Your smartphone typically uses micro SD cards, which are the most common type of SD card. They are also utilised in various kinds of cameras and GPS systems. Any SD card you have that has been around for a while will probably need to be formatted at some point, especially if you want to clear it. Continue reading to learn how to format a micro SD card and why you should do so.
Why Do I Need To Format My Micro SD Card?
The need to format a micro SD card can arise for a number of different reasons. When you format a micro SD card, it is essentially reset and all data is removed, leaving you with an empty micro SD card.
This is primarily necessary if a micro SD card is corrupted or has stopped functioning properly. You may avoid having to purchase a new one by formatting it occasionally.
Additionally, it is strongly advised that you format the micro SD card if it is full if you want to use it again. This will free up space and reduce the likelihood that the microSD card will become corrupt.
In this case, only format it if you have backed up all the data to your computer or an external hard drive.
It might be in your best interest to format your micro SD card right away if you haven’t done so in a while. Regularly formatting an SD card can extend its life and occasionally prevent it from becoming corrupted too soon.
How To Format a Micro SD Card
Although you can format your micro SD card on your phone, we’ll use the computer method in this case in case you also use it in a camera or a GPS device:
Step
Insert Micro SD Card into Computer
Your computer should now accept your micro SD card.
To connect your micro SD to a computer, you will probably need a micro SD adapter/card reader, or a USB that also operates as a card reader.
Step
Open File Explorer
Open your File Explorer by pressing your Windows/Start button and typing File Explorer .
Select File Explorer .
Step
Right-Click Micro SD and choose Format
Step
Ensure that unit sizes are properly configured
You need to make sure that the Capacity , File System , Volume Label and Allocation unit sizes are properly configured for use before moving on to the next step.
(These can will depend on the size, age and type of SD card you use).
Step
Press Start
Press Start at the bottom of the menu.
Step
Press OK on the pop-up window
A warning pop-up window will appear. All you need to do is press OK.
Step
Click OK when Format Complete appears
When the Format Complete window appears, just click OK and you are done.
Formatting From Your Android Phone
For those who d prefer to format straight from their smartphone, just follow these easy steps:
Step
Open your phone s Settings app
Step
Go To Device Care/Device Maintenance
Step
Go to Storage and select Advanced
Step
Search for Portable Option and select SD Card
Make sure you have backed up any important files you wish to keep before you prgress to formatting.
Step
Choose Format and Choose Format SD Card
Your Micro SD card will now be formatted.
Conclusion
Formatting a Micro SD card won t take you very long, and lots of people think that it s easier to do it on their smartphone. But if you just want to use the computer method, that s fine especially if the device the micro SD card was in isn t a smartphone.
Just take your time with each of the steps and don t be afraid to Google anything that might initially confuse you. You want to do the best job you can in keeping your micro SD card in good working order, so go over everything thoroughly.
Hopefully, this short guide has helped you work out how to format your micro SD card and you won t have any issues along the way!