Resetting your SD card is a quick and easy way to restore the card to its default settings. This can fix a variety of issues like formatting errors or problems accessing files. By resetting the SD card, you clear all custom settings and start fresh. Here are the steps to reset an SD card’s settings.
What Does Resetting an SD Card Do?
When you reset an SD card, you are restoring the card back to its original blank state. This clears any files, folders, custom formats, and other settings stored on the card. Resetting brings the card back to its ‘out-of-the-box’ default configuration set by the manufacturer.
Resetting an SD card can fix problems like:
- Formatting errors – If you are unable to format the SD card, a reset may clear any errors
- Unreadable files – If files on the card appear corrupted or cannot be accessed, a reset wipes the slate clean
- Removal of custom partitioning – Any partitions or customized volume settings are erased
- Removal of apps or software – Sometimes SD cards have apps or software installed that can cause issues. Resetting removes any non-default programs or files
- Clearing lock settings – Resetting can remove any lock settings enabled on the card
In summary, resetting an SD card erases all custom settings and data, returning it to its blank and ready-to-use condition.
When Should I Reset an SD Card?
There are a few instances when you may want to perform an SD card reset:
- Formatting errors – If you are unable to format or partition the SD card, a reset can clear any problems and allow formatting to complete successfully.
- Unreadable data – If your device cannot read files or data on the card, a reset will erase the corrupted data.
- Card not detected – In some cases, the card may not even be detected by your computer or device. A reset can make the card readable again.
- Slow performance – Excessive data fragmentation can slow down an SD card’s performance. Resetting clears this fragmentation.
- Preparing for sale/transfer – Resetting cards before selling or giving them away erases your personal data.
- Removing problematic custom settings – If you enabled custom settings that are causing issues, a reset will undo those changes.
In general, if your SD card is having technical issues or is no longer working optimally, resetting it can often fix the problem. It’s also a good idea to reset cards that have been used heavily before passing them on to someone else.
How to Reset an SD Card
Resetting an SD card using the format function of your operating system is usually the quickest and easiest way to restore default settings. Here are the basic steps to reset your card:
- Back up data – Copy any files or data you want to keep onto another storage device or your computer.
- Insert card into computer – Use a card reader or SD card slot to access the card.
- Launch disk utility – On Windows, access Disk Management. On Mac, launch Disk Utility.
- Select SD card – Locate the SD card in the disk list.
- Choose “Format” – This option completely erases all data.
- Reset file system – Choose FAT32 or exFAT format, depending on card size.
- Start format – Confirm reformatting to reset card.
Once the formatting process finishes, your SD card will be restored to its original blank state with default settings.
Using Disk Management on Windows
Here are step-by-step instructions for resetting an SD card using Disk Management on Windows 10:
- Connect your SD card to the computer using a card reader or built-in SD card slot.
- Type “Disk Management” into the Windows search bar and select the Create and Format Hard Disk Partitions option.
- In Disk Management, you will see a list of all connected drives. Locate your SD card from the list (it may be listed as Removable).
- Right-click on the SD card partition and choose Format…
- Set the file system to FAT32 or exFAT. Leave allocation unit size as default.
- Check the Quick Format box to format faster. Leave other settings as default.
- Click OK to begin formatting the SD card. This will fully reset the card.
Using Disk Utility on Mac
To format an SD card on Mac OS and restore default settings:
- Insert your SD card into your Mac’s SD slot or connect it via a card reader.
- Launch Disk Utility (located in Applications > Utilities).
- Locate your SD card in the sidebar and select it.
- Click Erase at the top of the Disk Utility window.
- In the pop-up, set the format to MS-DOS (FAT32) or ExFAT.
- Type a name for the card (optional).
- Click Erase to start resetting the SD card.
Once completed, your SD card will be fully reset with original settings restored.
Additional Ways to Reset an SD Card
Aside from using your computer’s built-in disk utility, there are a few other ways to reset an SD card:
Using Camera or Device Menu
Many digital cameras and devices that use SD cards have a ‘Format’ option built into their menu. Access your device’s menu screen, locate the SD card or Format option, and select it to reset the card.
SD Card Formatting Software
Third-party SD card formatting tools like SD Formatter for Windows, SD Memory Card Formatter for Mac, and CardRecovery offer advanced options for securely erasing and reformatting cards.
Using Command Prompt
On Windows, you can use the Command Prompt to manually format an SD card by typing `format x:` substituting the appropriate drive letter.
For example: `format G:`
This will immediately perform a full format on the target drive.
Important Notes When Resetting an SD Card
Keep these important tips in mind when resetting your SD card:
- Back up data first – Resetting erases everything, so copy important files off the card.
- Use the right file system – Choose FAT32 for SD cards 32GB or smaller, or exFAT for larger sizes.
- Quick Format – Check Quick Format or Erase when available for faster resetting.
- Close other apps – Close any app that may be accessing the SD card before resetting.
- Allow time to finish – Do not interrupt the formatting process or you may corrupt the card.
- Re-use carefully – If resetting due to file corruption, check card health before reusing.
Following these tips will help ensure the reset process finishes smoothly and minimizes risk of further issues.
Reasons Resetting May Fail
In some instances, you may find that resetting your SD card fails or does not fully complete. Common reasons include:
- Incorrect file system selected – Make sure to pick FAT32 or exFAT.
- Card lock enabled – Check that write protection is disabled.
- Card is physically damaged – A full reset will not work if hardware is faulty.
- Drive letter conflict – Change or remove other conflicting drive letters.
- Card is still mounted/in use – Close any apps that are accessing the card.
- Insufficient permissions – Run disk utility as admin to ensure full access.
If a simple reset continues to fail, you may need to try third-party formatting tools for a deeper erase. Ultimately, some older or heavily used cards that have developed physical defects may not work reliably even after resetting.
FAQs about Resetting SD Cards
Is a quick format the same as a full format for resetting an SD card?
A quick format will reset your SD card almost as effectively as a full format, but takes much less time. Quick formatting simply erases the “file allocation table” that maps out used and unused storage space on the card. We recommend using quick format whenever that option is available.
Will resetting an SD card improve performance?
Yes, resetting can often improve SD card performance, especially if the card has become filled up with fragmented files over time. By reformatting, you will reclaim usable space and reduce fragmentation for faster save/load speeds.
Is it bad to reset an SD card frequently?
Frequently resetting or reformatting your SD card is not necessarily bad, but may indicate other issues with your camera or card reader that should be investigated. Optimal use will minimize the need for regular resets.
Can I recover lost files after resetting an SD card?
Once an SD card has been fully reformatted, any previous files and data are permanently erased. However, with the right data recovery software it is sometimes possible to recover erased files IF they have not been overwritten by new data saved to the card after it was reset.
Will resetting an SD card fix corrupted files?
Resetting your SD card will essentially fix file corruption by completely wiping the card, however it does not repair any physical defects that may have caused the corruption. We recommend checking your card’s health to identify any underlying issues.
Summary
Resetting an SD card using the format function of your operating system or device is a quick and simple process to restore original settings and fix a variety of issues. Just be absolutely sure to backup any files and data you want to keep before performing the reset.
When faced with formatting problems, unreadable files, slow speeds, or preparation for sale/transfer, resetting your SD card is an effective troubleshooting step. In rare cases of physical damage or defects, a new SD card may be needed. Follow the provided tips for smooth, successful reformatting.
