Free image compression
Free image watermark
Free image edit
Free QR code
Free Image Format ConversionIf you can't format an SD card on your phone, camera, or Windows computer, don't worry. On this page, you'll learn why you can't format an SD card and how to fix the error so that you can format the SD card on your device.
Secure Digital (SD) cards are a type of memory card used in portable electronics, like Android phones and tablets, digital cameras, and some media players. You can also use an SD card to expand your device's storage so you can save or back up files. To use a brand new SD card or format an SD card for a specific use, you'll need to format it.
However, sometimes due to some unknown errors, you might not be able to format the SD card. The section below will reveal the reasons why you can't format the SD card and learn how to fix this issue.
Why can't I format my SD card?
To resolve the issue of an SD card not formatting, it's wise to understand the reasons behind this error. Usually, the causes for an unformatable SD card error vary across different devices.
Inspect the exact reason why you cannot format an SD card on your phone, camera, or computer:
On an Android phone:
- The SD card was removed or unmounted unexpectedly.
- The SD card is damaged. Try reformatting it.
- The SD card is empty or uses an unsupported file system.
【On the camera】
- • Card cannot be accessed. Reinsert/replace the memory card, or format the card with the camera.
On a personal computer:
- Windows was unable to complete the format
- The SD card is locked, encrypted, or write-protected
- The SD card is damaged
- The SD card contains an invalid file system (RAW) or a file system that's unsupported by Windows
How to Fix the "Unable to Format SD Card" Error (on a Phone, Camera, or Computer)
So, how to fix the SD card that won't format or the one showing as 'SD card can't be formatted'? That's exactly what we are going to discuss and suggest you try the following tricks:
1. Choose the Right Method
Since the methods to fix an SD card that won't format vary, we recommend applying the specific solution that matches your situation:
**2. Back up important files on your SD card ahead of time**
To prevent any unintended loss of files, back up all important data from the SD card to a secure location, if accessible.
- Tip
- Windows Backup Software - Todo Backup tool provides a comprehensive solution to backup SD card.
If your SD card is not accessible, don't worry. You can first try to fix the error with the methods suggested in the following three sections, and then use a reliable data recovery tool like Data Recovery Wizard to get back your valuable files from the SD card.
Part 1: Troubleshooting SD Card Formatting Issues on Android Devices
When you can't format an SD card on your Android phone, try the following steps to get it back to normal:
Step 1: Remove and re-insert the SD card into your phone.
Step 2: Restart your Android device and go to the “Settings” menu.
Step 3: Tap on “Storage,” find your SD card, and then tap “Mount SD Card.”
Step 4: Click on “Format SD card” to start formatting it on your phone.
If that doesn't work, remove the SD card and connect it to your computer with a card reader, then format it on your computer.
Insert the SD card back into your phone and restart it. You should now be able to use it for expanded storage of music, photos, and other data.
Read also: Micro SD Card Won't Mount on Android or PC
If none of the above work, your SD card may be damaged or have an unsupported file system. You'll need to remove the card from your phone and connect it to a computer. Refer to the solutions in Part 3 for help.
Part 2: Fixing the "SD Card Cannot be Formatted" Issue on Camera
Most of the time, when you can't format an SD card, you can fix the issue by removing and reinserting it, then trying to format the SD card again. Here are the steps to fix an unformattable SD card issue on a camera:
Step 1: Remove the SD card from your camera
Step 2: Unlock the SD card by flipping the switch.
If the Micro SD card is damaged, replace it with a new one.
Step 4. Insert the SD card into your camera, and restart it. Go back into Settings.
Step 5: Select the SD card and tap on “Format Card,” then tap on “OK.”
Wait for the formatting to complete. If you're still unable to format it, remove the card and connect it to your computer to format it there. If you can't format the SD card on your computer, try the solutions in the next section to easily fix this error.
Part 3: Solving the Problem of Unable to Format SD Card on Windows PC
When you can't format an SD card on a Windows PC or in a camera, phone, or other device, it might be due to issues within the card, such as a corrupted file system, write protection, or an unsupported file system.
Here, we've rounded up * methods for you to try one by one to fix the error and format SD card successfully:
Remove write protection from SD card
Most of the time, when you see the Windows unable to format SD card error, we recommend that you first check if the SD card is write protected.
Check the SD card
Step 1: Connect the SD card to your computer and open File Explorer.
Step 2: Check the SD card
- If the SD card returns an "disk is write protected" error when formatting, it might be write-protected.
- If the SD card is encrypted, it will display a lock icon.
- If the SD card is read-only, its properties will indicate that it's read-only.
Use the DiskPart command to remove write protection
Step 1: Connect the SD card to your computer.
<Step 2> Press the Windows key + R, type cmd, and press Enter.
Step 3. Type each of the following commands one at a time and press Enter after each one:
- dispart
- list disk
- select disk # （replace # with the disk number of your SD card）
- attributes disk clear readonly
4. When you're done, type exit to close DiskPart.
Write Protect Removal Tool
If you don't consider yourself very computer-savvy or comfortable with the command line, don't worry. There are graphical solutions that can help you unlock your hard drive, USB drive, or even an SD card.
CleanGenius is a tool that can help you fix these issues on your hard drive without requiring you to know your way around the command line.
This is a straightforward guide to help you use this tool to address your concerns:
Step 1: Download and install CleanGenius (a free software) on your computer.
Step 2: Run CleanGenius on your computer, choose Optimization, and then select Write Protection mode.
Step 3: Select the write-protected device and click Disable to remove the protection.
Note: If your SD card is locked by encryption software or BitLocker, you may also refer to how to remove write protection from the SD card.
Check and fix SD card errors (bad sectors, file system issues)
As shown in the reasons listed at the beginning of this page, bad sectors, invalid or corrupted file system can lead to the SD card not formatting error.
The best way to do this is by using the CHKDSK command to check for and fix errors on your internal SD card:
Step 1: Insert the SD card into your computer.
Step 2. Press Windows + X and select “Command Prompt (Admin).”
Step 3: Type CHKDSK F: /f /r, and then press Enter.
(Replace F with the letter assigned to your SD card.)
This process will usually take 3-4 hours. Wait for it to finish, and this will repair all bad sectors and a damaged file system.
Format the SD card to FAT32/NTFS
Now you should be able to retry formatting the SD card to a supported file system, such as FAT32 or NTFS, using Disk Management on your computer:
Step 1: Connect your SD card to your computer.
Step 2: Press Windows + R, type diskmgmt.msc, and press Enter.
Step 3: Right-click on the SD card in Disk Management and select "Format..."
Step 4: Format your SD card as FAT32 or NTFS, then click OK.
You may also like:
Extra Tip: Recover Lost Data from Formatted SD Card
As we know, when the SD card is not accessible, you have to format it first. Thus, data loss is unavoidable.
This is when you need to recover data after formatting SD card. The sooner you act, the higher are your chances for successful SD card formatted recovery.
You have two options: 1. Use an SD card recovery tool; 2. Avail data recovery services.
Option 1: Use an SD Card File Recovery Software
Relying on a reliable SD card data recovery tool is a wise choice. In this case, you can give Data Recovery Wizard a try. It allows you to completely restore all lost and hidden files from inaccessible SD cards, USB drives, or external hard drives with just a few simple steps.
Download and install it on your PC, and then try to recover your data as per the instructions here.
Step 1: Connect your SD card, memory card, or CF card to the computer and launch the Memory Card Recovery software on the PC. The SD card will be listed under “Devices.” Select it and click “Scan” to start searching for lost data.
Step 2: The software will automatically start scanning. The scan is powerful enough to find all your lost files, even those that have lost their filenames. When the scan is finished, you can find your deleted items in the tree view panel on the left. If you're looking for a specific type of file, such as photos, documents, videos, or emails, click on "Filter."
Step 3. You can preview the contents by double-clicking on them. After that, select the files you need and click “Recover” to save them to a secure location on your computer or any external storage device.
Option 2: Custom Data Recovery Service
Consult with our Tool Data Recovery specialists for one-on-one manual recovery services. After a free diagnosis, we offer the following services:
- Repair damaged RAID configurations, unbootable Windows OS, and corrupted virtual disk files (e.g., .vmdk, .vhd, .vhdx)
- Recover/repair lost partitions and repartitioned drives
- Unformat hard drives and repair original drives (including BitLocker encrypted drives)
- Fix disks turned into GPT protective partitions
Conclusions
On this page, we explain why you can't format an SD card and walk you through the complete process of fixing the "can't format SD card" error on your phone, camera, or computer.
Note: If your SD card is accessible, back up all important files beforehand. Otherwise, you'll need to resort to data recovery tools, such as Data Recovery Wizard, to restore your data after formatting the SD card.
If you have more problems with the SD card not formatting, don't worry. Check out this Q&A, and you might find your answer.
People also ask
Why can't I format my SD card as internal storage?
To use the SD card as internal storage, it must be empty. If your SD card isn't blank, this might be why you can't format it as internal storage.
Follow these steps to seek help:
- 1. Format the SD card on your computer.
2. Insert the SD card into your Android phone.
3. Open Settings and tap Storage.
4. Select the SD card, tap the three dots, then choose Settings.
5. Tap Format as internal, then Erase & format.
6. Restart your phone.
How do I fix a corrupted SD card?
When your SD card is damaged, follow the steps here for a quick fix:
- Reconnect the SD card to your computer or a new one.
- Assign a new drive letter to the SD card.
- Show hidden files on the SD card.
- Run CHKDSK to fix file system errors.
- Update the SD card driver.
- Format the SD card as FAT32, exFAT, and so on.
Unable to Format/Erase SD Card on Mac, Help!
According to most Mac users' experience, Disk Utility fails to format or erase an SD card for some reason. Here are some practical solutions you can try:
- 1. Unlock the SD card.
- 2. If the SD card has an unsupported file system, format it in Windows.
- 3. Use a third-party SD card formatting tool.
- 4. Remove the read-only attribute and reformat the SD card.