The SD card (short for Secure Digital) is a small, portable device for storing and transferring digital data. But, of course, we don’t keep it the way it is forever! Sometimes, you must erase all the existing files to make room for new data, fix errors or corruption, or change the file system.
While this may seem daunting, the process is actually quite simple. Let’s walk you through how to reformat a micro SD card on a Mac.
In This Article:
6 Steps to Format an SD Card on Mac
Before You Start
Before formatting your SD card, here are some important steps to follow:
Check Compatibility
First, make sure your SD card is compatible with the Mac! According to our research, the most popular brands should work fine. But if you’re still unsure, check the manufacturer’s guidelines or website. Likewise, review the Apple Support section if you use a Mac’s built-in SD card slot but still feel uncertain about its compatibility.
Remove Your SD Card
Next, remove this SD card from whatever devices it’s currently in before formatting. If the Mac lacks an internal SDXC card reader, you must at least confirm there’s still an appropriate external SD card cable and reader. Otherwise, the transfer speeds and the entire formatting process will be affected.
Backup Your Data
Always back up any files or images on your SD cards before formatting! Double-check everything to ensure all data is backed up and downloaded, even when you think you already did that a week ago.
If this SD card is corrupted (or, for some reason, you can’t retrieve the data), consider using data recovery programs for Mac like EaseUS Recovery Wizard.
Main Stages to Reformat SD Card Mac
Stage 1. Insert Your SD Card
Insert this SD card into your Mac’s card slot. But what if it’s not visible, or your Mac doesn’t even have such a slot? Then, as suggested earlier, use an extra external card reader.
Stage 2. Go to Disk Utility
Navigate to Applications -> Utilities -> Disk Utility.
Stage 3. Select Your Desired SD Card
Select an SD card you need to format on the left side of that Disk Utility window (from Stage 2). Be extra cautious if you have multiple SD cards connected.
Stage 4. Erase
With your SD card chosen, click “Erase” at the highest corner of Disk Utility.
Stage 5. Choose Name and Format
In the next pop-up window, choose a format type (ExFAT or FAT are quite common for cameras) and a name for this SD card that helps you identify it easily.
Stage 6. Start to Format SD Card Mac
Press “Erase” to start the formatting process. Depending on your SD card size and type, this can take from 3-4 seconds to about 10 minutes.
After Formatting
Once formatting is done, hit the Eject icon (near the SD card in Finder) or drag the card icon to Trash. That’s it! You can now reinsert it into any desired device.
If you still have some backed-up photos you want to view on your phone or camera, you can simply return them to the SD card — though this is generally not recommended for most professional photographers.
How to Format A Corrupted SD Card on Mac
Sometimes, your SD storage devices might get corrupted for various reasons. If you still want to format this corrupted SD card on your Mac, follow these simple steps:
Stage 1. Insert Your SD Card
Place this SD card into your Mac’s slot or use an adapter.
Stage 2. Navigate To Disk Utility
Choose Applications -> Utilities -> Disk Utility. Another alternative is to find it in the Utility folder below Applications.
Stage 3. Run First Aid
Click on “First Aid” in the highest toolbar. (You can also choose “Show Details” and see how the Disk Utility can recover your card.) Then, hit the “Run” button.
Stage 4. Wait for Recovery
Now, just sit back and let Disk Utility complete this recovery process. You will see a progress bar fill from the left to the right; keep tabs on it.
Stage 5. Eject Your SD Card
Once done, exit Disk Utility. Drag the card icon from your desktop to Trash and wait until it disappears. Then, carefully remove this card from its SD slot.
3 Other Ways To Format SD Card
Use Windows
Stage 1. Insert Your SD Card
Insert this SD card into the computer’s slot and make sure the label faces upwards. Once it’s properly inserted, you will hear a click. If the computer lacks an SD slot, use a card adapter to connect the card via a USB port.
Before formatting, make sure to transfer any important files from the SD card to your computer, as formatting will erase all its contents.
Stage 2. Open File Explorer
Right-click the desktop’s Start menu, then click the “File Explorer” folder icon from your taskbar.
Stage 3. Navigate to “This PC”
Click on “This PC,” the icon in the left corner of your File Explorer window.
Stage 4. Select Your SD Card
Find and click on the card’s name under the “Devices and drives” section at the center of the “This PC” window. The SD card name often includes “SDHC.”
Stage 5. Open “Manage” Tab
Click “Manage” from the highest corner of the “This PC” window.
Stage 6. Hit “Format”
Click the “Format” button to open the Format window. Alternatively, right-click your selected SD cards and choose “Format…”
Stage 7. Choose A Format
In the Format window, click “File System” and choose from the options below:
- NTFS: Default Windows format, works only with Windows.
- FAT32: Compatible with both Mac and Windows but limited to 2TB total storage and 4GB maximum file size.
- exFAT (Highly recommended): Compatible with both Mac and Windows with no storage limitation.
Stage 8. Quick Format (Optional)
If your drive has been formatted before and is not damaged, you can check “Quick Format” to speed up the process.
Stage 9. Start Formatting
Click “Start” and “OK” to format the SD card. The process may take 2-3 minutes and will delete all files on the card.
Use Android
Stage 1. Insert Your SD Card
Ensure your card is properly inserted. If not, turn your device off and find the card tray on the side or top of it. Use an extra tool, like a paperclip or pushpin, to push the hole near the tray, place the card on, and reinsert the tray.
Always create backups for the device first, as formatting will erase all the SD card’s content. Note that phones and tablets often use mini/micro-SD cards, much smaller than those used in big devices like cameras.
Stage 2. Open Settings
Open the Settings app on your Android device (from the app drawer). If you want to set up an entirely new SD card, then swipe from the screen’s top and tap “SD card detected.“
Stage 3. Navigate to Storage
Scroll down the Settings page and click on “Storage.” On Samsung devices, you might need to tap “Device care” or “Device maintenance” instead.
Stage 4. Select Your SD Card
Under “Portable storage,” tap on your card’s name.
Stage 5. Open Storage Settings
Tap the three vertical dots (⋮) in the top screen corner (from the right), then press on “Storage settings” from the dropdown menu.
Stage 6. Choose Format Options
Tap “Format” (if you simply want to erase the card) or “Format as internal.” (when you intend to use the card as internal storage). For Samsung devices, you may need to hit “Storage” from the screen’s bottom.
Stage 7. Confirm Formatting
Tap “ERASE and FORMAT” at the page’s bottom; it will start the formatting process, which should only take 3-5 seconds. Once complete, your card will be reformatted and ready for use.
Use A Camera
Stage 1. Create A Backup for Your Card
Before formatting, back up your videos and photos to Google Photos, iCloud, or your own computer to ensure you don’t lose any important files.
Stage 2. Insert The Card
With your camera still turned off, insert this card into its designated slot. Ensure the card fits perfectly and your camera’s battery has been fully charged.
Stage 3. Turn The Camera On and Access the Menu
Turn your camera on and press the Menu button. Then, use the touch screen or scroll wheel to go through the menu options.
Stage 4. Go to the Setup Menu
Look for the “Setup” option, usually indicated by a small cog icon.
Stage 5. Select The Format Option
From the Setup menu, choose “Format,” “Format Memory Card,” or “Format SD Card” (depending on the type of camera).
Stage 6. Confirm the Action
Select “OK” to begin formatting; it usually takes 4-5 minutes. Once finished, a confirmation message should pop up. You can then power off the camera again.
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Conclusion
Our team has detailed the entire SD Card format Macbook process and even offered some alternative methods to consider.
Although the host devices may vary in type, their basic formatting steps are pretty similar. If you still encounter any issues or need further advice on your formatted SD card, don’t hesitate to contact us.
