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How does Internal Storage work?

P

pjstock

Newbie
Please excuse my ignorance, but where can I find info on how Internal Storage (versus external) works on my Nexus S? (I might be running low.)

When I am USB Connected I am getting a "No Internal Storage Available" message when I try to view Gallery images.

My Sys Settings > Storage shows 0.98GB used and 128Mb free in Internal Storage, while the entire unit has 13.3Gb total and 6.3Gb free .

Is my IS too tight (I could not for instance download and install Chrome as an app, it failed on "Insufficient Storage Available")

Peter
 
OK, that helps in terms of instructions. When you go to SETTINGS, then STORAGE, it should show you how much of your space is taken up. What is it showing you? Also, it may even give you a breakdown of various types of things on your phone (apps, media, etc). That may clue you in as to where the problem lies.
 
My Sys Settings > Storage shows

IS
Total Space = 0.98GB,
Apps = 687Mb (there's nothing else)
and Available = 128Mb free in Internal Storage.

Under USB Storage
Apps = 423Mb
Pictures = 387Mb
Audio = 5.57Gb
Downloads = 107Mb
Available = 6.35Gb
 
If you don't, can you post a screen shot of what you're seeing? I'm a little confused why you're getting two different amounts for internal storage. If you don't have an SD card, you ought to get only one amount of storage.
 
I don't believe I have an SD card in this thing.
I've never put on in anyway.

Sorry to sound dim, but how do I get a screen shot off the phone?
 
I believe, if you're running Jellybean, you can get away with pressing VOLUMN DOWN (on the rocker), and POWER OFF at the same time. Then you can post it here, as I'm a little confused about what you're talking about.
 
And can you clarify what you mean by "the entire unit"? That's the part that's throwing me off, as you should just have one amount of storage....
 
RyanB said:
And can you clarify what you mean by "the entire unit"? That's the part that's throwing me off, as you should just have one amount of storage....
Click to expand...


Vol Down + Power Button doesn't seem to do anything.

When I said "entire Unit" I was referring to the full capacity of the "phone" as if it were a USB HDD (which is 13.31Gb)

Then there is this Internal Storage subset.

Anyway, this listing reflects what a screenshot would show:

My Sys Settings > Storage shows

Internal Storage
Total Space = 0.98GB,
Apps = 687Mb (there's nothing else)
and Available = 128Mb free in Internal Storage.

Under USB Storage
Apps = 423Mb
Pictures = 387Mb
Audio = 5.57Gb
Downloads = 107Mb
Available = 6.35Gb
 
OK, I think I found what's up for your S :(

I Googled "Nexus S internal storage vs usb" and found on XDA a thread that explains it. If you don't want to read the entire thread, here's the money shot from user XK72: The Nexus S uses a single 16GB flash module that is partitioned into two volumes instead of one smaller flash module and an expandable memory slot (SD) setup found in many other phones. The "Internal Storage" is the internal flash memory needed by Android to house the OS installation. The "USB Storage" is partitioned separately to allow the volume to be mounted, which lets you simultaneously use your phone while performing read and write operations on the "external" volume. If it wasn't set up this way, you would have to forego the ability to use your phone while it was mounted. It also allows you to erase and flash a new ROM without affecting "USB Storage" contents (photos, custom ringtones, music, etc.).

If your app has the option to be moved to "external" storage, the only drawback is that you won't be able to access it on the phone while the volume is mounted.
 
Basically, you're capped at 1GB for things like apps. You'll have to move parts of them off to SD (if that's available to you), or take the risk and root your device.
 
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