4 Ways Fix Cannot Format SanDisk SD Card Error

Cannot Format Micro SD, Believe Me, I Tried Everything

What SD Card Issues

Facing issues when formatting your Sandisk SD card can be quite exasperating, especially if you need immediate access to the card. However, addressing this error is essential to make your SD card usable again. This article outlines practical solutions to resolve the "Cannot Format Sandisk SD Card" error, ensuring your card is ready for future use. Read on to discover effective methods to tackle this problem and restore your SD card to full functionality.

Causes of SanDisk SD Card Not Formatting

SanDisk MicroSD cards, like many other SD cards, serve as convenient portable storage solutions. You might need to format these cards to clear data or resolve issues. However, you may encounter a "Windows Was Unable to Complete the Format" error, or sometimes the SD card might not even appear in File Explorer despite being connected correctly. What causes these issues, and how can you address them?

📌Write Protection: The SD card's write protection switch might be enabled, preventing formatting.
📌File System Corruption: Damage or corruption to the file system due to improper ejection, power loss, or software issues can hinder formatting.
📌Physical Damage: Physical damage to the SD card, such as a bent connector or water damage, can make formatting impossible.
📌Compatibility Issues: Incompatibility between the SD card and the device or formatting tool being used can lead to errors.
📌Virus or Malware Infection: Infection by malware or viruses can interfere with formatting processes.

If you're facing similar formatting problems with your SanDisk SD card or other external storage devices, continue reading. The following section provides various methods to effectively format your SanDisk SD card and resolve related issues.

How to Fix SD Card Cannot Format/Unable to Write Error?

When your SanDisk SD card refuses to format, there are several tools and methods you can employ to fix the issue. Tools like disk utilities, SanDisk's own formatting tools, and data recovery software can often resolve the problem. If these solutions don't work, you may need to replace the SD card. Below are some tried-and-true methods to help you address the SanDisk SD card formatting issue effectively.

Solution 1: Inspect for Physical Issues with the SD Card

When you encounter the "Unable to Format SD Card" error, it's essential to first check for any physical problems with the SanDisk SD card. Begin by ensuring the card is correctly inserted into the device. Look for signs of looseness, dirt, or visible damage on the card itself. If there are any physical issues, contact customer service immediately to discuss repair or replacement options to prevent irreversible data loss.

Next, try inserting the SD card into another computer or Android device. If the card is recognized by these devices, you can attempt to repair it using software solutions. However, if the SD card remains unrecognized across multiple devices, it might be time to consider replacing it.

Solution 2: Remove SD Card Write Protection

There is a chance that your SD card is write-protected, preventing you from making any changes to its content. And it could be the reason why it is unable to format SD cards. So, you can try to remove the write protection using a simple method.

1. Press Windows+R, enter diskpart, and hit Enter.

2. In this diskpart window, input the following commands, and press Enter after every command:

● list disk

● select disk n (n is the number of the SandiskSD card)

● disk attributes clear readonly

● clean

● create partition primary

● format fs=ntfs quick

3. Once you see the message confirming that diskpart attributes have been cleared successfully, simply type exit to close the window. After that, formatting your SD card should be all right.

Solution 3: Format SanDisk SD Card using Disk Management

If your SanDisk SD card doesn't have a drive letter or shows up as unallocated in Explorer, you won't see it when you open File Explorer. So, you can't format it there. Instead, you can use Disk Management to format it or create a new partition. Below are the steps to format your SanDisk Micro SD card:

1. Press Windows+R, input diskmgmt.msc, and hit Enter.

2. Find your SD card, right-click on it, and select the Format.

3. Customize Format options like Volume label, File System, and Allocation unit size. Tap OK to start it.

Solution 4: Use Third-Party Software to Wipe SD Card Disk

While Windows tools are generally feasible for formatting storage devices, they can occasionally encounter errors as we mentioned from the causes above. For a more easy and secure solution to thoroughly wipe out your disk, consider using AOMEI Backupper Professional. This software can help you erase all data from any device without trouble.

• It is developed with a user-friendly interface, suitable for any kind of user group.
• Except for the function to make disk wipe, you can also use it to make backup, restore, clone, and sync as well. It is especially important to make a backup before erasing your storage device.
• You can customize to wipe out the entire disk, selected partitions, or unallocated space based on your own needs.
• It can recognize all kinds of disks. No matter whether you use an internal/external hard drive, USB drive, SSD/HDD, or SD card, this tool will give you a satisfying result.
• AOMEI Backupper can run on all Windows OS on the market, including Windows 11/10/8/7/Vista/XP, etc.

Before the wiping task:

If you still want your stored files in the SD card, you can make a file backup before wiping it out. And remember to connect this SD card to your computer properly. If your computer cannot read an SD card directly, use an SD card reader.

1: Download and install this tool, click Tools >> Disk Wipe.

2: Select the second option to wipe out all partitions, and click Next.

3: Choose the SD card you want to format and continue to tap Next.

4: Choose the first method: Fill sectors with Zero. Then click Start to begin the task and wait for it to finish.

Note: For higher security levels, you may use the other three wiping methods: Fill sectors with random data, DoD 5220.22-M, and Gutmann. The more complicated the method is, the longer time the wipe process will take.

FAQs About SanDisk SD Card Questions

Q 1: How can I prevent the Cannot Format SanDisk SD Card error in the future?

A 1: Regularly backup your data, handle your SD card with care, and avoid removing it while in use.

Q 2: Can I recover data from the SD card after using the disk wipe feature?

A 2: I am sorry, the answer is no. That is why we have always stressed the need to perform a backup before wiping.

Q 3: What should I do if none of the methods work?

A 3: Well, if none of these methods works for you. You may contact SanDisk for professional services and support.

Q 4: How can I prevent future formatting issues with my SD card?

A 4: Regularly back up your data, handle the card with care, avoid exposing it to extreme conditions, and periodically update the card's firmware if updates are available.

Conclusion

Encountering the Cannot Format SanDisk SD Card error can be frustrating, but with the methods outlined in this article, you can resolve it effectively. Whether using Diskpart, third-party software like AOMEI Partition Assistant, or Windows Disk Management, there's a solution for every user. Remember to handle your SD card with care, regularly backup your data, and seek professional help if needed. By following these steps, you can fix the error and regain access to your valuable data.