How do I format my SD card?
Before you start
** What am I going to do? **
By formatting your memory card, you permanently delete all files from your SD card. This ensures that your new files are stored better.
** How long does it take? **
5-10 minutes
** What do I need? **
The memory card you want to make empty. If your computer does not have an SD card input, you need a memory card reader. When formatting a microSD card, use a memory card adapter. You also need a computer, of course.
Formatting on a Windows computer
Step 1: start the computer
Start the computer if it's not already switched on.
Step 2: determine the type of memory card
Check the front of your SD card and determine what type of memory card you need. This may be an SDHC or an SDXC card. Write down this information. You're going to need it later.
Step 3: connect your card to the computer
If your computer has an integrated card reader, you can go directly to step 4. If your computer doesn't have an integrated card reader, you have to use an external card reader. Put the SD card in the card reader. Connect the card reader to your computer using the included cable.
Step 4: find the card on your computer
Use the start menu to go to Computer or This PC. Here, you'll find a list of storage systems. Since you connected your SD card to your computer, your SD card must be on the list as well. You can probably find your SD card under Removable storage space.
Step 5: choose the correct file format
Use the right mouse button to click on the SD card on the list and click on Format. Select the file format that you want to use. If you have an SDHC card, you have to choose FAT32. With an SDXC card, opt for exFAT.
Step 6: start formatting
Click on Format file and next, click on start. Your card will now be formatted. If you receive a notification that tells you that the card has been formatted, you're ready. All data has now been removed from your SD card.
Formatting on a Mac computer
Step 1: start the computer
Start the computer if it's not already switched on.
Step 2: connect your card to the computer
If your computer has an integrated card reader, you can go directly to step 3. If your computer doesn't have an integrated card reader, you have to use an external card reader. Put the SD card in the card reader. Connect the card reader to your computer using the included cable.
Step 3: find the card on your computer
Open the Finder menu (the blue symbol with the smiley face). On the left side of the menu, you'll find the Applications map. Click on this map. Next, click on the Utility map. Afterwards, click on Disk Utility. You'll find your memory card in the list of displayed drives. If you didn't give the card a name, you can recognize it from the file name NO NAME.
Step 4: start formatting
Select your memory card by clicking on it. Next, choose the option Erase in the top corner of the screen. Enter the file format ExFAT in Format. If your product can't read that, enter MS-DOS (FAT). Next, click Erase.
