What to do if your SD card is not detected on your Galaxy device

Last Update date : Feb 19. 2024

A memory or SD card can extend the storage capacity of your smartphone.  If you have a microSD card in your device, it lets you expand memory space and exchange pictures, music, or data with microSD-compatible devices.

Most issues with the SD card can be solved with a few simple steps.

Inspect the SD card

First, take out the SD card from your device and inspect it for any damage. 

Step 1. Turn off your device and insert an ejector tool into the small hole next to the SD card tray slot to eject the card tray.

Step 2. Inspect the SD card for any damage. If there is debris or dust on the SD card, use a soft cloth to wipe the surface before reinserting it.

Even if your SD card does not have any visible damage, you may still experience issues. If you have other devices nearby, test the SD card to ensure that it works. 

If your SD card is not being recognized by your phone, it may be in an unsupported file format or damaged. Try using a new SD card instead.

Try force restarting your device. Restarting may resolve the issue of your device not recognizing your SD card. 

Step 1. Turn off your device by holding down the Volume down key and Side key simultaneously, then selecting Power off.

Step 2. After the screen turns off, press and hold the Volume down key and Side key at the same time.

Step 3. When the Samsung logo appears on the screen, release the keys.

A malfunctioning SD card can cause data loss and device performance issues. It should be replaced or removed.

Formatting the SD card may help resolve some errors, but if the warning still appears, it is highly recommended to back up any data that is on the SD card and replace it with a better card.

You can try resolving the SD card recognition error by formatting your SD card. To avoid losing your data, make sure to back it up before formatting. To format your SD card, follow the steps below. 

Hold Volume down and Side key to Power off Hold Volume down and Side key to Power off

Step 1. Turn off your device by holding down the Volume down key and Side key simultaneously, then selecting Power off.

 Select Power off  Select Power off

Step 2. Select Power off.

 Press and hold Volume down and Side key  Press and hold Volume down and Side key

Step 3. After the screen turns off, press and hold the Volume down key and Side key at the same time.

 Release Side key while holding Volume down key  Release Side key while holding Volume down key

Step 4. Once the Samsung logo appears on screen, release the Side key, while holding the Volume down key.

Try updating in Safe mode Try updating in Safe mode

Step 5. When Safe mode appears on the lower left corner of the screen, release the key.

Note: Device screenshots and menu may vary depending on the device model and software version.

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