Question Can't see files from Windows on microSD

[seth6string]

I got a new microSD for my moto g play 2024 running Android 14. When I transfer files from Windows to my card, then put it back in my phone, I can't see those files.

I thought it might be NTFS related, so I tried moving the files to an external HDD formatted to exFAT first, with the same results.

I went back and tested with my old microSD and everything worked fine.

The cards are identical except for capacity: both are SanDisk Ultra, same specs.

Could my new card simply be a dud?

 

[SpookDroid]

Are the files transferred via Windows not set to be hidden? Are you using the stock File Manager to access the card (3rd party options may need to have permissions set to allow this beforehand)? Can you see the folders where the data is being copied to or nothing at all?

 

[seth6string]

Are the files transferred via Windows not set to be hidden? Are you using the stock File Manager to access the card (3rd party options may need to have permissions set to allow this beforehand)? Can you see the folders where the data is being copied to or nothing at all?

Thanks for the reply.

Nothing's hidden as far as I can tell.

I'm using Google Files but the stock file browser gives the same results.

What's weird is, I can use the card normally aside from this issue. I have the camera set to save photos/videos to the card and it's fine. And, 99% of the time I can move downloaded files from internal storage to the card... but once in a while those get corrupted and can't be opened afterward.

But when I copy files from some other source (Windows, or an external drive via Windows, etc.), then I can't see them when I put the card back in the phone.

What's doubly strange is, when I tried an alternate method where I transferred files from Windows to the working older card, then from there to the phone's internal storage, then to the newer card using the phone... those files will partially show up and then mysteriously vanish.

Thanks for any help!

 

[VidJunky]

Welcome to Android Central forums. Just a few questions to get started.

Usually this is where B. Diddy would ask where you got the SD, always warning of counterfeit cards.

Have you tried transferring via a cable, plugging the phone directly into the PC and using windows file explorer with your device connected as external memory? Is there a reason you cannot or do not want to connect directly to the PC?

When you transfer items to the SD are you seeing files from the phone in these locations? For instance, if you add a pic to the SD in the DCIM folder, are you seeing pics taken from the phone in this same folder?

If you transfer a file to the SD, put the card in your phone, look for the file, not able to find it, and put it back in the PC, are you still able to see and open the file?

What file types are we talking about?

Have you reformatted the card in the phone and started over? I saw where you said you formatted the card on the PC.

Teh times when you say that the files you could see eventually disappear, are they only missing when you look for them on the phone, can you still see them from the PC?

My best advice is to format the card in the phone, and try using a USB to transfer while connected as external memory.

 

[seth6string]

I'm unable to reply. It says I'm spamming.

 

[B. Diddy]

The forum software will sometimes flag posts with certain keywords or links, especially for newer members. Try again and reword it.

 

[Windroid 2483]

You could try reformatting the card from your moto g play 2024. That might get it to get along with both your smartphone and desktop (or laptop). Just remember to copy any files you want to keep off of it first!