I believe it was even posted earlier in this thread that you have to be sure that you're using a microusb>usb cable that actually allows for data sync. There are some older microusb>usb cables that are "charge only" cables.
My AT&T Note II just works out of the box. I plug it in to my home laptop running Windows 7 - 64 bit and my work laptop running Windows XP - SP3 and both could see the phone drive without me doing anything.
I have no idea why others could not get it to work. Maybe it only works on the AT&T version?
I can see the phone's two folder in My Computer, but they are listed under "other", so I can't navigate to then (with windows explorer) as I would my D drive etc...
I can, of course, copy and paste files from my pc to the phone and vice versa.
At the moment, the way I sync up my Music folder on the phone is to update it manually. Pretty much file by file as I have "artist" folders on the phone.
If I can find a way of navigating to the phone's folder using explorer I could set up syncing automatically. Or direct Media Monkey's output straight to the phone. At the moment, I can't do this.
Alternatively if I could set my music folder on my phone as a network share then it might pop up in explorer that way.
Last edited by Nobby Sheep; November 29th, 2012 at 02:08 PM.
Okay, I'm not sure how many people posting, that are unable to view the phone's internal and external storage are, are newbs, but here is another simple thing to check.
After plugging the phone into the computer using a microUSB>USB plug, pull down the notification bar and click the notification that identifies the phone being plugged in. Your phone should then give you the option to see the phone as a mass storage device. Make sure that is selected.
That's the only other "simple" or "rational" explanation I can have for all these people not being able to see the phone's drives when connected.
Unless, there are people posting without even reading through the entire thread (which has posted majority of the solutions), then I really don't know what else to say except that maybe the phone is defective.
I believe it was even posted earlier in this thread that you have to be sure that you're using a microusb>usb cable that actually allows for data sync. There are some older microusb>usb cables that are "charge only" cables.
Once again....
It has been determined that some USB cables also do not allow for the phone to interface with a windows computer. Just for reference, I have a couple 9 foot USB cables that do not work. The stock cable works. Then I have another short 4 foot cable that also works.
First off, lets not degrade people by calling them "newbs". There is an issue, and it has to do with the cable length of quality of some kind. It doesn't have anything to do with people being stupid or not able to plug in a cable correctly.
If you are encountering this problem, then try the cable that came with the phone OR try a different cable. So far, the only issue I have found with the USB cables interfacing with the phone are the 9 foot cables that Verizon sells with a charger since we have a couple of them here.
I can highly recommend DoubleTwist - particularly when used with the optional AirSync to effortlessly handle my sync needs between PC and my SGN2 (and previously, my crappy-but-reliable BB Torch 9810).
DoubleTwist functions as a stand-alone media player, transfer interface w/ desktop iTunes (all content) and PC folder sync for stored video and photos.
Buying the optional AirSync is recommended as you can sync over your LAN.
Lots of optional modules you can add in - no experience with those and don't seem to need. Even with the upsell (i.e. enhanced EQ, album art, etc.) the entire setup is still quite affordable and very capable.
And yes, the SGN2 works just fine as an external mass storage device. Most file sync programs work fine with it. I'm using the 64gb Sandisk micro SDXC and it works great. I've already used this setup to produce a couple of training videos for work and easily export them to my PC for distribution.
It has been determined that some USB cables also do not allow for the phone to interface with a windows computer. Just for reference, I have a couple 9 foot USB cables that do not work. The stock cable works. Then I have another short 4 foot cable that also works.
First off, lets not degrade people by calling them "newbs". There is an issue, and it has to do with the cable length of quality of some kind. It doesn't have anything to do with people being stupid or not able to plug in a cable correctly.
If you are encountering this problem, then try the cable that came with the phone OR try a different cable. So far, the only issue I have found with the USB cables interfacing with the phone are the 9 foot cables that Verizon sells with a charger since we have a couple of them here.
It wasn't meant as an insult. There legitimately could be very many "new" people that are affectionately called "newbs." Stop trying to make this into something where I'm degrading their intelligence or lack of tech savvy. I was just simply pointing out some obvious steps that might not be so obvious for people that are new to Android or new to smartphones.
Are you saying that it's not possible that new people will come in here and look at threads like these?...give me a break.
Well, at least im not the only one experiencing issues when using usb extensions. On the topic of "newbs", that terms is hardly ever used in an affectionate way especially online but whatever, I'll leave that there. It seems people still live by the creed, high post count = high knowledge.
If you have a USA version phone you should not have to enabled usb debugging to use the phone as a mass storage device.
It wasn't meant as an insult. There legitimately could be very many "new" people that are affectionately called "newbs." Stop trying to make this into something where I'm degrading their intelligence or lack of tech savvy. I was just simply pointing out some obvious steps that might not be so obvious for people that are new to Android or new to smartphones.
Are you saying that it's not possible that new people will come in here and look at threads like these?...give me a break.
I didn't make it into anything other than what you said. People can draw their own conclusions to the way you said it. I thought you were degrading others, but thats just my opinion. Which is why I merely said that this is a known issue that has affected people. Don't discount it because you haven't experienced it or because you believe people are new. Sometimes, people find things that you have not heard of.
IMHO, you could have approached the situation with a little more tact and a bit more open minded.
Well, at least im not the only one experiencing issues when using usb extensions. On the topic of "newbs", that terms is hardly ever used in an affectionate way especially online but whatever, I'll leave that there. It seems people still live by the creed, high post count = high knowledge.
If you have a USA version phone you should not have to enabled usb debugging to use the phone as a mass storage device.
BTW, the high post count = high knowledge relation is typically only in the mind of the person with the high post count if there is a relation there. Thankfully, most people with high post counts are generally helpful on this thread. You have a few exceptions, but the mods do a good job and locking things down.
I didn't make it into anything other than what you said. People can draw their own conclusions to the way you said it. I thought you were degrading others, but thats just my opinion. Which is why I merely said that this is a known issue that has affected people. Don't discount it because you haven't experienced it or because you believe people are new. Sometimes, people find things that you have not heard of.
IMHO, you could have approached the situation with a little more tact and a bit more open minded.
It's not about that and you can state that as your opinion all you want, but I'm telling you it wasn't intended in that manner. My intent was solely to say that there are many people that are new to android/smartphones and there are basic functions that they may not know.
I've seen it countless times on here and other forums, where people just don't know and as a former Guide, I just try to look at a broader picture and not assume that everyone knows. Furthermore, the purpose of these forums are so that people can become more knowledgable. You may think of "Newb" as a negative term, but the whole context behind that term was not started from a negative standpoint. It was just a playful way of teasing people who were "new," but by no means (in this situation) was it meant to disrespect or degrade people's intelligence.
If you're asking me to start singing kumbaya or add smiley faces in all my posts...sorry, I just don't have time for that. I just want to make sure that people who are new to the forums learn about basic functions...if people in this thread are already knowledgable, then it's obvious that the post wasn't intended to inform you because you're already informed!...LOL.
It's not about that and you can state that as your opinion all you want, but I'm telling you it wasn't intended in that manner. My intent was solely to say that there are many people that are new to android/smartphones and there are basic functions that they may not know.
I've seen it countless times on here and other forums, where people just don't know and as a former Guide, I just try to look at a broader picture and not assume that everyone knows. Furthermore, the purpose of these forums are so that people can become more knowledgable. You may think of "Newb" as a negative term, but the whole context behind that term was not started from a negative standpoint. It was just a playful way of teasing people who were "new," but by no means (in this situation) was it meant to disrespect or degrade people's intelligence.
If you're asking me to start singing kumbaya or add smiley faces in all my posts...sorry, I just don't have time for that. I just want to make sure that people who are new to the forums learn about basic functions...if people in this thread are already knowledgable, then it's obvious that the post wasn't intended to inform you because you're already informed!...LOL.
Fair enough. I hear what you are saying, and I understand where you are coming from.
As for informing others that the issue exists, its obvious you didn't know about it. Now I have done my job by informing you and others here that the issue that the OP posted does exist. Just because I am informed doesn't mean others are, which was apparent by your post and others here who posted they had the same issue. Which is why I posted my findings so others could learn. Even you are now more informed.
So now everyone is aware of it. No harm, no foul.
There was my obligatory smiley face since you won't post one.
I still see my device in explorer, I can access the SD card open my music folder but like every time I try to copy something there the copy windows opens and stick at 0%. then the device is no longer accessible, my explorer is frozen and the only way is to unplug the USB cable...
I forgot to add that this only happens when I try to copy to the SD card. I also can't move a folder from the internal memory to the SD card... but I can copy music from Explorer to the main Memory...
Last edited by Kotetsu; February 6th, 2013 at 06:48 AM.
I still see my device in explorer, I can access the SD card open my music folder but like every time I try to copy something there the copy windows opens and stick at 0%. then the device is no longer accessible, my explorer is frozen and the only way is to unplug the USB cable...
I forgot to add that this only happens when I try to copy to the SD card. I also can't move a folder from the internal memory to the SD card... but I can copy music from Explorer to the main Memory...
Are you dragging and dropping or copy paste or have you tried both?
If you have tried both, I'm not sure why it's freezing your computer. Have you tried on a different computer? Maybe it's your computer?
I have tried both methods. It's the same on my two computers.
The problem doesn't occur when I try to copy from the pc to a folder in the main memory, only from the pc to the SD card.
I also discovered that I can't copy anything from the main memory to the SD card, nor using the phone or windows explorer.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2
I see that you have the International version. Have you activated USB debugging? Some people have mentioned that making it possible for file transfers from phone to PC and vice versa.
I own an international version and a Sprint version and haven't had any issues transferring files for either of my Note 2's.
I tried USB debugging but it didn't solve the problem. As I said it only happens when I want to copy to the sd card whether it's from the PC or from the main phone memory.
I am having the same issue here enabling my SGN2 as a Mass Storage device. First of all we should be clear on this; there is certainly some diferences between the different models and so we should not automatically assume that enabling USB debugging on any Note 2 would enable it as a Mass Storage device. Enabling debugging on my T-Mobile Note 2 made no difference for me, only available options are MTP and another option for transfer as a camera. So please if you know of any work around this folks, be specific and understand that all Note 2s are not the same.
Much Gracias.
I am having the same issue here enabling my SGN2 as a Mass Storage device. First of all we should be clear on this; there is certainly some diferences between the different models and so we should not automatically assume that enabling USB debugging on any Note 2 would enable it as a Mass Storage device. Enabling debugging on my T-Mobile Note 2 made no difference for me, only available options are MTP and another option for transfer as a camera. So please if you know of any work around this folks, be specific and understand that all Note 2s are not the same.
Much Gracias.
There must have been a change with one of the updates because I connected my phone to my PC and noticed that instead of USB device, it said "Media Transfer". That didn't matter though because I was still able to see both my internal and external SD on my PC.
Announced at IFA 2012, the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 follows its predecessor with a focus on creativity. The device improves the experience by adding more S-Pen functionality and new-generation specs, not to mention the slightly larger 5.5-inch display... Read More
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Enabing the Note II as a Mass Storage Device
