[Q] GN8 Gallery data eating up drive space

[EnzoS.]

The Android Gallery app data (Settings/Device Storage/Applications/Gallery/Data) in our GN8 keeps growing. It gets about 50Mb larger each time the tab is turned on or restarted. It doesn't grow while the tablet or Gallery application is in use and overall data usage doesn't increase either.

Here's what I've found...so far:

* Wi-Fi data consumption does not increase. This would be important if this were happening on a smartphone...3G or 4G data cap considerations.
* Sync is turned OFF...everywhere. All syncs are turned off for Google and Samsung accounts, email, internet, etc.
* Google+ and Picassa apps have been turned OFF. Accounts were never created for either one.
* The only Gallery settings (Wi-Fi OFF) are for Tag Buddy and Face Tag. Both have been turned OFF.
* Clearing the Gallery data starts the process all over again. Each subsequent cold boot or restart of the tab results in about a 50Mb increase of the Gallery data...NOT Wi-Fi data consumption. Clearing the Gallery data also resets Tab Buddy and Face Tag settings to default.

I'm starting to think this is some sort of Google-related Gallery pix auto-backup feature. But considering those apps that may be affected by syncing or backing-up of photos are turned OFF, why is this happening at all???

If this behavior is not normal (as designed), how can it be stopped/prevented?

Any advice or recommendations are greatly appreciated.

 

[Harjan112]

What exactly do you mean?
As in you clear data then restart the tablet and 50 MB appears? Every time you restart, so just to understand 0 data .... restart 50MB.... restart then 50 + 50 =100 and adding 50MB every restart?

As far as Google+ account goes I believe this is done automatically.

Check out these sites.
http://www.iwebsoftsolution.com/thr...ur-android-gallery-app-is-using-so-much-data/

http://lifehacker.com/disable-google-photo-sync-to-clean-up-your-gallery-app-1148620893

http://android.appstorm.net/how-to/internet/how-to-remove-picasa-albums-from-your-gallery/

Hoping this helps

Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda premium

 

[gooberdude]

The Android Gallery app data (Settings/Device Storage/Applications/Gallery/Data) in our GN8 keeps growing. It gets about 50Mb larger each time the tab is turned on or restarted. It doesn't grow while the tablet or Gallery application is in use and overall data usage doesn't increase either.

Here's what I've found...so far:

* Wi-Fi data consumption does not increase. This would be important if this were happening on a smartphone...3G or 4G data cap considerations.
* Sync is turned OFF...everywhere. All syncs are turned off for Google and Samsung accounts, email, internet, etc.
* Google+ and Picassa apps have been turned OFF. Accounts were never created for either one.
* The only Gallery settings (Wi-Fi OFF) are for Tag Buddy and Face Tag. Both have been turned OFF.
* Clearing the Gallery data starts the process all over again. Each subsequent cold boot or restart of the tab results in about a 50Mb increase of the Gallery data...NOT Wi-Fi data consumption. Clearing the Gallery data also resets Tab Buddy and Face Tag settings to default.

I'm starting to think this is some sort of Google-related Gallery pix auto-backup feature. But considering those apps that may be affected by syncing or backing-up of photos are turned OFF, why is this happening at all???

If this behavior is not normal (as designed), how can it be stopped/prevented?

Any advice or recommendations are greatly appreciated.

I replied to your earlier thread... My fix works well and cleared up the index cache with images.

 

[EnzoS.]

Harjan112 said in a previous post:

What exactly do you mean? As in you clear data then restart the tablet and 50 MB appears? Every time you restart, so just to understand 0 data .... restart 50MB.... restart then 50 + 50 =100 and adding 50MB every restart?

Yup...that's exactly what's happening. At one time, the data size increased by about 50Mb each time the tab was started, restarted, rebooted. The "50Mb" number changes with the size of the Gallery. That is, if the Gallery has a ton of pictures in it, that 50Mb might be considerably larger. If the Gallery is reduced in number of images, the "add on" data level might be proportionally smaller. Yes, if the data is cleared and starts at 0 (zero), each successive start or restart increases the size of that data that is reported. I have never let the data increase go for any length of time to see if it eventually stops at the byte size of all images in the gallery. From what I can see, it can keep growing indefinitely. Driving me nuts.

I haven't taken the time to review the sites you included but I'll do that right now.

I might add at this time that the tablet IS NOT ROOTED. Consequently, other recommended "fixes" or installed apps could not be considered.

One other thing: we do not have a Google+ account. As a result, Google+ is not used and has been turned off.

Once again, thank you very much for following through with this.

 

[Harjan112]

One other thing: we do not have a Google+ account. As a result, Google+ is not used and has been turned off.

This quite frankly all depends off when you made the Google account, because Google started cramming Google+ down the throats of people that made new account and were not aware of this happening, same goes for me I never signed up for Google+ but when I looked to figure out the problem you are having I came to the conclusion that I had to my surprise Google+
I would go thru every setting/option in your Google account just to make sure.

Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda premium

 

[EnzoS.]

This quite frankly all depends off when you made the Google account, because Google started cramming Google+ down the throats of people that made new account and were not aware of this happening, same goes for me I never signed up for Google+ but when I looked to figure out the problem you are having I came to the conclusion that I had to my surprise Google+
I would go thru every setting/option in your Google account just to make sure.

You might be on to something. We bought the tab in July (2013) equipped with Android 4.1.2 and setup the Google account upon initial startup. A few months later, the 4.2.2 upgrade was crammed down my throat then I started noticing the strange/weird stuff. If my memory is correct, stuff relative to Google+ and Picasa started showing up. Picasa, in particular came up as one of the choices when selecting wallpaper along with the Gallery choices. About that time, I turned off Google+ and Picasa having never setup accounts for either one of them.

Being an Android novice, I started thinking that even though I dropped both Google+ and Picasa they might have retained their default settings that may to this day be affecting how the Gallery works. That being said, keep in mind that I have never seen any spike in Wi-Fi data usage which would have (IMO) indicated the Gallery might be trying to upload pictures to online accounts (Google+ and/or Picasa). The only thing that keeps getting bigger is: Settings > Applications manager > All > Gallery > Data. I believe that some sort of unnecessary caching is going on and I have no idea where the files that are being created are being stored (not rooted).

I made sure that the Google account has EVERYTHING sync-associated (all check boxes) UNCHECKED...from day one. I've seen in more than one forum that there should have been a box to check/uncheck within the Google account settings for syncing pictures. Those suggestions might be for certain Samsung/Android cellphones. On our Note 8.0 there is no such box.

I'm sure I've left out some details but you've been really good at prying information out of me so I'm hoping you have more questions.

So...what do you think? Could the Google+ and/or Picasa accounts been setup without my knowledge? If so, should I go into them and turn everything off or has turning them off already done all that for me?

I'm starting to confuse myself.

EnzoS

 

[Harjan112]

I believe that some sort of unnecessary caching is going on and I have no idea where the files that are being created are being stored (not rooted).

Gallery caches & thumbnails can be found here "../mnt/sdcard/Android/data/com.sec.android.gallery3d" in My files.
Some folders like will be hidden.
So, change settings in your file manager or in system to display hidden files & folders.

As you suggested, I would indeed just try to log into Google+ and make sure everything is off/disabled, once you are sure disable Google+, and for picassa do the same procedure.

Also take a look at this site http://marcwillmore.com/2013/04/24/...d-albums-from-your-android-jellybean-gallery/ especially the part about "Cloud agent"

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[Harjan112]

@ EnzoS if everything else fails, go to your settings... gallery ... clear data and cache, then turn it off.
After you've done that go to the play store and get Quickpic that is IMO about the best gallery replacement that's out there and best off all it's FREE and AD FREE.
Here's a direct link https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.alensw.PicFolder

Hoping it helps

Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda premium

 

[EnzoS.]

@ EnzoS if everything else fails, go to your settings... gallery ... clear data and cache, then turn it off.
After you've done that go to the play store and get Quickpic that is IMO about the best gallery replacement that's out there and best off all it's FREE and AD FREE.
Here's a direct link https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.alensw.PicFolder

Harjan112: Thank you again for your suggestion. My next step will be exactly as you described. I've heard nothing negative about QuickPic and I can't wait to try it out. I do have one concern, however. I read somewhere, and I think it was in a not-so-recent post that warned about some form of conflict with the tab's camera. I think it said that if the stock Gallery was not available to view a recently-taken picture by tapping the little thumbnail in the lower-right corner of the camera UI, there was no way to quickly view a snapshot because this function might be tied exclusively to the stock Gallery. Have you heard anything in this regard or has the current version of QuickPic overcome this issue?

EnzoS

 

[Harjan112]

I think it said that if the stock Gallery was not available to view a recently-taken picture by tapping the little thumbnail in the lower-right corner of the camera UI, there was no way to quickly view a snapshot because this function might be tied exclusively to the stock Gallery.

This is correct, I guess that would be the only downfall.

Check out this camera app that could replace the stock camera, it does have the preview window and you can choose what app you want to use for previewing the pictures.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.almalence.opencam

Hoping this helps

Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda premium

 

[gooberdude]

Harjan112: Thank you again for your suggestion. My next step will be exactly as you described. I've heard nothing negative about QuickPic and I can't wait to try it out. I do have one concern, however. I read somewhere, and I think it was in a not-so-recent post that warned about some form of conflict with the tab's camera. I think it said that if the stock Gallery was not available to view a recently-taken picture by tapping the little thumbnail in the lower-right corner of the camera UI, there was no way to quickly view a snapshot because this function might be tied exclusively to the stock Gallery. Have you heard anything in this regard or has the current version of QuickPic overcome this issue?

EnzoS

Well, I gave quickpic a try, still like the Gallery app the best on a tablet. The only way your going to be happy is to root and setup exposed with wanam module at the very minimum. I know, you do not want to void warranty, but you can root without flashing, and completely remove it as well.

Also, quickpic does create some sort of cache, though you can adjust what cache you want to some degree.

I did a side by side comparison with quickness and use, in some ways quickpic seems easier at finding what you want quickly, but the way I organized my media on SD and setup paths to point to them properly, makes both near equals. Though Gallery is faster at bringing up images when quickly scrolling, while both have caching disabled.

Not that I am pro Gallery, just I feel I am going backwards with non-tablet apps over stock.

If I were constantly battling over 500MB of cached images, which can be easily done if left stock, I would lean towards rooting over dealing with app shortcomings.

 

[EnzoS.]

Well, I gave quickpic a try, still like the Gallery app the best on a tablet. The only way your going to be happy is to root and setup exposed with wanam module at the very minimum. I know, you do not want to void warranty, but you can root without flashing, and completely remove it as well.

Also, quickpic does create some sort of cache, though you can adjust what cache you want to some degree.

I did a side by side comparison with quickness and use, in some ways quickpic seems easier at finding what you want quickly, but the way I organized my media on SD and setup paths to point to them properly, makes both near equals. Though Gallery is faster at bringing up images when quickly scrolling, while both have caching disabled.

Not that I am pro Gallery, just I feel I am going backwards with non-tablet apps over stock.

If I were constantly battling over 500MB of cached images, which can be easily done if left stock, I would lean towards rooting over dealing with app shortcomings.

It's good to hear that you actually have experience with the app in question. So many forum responders have never even used a particular app or have encountered various issues but have opinions and recommendations anyway.

WRT my acceptance of the tab's performance, that's what I was initially looking to find out. Is this phenomenon of the Gallery's data "bloat" what is expected to be happening or do we have a problem that should be fixed? I believe you are saying that this is normal behavior. If so, I'm good with that and will periodically take steps to clean it up...as I have been doing for many months now. If this is not normal, that is, the size of the "data" should reach a plateau and stop growing, I want to do something about it. Otherwise, I'd be perfectly happy to accept it as SOP and move on. No need to go nuts over a non-issue (ha).

Like you, I'd prefer to use the apps that came with the device rather than be constantly looking for something that might be superior to or offer a couple more insignificant features. Although we don't like what they did with the appearance of the Gallery app when the 4.2.2 upgrade was forced down our throats, we're perfectly happy with the way it performs. We don't need anything capable of graphic manipulations on an 8" tablet that the wife uses primarily to play off-line games and to periodically check the weather radar and email. We're in our 60s and don't need another play toy (ha). When we need to perform any high intensity graphics or audio editing, we use the PC with a 22" HD monitor.

One last thing: please check out the screen dump I attached. So there's no more confusion, I have pointed to the reading on the Application Manager screen for the Gallery app that grows every time the tab is started or restarted. I trust we're on the same page with all this.

Very best...

EnzoS

 

[Harjan112]

I am actually using both apps I suggested here and not just put it on here without thinking that it might help you.

I hope you figure out what's wrong.

Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda premium

 

[EnzoS.]

I got it that you're using both the apps. Actually, that's probably the only way to see if it's gonna make a difference. I would never suggest that you're making a recommendation without actually thinking (knowing) that it would help the issue.

So...can I assume that you believe there is actually something wrong here or am I just complaining about something that is working properly but not necessarily up to my expectations? If this is the way it's supposed to work, I'm good with it. I'll leave it alone and go on to something new.

Were you able to view the image I attached?

What say you...oh wise one?

EnzoS

 

[Harjan112]

Where are the pictures located (internal or external SD card) and how many pictures are we talking?

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[EnzoS.]

Everything is on internal SD. As an experiment, I took the number of pictures down to under 10. Right now, I loaded it up to 239 in 5 separate directories...EVERYTHING in the "Pictures" directory.

 

[Harjan112]

I just did a little experiment myself and transferred my pictures from my Note2 to my Note8, 600 some pics on external 64GB SD card, then turned my gallery back on to see what would happen here are some screenshots




Then did a restart





As you can see gallery data goes up but on quickpic it stays the same.


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[am2010r]

Hi

I have the same problem but with a huge space 51 GB !!!!
And Google photos sync is off.
But also with this I still can install or uninstall apps without any problems.

I am using x note rom v5

 

[Harjan112]

I have the same problem but with a huge space 51 GB !!!!

Something doesn't look right at all.
The Note8 comes only in 2 "flavors" 16 or 32 GB internal memory!!!
Something is reporting the size wrong.

You could always give quickpic a try and see what happens.

Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda premium

 

[EnzoS.]

I just did a little experiment myself and transferred my pictures from my Note2 to my Note8, 600 some pics on external 64GB SD card, then turned my gallery back on to see what would happen here are some screenshots

Then did a restart

As you can see gallery data goes up but on quickpic it stays the same.

It looks as though our conversation has attracted (finally) others who might be having the same problem. Thank you for your 2 cents am2010r.

Harjan112: Is it correct that you loaded your Note 8.0 with a bunch more pictures, checked the "data" reading, it was 14.73, then you rebooted and it was 38.50??? If that's the case, it appears that yours is doing what mine is doing: the "data" reading increases (at whatever increment the system wants to) upon each boot/reboot.

If that's the case then I have to assume the system wants to do that and I'll accept it and move on.

Of course, I thank you very much for taking all your time to help me unravel this.

EnzoS