Micro sd card not showing full memory after format​

MicroSD cards are incredibly popular for use in smartphones, cameras, tablets, and various other devices. However, one common issue many users face is that after formatting a microSD card, the device doesn’t show the full available memory. This can be frustrating, especially if you expected to see the entire storage capacity. 

What Is Formatting?

Before diving into the issue, let’s first understand what formatting is and how it affects your microSD card. Formatting a microSD card involves preparing the card for use by creating a new file system on it. This process erases all the data and sets up the storage space to be recognized by your device. In general, the formatting process should make the entire storage capacity available for use.

However, the way formatting is carried out, the type of file system used, and even hardware-related issues can impact how much usable storage space appears on the device after formatting.

Possible Reasons for Not Seeing Full Memory After Formatting

There are several reasons why your microSD card may not be showing its full memory after formatting. These include:

Improper File System Selection

Hidden Partitions

Corrupted MicroSD Card

SD Card Size Limitations

File System Overhead

Incompatible Formatting Tools

1. Improper File System Selection

When formatting your microSD card, selecting the correct file system is critical. The file system defines how data is organized and stored on the card. Common file systems include FAT32. exFAT, and NTFS. Depending on the size of your microSD card, you should select the appropriate file system:

FAT32: Generally supports up to 32GB. If you attempt to format a larger card with FAT32. it may result in part of the memory being unusable.

exFAT: Supports larger card sizes, typically up to 2TB, and is the preferred file system for cards over 32GB.

NTFS: Primarily used for larger storage devices like external hard drives, but it is less common for microSD cards.

If you format your card with the wrong file system, some memory could be left unallocated or inaccessible. This issue may arise especially if you format a large card with FAT32.

2. Hidden Partitions

MicroSD cards sometimes contain hidden partitions that you can’t see right away. These partitions are often created by certain devices, especially cameras or smartphones, and may not show up in your device’s storage view. These partitions may consume part of the microSD card’s memory and make it seem like the card isn’t showing its full capacity.

To check for hidden partitions:

On Windows, you can use Disk Management to view partitions.

On macOS, you can use Disk Utility.

On Linux, GParted can be used to view the entire partition table of the microSD card.

By removing these partitions, you can potentially reclaim the unused space.

3. Corrupted MicroSD Card

Sometimes, microSD cards develop corruption, either due to file system issues, physical damage, or incomplete formatting processes. Corruption can lead to the card showing less memory than it actually has or even failing to show any memory at all.

Corrupted cards often require specialized tools to fix the issue. Tools such as CHKDSK on Windows or Disk Utility on macOS can sometimes repair minor corruption. In more severe cases, you may need third-party data recovery software or professional repair services to fix the issue.

4. SD Card Size Limitations

Not all microSD cards are created equal, and sometimes the card may not actually support the amount of memory it claims to have. This is common with counterfeit or poorly manufactured microSD cards. A counterfeit card might show a larger capacity than it can actually support, and after formatting, the device may report a smaller usable capacity.

To determine whether your card is counterfeit, you can run a series of tests using software like H2testw (Windows) or F3 (Mac/Linux). These programs will write test data to the entire card and check if the full capacity can be used without errors.

5. File System Overhead

Every file system comes with a certain overhead, meaning that the system itself requires a portion of the storage for managing files, directories, and metadata. This overhead is typically small but can cause the total usable space on a microSD card to be slightly less than the advertised capacity.

For example, a 64GB card may show only around 59GB of usable space after formatting due to the file system overhead. This discrepancy is normal and usually doesn’t indicate any issue with the card.

6. Incompatible Formatting Tools

The tools you use to format your microSD card can also affect how much storage is shown after formatting. Some tools may not fully format the card, leaving parts of the memory unallocated or inaccessible. For example, formatting a card with the built-in tool in your camera or smartphone may not wipe the card completely, leading to issues with the available memory.

Using dedicated disk management tools, such as DiskPart on Windows or Disk Utility on macOS, often provides more control over the formatting process and helps prevent issues with the memory not showing up.

How to Fix the Problem

If you’re facing the issue of your microSD card not showing its full memory after formatting, there are several methods you can try to resolve it.

1. Reformat the Card with the Correct File System

If the file system you chose during formatting is incompatible with the card’s size, try reformatting the microSD card with the correct file system. For larger cards, exFAT is usually the best choice.

Steps for reformatting:

Windows:

Open File Explorer and locate your microSD card.

Right-click on the card and choose Format.

Select exFAT or FAT32 (depending on the size of the card).

Ensure the “Quick Format” option is unchecked for a more thorough format.

macOS:

Open Disk Utility.

Select your microSD card and click Erase.

Choose exFAT or FAT32 and click Erase.

2. Use Disk Management Tools to Delete Hidden Partitions

If hidden partitions are taking up part of the space, you can use disk management tools to delete them.

Windows:

Press Win + X and select Disk Management.

Find your microSD card, right-click on any partitions, and select Delete Volume.

After deleting the partitions, right-click on the unallocated space and select New Simple Volume to create a new partition.

macOS:

Open Disk Utility.

Select the microSD card and click Partition.

Delete any unnecessary partitions and format the card again.

3. Check for Corruption Using CHKDSK

If you suspect corruption, you can use CHKDSK (Windows) to attempt to repair the card.

Open Command Prompt as an administrator.

Type chkdsk X: /f, replacing X with the drive letter of your microSD card.

Press Enter and let CHKDSK scan and fix any issues.

4. Test for Counterfeit Cards

To determine if your card is counterfeit, use software like H2testw or F3. These tools will write data to the entire card and then verify that the data can be read back correctly. If the card fails the test, it may be counterfeit or faulty.

5. Use Professional Data Recovery Services

If none of the above solutions works, or if the card is physically damaged, you may need to seek professional help. Data recovery services can often restore memory cards to their full capacity or recover data that may have been lost due to corruption or damage.

A microSD card not showing its full memory after formatting can be caused by a variety of factors, including improper file system selection, hidden partitions, corruption, or even counterfeit cards. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this guide, you can identify and resolve the issue, restoring the full capacity of your microSD card.

Remember that not all formatting tools are equal, and choosing the right one can make all the difference in ensuring that your card shows the correct amount of storage. With the proper care and tools, you can ensure that your microSD card works as intended and that you can utilize its full memory capacity for your data storage needs.