The “micro SD card not detected” issue occurs when a device fails to recognize an inserted micro SD card, possibly due to connection problems, damage, or compatibility issues. This guide offers simple solutions for when your micro SD card is not detected by your devices.
It covers common problems like connection issues, physical damage, or data corruption and provides step-by-step instructions to help you fix them.
If your SD card is not showing up on your PC or your Android phone isn’t recognizing it, this guide provides helpful tips and tools. This article aims to help you quickly solve these issues so you can get your SD card working again.
Why Does the SD Card Not Showing Up?
The following are causes of Micro Sd Card Not Detected:
1: Physical Damage
SD cards are quite sturdy but not indestructible. Brands like SanDisk, Samsung, Sony, PNY, and Manfrotto offer waterproof models, but most cards are sensitive to water, drops, or being left in humid places.
2: Connection Issues
Metal pads are used by SD cards to connect and exchange data with devices. Over time, these pads can wear out, leading to connection problems.
3: Data Problems
Since SD cards often work with various devices and operating systems, the data on the cards can get corrupted. This type of issue might be fixed with special software.
4: Faulty SD Card Reader
Occasionally, the card reader itself is the issue rather than the SD card. You won’t be able to view or access your files if the reader isn’t functioning correctly.
Location of the Android Micro SD Card Not Detected Issue
Finding out why your micro SD card isn’t showing up on your Android can save you a lot of time. Here’s how you can pinpoint the issue:
1: Check the SD Card
- Try the SD card on another device that reads memory cards. If it works there, your card is likely fine.
- Use a card reader to see if your computer can recognize the SD card. If it does, the card itself isn’t the problem.
2: Examining the Android Phone
Test another SD card that works on a different device on your phone. If the new SD card is not recognized by your phone, there may be a hardware or software problem.
3: Examining Different Options
Sometimes, both the SD card and the phone work well separately but not together. This can happen, though it’s rare. Ensure your phone has a stable power supply; sometimes using the original battery can help.
Ways to Fix the SD Card Not Detected on Windows:
Following are Ways to Fix the SD Card Not Detected on Windows:
Method 1: Try USB Port
The problem might not be with your SD card. Sometimes, the USB port could be the issue. If your computer has more than one USB port, try using another one.
Plug your SD card into a different port to see if it works. If the SD card works in the new port, the issue is with the original port, not your SD card.
Method 2: Check SD Card
Sometimes, the issue might be with your computer, which could prevent your SD card from being detected. To check this, try using your SD card on another computer.
Insert it into different USB ports to see if it works. Additionally, consider using a new card reader to see if that solves the problem.
Method 3: Change the Drive Letter of Your SD Card
If your computer doesn’t recognize your SD card, it might be because it doesn’t have a drive letter assigned, or the assigned letter isn’t working. Here’s how you can fix this:
- ‘Disk Management’ can be chosen by right-clicking on the ‘Start’ button.
- Locate and right-click on your SD card, then choose ‘Change Drive Letter and Paths’.
- In the next window, click ‘Change’ and pick a new drive letter from the list.
- Confirm by clicking ‘OK’.
Method 4: Clean the SD Card and Card Reader
A common issue that prevents an SD card from being detected on Windows 10/11 is dirt or dust on the SD card or in the card reader.
This can cause a bad connection, making the SD card undetectable. To fix this, carefully clean both the card and the reader, then try using the card again.
Method 5: Disable Write Protection on Your SD Card
Sometimes, you might see your SD card on your computer but can’t make any changes to it. This could be because write protection is turned on.
SD cards have a small switch on the side that can activate write protection. Check to make sure this switch hasn’t been flipped on by mistake.
If your SD card doesn’t have a switch but is still write-protected, follow these steps:
Step 1: Press the Windows key + R to launch the Run window, then select Device Management.
Step 2: Click OK after entering devmgmt. msc in the box.
Step 3: Look for and expand the ‘Disk Drivers’ section.
Step 4: Find your SD card.
Step 5: Right-click on your card and select ‘Properties’.
Step 6: Under the ‘General Tab’ or ‘Policy Tab,’ look for a write policy option.
Step 7: Turn off the policy and click OK.
Method 6: Make Your SD Card Detectable with CHKDSK
Here’s how you can use CHKDSK to make your SD card detectable:
Step 1: Right-click on ‘This PC’ and select ‘Manage’.
Step 2: Go to ‘Disk Management’.
Step 3: Type cmd and hit ‘Enter’ after pressing Windows + R.
Step 4: In the command prompt, type chkdsk D: /f and hit ‘Enter’.
Method 7: Disable and Enable the SD Card Reader
If the above steps don’t work, try disabling and then re-enabling the SD card reader:
Step 1: To access the Device Manager, right-click on the Windows icon and select it.
Step 2: Find and double-click “Memory Technology Devices” to see the card reader.
Step 3: In the pop-up window, go to the ‘Driver’ tab, click “Disable Device”, and confirm with “Yes”.
Step 4: Open the card reader properties again and click “Enable Device” to turn the driver back on.
Conclusion
This guide provides detailed solutions to troubleshoot and resolve the common issue of micro SD cards not being detected by devices.
By following the steps outlined—from checking connections and cleaning your card to using tools like CHKDSK—you can effectively diagnose and fix problems with your SD card.
Regular maintenance and careful handling are key to preventing such issues. Whether you’re dealing with a non-responsive SD card on a PC or a phone, these methods ensure you can regain access to your data and continue using your digital storage seamlessly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to Do if an SD Card is Inserted but not Showing?
Clean the contact area, take out the SD card, and then put it back in. Save all of your data on a PC and move it to any USB card reader if that doesn’t work. Data should be transferred back to the card after formatting it to exFat.
Why is my SD Card not Showing on my PC?
Checking for a connection problem with the SD card should be your first step when you have the problem of the SD card or hard drive not appearing on your computer.
Why is my Phone Suddenly not Recognizing my SD Card?
Outdated firmware, file system damage, or SD card incompatibility are the main causes of the Android issue of “SD card not showing up.”
How to Fix a Dead MicroSD Card?
Here are the steps to fix a dead MicroSD card:
1: Connect the SD Card to Your Computer: Plug your SD card into the computer using a card reader.
2: Open This PC: Type “This PC” in the search bar on your taskbar and open it.
3: Access SD Card Properties: Right-click on the SD card icon and choose ‘Properties’.
4: Run a Check: Click on the ‘Tools’ tab and select ‘Check’.
5: Start the Repair: Choose ‘Scan and repair drive’ to begin fixing any errors on the SD card.
