Introduction
The Unmounted SD Card issue is a common problem faced by Android users. The problem often arises when a device fails to recognize or read the Micro SD card, causing issues accessing, transferring, or storing data. This guide will help you understand the causes and offer step-by-step solutions to resolve this problem.
Overview of Unmounted SD Card
An unmounted SD card implies that the device cannot read or recognize the SD card inserted into it. This can occur for various reasons, such as corrupt files, improper insertion, or hardware malfunctions. When this happens, you cannot access your files, and the SD card might even appear invisible on your device.
Understanding Why SD Memory Cards Cannot Mount
What Causes Micro SD Card Not Recognized Error
Several factors can lead to your Micro SD card needing to be recognized. This may include corrupted files, improper formatting, physical damage, incompatible file systems, or outdated device drivers.
Fixing SD Card Mounting Issues on Android
Simple Steps to Solve Micro SD Card Not Recognized
Step 1: Ensure the SD card is correctly inserted into your device.
Step 2: Restart your device.
Step 3: Check for system updates on your Android device.
Step 4: Try the SD card on another device to verify its functionality.
Cleaning the SD Card Physically
Step 1: Eject the SD card from your Android device.
Step 2: Use a microfiber cloth to clean the metallic chips gently. Step 3: Re-insert the SD card into the device.
Mounting and Unmounting the SD Card
Step 1: Go to Settings > Storage on your Android device.
Step 2: Tap on SD Card > Mount or Unmount SD card.
Clearing Android Cache Partition
Step 1: Power off your device.
Step 2: Press and hold the volume up and power buttons to enter recovery mode.
Step 3: Select “Wipe cache partition” and confirm your action.
Formatting the Micro SD Card
Step 1: Go to your device’s Settings > Storage > SD Card.
Step 2: Select Format or Erase & Format option.
Step 3: Confirm your action to start the formatting process.
Addressing SD Card Not Recognized Error in Windows PC
Using Disk Management Utility
Step 1: Right-click on the Start menu > Disk Management.
Step 2: Find your SD card and right-click > Change Drive Letter and Paths.
Step 3: Assign a new drive letter to your SD card and confirm.
Running CHKDSK
Step 1: Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
Step 2: Type “chkdsk [drive letter]: /f /r” and enter.
Formatting the SD Card
Step 1: Right-click on the SD card from My Computer/This PC.
Step 2: Select Format > Start.
Updating your SD Card
Step 1: Go to Device Manager > Disk drives.
Step 2: Right-click on your SD card > Update driver.
Resolving SD Card Mounting Issues on Mac
Trying the SD Card in Another Mac or Using Another Card Reader
Sometimes the issue may lie with the Mac or the card reader. To isolate the problem, try using the SD card on another Mac or with a different card reader.
Checking Finder Preferences
Step 1: Open Finder > Preferences.
Step 2: Ensure the “External disks” option is checked under the Sidebar.
Restarting your Mac
Sometimes, a simple restart of your Mac can help resolve the issue.
Checking SD Card Encryption
Ensure that the SD card is not encrypted, which can cause mounting issues.
Updating Mac Software
Step 1: Go to System Preferences > Software Update. Step 2: If updates are available, click “Update Now.”
Using Disk Utility to Repair the Unmounted SD Card
Step 1: Open Disk Utility > Select your SD card.
Step 2: Click on “First Aid” > Run.
Formatting your SD Card Again
Step 1: Open Disk Utility > Select your SD card.
Step 2: Choose “Erase” > select format > click “Erase.”
Bonus Tip
How to Recover Lost Data from Formatted/Unmounted SD Card?
You can often retrieve lost data from your SD card using a reliable data recovery tool. Always ensure you have a recent backup of your data to prevent permanent data loss.
Tips to Avoid SD Card Error
Pro Tip 1: Always safely eject the SD card from the device. Pro Tip 2: Regularly back up important files. Pro Tip 3: Avoid using the same SD card on multiple devices.
Conclusion
An Unmounted SD Card issue can be frustrating, especially when accessing essential files. This guide provides you with a comprehensive overview of why this happens and how you can fix it. Whether you are an Android, Windows, or Mac user, following these steps can help you resolve the SD card not recognizing the issue and ensure smooth operation.
FAQs
How do I fix my SD card not mounting Android?
You can fix your SD card not mounting on Android by cleaning the SD card physically, mounting/unmounting the SD card from your device’s settings, clearing the Android cache partition, or formatting the SD card.
How do I enable SD card mount on Android?
To mount an SD card on Android, go to Settings > Storage > SD Card > Mount. If the option is greyed out, the SD card is already mounted.
Why is my Android phone not reading my SD card?
Your Android phone might not read your SD card for various reasons, such as corrupted files, physical damage, improper insertion, incompatible file systems, or outdated device drivers.
Why won’t my phone recognize my SD card?
If your phone doesn’t admit your SD card, it could be due to the SD card being incorrectly inserted, corrupted or damaged, not being formatted correctly, or a faulty card reader.
What does mounting an SD card mean?
Mounting an SD card means making the SD card accessible to the device’s operating system. When you mount an SD card, your device recognizes the card and allows you to read, write, and store data.
What causes an unmounted SD card issue?
Various factors, including corrupted files, improper formatting, physical damage, incompatible file systems, or outdated device drivers, can cause the unmounted SD card issue.
How can I recover data from an unmounted or formatted SD card?
Using a reliable data recovery tool, you can recover data from an unmounted or formatted SD card. These tools can scan the SD card and help recover lost files. However, it’s always best to regularly back up your data to prevent data loss.
How can I prevent SD card errors?
You can avoid SD card errors by safely ejecting the SD card from the device, regularly backing up important files, and avoiding using the same SD card on multiple devices.
Can a physically damaged SD card be repaired?
Physically damaged SD cards are often beyond repair. However, professional data recovery services can recover some data from the damaged card.
Why is my SD card not recognized on my PC or Mac?
Your SD card may not be identified on your PC or Mac due to an outdated driver, incorrect formatting, corruption of files, or physical damage. Try updating your drivers, reformatting the card, or using a different card reader to resolve the issue.