The SD cards They are an excellent option to expand the storage of your android phone. However, sometimes your phone may not recognize the card, which can be frustrating. If you find yourself in this situation, don't worry as there are several tricks and solutions you can try to get your SD card working properly again.
Browse the SD card on an alternative device
Before trying to fix the problem on your phone, it is important to determine if the fault lies in the SD card or . To do this, try inserting the card into another compatible device, such as another phone or computer. If the card works properly on the other device, then the problem is related to your Android phone. On the other hand, if the card is not recognized on any device, it is likely damaged.
Restart the phone after removing the SD card
If you have determined that the problem is not with the SD card, the next step is to try restart your phone. Before doing so, remove the SD card from the slot. Once the phone has completely rebooted, reinsert the card and check if it is now recognized. In many cases, this simple step can solve the problem.
Clean the SD card slot
Over time, the SD card slot It can accumulate dust and dirt, which can prevent the phone from recognizing the card correctly. To fix this issue, remove the SD card tray and wipe it gently with a dry cloth. Be sure to also clean the SD card itself, as dust particles can stick to its contacts. Once you have finished cleaning, reinsert the card into the phone and see if it works.
Try formatting the SD card
If you have previously used the SD card in another device, such as a camera, the card format may not be compatible with your Android phone. In this case, you can try format SD card using your computer. Follow these steps:
- Insert the SD card into the corresponding slot on your computer.
- Open "My Computer" or "This Computer."
- Right click on the SD card icon and select “Format”.
- Choose the “Quick Format” option and wait for the process to complete.
Once the SD card is formatted, insert it back into your Android phone and check if it is now recognized correctly.
Delete files for more SD card space
On rare occasions, if the SD card is almost full, reading and writing problems may arise that prevent the phone from recognizing it. If you suspect this might be the case, try freeing up some space on your SD card. Connect it to your computer and delete unnecessary files that are taking up too much space. Then, reinsert the card into your Android phone and check if the issue is resolved.
Reset the phone to factory settings
If after trying the above solutions your Android phone still does not recognize the SD card, and you have determined that the problem lies with the phone, you may consider reset the device to factory settings. Please note that this is a more drastic solution and should be reserved as a last resort as it will delete all your personal data and settings. To reset your phone:
- Go to phone settings.
- Look for the “System” option and select it.
- Choose “Reset” or “Restore”.
- Select “Reset phone” or “Reset to factory settings.”
- Confirm your selection and enter your PIN if necessary.
- Wait for the reset process to complete.
Once your phone has been reset to factory settings, set it up again and insert the SD card to check if it is now recognized.
In most cases, one of these tricks or solutions should help you solve the problem of an unrecognized SD card on your android phone. If the problem persists after trying these options, the SD card may be physically damaged and you should consider replacing it. Always remember to make a Backup of your important data to avoid losing it in case of problems with your SD card.
I am Sebastián Vidal, a computer engineer passionate about technology and DIY. Furthermore, I am the creator of tecnobits.com, where I share tutorials to make technology more accessible and understandable for everyone.