If you have a micro SD card in your Android phone and want to format it because it is not working well or for any other reason, the process is quite simple. Memory cards are read as one more storage unit and you can access them on your phone without having to install a file manager.
The names of functions and menu items may vary (very little) depending on the version of Android and the device. However, the steps are usually very similar.
- Open the Settings app on your Android phone or tablet;
- Touch “Storage”;
- Select your micro SD card;
- Touch “More” in the three-point menu;
- Go to the “Settings” and choose “Format”.
Fast and painless.
To erase all data, including music or photos saved on the memory card, Google recommends tapping “Erase and Format.” That clears the whole card. But why does this happen? Depending on how the card was formatted and where you used some folders may stay there, such as the photos created by digital cameras.
If you want to see what’s on the memory card before you can play something important outside, you can access the settings and see how much space is available.
Micro SD cards formatted as internal storage
- Open the Settings app on your Android phone or tablet;
- Touch “Storage”;
- Select your micro SD card;
- You will see how much space has been used and how much is free. To see files and apps taking up space, touch a category.
Micro SD cards formatted as portable storage
- When you connect it, swipe to see your notifications;
- At the memory card notification, tap Explore.
If you want to save something to your phone’s internal storage, before formatting, touch the desired file and “copy to” choose the internal space.