How to format a akaso micro sd card​？

Formatting a Micro SD card is a fundamental process that many users perform to maintain optimal performance, resolve corruption issues, or repurpose the card for different devices. If you’re an Akaso action camera user, such as those using models like the Akaso Brave or Akaso EK7000. formatting the Micro SD card ensures that it’s ready for continued use and free of old files, improving its efficiency. 

Before diving into the technical steps, it’s important to understand why you might need to format your Akaso Micro SD card in the first place:

Clearing Space: If the SD card is filled with old files or videos that you no longer need, formatting provides a quick way to erase everything and free up space.

Resolving Corruption: Sometimes, SD cards can become corrupted, causing your Akaso camera to malfunction or not recognize the card. Formatting can help fix these issues by reinitializing the card’s file system.

Performance Optimization: Over time, an SD card can become fragmented, slowing down performance. Formatting helps the card perform optimally by clearing out unnecessary data and reformatting it.

Device Compatibility: Some devices require a specific file system for the SD card (e.g., FAT32. exFAT). Formatting ensures the card is properly set up for use with your Akaso camera.

Repurposing for Another Device: If you plan to use the card in a different device, formatting may be necessary to prepare the card for that device’s requirements.

Types of Formatting File Systems

When you format your Micro SD card, you’ll typically choose from a few common file systems. These determine how files are stored and retrieved from the card. The three main file systems you’ll encounter are:

FAT32: This is the most commonly used format for SD cards up to 32GB. It is widely compatible with most devices, including cameras, phones, and computers.

exFAT: exFAT is a more modern file system, suitable for larger SD cards (64GB and above). It supports larger file sizes than FAT32. making it ideal for video recordings and high-resolution images.

NTFS: NTFS is a file system used by Windows for internal hard drives but is less commonly used for SD cards. It’s not typically supported by cameras or action cameras like Akaso.

For most Akaso cameras, FAT32 or exFAT is recommended. You’ll need to know the storage size of your Micro SD card to determine the best file system.

How to Format Your Akaso Micro SD Card

Method 1: Formatting via Akaso Camera (Internal Formatting)

One of the most straightforward ways to format your Akaso Micro SD card is directly through your camera’s menu system. This method ensures that your SD card is correctly configured for use with your specific Akaso model.

Steps:

Power on Your Akaso Camera: Make sure the camera is powered on and that the Micro SD card is inserted correctly into the camera’s card slot.

Access the Camera’s Menu: Press the menu button to navigate to the settings on your Akaso camera.

Navigate to the SD Card Formatting Option: In the settings menu, look for the “Format” or “Format SD Card” option. This is usually found in the camera’s system or storage settings.

Confirm the Format: Once you’ve selected the formatting option, the camera will ask you to confirm that you want to erase all data from the SD card. Confirm the action, and the camera will begin the formatting process.

Wait for Completion: The camera will notify you when the format is complete. Your SD card is now ready to be used for recording.

This method is simple and ensures compatibility with your Akaso camera, especially if you’ve been facing issues with the SD card being recognized or functioning correctly.

Method 2: Formatting via Windows PC

If you prefer formatting the Micro SD card on your computer, especially if you want to use the card for other devices, you can format it using Windows. This method also lets you choose the file system (FAT32. exFAT, etc.).

Steps:

Insert the Micro SD Card: Use a Micro SD card reader or the card slot on your PC to insert the Micro SD card. If your computer does not have a built-in card reader, use a USB card reader.

Open File Explorer: Once the SD card is inserted, open File Explorer (Windows + E) and locate the SD card under This PC.

Right-click the SD Card: Right-click on the SD card drive and select Format from the context menu.

Choose the File System: In the format window, you’ll see options for the file system. Select FAT32 (for SD cards under 32GB) or exFAT (for SD cards 64GB or larger). You can also give the SD card a new name (label) if desired.

Uncheck Quick Format (Optional): If you want to perform a full format (which checks for bad sectors), uncheck the Quick Format box. This will take longer but ensures the card is thoroughly checked.

Start Formatting: Click Start and then OK to confirm that all data will be erased. Windows will begin formatting the card.

Wait for the Process to Finish: When the formatting is complete, a message will pop up indicating the SD card is ready to use.

Eject the SD Card: Before removing the SD card from your computer, safely eject it to avoid corrupting the data.

This method is useful if you want to ensure the SD card is formatted to a file system compatible with multiple devices, not just your Akaso camera.

Method 3: Formatting via macOS

Mac users can also format their Micro SD card using macOS. The process is similar to Windows but uses the Disk Utility application.

Steps:

Insert the Micro SD Card: Insert the Micro SD card into the Mac’s SD card slot or a USB card reader.

Open Disk Utility: On your Mac, open the Disk Utility application. You can find it by searching for it in Spotlight (Cmd + Space, then type “Disk Utility”).

Select the SD Card: In the left pane of Disk Utility, locate and select your Micro SD card. Be sure you select the actual card, not just a partition.

Click Erase: Click the Erase button at the top of the Disk Utility window.

Choose the File System: In the window that pops up, choose exFAT or MS-DOS (FAT) (the macOS equivalent of FAT32).

Name the Card: Optionally, you can give the card a name. This name will appear when you mount the card on your Mac.

Confirm the Format: Click Erase to confirm. The process will begin, and once complete, the SD card will be formatted and ready for use.

Eject the SD Card: Once the format is complete, safely eject the card by right-clicking on the card icon on your desktop and selecting Eject.

Method 4: Formatting via Third-Party Software

If you’re having trouble formatting your Micro SD card using the above methods, you may want to try third-party software. Programs like SD Formatter (officially recommended by the SD Association) or MiniTool Partition Wizard can provide more advanced formatting options, especially for corrupted or damaged cards.

Download and Install Software: Download a trusted third-party tool like SD Formatter or MiniTool Partition Wizard.

Follow the On-Screen Instructions: Insert your Micro SD card and open the software. Follow the prompts to select the card and format it.

Choose the File System: Select the appropriate file system (FAT32 or exFAT) and click Start or Format.

Wait for Completion: Allow the software to format the card. Once complete, you can safely eject the card.

Troubleshooting Formatting Issues

While formatting is generally straightforward, there are times when issues arise. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

SD Card Not Recognized: If your computer or camera doesn’t recognize the SD card, try using a different card reader or USB port. You may also need to check whether the card is physically damaged.

Formatting Fails: If the format fails, it could be due to a corrupted card. You may need to use third-party software or run a disk check utility to resolve the issue.

Card Locked: Some SD cards have a physical write protection switch. Ensure this switch is not set to the “Lock” position.

File System Errors: If you encounter file system errors, you may need to repair the card using built-in tools like CHKDSK in Windows or First Aid in macOS.