sherlock5545
Android Expert
SD card was always supported on the S3 even with 4.2 AOSP based ROMs 
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Help Samsung Galaxy S3 KILLS SD CARDS!!!!!!
- Thread starter ScornedNexus
- Start date
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- Tags
- samsung galaxy s3
SkyJackpot
Android Enthusiast
Now that Google is planing to release a Samsung Galaxy S4 with Stock Nexus Android experience, I doubt it.
I'm using Jelly Bean 4.1.2 but i also have 4.2.2 and the SD card works very nicely with it. I haven't done any formats to the card either I've just inserted the SD card into the phone since I bought it and never taken it out.
Official Samsung SD card purchased from Maplins technology store in London.
kb0sdq
Well-Known Member
OK folks, well I got my third replacement sd card from lexar about a week and a half ago this morning i check my phone and there is a notification there saying sd card removed. Well sure enough sd card number three is dead. Guess it is time for a refund may have to try samsung or scan disk to see which is cheaper. I am starting to wonder with all these sd cards going bad in the S3 if it may be an issue with the phone. But then I plug my original 2g card i got with my admire and that one works. Maybe just stick to samsung products. ah well, Have a good week-end folks,
T
tastycaramel
Guest
The phone definitely has a problem with the SD card slot.
Markedwards
Newbie
I had the same issue with a Kingston 64 Gig SD card. Yesterday started getting messages about the card unmounting and not readable. Today got message that the card could not be found. Checked it on 3 machines, it's completely fried. Called Samsung Tech Support and described the issue. One rep told me he had never heard of it , put me on hold to "do some checking", then came back and cut me off. Second rep also claimed this was the first she heard of it and at least offered me a warranty repair on the phone without trying to blame it on the SD card (hmmmm) but it would take 10-14 days to get the phone back and forth to them and I can't be without the phone for that long.
I'm only 6 months into my contract or I'd just dump the phone and get something else. Samsung HAS to be aware of this issue, and from reading this and other forums, it may be some bad SD cards, but it seems that after about 5-6 months the phones start corrupting and finally frying the cards.
Anybody got any ideas on how we can get Samsung to admit they have a problem and stand behind their product? I know it's an uphill battle to ever get them to admit a problem, and it makes me wonder if I shouldn't just cut my losses and go with another brand. I don't like dealing with liars.
I'm only 6 months into my contract or I'd just dump the phone and get something else. Samsung HAS to be aware of this issue, and from reading this and other forums, it may be some bad SD cards, but it seems that after about 5-6 months the phones start corrupting and finally frying the cards.
Anybody got any ideas on how we can get Samsung to admit they have a problem and stand behind their product? I know it's an uphill battle to ever get them to admit a problem, and it makes me wonder if I shouldn't just cut my losses and go with another brand. I don't like dealing with liars.
T
tastycaramel
Guest
All you have to do is to keep complaining lol. But seriously, if you do that, it actually works.
Markedwards
Newbie
I had a problem with my five month old Samsung Galaxy S3 phone last week. First it said that the SD card had been removed, I'd reboot the phone and it was fine. Then it would tell me that the SD card was missing, I'd reboot and it would be fine. On Saturday, I got a message that the SD Card was no inserted, which it was. I removed the SD card and found that it had been wiped clean and file recovery programs in Windows and Mac would not find any of the files, including photos, videos, and much more.
I called Samsung Saturday and was told they never heard of the problem, despite many threads on the problem like this one. http://androidforums.com/samsung-galaxy-s3/654417-samsung-galaxy-s3-kills-sd-cards-8.html. They told me there were no supervisors to speak with, so I called back today to talk with one because Samsung will not do anything to fix the problem.
I spoke to a supervisor named Mike who told me that Samsung is aware of the problem and that he was aware of problems with any SD cards over class 2. He said that cards rated over class 2 are not recommended by Samsung because they know that cards with a higher class are likely to be corrupted by the phone. He told me that using a class 10 card was the problem because the phone was likely to corrupt the card. I asked him where I could find this information, and he told me that the company hasn't posted it on their website or in the user manuals yet. I asked him why and he said he didn't know.
I asked him what he was going to do to fix the problem, as in replace my expensive SD card or provide me with a working phone. He told me there was nothing they would do to replace the card that the phone had ruined and that if I wanted to, I could send the phone in for repair, but I'd be without it for about 14 days, which is completely unacceptable. I asked him why, when he KNEW there was a problem with the phone and certain types of SD cards, they wouldn't stand behind their product and he had no answer for me. I asked him who I could speak to who might have an answer and he hung up on me.
Samsung knows there's a problem with these phones and some SD cards, but they won't admit to it. That's a horrible way to treat their customers, and the customer service treatment I got was absolutely unacceptable. People deserve to know their pictures, music, and videos are subject to being deleted and Samsung knows it, but won't do anything about it.
I called Samsung Saturday and was told they never heard of the problem, despite many threads on the problem like this one. http://androidforums.com/samsung-galaxy-s3/654417-samsung-galaxy-s3-kills-sd-cards-8.html. They told me there were no supervisors to speak with, so I called back today to talk with one because Samsung will not do anything to fix the problem.
I spoke to a supervisor named Mike who told me that Samsung is aware of the problem and that he was aware of problems with any SD cards over class 2. He said that cards rated over class 2 are not recommended by Samsung because they know that cards with a higher class are likely to be corrupted by the phone. He told me that using a class 10 card was the problem because the phone was likely to corrupt the card. I asked him where I could find this information, and he told me that the company hasn't posted it on their website or in the user manuals yet. I asked him why and he said he didn't know.
I asked him what he was going to do to fix the problem, as in replace my expensive SD card or provide me with a working phone. He told me there was nothing they would do to replace the card that the phone had ruined and that if I wanted to, I could send the phone in for repair, but I'd be without it for about 14 days, which is completely unacceptable. I asked him why, when he KNEW there was a problem with the phone and certain types of SD cards, they wouldn't stand behind their product and he had no answer for me. I asked him who I could speak to who might have an answer and he hung up on me.
Samsung knows there's a problem with these phones and some SD cards, but they won't admit to it. That's a horrible way to treat their customers, and the customer service treatment I got was absolutely unacceptable. People deserve to know their pictures, music, and videos are subject to being deleted and Samsung knows it, but won't do anything about it.
Markedwards
Newbie
I just got this e mail from Samsung. What a bunch of bunk. My comments are in CAPS.
YOU INSENSITIVE AND INCOMPETENT PEOPLE HAD THE NERVE TO SEND ME THIS E MAIL.Dear Mark,
Thank you for contacting Samsung Telecommunications America.
We apologize for the inconvenience caused. We would be glad to assist you by providing with the required information.
As you have stated that you have performed the soft reset on your phone(SGH-I747)(removing the battery and inserting it after 30 seconds) and see that the issue persists, in this situation, please try with the steps below:
1) Please check whether you are facing this issue with all the SD cards or only with specific SD card. If the issue is with all the SD cards, the issue seems to be with the phone.
2) As you have stated that the PC or Mac couldn’t find the files on the SD card, in this situation, please try to format the SD card in FAT 32- bit on the PC.
3) After formatting the SD card on the PC, please insert the SD card on the phone and check for the result. If the issue persists, in this situation, we request you to perform the Factory reset on the phone. Performing a Factory data reset will erase all data from your phone, including phonebook entries, apps, messages, all personal information and downloaded applications. It will not erase current system software and bundled applications or files on your SD card such as music or photos.
Your mobile device provides you with the ability to delete all of your personal information from the device. This allows you to ensure your data are removed before sending the device in for replacement or repair, properly disposing of the device, or giving the device to a friend or family member to use.
To delete all of your personal information from your device, from the Home screen, touch Menu > Settings > Back up and reset > Factory data reset.
Note: Please backup the data before performing the Factory reset as performing them before erasing the data of your phone. You can backup the data using the Kies software.
Please access the link below to download the Kies software.
Link: SAMSUNG KIES
Please download the Kies software from the above link. Install the Kies software on the PC and reboot the PC as it effects the changes done.
Again, we sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused. Please perform the above mentioned steps and check with the result.
Request you to get back to us if you have any further concerns. We will be glad to assist you.
Should you have more questions regarding your Samsung Mobile Phone, you can also reach out to our chat support team by accessing the following link. Live Chat is available 24 hours a day. 7 days a week
Link: Samsung
Thank you for your continued interest in Samsung products.
Sincerely,
Sophee
I HAVE TOLD YOU THAT I'VE DONE ALL THOSE THINGS INCLUDING RUN FILE RECOVERY SOFTWARE ON THE SD CARD. YOUR SUPERVISOR TOLD ME THIS MORNING THAT HE KNEW OF A PROBLEM WITH CARDS OVER CLASS 2. WHAT KIND OF IDIOT DO YOU THINK I AM THAT I WOULD TAKE THIS FOR AN ANSWER? WHAT IS SAMSUNG GOING TO DO TO MAKE THIS RIGHT???????
Samsung KNOWS they have a problem with this phone and SD cards and they refuse to acknowledge it. Any ideas on how to make them come clean and tell us, their customers, the truth?
YOU INSENSITIVE AND INCOMPETENT PEOPLE HAD THE NERVE TO SEND ME THIS E MAIL.Dear Mark,
Thank you for contacting Samsung Telecommunications America.
We apologize for the inconvenience caused. We would be glad to assist you by providing with the required information.
As you have stated that you have performed the soft reset on your phone(SGH-I747)(removing the battery and inserting it after 30 seconds) and see that the issue persists, in this situation, please try with the steps below:
1) Please check whether you are facing this issue with all the SD cards or only with specific SD card. If the issue is with all the SD cards, the issue seems to be with the phone.
2) As you have stated that the PC or Mac couldn’t find the files on the SD card, in this situation, please try to format the SD card in FAT 32- bit on the PC.
3) After formatting the SD card on the PC, please insert the SD card on the phone and check for the result. If the issue persists, in this situation, we request you to perform the Factory reset on the phone. Performing a Factory data reset will erase all data from your phone, including phonebook entries, apps, messages, all personal information and downloaded applications. It will not erase current system software and bundled applications or files on your SD card such as music or photos.
Your mobile device provides you with the ability to delete all of your personal information from the device. This allows you to ensure your data are removed before sending the device in for replacement or repair, properly disposing of the device, or giving the device to a friend or family member to use.
To delete all of your personal information from your device, from the Home screen, touch Menu > Settings > Back up and reset > Factory data reset.
Note: Please backup the data before performing the Factory reset as performing them before erasing the data of your phone. You can backup the data using the Kies software.
Please access the link below to download the Kies software.
Link: SAMSUNG KIES
Please download the Kies software from the above link. Install the Kies software on the PC and reboot the PC as it effects the changes done.
Again, we sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused. Please perform the above mentioned steps and check with the result.
Request you to get back to us if you have any further concerns. We will be glad to assist you.
Should you have more questions regarding your Samsung Mobile Phone, you can also reach out to our chat support team by accessing the following link. Live Chat is available 24 hours a day. 7 days a week
Link: Samsung
Thank you for your continued interest in Samsung products.
Sincerely,
Sophee
I HAVE TOLD YOU THAT I'VE DONE ALL THOSE THINGS INCLUDING RUN FILE RECOVERY SOFTWARE ON THE SD CARD. YOUR SUPERVISOR TOLD ME THIS MORNING THAT HE KNEW OF A PROBLEM WITH CARDS OVER CLASS 2. WHAT KIND OF IDIOT DO YOU THINK I AM THAT I WOULD TAKE THIS FOR AN ANSWER? WHAT IS SAMSUNG GOING TO DO TO MAKE THIS RIGHT???????
Samsung KNOWS they have a problem with this phone and SD cards and they refuse to acknowledge it. Any ideas on how to make them come clean and tell us, their customers, the truth?
Markedwards
Newbie
Final comment, hopefully. I had a chat with Samsung Executive customer care or whatever they call it. Remember, the supervisor earlier today told me that anything above a class 2 card was problematic in the Galaxy 3. The last person I talked to suggested I buy a 32 Gig Samsung SD card because it's GUARANTEED to work in their phones. When I went to look it up, I found that it was CLASS 10.
Someone at Samsung is misleading their customers. Or many someones.
Someone at Samsung is misleading their customers. Or many someones.
WAWood8
Well-Known Member
I had two Lexar SD cards, and both of them failed -- several months apart. I also had SanDisk cards fail. I've had a Samsung card since then and it has not failed. So, there may be something to using Samsung cards with this phone.
this is what killed my SD card... i asked people to try it too but no one did...
but I've since replaced it with their newer ones, thru their warranty, and it's been working flawlessly
gregg1100
Android Enthusiast
My San Disk 32 GB Class 4 card has died. Won't even show up on pc, picture frame or S3.
Lasted under 4 months. I am going to get another, but will try a Samsung one this time.
What Class do I go for, please----??. Seen load of UH-S 10's for sale.
If the phone kills that one, it will be returned to o2 sharpish.
Lasted under 4 months. I am going to get another, but will try a Samsung one this time.
What Class do I go for, please----??. Seen load of UH-S 10's for sale.
If the phone kills that one, it will be returned to o2 sharpish.
My Verizon SGS3 is giving me notifications that the SD card has been unexpectedly removed. Transcend 32GB UHS-1 card TS32GUSDU1 that I've owned for about a month. Before that, I had a 16GB Amazon-branded card that got corrupted in the phone and is now only recognized as 2GB on any computer.
I have had the same problem twice. I am a photographer & lost a ton of photos. Verrrrry frustrating. Want to share 2 things. 1) I will definitely no longer take a chance on this...no more ext sd cards in the slot, it's too risky. I will set my photos to backup to dropbox automatically and pay for the storage. And 2) try using image rescue to retrieve your photos!!!! I have used it many times on failed mem cards of all kinds and it is a godsend!!!!
Got a Samsung one which just died 32GB. Had it at least 2 years. Two things I did differently over the last few weeks. 1. I downloaded Torrents straight to SD,and 2. I used a free space widget. I wonder if the latter is the problem. Storage view only refreshes when you open it but the widget accesses it constantly. Just a theory anyway.
I found the solution for my SGS 3. About 2 weeks I decided to install 'Mobo Video Player Pro' player from the Play Store to see some videos (actually didn't work but I left the app anyway). I had a card crash/battery issue by then but I did not relate the installation at the time. I went an acquire another card and as soon as I had it inserted the phone got hot on the location of the card and the battery went to almost none in a few hrs. When the card was out I had no problems. I tried the suggested option of Settings/Developer options/ Protect SD card but it did not help. By then I remembered about the Mobo app and removed it. Since then, card is fine, battery is fine.
I hope this may help others with this issue.
I hope this may help others with this issue.
gregg1100
Android Enthusiast
Phone in o2 repair place- they can't find anything wrong. Got a new SD card to go in the phone- when that expires, they will have the phone back pronto.
If the Xperia Z had have been available at the S3 purchase time, I would have gone for that one over the S3. At least no SD card worries
.
If the Xperia Z had have been available at the S3 purchase time, I would have gone for that one over the S3. At least no SD card worries
.
Well, if the Xperia has no SD card slot and that is your "solution", why not just avoid using the SD card in your GS3? The only problem I know of people having with the GS3 are memory card problems.
So, no need to change phones, just don't use the SD card. I personally intend to keep using it, just keeping it backed up. My replacement card is still working fine after about 4 months, which is how long the first card lasted before failing.
I just looked at the specs and I see that it will have a mSD slot. But, we have no idea yet how it will perform. I have a suspicion that the problem Samsung is having is related to how these new superpowerful phones use the external cards. We have only a few of these phones using mSD so far, and I HAVE heard of HTC phones with dying SD cards as well, so this may well NOT be a Samsung problem. Only time will tell...
gregg1100
Android Enthusiast
I keep 1500 songs on my phone, at last count, plus family videos that are left on the phone till I get a chance to transfer them to the puter.
I bought the 16GB S3 due to cost. On reflection, it would have been easier to have bought a 32 GB one, I wouldn't have needed an expansion card then.
But I didn't, thinking that the S3 is able to use an SD card. I bought the San Disk 32GB one with a 6 written on the card- the speed I take it.. It seems from the forums that it is the San Disk 32 GB one that tend to be failing more than other makes.
There is no point having available hardware in a phone and not using it-like having a car with 6 speed gearbox and only using 3 of them. The S3 has a slot for SD card, so I want to use it.
Just put in a Samsung made SD 8GB card, loaded it up with music and pics---will be interested to find out how long that lasts.
Greg
I bought the 16GB S3 due to cost. On reflection, it would have been easier to have bought a 32 GB one, I wouldn't have needed an expansion card then.
But I didn't, thinking that the S3 is able to use an SD card. I bought the San Disk 32GB one with a 6 written on the card- the speed I take it.. It seems from the forums that it is the San Disk 32 GB one that tend to be failing more than other makes.
There is no point having available hardware in a phone and not using it-like having a car with 6 speed gearbox and only using 3 of them. The S3 has a slot for SD card, so I want to use it.
Just put in a Samsung made SD 8GB card, loaded it up with music and pics---will be interested to find out how long that lasts.
Greg
sherlock5545
Android Expert
Currently using an 8GB San Disk card, which I've had for about two years now (before the S3) and still rocking after exactly one year of use on this phone. I just do regular backups.
BoltonBerry
Lurker
"upgraded" from Galaxy SII to SIII. Micro XD card worked fine in SII. Moved it to SIII and within a few months had same problems as described in this thread. However, the card was not dead! I inserted it into my old SII and EVERYTHING was there. Saved everything to PC from SII, returned the card to SIII - which did not recognize the card had been inserted! Just to complete the experiment - plugged card back into old phone and all files (music, images, documents) all still there.