MicroSD cards are high-capacity memory cards commonly used in phones and tablets. An SD card is considered “installed” (connected) when a mobile device recognizes the card and opens access to it. Most devices mount the SD card automatically after inserting it into the microSD card slot. If you are using a Galaxy smartphone or Android device, you can manually connect the SD card via the Settings menu. If the device does not recognize the SD card, then the card may be damaged or there is a problem with the device itself.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Connecting a microSD card in Android devices
Step 1. Insert the microSD card into the appropriate memory card slot of your Android device
Before doing this, charge the battery of the device and turn it off. Insert the card slowly until you hear a click. If you cannot find the memory card slot, read the user manual of the device or contact the manufacturer.
Step 2. Turn on your Android device
Press the button at the bottom of your smartphone. If the device does not turn on, then most likely its battery is dead. Connect your smartphone to a power source and wait fifteen minutes, then try turning it on again.
Step 3. On the main screen, tap "Settings"
The icon of this application looks like a gear. By clicking "Settings", a screen with device settings will open; then click "SD & Device Memory".
Step 4. Click "Reformat"
The reformatting process will prepare the device for inserting a new memory card and will only take a few seconds. If this process takes a long time, restart your smartphone and repeat the described steps again.
Step 5. When the reformat process is complete, click "Connect SD Card"
The device will connect the memory card and make it available for use. If the “Connect SD card” button is not active, click “Eject SD card”, wait until the process of removing the card is complete, and then click “Connect SD card”. This step will also help you get rid of the Android system crash that prevented the memory card from plugging in.
Method 2 of 3: Connecting an SD card in Galaxy smartphones
Step 1. Insert the SD card into the memory card slot
This slot is usually located on the left. Before doing this, charge the battery of the device. Insert the card slowly until you hear a click. If you cannot find the memory card slot, read the user manual of the device or contact the manufacturer.
Step 2. Turn on your smartphone
Press the button at the bottom of your smartphone. If the device does not turn on, then most likely its battery is dead. Connect your smartphone to a power source and wait fifteen minutes, then try turning it on again.
Step 3. On the home screen, tap Applications
After turning on the smartphone, the main screen will open. In the lower-right corner of this screen, look for a white pound icon; under the icon you will see the word Apps. Click on this icon.
Step 4. Click "Settings"
The icon of this application looks like a gear. Clicking on "Settings" will open a new screen. In the upper right corner, find the icon in the form of three white dots. In older Galaxy smartphones (4 and older), you will see the word “General” under the dots. In modern Galaxy smartphones (5 and newer) you will see the word "More" under the dots. Regardless of your smartphone model, click on the three white dots icon.
Step 5. Click on "Memory"
Clicking on this button will open a new screen. Scroll down the screen and find the "Connect SD Card" option. Click on this option and wait for the card connection process to complete. If the “Connect SD card” option is not active, click “Eject SD card”, wait until the process of removing the card is complete, and then click “Connect SD card”.
Method 3 of 3: Troubleshoot your device
Step 1. Remove the SD card from your device's memory card slot
In the "Storage" section, click "Eject SD Card". Wait until the message appears on the screen that the memory card can be removed. Pull the memory card out of the slot slowly to avoid damaging it.
Step 2. Inspect the card for any damage that might prevent the device from recognizing the card
Perhaps one of the contacts (gold) is missing, or there are cracks or dents on the card. If the memory card is damaged, replace it with another SD card that can be purchased inexpensively at any electronics store.
Step 3. Remove and reinsert the memory card into the SD card slot
After removing the memory card, gently wipe or blow with a soft cloth to remove dust or other small particles that may interfere with the card's proper operation. Do not constantly pull out and insert the SD card, as in this case you risk damaging not only the card, but also the slot.
Step 4. Charge the device battery and turn it on
Connect the device to a power source for at least 15 minutes. Then turn on the device by pressing the button at the bottom. If the device does not turn on, allow the battery to charge for a longer period of time.
Step 5. Try connecting the SD card again
Clicking on "Memory", you should see an active option "Connect SD card". If only the "Eject SD card" option is active, then the problem may be in the memory card slot. In this case, take the device to an electronics repair shop.
Step 6. If the SD card does not connect, test it on another device
If the SD card is functioning properly in the other device, then the memory card slot of your device is not working. If the SD card does not connect to another device, then it is damaged and needs to be replaced. Before connecting the memory card to another device, be sure to charge it.
Advice
- Format the SD card only as a last resort when the device does not recognize and connect the memory card. Please be aware that formatting will erase all data stored on the SD card, but will help resolve problems that prevent the card from being recognized.
- If you mount the card manually every time you connect your Android device to your computer, download a third-party application that will do it automatically; such an application is, for example, Auto Mount Your SD Card or doubleTwist Player.
Warnings
- Do not bend the SD card when pulling it out of the memory card slot. Remove the card slowly to avoid damaging it.
- In an attempt to fix the problem, do not stick your fingers or other objects into the memory card slot - this will only aggravate the situation and may result in you having to buy a new device.
- Do not pull out the SD card while plugging, ejecting, or reformatting. This will damage the data or the card itself.