Why SD Card is Not Showing in Android? How to Fix SD Card Not Showing Up on Android?

Are you wondering why SD Card is not showing in Android? Discover the reason here and find out how to fix the ‘SD Card not showing up’ issue on Android.

by Janani

Updated Jul 11, 2023

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Why SD Card is Not Showing in Android?  How to Fix SD Card Not Showing Up on Android?
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SD Card is Not Showing on Android

If your Android device is unable to detect or read your SD card, you might be encountering problems like the SD card being undetectable or unreadable on your phone. To help you resolve this issue, here are several potential solutions you can try to make the best. 

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The causes which make the "My SD Card is Not Showing on Android" issue are Loose Connection, Damaged or Faulty SD Card, Corrupted File System, SD Card Reader issues, Physical Damage and Software Glitch or System issues. 

Why SD Card is Not Showing in Android? 

There are many causes why SD Card Not Showing up on Android. Here are some common causes:

  • Loose Connection: The SD card may not be properly inserted or make a secure connection with the device. Ensure that the card is inserted correctly and try reinserting it.
  • Damaged or Faulty SD Card: The SD card itself may be damaged, faulty, or incompatible with the device. Try using a different SD card to see if the problem persists.
  • Corrupted File System: If the file system of the SD card is corrupted, the device may not be able to read it. This can happen due to improper ejection, malware/virus infection, or other factors.
  • Outdated or Incompatible Device Software: If the Android device's software is outdated or incompatible with the SD card, it may not recognize or show the card. Make sure your device is running the latest software updates.
  • SD Card Reader Issues: If you're using an external SD card reader or adapter, it may be faulty or incompatible with your device. Try using a different reader or adapter.
  • Physical Damage: Physical damage to the SD card or the card slot in the device can prevent it from being detected. Inspect the SD card and the device's card slot for any signs of damage.
  • Software Glitch or System Issue: Sometimes, software glitches or system issues within the Android device can cause SD card detection problems. Restarting the device or performing a factory reset may help resolve such issues.

How to Fix SD Card Not Showing Up on Android?

Fixing the issue of an SD card not being detected on Android mobile phones that support expanded storage space.

1. Re-insert the Memory SD Card into Your Phone

  • Turn off your Android phone and disconnect the SD card.
  • Remove the SD card and check if it's clean. If not, gently clean any dust or debris from the SD card.
  • Insert the SD card back into the SD card slot of your phone.
  • Power on your phone and check if the memory card is now detected.

If the SD card is still not recognized, proceed to Solution 2.

2. Unmount and Remount the SD Card on the Android

  • Open the "Settings" menu on your phone and select "Storage".
  • Tap on "Storage" > "SD Card" > "Mount".
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After completing this step, restart your phone and check if you can access the SD card normally. If the issue persists, follow the steps below to unmount and remount the SD card:

  • Go to the "Settings" menu on your Android phone.
  • Tap on "SD Card" and then select "Unmount SD card". Confirm the action by clicking "OK".
  • Now, remount the SD card by powering off your phone, removing the SD card, and re-inserting it into the phone.
  • Reboot your phone.

After completing these steps, your mobile phone should be able to detect the SD card, and you can access the saved files again. If the SD card still does not appear on your phone, remove the SD card from your phone and connect it to your computer. Then, proceed to the next part to try additional fixes to make your SD card detectable again.

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Here are the methods to repair undetected SD cards on Android phones and PCs without data loss:

1. Re-insert SD Card into Your Phone

  • If the SD card is not detected on your Android phone, try removing and reinserting the card to ensure it is properly connected.

2. Un-mount and Remount SD Card

  • Another option is to unmount and remount the SD card on your Android phone to refresh the connection and make it detectable.
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3. Change SD Card Reader and Connect to PC

If the SD card is not detected on your PC, try using a different SD card reader and reconnecting it to your computer to rule out any issues with the reader.

4. Recover Data, Format SD Card to FAT32

  • If the SD card's file system is corrupted, it may not show up.
  • Before formatting the card, use data recovery software to retrieve your data. Then, format the SD card to the FAT32 file system.

5. More Effective Methods

  • To further troubleshoot SD card detection issues, you can update the card driver, run CHKDSK to fix internal errors, show hidden files on the SD card, and clear any viruses or malware that may be affecting its visibility.
  • Note that these methods are intended for physically healthy SD cards. If your SD card is physically damaged, it may require professional repair services.
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SD card

An SD card, also known as a Secure Digital card, is a type of removable storage device commonly used in Android smartphones and other electronic devices. It provides additional storage capacity and allows users to expand the storage of their Android device beyond its internal memory.

SD cards come in different sizes and formats, such as microSD, miniSD, and standard SD cards. In Android devices, microSD cards are the most commonly used type. These cards can be easily inserted into the designated SD card slot or through an SD card adapter, depending on the device.

Once inserted, the Android operating system recognizes the SD card and treats it as external storage. Users can then choose to store various types of data on the SD card, including photos, videos, music, documents, and app data. This helps free up space on the device's internal memory and allows for easy transfer of files between devices.



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Why My SD Card is Not Showing in Android - FAQ

1. What is an SD card?  

An SD card, also known as a Secure Digital card, is a removable storage device commonly used in Android smartphones and other electronic devices to expand storage capacity beyond internal memory.

2. Why My SD Card is not Showing in Android?

The causes which make the "My SD Card is Not Showing on Android" issue are Loose Connection, Damaged or Faulty SD Card, Corrupted File System, SD Card Reader issues, Physical Damage, and Software Glitch or System issues. 

3.  What are the different sizes and formats of SD cards?

SD cards come in various sizes and formats, including microSD, miniSD, and standard SD cards. However, microSD cards are the most commonly used type in Android devices.

4. How do you insert an SD card into an Android device? .  

To insert an SD card into an Android device, you can either insert it into the designated SD card slot or use an SD card adapter, depending on the device's specifications

5. How does the Android operating system recognize an SD card?  

Once inserted into an Android device, the operating system recognizes the SD card and treats it as external storage, allowing users to store various types of data such as photos, videos, music, documents, and app data on the card.

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