I will show you how to format SD card on all types of devices in this post, including Windows, Mac, and cameras, and how to format SD card Android. You will learn how to reverse the formatting, though, in case you mistakenly formatted the SD card on your smartphone.
Digital cameras, tablets, and phones all use SD cards as removable storage. Sometimes, due to space limitations, concerns with device compatibility, and other reasons, your SD card needs to be formatted.
However, you must make a backup of your SD card’s files before formatting it to prevent losing any vital files since when you format an SD card, all of its data is destroyed.
Follow the instructions listed below on how to format SD card on Mac, Windows, Android, or camera. Additionally, you may format micro SDCards, MiniSD, and SDHC cards using these techniques.
What Does Format SD Card Mean?
In general, formatting an SD card implies erasing all of the data’s entries, making it impossible to access or use any of the card’s files. All of the currently stored files on the device will be lost.
The SD card will be given a new file system, such as FAT32, exFAT, or NTFS, making the device ready to hold data. Most of the time, a new SD card comes pre-formatted, allowing you to use it right away to store files.
So, when format sd card fat32 you delete all files permanently on the storage device. However, how to format sd card to fat32 varies depending on the device at hand.
How to Format SD Card on All Devices
Before using a new SD memory card, you should reformat it on a computer or other device, such as a digital camera. This guarantees that the memory card is compatible with that specific device, such as your Android phone and camera. You must format the SD card before using it in a different device that uses the same SD card.
Here’s how to format SD card fat32 on several devices:
How to Format SD Card On Windows
It’s simpler to format an SD card under Windows. Make sure your SD card is detected by connecting it to the computer using a card reader. Back up all the data you wish to keep before you begin. Additionally, if you are using a laptop, be sure it is plugged in or has a sufficient amount of battery life.
The steps listed here can be used to format an SD card on Windows 10/8/7/XP. Follow the steps carefully:
- Use an SD card adapter connected to a USB connection to connect your SD card to your Windows computer.
- If necessary, make a backup of its data.
- Open This PC, Computer, or My Computer.
- Right-click on your SD card and select “Format,” then locate it.
- Select File system (Format) and check the box for Quick Format in the Format window.
- Click OK to confirm, then click Start.
- Wait for Windows to format the SD card on your computer.
- When the formatting is complete, click “OK” to close the Format window.
That’s it! This is how to format SD card on Windows.
How to Format SD Card on Mac
This is how to format SD card on Mac if you have a macOS device;
- Use an SD card adapter to connect your SD card to your Mac.
- Copy all of the files to the hard disk of your Mac by opening it in the Finder.
- After that, launch Disk Utility and choose the SD card from the window’s left side.
- It could be given a name like NO NAME or UNTITLED.
- Select the “Erase” tab from the window’s top menu.
- Next, give your SD card a name and select the appropriate format.
- If a message pops up, click “Erase” and then double-click it.
- Now, wait for your SD card to be formatted.
How to Format SD Card on a Camera
Your camera’s SD card may eventually get filled up with pictures and videos, develop a damaged file system, or become infected with a virus. When you know how to format an SD card to delete the files and begin with a new SD card for your camera, these problems are simple to fix.
While the formatting instructions for SD cards may differ slightly amongst digital cameras, they all follow the same general process. To learn how to use the camera to format the SD card, see the manufacturer’s website or the instruction manual. To format an SD card on a camera, follow the steps below:
- The files on the SD card should be backed up to your computer or a cloud storage platform.
- A fully charged camera battery should be used.
- After turning the camera off, place the SD card in the designated slot.
- Switch on the camera.
- Choose Menu or Preferences on the camera.
- Choose the Setup Menu on the camera’s display, then select Format, Format Memory Card, or a comparable option.
- Choose OK on the camera.
- As the camera formats the SD card, wait for a few seconds.
- The card may take a while to be formatted.
- Turn off the camera and format the SD card.
- After formatting, your SD card will be ready for usage.
How to Format SD Card Android
The formatting instructions for SD cards on Android remain the same regardless of the Android device you are using because the Settings menus on all Android phones are largely the same. However, the only difference is the manufacturer’s configuration.
So, follow the steps below to learn how to format SD card Android.
- On your Android device, open the Settings app, then scroll down to the Settings list until you locate Storage.
- To view your SD card options, tap Storage and then scroll to the bottom of the Storage section.
- You need to select “Erase SD card” or “Format SD card” from the available options.
- Press the “Erase SD Card” or “Format SD Card” button to confirm.
- While the internal storage of your Android phone will be completely erased, your SD card will remain intact.
That’s it! This is how to format an SD card on your Android phone.
Whatever method you use to format an SD card, the data will be deleted and erased. To avoid losing data, back it up beforehand. If you unintentionally format an SD card without a backup, you can try recovering your data using a solution like Cisdem Data Recovery for Mac and Windows.
How to Unformat an SD Card
if you want to recover the data from an SD card that you accidentally formatted. You will learn how to unformat an SD card in this section.
However, you need to know that formatting a memory card does not wipe the data on it. You can successfully restore them if fresh information is not overwriting the data space.
Therefore, stop using the device and undertake data recovery using one of the methods below to maximize your chances of retrieving your contents:
Run format data recovery software
To undo formatting, using specialized data recovery software like EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard is a successful method. It can thoroughly scan your formatted device and retrieve lost files as needed. EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard not only allows you to recover formatted files but also allows you to:
- Recover files after Windows re-installation, an OS crash, a virus assault, and other difficult data loss circumstances.
- Use Shift-Delete to recover deleted data in Windows 10 or empty the recycle bin.
- Recover deleted emails, Microsoft Office documents, Adobe files, audio and video files, and more (more than 200).
- As soon as your SD card has been formatted, download the app and start recovering your files.
Recover files from formatted External Drive
- Connect your computer to the USB drive. EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard should be launched.
- Click “Scan” after selecting the formatted SD card, USB flash drive, or Pen drive from which you want to recover deleted files.
- All scan results will be shown on the screen once the scan is finished.
- To locate the files you are looking for, use the “Filter” or “File Type” function.
- Click “Recover” after selecting the files you want to restore from your formatted external device.
- You will see a new box where you may select a new location to save the files.
- Click “OK” to confirm after that.
SD Card won’t format? Try these fixes!
There is a possibility that the device won’t read your SD card when you insert it into the reader. There is a considerable likelihood that the write-protect switch will be turned on if this occurs.
Nothing on the SD card may be modified thanks to this switch. It’s beneficial for securing your info but detrimental for formatting.
- Simply remove the SD card from the reader and press the switch up toward the end that is connected to the computer or card reader to turn it off.
With this guide, you should be familiar with how to format SD card Android, how to format SD card on Mac, and how to format your SD cards on other devices as shared in this article. In a similar approach, you should be able to unformat your formatted microSD card if it’s not intentional.