Mount an SD Card

Micro SD cards are high-capacity memory cards often used in phones and tablets. An SD card will become “mounted” to a device when that particular device recognizes the SD card and renders it accessible for use. Most devices will automatically mount an SD card after the card is inserted into the Micro SD card slot, but if you use an Android or Galaxy phone device, you can manually mount an SD card via the settings menu. If your device fails to mount an SD card, you must verify that there are no hardware issues with your device or with the SD card itself.

Steps

Mounting a Micro SD Card for Android Phones

  1. Insert the Micro SD card into the SD card slot on your Android device. Make sure your phone is turned off and charged before you insert the card. Do this slowly, and until you hear a "clicking" noise. Refer to your device manual or contact the manufacturer if you need additional support with accessing the SD card slot on your device.[1]
  2. Power on your Android device. Press the button near the bottom of your phone. If your phone is not turning on properly, it is probably not charged enough. Plug your phone into the wall charger for fifteen minutes and try again.[2]
  3. Tap on “Settings” from the main menu. This "Settings" symbol is represented by what looks like a gear. After you click on the gear, you will be transferred to a different screen. On that new screen, click "SD and Phone Storage."
  4. Click on "Reformat." This will reformat your phone, and prepare it for mounting a new SD card. This should only take a few seconds. If it takes any longer than that, restart your phone in order to get the reformatting process correct.[1]
  5. Choose “Mount SD Card" when reformatting has been completed. Your device will mount your SD card and make the card available for use. If “Mount SD card” is not an available option, tap on “Unmount SD card,” wait for the card to unmount, then tap on “Mount SD card” to verify that the card is properly mounted. This step may also correct any system problems your Android may have been experiencing that could have prevented the SD card from mounting properly.[3]

Mounting an SD Card for Galaxy Phones

  1. Insert your SD card into the SD slot. This is usually located on the left side of the phone. Slowly insert it until you hear a "clicking" noise. Make sure that your phone is fully charged before you begin this process. Refer to your device manual or contact the manufacturer if you need additional support with accessing the SD card slot on your device.[1]
  2. Turn your phone on. Press the button at the bottom of the phone. If your phone does not turn on, it is likely that it is out of power. Plug it into the wall charger for fifteen minutes and try again.[2]
  3. Press "Apps" on your home screen. Once your phone turns on, your home screen will appear. At the bottom right is what looks like a white grid with the word "Apps" underneath. Click that icon and transfer to the next screen.[4][5]
  4. Click on "Settings." The "Settings" icon is represented by what looks like a gear. Click on the gear and transfer to the next screen. A new screen will appear. At the top, right of that screen you will see what looks like three white dots. On older Galaxy phones (4 and before) the word "General" will appear below the dots. In newer Galaxy phones (5 and after) the word "More" will appear underneath the white dots. Whatever version of the phone you have, click the icon with the white dots.[4][5]
  5. Tap "Storage" on the next screen. When you click on "Storage" a final screen will appear. Scroll down, using your finger, in order to reach "Mount SD Card." Click on it and wait for your card to be mounted. If “Mount SD Card” is not an available option, tap on “Unmount SD card,” wait for the card to unmount, then tap on “Mount SD card” to verify that the card is properly mounted.[4][5]

Checking for Hardware Problems

  1. Remove your SD card from the SD card slot on your device. Under "Storage" you will scroll down until you find the icon "Unmount SD Card." Wait until your phone says it is safe to eject the SD card. Slowly pull it out so you do not bend or damage the card.[1]
  2. Inspect the SD card for any physical damage that may be preventing your device from reading it properly. Look for missing gold prongs, and for chips or dents in the card. If the SD card appears to be physically damaged, you may be required to replace the SD card. These can be bought fairly cheaply at most technology stores.[1]
  3. Reinsert the SD card into the SD card slot on your device. Before you put it back in, blow on it gently, or wipe it off with a soft cloth. This will get rid of any dust particles potentially interfering with your card. Do not continuously reinsert the card otherwise you could cause damage to both the card and the port.[5][1]
  4. Charge and power on your device. Plug your device into the wall charger for at least 15 minutes. You can then turn on the device using the button at the bottom. If for some reason your device isn't turning on, let it charge for a little while longer before you try again.[2]
  5. Attempt to mount the SD card again. Your device should read "Mount SD Card" when you go under the "Storage" setting. If your device still reads "Unmount SD Card" there may be a problem of communication between the SD port and the phone itself. This is most likely an internal problem which can only be fixed by taking your phone to your nearest technology professional.[1]
  6. Test the SD card in another device if it fails to mount properly. If the SD card works properly in another device, then your SD card slot may be faulty on the original device in which the card was tested. If the SD card fails to mount to another device, you may be required to replace the SD card. Make sure before you put your Sd card into another device, that that device is also fully charged.[5]

Tips

  • Format your SD card as a last resort if your device continues to fail to mount and recognize your SD card. Formatting your SD card will erase all its contents, but may correct any software problems preventing your device from recognizing the card.
  • If you are required to manually mount your Android device every time you connect it to a computer, consider downloading a third-party application that will automatically complete the mounting process for you, such as “Auto Mount Your SD Card,” or “doubleTwist Player.”[6]

Warnings

  • Do not bend the card as you take it out of the SD port. You want to take it out slowly and methodically, avoiding any damage.
  • Do not stick your finger or an object into the SD port in order to try and fix it. This will only cause more internal damage and require you to get a new phone all together.
  • Do not remove your SD card as it is in the process of dismounting, mounting, or reformatting. This will result in corrupt data, and make the card useless.[5]

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 http://www.smartmobilephonesolutions.com/content/unmount-sd-card-android
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 http://www.howtogeek.com/216880/what-to-do-when-your-android-phone-or-tablet-won%E2%80%99t-turn-on/
  3. ↑ http://www.remosoftware.com/info/android-phones-sd-card-wont-mount
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 http://support.sprint.com/support/tutorial/Mount-or-unmount-your-SD-card-Samsung-Galaxy-Sreg-III-16GB-Certified-Preowned/WScenario_542_40803_771_en_603-dvc8890017prd#!/
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 http://visihow.com/Format_and_Mount_a_Samsung_Galaxy_S4's_External_SD_Memory_Card
  6. ↑ http://lifehacker.com/5584889/install-doubletwist-player-for-automatic-android-usb-mounting
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