Content

• To step

This wikiHow teaches you how to erase the data from your SD card using an Android device. If you have Android Nougat or Marshmallow, you can format the card for internal or portable storage.

To step

1. Insert your SD card. This process is a little different on every device.
   • You may have to remove the back of your device to find the SD slot and in some cases you may even need to remove the battery.
   • Other devices have a small SD slot that pops out when you insert a special tool. If you see a small hole next to a cutout on the side of your device, insert the tool that came with your device or use an unbent paper clip.
2. Turn on your Android device. If you just inserted the card, press and hold the power button on your phone or tablet until it turns on.
3. Open the settings of your Android. This is the wrench or gear icon labeled "Settings". You can usually find these on the home screen or among the other apps.
4. Scroll down and click on Storage.
5. Scroll down to your SD card. A few different things can happen depending on your device:
   • If you see options under your SD card name, such as "Erase SD Card" or "Format SD Card", go to the next step.
   • If you don't see these options, tap the name of your SD card, then tap the ⁝ in the top right corner of the screen. You will see "Format as internal" or "Format as portable" in the pop-up menu.
6. Tap Format SD card or Erase SD card. This will erase everything from your SD card.
   • If you are using Android Marshmallow, you will see the options "Format as portable" or "Format as internal". Choose "portable" if you want to be able to use the card on other devices, and "internal" if you want the card to act as an internal hard drive.
7. Tap Format SD card or Erase SD card to confirm. All data on your SD card will now be erased.
   • If you're using Marshmallow or later, your card is now available for use as internal or portable storage.