Q&A for How to Format an SD Card

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Is FAT32 and ExFAT the same thing?

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No, they are different. The main difference is that FAT32 has a file limit of 4GB, whereas ExFAT has a much larger limitation, being designed for larger files. ExFat is also a newer file system. FAT32 is fine for small file transfers and has the benefit of being compatible with both Windows and Mac computers, as well as Linux and older computers, while ExFAT is only useful for recent Windows and Mac operating systems.

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How do I clear my SD card on my computer?

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To erase your SD card on a Windows computer, insert the SD card first. Then go to Start and choose Computer. This will open the File Manager. Find the SD card’s drive, right click on it and a drop-down menu will appear. Here you can highlight Format. Do not use the Quick Format option (uncheck it), and then allow the erasure to occur. The SD card should now be cleared and ready for use again.

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How do I format an SD card for my camera?

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It is important to read the manual accompanying your camera to be sure you are following the exact process required for your camera. However, a general method is to insert the SD card into your camera, then open the Menu to find Settings. Once you’ve gone into Settings, press the arrow to take you up and down the Settings menu until you find Format Menu Card (or similar text). Highlight that line, press or tap, and you may be prompted with a message like OK (in which case agree to it or follow other relevant prompts) and allow the formatting to occur.

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Do you need to format a new SD card?

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The answer to this depends on the type of SD card and its end use. For example, some photography experts recommend formatting a new SD card so that it is right for your camera. On the other hand, some experts advise that there is no need to format a new microSD card for a phone but just use it straightaway. It is best to check what is needed for your specific new SD card, particularly with its end use in mind, and then decide whether or not it needs formatting.

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My visual land says my DD card is mounted, but I can't download or upload to it. What should I do?

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Your card or your card reader may have burned out or they may be incompatible. Test the card in another computer just to be sure.

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Question

I have a micro SD card, which is showing in the notification bar that it is blank or has some bad applications. I tried to format it through my phone as well as computer, but it's still not formatting. What should I do?

Community Answer

You need to download an application called Rufus from the Internet. It will help format your SD card.

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Question

What if I delete a file on my SD card and it comes back?

Community Answer

1. Go to another directory then come back, sometimes it can show a file, but it's not actually there anymore. 2. If its still there, unplug the SD card (Don't forget to eject). 3. Find the pin on the side of the SD card. There should be an icon showing a lock, as well as an arrow. Make sure the pin is the opposite way from the way the arrow is pointing. If there isn't an icon, push the pin towards the end with the connectors. 4. Plug the SD card back in. This will now mean that your SD card is unlocked, and you can edit/delete the contents on the card.

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Question

I had an SD card in another phone for a short time. Do I have to format it in my android phone before using it?

Community Answer

No, the SD is simply a storage method. Formatting will remove all photos, etc. that you took on the previous phone.

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Question

Why is my SD card not recognized after formatting is complete in my dashcam or GPS?

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It most likely was not formatted in the type that is supported in your dashcam or GPS. Check to ensure it is the correct format.

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Question

How do I format a protected SD card?

Community Answer

There is a physical lock on the card that prevents writing (and erasing) of its file system. Unplug the SD card, then flick the switch up. This is located on the left side of the card.

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Question

When I try to format my SD card I get a message that the disk is write protected. How do I deal with this?

Community Answer

There is a physical lock on the card that prevents writing (and erasing) of its filesystem. Unplug the SD card, then flick the switch up. This is located on the left side of the card.

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Question

Do you have any more suggestions if the listed options don't work for removing the content of an SD card?

Community Answer

Try using the Windows DISKPART utility. Open Command Prompt and type Diskpart. Type "select " and then the number of your disk (i.e 3). Type "clean", followed by "create partition primary".

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Question

There is no option in Storage on my ZTE cellphone to format my SD memory card. What do I do?

Community Answer

The SD cards come pre-formatted. Double check by going to the ZTE website to search for "Format SD card." If it is a used SD card, then format it on your computer with FAT32 and default for the rest of the options.

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Question

How can I format if I get an error saying "Your device is write protected"?

R2_d2000

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Try following the steps on How to Remove Write Protection on an SD Card , then follow the steps here again.

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Question

I have a Samsung Galaxy, and have been trying to make my Lexar 16 GB SD card be used as internal storage. It appears as portable storage, and only allows me to format it as such. How can I use it for internal storage?

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You can't use it as internal storage. You can only use the SD card as portable storage since it is not permanently installed.

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Question

How do I format an SD card on a computer which doesn't have an SD card slot?

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Buy an SD card adapter. There are cheap ones that you can buy online or in a store that allow you to plug your SD card into a USB port.

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Question

Why do I have to format an SD memory card?

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Formatting an SD card will erase all of its files, and you can use it to change the file system. A format will erase data more securely than normally deleting files, but the files could still be recoverable. If you don't need to do either of these things, then you don't have to format an SD card.

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Question

How do I recover formatted apps from my micro SD card?

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Unfortunately, there is no easy way to recover files from a formatted SD card. You will have to contact a professional computer repair service to attempt to get your apps back.

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Question

I already reformatted my phone and SD card, but I cannot save all my apps on my SD card. What can I do?

Community Answer

Make sure that "ext SD" is selected for the "Default Save" location. Next, go to Settings and Application Manager. Once there, select "SD Card or Ext(ernal) Memory" along the top. The list that appears includes apps that can be moved from the phone (or device) to the SD card. These will have a blank check box next to them. Click on the blank box; the application memory info will come up. Click on "Move to External Storage (or SD card)." This will take one to two minutes to execute. Tap the return arrow to find the next app to move to the SD card. You will also have to manually move saved pictures, movies, songs, eBooks, etc. from "Device Storage" to "SD Card."

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Question

How do I remove cached data from an SD card?

Community Answer

Go to your Storage section. Your SD card memory should appear and what is in the SD card. After you find little sections showing what is stored in the card. You'll find a section called cached data, which you just click and click remove.

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Question

How do I back up my SD card before formatting it?

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You can simply copy the card's contents onto your computer's desktop. Make sure you note down the file system.

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Question

How do I insert a card into my Ford Sync if it is saying it is not formatted?

Community Answer

Try formatting the card in Windows to FAT32 first before using.

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