Author:
Peter Berry
Date Of Creation:
11 February 2021
Update Date:
1 July 2024
Content
This wikiHow teaches you how to erase data on SD memory card located in Android device. On Android Nougat or Marshmallow, you can format the memory card to use as internal storage or removable storage.
Steps
Insert an SD card. This process will be slightly different across devices.
- You may need to remove the Android device's back cover to find the SD slot, or you may have to remove the battery in some cases.
- Others have SD card trays that pop out from the side as you push the dedicated tool in. If there is a tiny hole next to the tray on the outer rim of your device, push the SIM stick (or paper clip straight) into the hole.
Open source Android device. If you just inserted a memory card, hold down the power button on your phone or tablet until the device turns on.
Open Settings on Android. This app has a wrench or a gear with the label “Settings”, usually on your home screen or app drawer.
Scroll down and tap Storage (Memory).
Scroll down to SD card. Some of the following may occur depending on the device:
- If you see the options below the SD card name, such as “Erase SD Card” or “Format SD card”, proceed to the next step.
- If you do not see the above options, tap the SD card name, then tap the icon ⁝ in the upper right corner of the screen. The option "Format as Internal" or "Format as Portable" will appear in the pop-up menu.
Click Format SD Card or Erase SD Card. All data on the SD card will be deleted.- On Android Marshmallow, you'll see an option to either "Format as Portable" or "Format as Internal". Select “Portable” if you want the memory card to be usable on other devices, and select “Internal” if you want the memory card to function as an internal hard drive.
Click Format SD Card or Erase SD Card To confirm. So all data on the SD card will be deleted.
- If you use Marshmallow or later, the memory card should be able to continue to function as internal or mobile.
