How to Format the Memory Card on a Samsung Galaxy Device

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methods

1On Devices Running Android 7

2On Devices Running Android 6 and Earlier

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This How.com.vn teaches you how to format the external storage (microSD) card on a Samsung Galaxy device.

Steps

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

On Devices Running Android 7

1. 
   1
   Power off your Samsung Galaxy device.
2. 
   2
   Locate the microSD card slot or tray.

   • On older devices, which usually have a removable battery, you will need to remove the battery cover to locate the microSD card slot.
   • On more recent devices without a removable battery, you should use a SIM card eject tool to access the removable card tray.
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3. 
   3
   Insert the microSD card. Insert the microSD card into the corresponding slot or card tray, and then insert the card tray back into the device.

   • On some devices, you may need to remove the battery to access the memory card slot. Be sure to put the battery and cover back after inserting the microSD card.
4. 
   4
   Power on your device.
5. 
   5
   Wait for your device to recognize the memory card. A notification that the card was successfully mounted will appear on your screen.
6. 
   6
   Press the Home button. This will take you to the Home screen.

   • Enter your passcode if necessary.
7. 
   7
   Swipe down from the top edge of the screen. This will bring down the notification drawer.
8. 
   8
   Tap the Settings icon. It's the icon that looks like a gear (⚙️) at the top-right of the screen.
9. 
   9
   Tap Device maintenance.
10. 
    10
    Tap Storage. It's the second button from the right at the bottom of the screen between the Performance mode and RAM buttons.
11. 
    11
    Tap ⋮. It's in the top-right of the screen.
12. 
    12
    Tap Storage settings.
13. 
    13
    Tap the SD card. It's at the bottom in the "Portable Storage" section.
14. 
    14
    Tap Format. This option is near the top of the screen, just below the graph displaying the amount of used and free space available on the memory card.
15. 
    15
    Tap Format again to confirm. Doing so erases all the data on the memory card and formats it for use with your Samsung Galaxy device.

    • The amount of time the process takes to complete will vary, depending on the size of the memory card.
    • Tap Done. When the format is complete, tap "Done" to return to the SD card information page.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

On Devices Running Android 6 and Earlier

1. 
   1
   Power off your Samsung Galaxy device.
2. 
   2
   Remove the battery cover from the back of your device.
3. 
   3
   Insert the microSD card. The external memory slot is next to the SIM card slot. Press the card gently into the slot until it locks.

   • On some models, you may need to remove the battery to access the memory card slot.
   • If you're replacing an older memory card, eject the old card by pressing it gently inward to activate the ejection spring.
   • Some Galaxy devices may require the battery to be removed before you can insert the memory card.
   • Make sure your memory card is compatible with your phone's model. Do some research using the cellphone model or your IMEI number to discover what are the specs it supports.
4. 
   4
   Power on your device.
5. 
   5
   Wait for your device to recognize the memory card. A notification that the card was successfully mounted will appear on your screen.
6. 
   6
   Press the Home button. This will take you to the Home screen.

   • Enter your passcode if necessary.
7. 
   7
   Tap the App Drawer icon. It's a grid of small squares over the word "Apps" at the bottom of the screen.
8. 
   8
   Open the Settings app. Depending on the model and Android version you're running, the app may be a gear (⚙️) icon or a series of three sliders with buttons.
9. 
   9
   Tap Storage. It's on the left side of the screen under the "Device" section.
10. 
    10
    Tap Format SD card. It's near the bottom of the screen in a section that may be labeled "SD card" or "External storage."
11. 
    11
    Tap Erase. Doing so erases all the data on the memory card and formats it for use with your Samsung Galaxy device.

    • The amount of time the process takes to complete will vary, depending on the size of the memory card.
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