WHAT IS 'Please Select Your SD Card First'?

[BillieBob]

This appears more often than I care, and I still don't know what to do to actually clear it.

I can find no concensus searching online expect that it seems to be a permission issue, but any app I am working with when it appears has storage permission.

This is not the first time I have asked this. someone must know. The biggest problem I see is that it offers four selections, and I won't make any one because none of them seem to represent my actual card. Should I make a wrong selection I don't what possible consequences I will face.

It is a particular problem using File Manager HD, which I have used over the lifetime of Note's since the original. I can often accomplish what I need, sometimes with difficulty, using Samsungs My Files, but there is still a problem that needs to be identified and fixed properly.

I have tried the usual clearing caches, etc...anyone with useful experience or ideas? Samsung?

[Shaggyskunk1BLM]

What you're seeing is a Permission request - You should only need to grant the permission once (unless you Factory Reset) - Normally you will see this permission request the first time you want to move or copy files to the external sd card 🐧

[BillieBob]

TY and as I mentioned permissions. Before making any selection there should be some item that shows not having the permissions in question, or what is actually being granted permission? Is it valid or a bug for the app that already shows storage permission?
...and why is there four options to select? In this image #3 is the only one that might have matched my current configuration at the time, but then that is still just a guess.

Just clicking on something without knowing what, why and how is not an option.

[Samesung]

Seems like the problem you are experiencing is in your downloaded file manager application. If it is so troublesome then why use it...plenty of others out there. I've used Astro for years and no problems. Have no issues moving files around my Note 9 either...

[bry1050]

This problem also happens with the built in My Files. It shows a complete inability to understand the users situation. Total rubbish.

[Samesung]

1) Most recently saved files to choose from
2) Choice to search via file size or SD card
3) Choice between recent, internal or SD card
4) Looks like you're already inside a file tree and those 3 file types are listed along with SD card...no mystery here.

[BillieBob]

It is annoying but doesn't happen frequently. Otherwise I like the app and am not in the habit of just giving up cause it's not easy.

1, 2,3,4.....the implication there is four cards to choose from, but I didn't get the model that held four SD cards. The reasoning presented in the selection request is not logically apparent. Eventually I'll figure out why this appears.

[bry1050]

It's also very annoying when smartarses reply to the problem only to demonstrate some kind of superiority.

[TWiiTCH]

It is very simple, you have numbered the steps. #1 tap 3 dots upper right, #2 tap show SD card, #3 tap SD card under open from menu (not internal storage) #4 tap select SD card. Apps that require SD card access get you to do this upon first run/use so the app gets permission to read/write to the SD card. You don't need to select any of the folders in the file tree, just follow your yellow square highlights to grant permission. The only app that would or at least should be asking you to do this is the current one that you are using. Once you have granted permission you shouldn't need to again unless wiping phone or reinstalling the app.

[bry1050]

For goodness sake do something about this major pain in the backside. This alone makes me want to switch to a Google phone. Its complete crap!