Is it possible to expand INTERNAL (adoptable) storage with a MicroSD card or USB stick on the Minix Neo U1, and if so, HOW??

snake420

Member
Does anyone here know if it is possible to expand storage with a MicroSD card on the Minix Neo U1, and if so, HOW??
I would think that it would be possible, otherwise why have a MicroSD slot on the U1?

Thanks.
 
Does anyone here know if it is possible to expand storage with a MicroSD card on the Minix Neo U1, and if so, HOW??
I would think that it would be possible, otherwise why have a MicroSD slot on the U1?

Thanks.
Normaly since Android 5.0 lollipop you can transfer apps on sd card for expand internal storage ...
A microsd slot can also be used as "second" storrage for ,pictures ,music,vidéo... ,record storage options in different apps ...
Put sd card in slot and the box gives you the different storage options directly normaly ...
 
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Normaly since Android 5.0 lollipop you can transfer apps on sd card for expand internal storage ...
A microsd slot can also be used as "second" storrage for ,pictures ,music,vidéo... ,record storage options in different apps ...
Put sd card in slot and the box gives you the different storage options directly normaly ...
How do you format the MicroSD to expand the internal storage? I see no option on the U1 in settings/storage.
 
How do you expand the internal storage with the MicroSD? I see no option on the U1 in settings/storage.
Power on the box ,put sd inside ,open the bar from the top on home screen with mouse ,normaly you see "sd card " you have to clic on it for formate it and chose storage option ,use ass internal or external ....then the card formate ,and After this you see it in storage settings
Go to settings /apps and clic on the apps ,if you Can transfer on sd card its written
PS ; not all apps can bé transfer to sd
Transfert apps work only in storage mode "internal"
 
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Power on the box ,put sd inside ,open the bar from the top on home screen with mouse ,normaly you see "sd card " you have to clic on it for formate it and chose storage option ,use ass internal or external ....then the card formate ,and After this you see it in storage settings
Go to settings /apps and clic on the apps ,if you Can transfer on sd card its written
PS ; not all apps can bé transfer to sd
Transfert apps work only in storage mode "internal"
Thanks AboxF.
It only gives me the option to unmount, mount or erase storage. No format.
 
Yes ,mount the sd...
I can mount it, but that doesn't make it internal storage. That only makes it secondary storage in which I have to move items over to.
The main problem with that is that I cannot move apps over and run those apps from secondary storage. I can only move useless items to that storage. I need to expand the internal storage because the storage is nearly full at only about 600MB left available.
What I need to know is if there is any possible way to format the MicroSD card to use as INTERNAL (adoptable) storage on Android 5.1.1 Lollipop, which is the system that this Minix Neo U1 has??
I know that it wasn't until Android 6 Marshmallow that they made it easy to do this, but there has to be some kind of workaround to do this...anyone?
Thank you.
 
Does anyone here know if it is possible to expand storage with a MicroSD card on the Minix Neo U1, and if so, HOW??
Unfortunately your only options are to flash the unofficial Marshmallow ROM:
https://theminixforum.com/index.php?threads/unofficial-6-0-1-marshmallow-rom-for-the-u1.107/

or

Rooting the U1:
https://theminixforum.com/index.php?threads/rooting-u1.279/post-9694

And then searching for a way to swap the internal storage to external SD like so (as an example only, not confirmed working!!):
https://www.skyneel.com/how-to-swap-internal-storage-with-the-sd-card-in-android-device

Goes without saying, everything done at your own risk, flashing deletes all data so make backups!!
 
Unfortunately your only options are to flash the unofficial Marshmallow ROM:
https://theminixforum.com/index.php?threads/unofficial-6-0-1-marshmallow-rom-for-the-u1.107/

or

Rooting the U1:
https://theminixforum.com/index.php?threads/rooting-u1.279/post-9694

And then searching for a way to swap the internal storage to external SD like so:
https://www.skyneel.com/how-to-swap-internal-storage-with-the-sd-card-in-android-device

Goes without saying, everything done at your own risk, flashing deletes all data so make backups!!
Thank you Marty.
I was actually just looking at your posted instructions on rooting the U1 in that same link that you just sent me.
Is this rooting method with TWRP and SuperSU relatively safe? My system will still stay intact as far as my apps, pictures, settings, etc, after rooting this way, correct?
Was thinking that taking that route my be the safer of the two.
Thanks.
 
Unfortunately your only options are to flash the unofficial Marshmallow ROM:
https://theminixforum.com/index.php?threads/unofficial-6-0-1-marshmallow-rom-for-the-u1.107/

or

Rooting the U1:
https://theminixforum.com/index.php?threads/rooting-u1.279/post-9694

And then searching for a way to swap the internal storage to external SD like so:
https://www.skyneel.com/how-to-swap-internal-storage-with-the-sd-card-in-android-device

Goes without saying, everything done at your own risk, flashing deletes all data so make backups!!
Hello Marty.
According to your instructions...
"Download SuperSU here
Download TWRP here

- Rename TWRP_3.0.2_U1_SDcard to recovery.img.
- Put recovery.img & SuperSU-v2.82 onto an SD Card formatted to FAT32
- Put the SD Card into your Minix and boot to TWRP recovery (same process as stock recovery).
- Swipe to allow modifications
- Select Install
- On the bottom right click "Select Storage"
- Choose Micro SDCard
- Select the SuperSU zip in the top left
- Once flashed select Reboot System"

I am trying this, but when I boot into recovery, I only get...

reboot system
Apply update from EXT
apply update from cache
apply update from ADB
wipe data/factory reset
wipe cache partition
reboot to bootloader
power down
view recovery log

That is all...no "install" for anything??
Thanks.
 
I am trying this, but when I boot into recovery, I only get
You are booting into normal recovery, you need to remove the power, plug it back in, insert the SD Card formatted to FAT32 with TWRP on it and then hold the power button until you see the TWRP splash screen, you cannot mistake it. If you still get the stock recovery then format the card again or try another card etc...
My system will still stay intact as far as my apps, pictures, settings, etc, after rooting this way, correct?
This method of rooting will keep your data but like I said do at your own risk, anything unforeseen could happen.
 
You are booting into normal recovery, you need to remove the power, plug it back in, insert the SD Card formatted to FAT32 with TWRP on it and then hold the power button until you see the TWRP splash screen, you cannot mistake it. If you still get the stock recovery then format the card again or try another card etc...

This method of rooting will keep your data but like I said do at your own risk, anything unforeseen could happen.
After I replied last night, I realized that my problem was that I needed to format the MicroSD to FAT32, as exFAT wasn't working. I was able to root. Now I just need to find a proper way to swap internal storage, or at least use MicroSD as internal/adoptable storage.

The problem with the link you posted ( https://www.skyneel.com/how-to-swap-internal-storage-with-the-sd-card-in-android-device ) is that the WSM Tools app, after installation, states that it doesn't support android armeabi-v7a, after opening the app, so I stopped there and am looking around for a way. Nothing can be simple. :rolleyes:

Thanks.
 
You are booting into normal recovery, you need to remove the power, plug it back in, insert the SD Card formatted to FAT32 with TWRP on it and then hold the power button until you see the TWRP splash screen, you cannot mistake it. If you still get the stock recovery then format the card again or try another card etc...

This method of rooting will keep your data but like I said do at your own risk, anything unforeseen could happen.
One question for you Marty...
There is a recovery.img that is included in your root, along with the SuperSU.zip. If I wanted to ever unroot the Minix, would I recover with that image...ie. is that the stock FW013 recovery image to unroot?
Thanks.
 
If I wanted to ever unroot the Minix
SuperSU has the option to unroot in the settings (y)
I stopped there and am looking around for a way. Nothing can be simple.
Yeah sorry I meant that link just as an example and should have made it more clear. I have never tried this myself so if you pull it off please let us know in case other members might benefit (y)
 
One question for you Marty...
There is a recovery.img that is included in your root, along with the SuperSU.zip. If I wanted to ever unroot the Minix, would I recover with that image...ie. is that the stock FW013 recovery image to unroot?
Thanks.

I presume the recovery.img is TWRP. The recovery mode and Android are 2 separate things, so you can use any version of Android with any version of recovery. One of the (many) advantage of TWRP is that it allows you to install any Zip update, including SuperSU, whereas the original/standard recovery wouldn't allow to install an update that is not fully signed.
If you want to unroot, you'll have to uninstall root from within superSU, as Marty pointed out. Having TWRP as your recovery does not mean that your system is rooted or not. If you wanted, you could always reinstall the Minix recovery after installing Minix, but to be honest, TWRP works fine and in fact does a whole lot more. It doesn't come with nay inconvenient (i.e. you wouldn't find an app that would refuse to work because you have TWRP as your recovery).
 
SuperSU has the option to unroot in the settings (y)

Yeah sorry I meant that link just as an example and should have made it more clear. I have never tried this myself so if you pull it off please let us know in case other members might benefit (y)
This is how I was able to expand my internal storage using a MicroSD card. It's not perfect, but it gives me a LOT more space to use on the Minix Neo U1...

Expand internal memory to Android 5.1.1 Lollipop with Root
Tools and downloads
  • Micro SD Card (Class 10 minimum).
  • Download and install MiniTool Partition for Windows, or if using Linux, you can use GParted (this is what I used, as I have a Linux system).
  • Link2SD application from Google Play.
Prerequisites

Before proceeding...If you do not have Root permissions on the device you will not be able to pass any application to the memory card using Link2SD. You should also make a backup so as not to lose your data.

Procedure to follow to expand the internal memory:
  • You must restore the device to factory condition, which results in a total loss of data and applications. To do this, go to Settings > Backup and Restore > Restore Factory Data.
  • Insert the SD card into your PC reader or into an external reader. On Windows, in MiniTool Partition, click the unit on your microSD card. On Linux, open GParted and search for your MicroSD card. It is very easy to distinguish it by its capacity. Don’t modify your computer’s hard drive.
  • Now you have to remove the SD partition (everything will be deleted) by Unmounting then Delete and generate a new one with Create in FAT32 file system and as Primary.
  • Then click on Apply.
  • On MiniTool Partition, on the right under Operations click Split Partition. On GParted, right click on the partition and Resize or move the slider to your desired amount of space you want to use (I had a 64GB SD card, so I split the partition in half, using 32GB for my next partition).
  • Separate the microSD card into two partitions: an internal partition (for applications) and an external partition (photos and other files).
  • Now select the partition you are going to use as internal, click Format partition and select the Ext3 file system (this is what I used) and partition as Primary.
  • Once this is done, do not insert the SD card into the android (Minix U1), for now, keep it aside. Restart your android (Minix U1), but don’t save any apps or let the Play Store do it.
  • Install the SuperSU application. (To install, just do a simple search on your browser and download it from a trusted site. I downloaded the same version SuperSU 2.82 that I rooted my Minix U1 with, as to not get any conflicts between versions, just in case).
  • Turn off the android (Minix U1) and insert the microSD card.
  • Restart the android (Minix U1) and install and start the Link2SD (internal memory) application.
  • A message appears asking you which is the file system of the second partition of the SD card, click Ext3 and restart the android (Minix U1) again.
  • Open Link2SD again, and then, under Settings, click Installation Location and select Internal. (If you get an error message after opening Link2SD, you may have to start over and format your internal partition as Ext2 or Ext4, rather than Ext3, but Ext3 should work without issue).
  • Within the Link2SD settings click on Auto Link; you must leave this option enabled.
  • And that’s it! In your next installation of any applications, you will see a notification alerting you that the installed application has been linked to the SD card.

One last tip: DO NOT remove the SD card if the android (Minix U1) is on, first turn off the android (Minix U1). I would advise to just leave it in always, and if you need to remove it, be sure to 'unlink' all of your applications from the SD card before you do through the Link2SD application. You can always 'link' them again if your reinsert the SD card. Again, I would just leave it alone though.

Hope this helps others.
Again, it's not perfect, but it does give you more space in the 5.1.1 Lollipop android system on the Minix Neo U1.
If only they had made it easier all along, like they started doing in Android 6 Marshmallow +. ...Whataya gonna do? ;)
 
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For info, SuperSU apk is in the the zip file and should install automatically when you root the U1:
https://theminixforum.com/index.php?threads/rooting-u1.279/page-2#post-9694
View attachment 3904
Yes Marty, you would think.
I know the SuperSU app is there somewhere, as my Minix U1 is rooted after installing it through TWRP. but in MY case I could not find it in any of my apps, downloaded or system apps, so that is why I added that into the instructions. By installing the same version, it is basically updating the "installed" app and adding it to where I can actually access it or uninstall it, if needed.
I know...strange...but if it happened to me, it could possibly happen to others...hence the instruction inclusion.
 
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