You have now successfully formatted your SD card using your Windows 10 computer. And you're ready to head out on your next adventure with a fresh memory card. You can also select 'Restore Device Defaults' to factory reset the card to its original settings. How to Format an SD Card on Mac. Here's how to format your SD card on your Mac. No, not that way. You can only delete the pics on import using iPhoto - and you're right, that's not the best way to do things either. What I do - and takes a couple of seconds only - is reformat the SD card in my camera. Same result - the card is cleaned off and ready for use.
Format an SD card in your computer.
How to fix it?
Click on your platform to show the formatting instructions for your SD card:
Mac
Windows 10
Mac
Here is a link that shows you how to reformat an SD card (or MicroSD card) on your Mac. The steps are also written out below.
- Connect the SD card to your computer by using an external card reader. Save all the files from your SD card that you want to keep to your computer before moving to step 2. Formatting the SD card deletes all the data off of the card.
- Note – If you're using a Micro SD card, please insert the Micro SD card into the SD card adapter that came with card. Connect the SD card adapter to your computer by using an external card reader.
- Also note – Mac OS 10.6.5 or earlier does not support exFAT format, which most 64 GB SD cards are formatted to. This means that you won't be able to format or use exFAT card on your computer. In this case, we'd recommend either upgrading your OS to 10.6.6 or later, or using an SD card that's already formatted to MS-DOS (FAT) or FAT32 to complete the below steps.
- Open Disk Utility. To do this, click on the magnifying glass in the top-right corner of your computer screen. Type 'disk utility' in the search box that opens, then click on the 'Disk Utility' Application that comes up.
- Find the SD card in the left side of the window. It'll be named something like NO NAME or UNTITLED.
- Click the ERASE tab in the middle of the window.
- Next, click on the Format dropdown menu. Select MS-DOS (FAT) if the card is 32 GB or smaller. If it's a 64GB card, please select ExFAT.
- A message will appear asking, 'Are you sure you want to erase the partition '[YOUR SD CARD NAME]?' Click Erase. The computer will delete the contents of your SD card and format it. You're all done.
Windows 10
Step 1: Bring up Desktop View
If you are not already in Desktop View, bring up Desktop View by pressing the Windows key + D on your keyboard.
Step 2: Open 'Computer'
Open up the 'Computer' window by pressing Windows key + E on your keyboard.
Step 3: Display right-click options
Your SD card should be displayed in the 'Devices with Removable Storage' section. Right-click on your SD card to bring up the right-click menu options. Select Format.
Step 4: Format the SD card
- In the Format window make sure that the correct File System is selected. It should be set to FAT32 for 32GB SD cards and EXFAT for 64GB SD cards.
- Select Quick Format.
- Click Start.
- Once the formatting is complete, you can close the window.
Congratulations! You have formatted your SD card.
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Nov 19, 2020 • Filed to: SD Card Solutions • Proven solutions
Despite its tiny size, an SD card is an extremely helpful device and indeed helps us carry a huge size of data. However, as the above user mentioned, a lot of times there comes a situation where you need to erase SD card. Before you ponder over the best way to do it, we are here to help you. Read this article carefully to know exactly how to delete files from the SD card. Let us now move further with the potential ways without any further ado.
Part 1: Why do we need to erase or clear an SD card?
There could be your reason for why you have to erase the SD card. But we have figured out some points and listed below why you may want to do it. Have a look!
- First of all, one of the main reasons to erase the SD card can be space issues. Of course, we store so many things in our SD card and later we realize everything useless. To reuse the SD card, we need to have more space, and therefore wiping the SD card is a great solution.
- It is no surprise that we often use our SD card on multiple devices. And as a result of this, it may get infected with a virus or malware. If not handled carefully, an SD card is easily prone to get such virus infections. And to get rid of this, wiping it comes out as the most practical solution. Hence, this could be the next reason for erasing the SD card.
- A lot of times, the SD card may get stuck with errors that you can never expect. And to repair errors, going for the formatting of the SD card seems to be a suitable option.
- The last reason could be the handing over the SD card to the one you know or someone you don't. No matter what, you will never want to share any of your data with anyone. After all, privacy is everything! Therefore, deleting everything from the SD card before giving it to someone is necessary.
Part 2: How to erase an SD card on Windows 10
Now that you know the circumstances under which wiping the SD card becomes important, it is time to make you well-versed with how to delete the SD card. We are going to provide you 3 different methods you can apply if you are using Windows 10. Let us move further in three ways.
Tip 1: Wipe an SD card in Windows Explorer
One of the ways that can help you to erase the SD card in Windows Explorer. This can be the easiest way and you will be able to get results in no minutes. Here is how to wipe an SD card through this method.
Step 1: Simply connect your SD card with the computer to initiate the process.
Step 2: Either double click on 'This PC' or press the 'Windows + E' keys together now. This will open the Windows Explorer window.
Step 3: You will be able to see the drives including your SD card under the Removable Drive option.
Step 4: Right-click your SD card and hit on the 'Format' option. Hit on 'Format' again to confirm erasure of the SD card and you are good to go!
Tip 2: Erase SD Card in Disk Management
Another way to delete the SD card is Disk Management. It is a disk partitioning tool in Windows that was originated in Windows 2000. The major tasks Disk management can help in are creating partition, formatting partition, shrinking it as well as basic to dynamic disk conversion. The feature is simply supported by Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, Windows Vista, Windows 7, 8, and 10. Also, you can perform a full format with the help of it. Now, let us know how you can do this.
How to clear an SD card using Disk Management
Step 1: First of all, you need to access Disk Management Windows 10. For this, simply right click on the Start menu and choose 'Disk management' from the menu.
Alternatively, you can press the Windows key along with the R key on your keyboard. Now, the run box will appear where you have to type in 'msc'. Press the Enter key right after that to access Disk Management.
Step 2: You can now perform the formatting on your SD card. Simply select the partition on the SD card in the first place.
Step 3: Next, all you need is to right-click on it and pick out the 'Format' option.
Step 4: You now need to give the partition label, file system as well as the Allocation unit size in the pop-up box. Also, you can notice a small checkbox near 'Perform a quick format'. Uncheck it to further the process and hit on 'OK'.
Step 5: Again hit on 'OK' to confirm your action and your SD card will be erased instantly.
Tip 3: Use DiskPart in Command Prompt to clean SD card
The last method to delete the SD card that we would like to offer you is taking the help of DiskPart in the command prompt window. Although a potential solution, you may find this a little bit complex if you are not a pro in computers. Therefore, please read the steps carefully and you will be able to achieve what you want. Have a look at the steps below.
How to delete SD card with DiskPart
Step 1: Following the steps mentioned above, open Disk Management to start the process. Now, search for the SD card of yours to be erased. Make sure to keep the disk number on the computer in mind.
Step 2: After this, you need to right-click on the Start button on your PC and choose 'Command Prompt (Admin)'/'Windows Powershell (Admin)'. This will bring out the command prompt window. In case you are using Windows 7, ensure to click on the Start button and type in 'cmd' in the search box. Right-click on 'cmd.exe' and hit on 'Run as administrator'.
Step 3: In the command prompt window, key in 'diskpart' and hit on the Enter key on the keyboard.
Step 4: Next, please type list disk and hit the Enter key after that. This will bring the list of all the disks available on your computer. Now, notice the disk number which is the same as your SD card size.
Step 5: After this, key in 'Select disk #'. Here the # is the SD card's disk number that you could see in Desk management. Press the Enter key subsequently.
Step 6: You can now type 'clean' and hit on the Enter key.
Step 7: As soon as the process gets completed, you will see 'DiskPart succeeded in cleaning the disk'. You can now type 'exit' and press the Enter key to close the command prompt.
How To Wipe An Sd Card On A Mac
Part 3: How to erase an SD card through Android phone
You have learned three ways of erasing the SD card. Now, it is time for an Android device. What if you wish to delete the SD card on your Android device? Fret not as here in this section, we are going to mention the steps for the same. Let's begin with the process. Please note that the options may slightly differ because of your different Android devices. But don't get panicked, hunt a little and you will be able to find the right option yourself.
How to Delete Files from SD Card through Android Phone
Step 1: To start, open 'Settings' on your Android device.
Step 2: Scroll down and look for the 'Storage' option. Tap on it and you can see the space left as well as what content is eating up space in your device.
Step 3: Move to the bottom of the list of storage and see the SD card options. A few options are available from which we have to choose 'Erase SD Card' or 'Format SD Card' as per the availability of the option.
Step 4: You will be asked to confirm your actions. Simply go ahead by tapping the required button and this is how to delete SD card through Android device.
Bonus Tip: How to Recover Data from SD Card Erased Accidently
After learning how to delete the SD card, we are giving you a bonus tip. If anytime or due to an accident, you lose any of your important files from your SD card, you should trust Recoverit Data Recovery. This tool is designed to save you from any data loss and is completely easy to use. It works for both Windows and Mac operating systems. 3 steps to get your Memory card files back for free. Here are the features of the tool.
Key Features:
- It can help you recovering all kinds of data including photos, videos, audios to name a few.
- A lot of file formats are supported by this software.
- It promises a high rate of recovery and thus comes among the top listed recovery software.
- Over 1000 types of file formats are supported
- Any kind of storage media is supported by the tool
Steps to Recover Data from Erased SD Card
Step 1: Download the program on your computer and install it. Once done, get your SD card connected to the computer and make it detected. Start Recoverit now.
Step 2: Now, you need to choose the SD card as the target location. Once done, click on the 'Start' button to go ahead.
Step 3: The selected external device i.e. your SD card will be scanned by the program. You need to wait for some moments to let the scanning finished.
Step 4: When the scanning is finished, you can simply preview the files from the results. When you find the needed file, click on it and hit the 'Recover' button. Save the recovered file in another location.
Conclusion
This was all about wiping the SD card. We shared with you some tips on how you can delete SD cards on your PC as well as Android device. On a plus, we have provided an effective tool that can help you recover data from your deleted SD card. We hope that you liked our efforts and we could help you clear your doubts. We would like you to share your experience with us.
Secure Wipe Sd Card
SD Card Recovery
- Recover Card Data
- Repair Card Errors