Nintendo switch keeps saying micro sd card has been removed​

If your Nintendo Switch keeps saying that the micro SD card has been removed, there are several possible reasons and solutions you can explore.

1. Physical Connection Issues

Loose Insertion:

The micro SD card might not be properly inserted into the Nintendo Switch. The Nintendo Switch uses a micro SD card slot to expand its storage. The card should fit snugly into the slot. If it’s not inserted all the way or is slightly misaligned, the console may not be able to read it properly and will give the error message.

To fix this, turn off your Nintendo Switch completely. Locate the micro SD card slot (usually on the bottom or side of the console depending on the model). Gently remove the micro SD card and then re – insert it, making sure it clicks into place. When you insert the card, you should feel a little resistance and hear a faint click when it’s properly seated.

Dirty Contacts:

Over time, dust, debris, or even fingerprints can accumulate on the contacts of the micro SD card or the contacts inside the card slot of the Nintendo Switch. These dirty contacts can interfere with the electrical connection between the card and the console.

You can try cleaning the contacts. For the micro SD card, use a soft, dry, lint – free cloth. Gently wipe the gold – colored contacts on the card. For the card slot in the Nintendo Switch, you can use a can of compressed air to blow out any debris. Be careful not to insert anything sharp or metal into the slot as this could damage the internal components.

2. Faulty Micro SD Card

Card Compatibility:

Not all micro SD cards are compatible with the Nintendo Switch. The console supports micro SD cards up to a certain capacity and speed class. For example, it supports micro SDXC cards with a maximum capacity of 2TB (as of 2025), but the card also needs to have a certain minimum write speed to function properly.

If you’re using an old or non – standard micro SD card, it may not work correctly. Check the Nintendo Switch’s official documentation to make sure your card meets the requirements. If it doesn’t, consider purchasing a new, compatible micro SD card.

Card Failure:

Micro SD cards can fail due to various reasons such as physical damage (dropping the card), overheating, or wear and tear from extensive use. If the card’s internal circuitry is damaged, it may not be recognized by the Nintendo Switch.

You can try testing the card on another device, such as a computer or a digital camera that supports micro SD cards. If the card is not recognized on other devices either, it’s likely that the card is faulty and needs to be replaced.

3. Software – Related Issues

System Glitch:

Sometimes, a software glitch in the Nintendo Switch’s operating system can cause it to incorrectly detect the presence of the micro SD card. This can happen due to a variety of reasons, such as a sudden power outage while the console was accessing the card, a software update that didn’t install correctly, or a conflict with other installed software.

To address this, you can try performing a system update. Make sure your Nintendo Switch is connected to the internet. Go to the System Settings menu, and then look for the option to update the system software. If an update is available, download and install it. This may fix any software – related bugs that are causing the problem.

Another option is to perform a system reboot. Hold down the power button on the Nintendo Switch for about 10 – 15 seconds until the console completely shuts down. Then turn it back on and see if the error message still appears.

Corrupted Data:

Data on the micro SD card could be corrupted. This might happen if the card was removed while the console was writing data to it, or if there was a problem during a file transfer.

If you suspect data corruption, you can try formatting the micro SD card. However, be aware that formatting will erase all the data on the card. Before formatting, it’s a good idea to back up any important data if possible. To format the card on the Nintendo Switch, go to the System Settings menu, then Storage, and select the option to format the micro SD card.